Biography of Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter 1496-1538

Paternal Family Tree: Courtenay

Maternal Family Tree: Jeanne Sabran

In October 1495 [his father] William Courtenay 1st Earl Devon [aged 20] and [his mother] Catherine York Countess Devon [aged 16] were married. She the daughter of [his grandfather] King Edward IV of England and [his grandmother] Elizabeth Woodville Queen Consort England. He the son of Edward Courtenay 1st Earl Devon [aged 36] and Elizabeth Courtenay. They were sixth cousins. He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward I of England.

Around 1496 Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter was born to [his father] William Courtenay 1st Earl Devon [aged 21] and [his mother] Catherine York Countess Devon [aged 16]. He a grandson of King Edward IV of England.

In 1504 John Grey 2nd Viscount Lisle [aged 23] died. Viscount Lisle extinct. Some sources suggest his daughter [his future wife] Elizabeth Grey Countess Devon inherited the Viscountcy whereas as others suggest she inherited the Barony only.

Around 27th May 1509 [his grandfather] Edward Courtenay 1st Earl Devon [aged 50] died. Earl Devon forfeit since his son [his father] William Courtenay 1st Earl Devon [aged 34], who would otherwise have succeeded to the titles, had been attainted in 1504.

Birth and Death of Prince Henry

In February 1511 Henry VIII [aged 19] celebrated the birth of his son by holding a magnificent tournament at Westminster [Map]. The challengers included Henry VIII who fought as Cuere Loyall, Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter [aged 15] as Bon Vouloir, Edward Neville [aged 40] as Joyeulx Penser, Thomas Knyvet [aged 26] as Valiant Desyr and Thomas Tyrrell.

On Day 1 of the tournament the Answerers included: William Parr 1st Baron Parr of Horton [aged 28], Henry Grey 4th Earl Kent [aged 16], Thomas Cheney [aged 26], Richard Blount and Robert Morton.

On Day 2 of the tournament the Answerers included: Richard Tempest of Bracewell [aged 31], Thomas Lucy, Henry Guildford [aged 22], Charles Brandon 1st Duke of Suffolk [aged 27], Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde [aged 34], Richard Grey, Leonard Grey 1st Viscount Grane [aged 32], Thomas Howard 3rd Duke of Norfolk [aged 38], Edmund Howard [aged 33] and Henry Stafford 1st Earl Wiltshire [aged 32].

On 10th May 1511 [his father] William Courtenay 1st Earl Devon [aged 36] was created 1st Earl Devon. He died a month later. [his mother] Catherine York Countess Devon [aged 31] by marriage Countess Devon.

On 9th June 1511 [his father] William Courtenay 1st Earl Devon [aged 36] died of pleurisy. His son Henry [aged 15] succeeded 2nd Earl Devon. His widow [his mother] Catherine York Countess Devon [aged 31] subsequently took a vow of celibacy in the presence of Bishop Richard Fitzjames on 13th July 1511.

In December 1512 Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter [aged 16] was restored 2nd Earl Devon, 10th Baron Okehampton by an Act of Parliament.

In 1513 Charles Brandon 1st Duke of Suffolk [aged 29] was betrothed to [his future wife] Elizabeth Grey Countess Devon [aged 7]. He was created 1st Viscount Lisle in recognition of the betrothal.

In or after 1513 Charles Brandon 1st Duke of Suffolk [aged 29] sold the wardship of [his future wife] Elizabeth Grey Countess Devon [aged 7] to [his mother] Catherine York Countess Devon [aged 33] for £4000 who thereafter married Elizabeth to her son Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter [aged 17].

On 15th June 1514 [his brother-in-law] Henry Somerset 2nd Earl of Worcester [aged 18] and [his sister] Margaret Courtenay Countess of Worcester [aged 15] were married. She by marriage Countess Worcester. She the daughter of [his father] William Courtenay 1st Earl Devon and [his mother] Catherine York Countess Devon [aged 34]. He the son of Charles Somerset 1st Earl of Worcester [aged 54] and Elizabeth Herbert 3rd Baroness Herbert Raglan. They were second cousins. He a great x 4 grandson of King Edward III of England. She a granddaughter of King Edward IV of England.

Chronicle of Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke

Baker was a secular clerk from Swinbroke, now Swinbrook, an Oxfordshire village two miles east of Burford. His Chronicle describes the events of the period 1303-1356: Gaveston, Bannockburn, Boroughbridge, the murder of King Edward II, the Scottish Wars, Sluys, Crécy, the Black Death, Winchelsea and Poitiers. To quote Herbert Bruce 'it possesses a vigorous and characteristic style, and its value for particular events between 1303 and 1356 has been recognised by its editor and by subsequent writers'. The book provides remarkable detail about the events it describes. Baker's text has been augmented with hundreds of notes, including extracts from other contemporary chronicles, such as the Annales Londonienses, Annales Paulini, Murimuth, Lanercost, Avesbury, Guisborough and Froissart to enrich the reader's understanding. The translation takes as its source the 'Chronicon Galfridi le Baker de Swynebroke' published in 1889, edited by Edward Maunde Thompson.

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

In May 1515 Charles Brandon 1st Duke of Suffolk [aged 31] and Mary Tudor Queen Consort France [aged 19] were married. She by marriage Duchess Suffolk. She had married Louis XII King France in Oct 1514; he had died on 01 Jan 1515. Around this time he surrendered the title Viscount Lisle which he had been created in anticipation of this marriage to [his future wife] Elizabeth Grey Countess Devon [aged 10] which never took place. She the daughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland and [his aunt] Elizabeth York Queen Consort England. They were fifth cousins.

After June 1515 Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter [aged 19] and Elizabeth Grey Countess Devon [aged 10] were married. She by marriage Countess Devon. He the son of William Courtenay 1st Earl Devon and Catherine York Countess Devon [aged 35]. They were fifth cousin once removed. He a grandson of King Edward IV of England.

In 1519 [his wife] Elizabeth Grey Countess Devon [aged 13] died. Her aunt Elizabeth [aged 39] succeeded 6th Baroness Lisle.

On 25th October 1519 Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter [aged 23] and Gertrude Blount Marchioness of Exeter [aged 16] were married. She by marriage Countess Devon. He the son of William Courtenay 1st Earl Devon and Catherine York Countess Devon [aged 40].

In 1521 Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter [aged 25] was appointed 278th Knight of the Garter by King Henry VIII of England and Ireland [aged 29].

        
                    Chronicle of Edward Hall [1496-1548]. March 1522. In the month of March, as you have heard before, came certain noble men from the Emperor [aged 22] to the King, which the more to solace them enterprised at jousts, he himself was chief on the one side, his courser was barded in cloth of silver, of Denmark embroidered with. L. L. L. of gold, and under the letters a heart of a man wounded, and great roll of gold with black letters, in which was written, mon nauera, put together it is, ell mon ceur a nauera, she hath wounded my harte, and the same suite was his base.
                
                    Then followed Sir Nicolas Carew [aged 26], his base and barde was white damask, on which was embroidered with cloth of gold a prison and a man looking out at a grate, and over the prison came from the prisoner a roll, in which was written in Frenche, in prison I am at liberty, and at liberty I am in prison, and all his apparel was garded with shackles of silver.
                
                    Then followed therle of Devonshire [aged 26], the Lord Roos [aged 30] in one suite, their apparel was white velvet, embroidered with cloth of gold, wrought in device an heart, traversed cross-wise with a chain, the which divided the bard in four quarters, in two quarters was a hand of gold holding a sphere of the world, on the other two quarters was two hands holding two plumes of feathers, and on the borders were written my heart is between joy and pain.
                
                    Then followed Anthony Kingston, and Anthony Knyvet, their apparel was a heart bound in a blue lace, embroidered on crimson satin: and written about with letters of gold, my heart is bound.
                
                    Nicholas Darrel had a bard and base of black satin, embroidered full of hearts, turned or broken of gold, and written in letters of silver, my heart is broken.
                
                    Last of that bend was Anthony Browne [aged 22], which had a bard of silver full of spears of the world broken, set on hearts broken al of gold written about in letters of black sans remedy, without remedy.
                
                    Then entered the Duke of Suffolk [aged 38] and his bend, all in bardes and bases of russet velvet and cloth of silver, embroidered with branches of paunces of gold, at these jousts were many spears broken, which the strangers highly commended.

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Chronicle of Edward Hall [1496-1548]. 3rd June 1522. The Wednesday, the more to do the Emperor pleasure, was prepared a Jousts Royal. On the one part was the King, the Earl of Devonshire [aged 26] and ten more companions, all mounted on horseback, their apparel and bards, were of rich Cloth of gold, embroidered with silver letters, very rich, with great plumes on their heads. This company took the field, and rode about the tilt: then entered the Duke of Suffolk [aged 38], and the Marquess of Dorset [aged 44], and ten with them barded, and their apparel was russet velvet, embroidered with sundry knots, and culpins [?] of gold. The Emperor and the Queen [aged 36], with all the nobles stood in the gallery, to behold the doing. The King [aged 30] ran at the Duke of Suffolk eight courses, and at every course brake his spere. Then every man ran his courses and that done, all ran together violent, as fast as they could discharge, and when the spears appointed were broken, then they disarmed and went to supper. After supper, the Emperor beheld the ladies dances, and suddenly came to the chamber, six noble men, apparelled in crimson velvet and cloth of gold, and a mantel of taffeta, rolled about their bodies, and hoods and bonnets of cloth of gold, on their heads, and velvet buskins on their legs. These maskers entered and danced a great while with the ladies, and suddenly entered six other maskers with drumslades [drums], apparelled in long gowns, and hoods of cloth of gold, of which number was the King, the Duke of Suffolk, the Prince of Orange, the Count of Nassau, the Count of Naveray, and Monsieur Egmont. When these maskers were entered, the other avoided, and then they took ladies and danced, so that the strangers much praised them and when the time came, every person departed to their lodging.

Knighting of Henry Fitzroy

                    On 18th June 1525 Henry Fitzroy [aged 6] was taken by barge to Bridewell Palace [Map] where he was enobled by his father King Henry VIII of England and Ireland [aged 33].
                
                    In the morning Henry Fitzroy was created 1st Earl Nottingham.
                
                    In the afternoon Henry Fitzroy was created 1st Duke of Richmond and Somerset.
                
                    Henry Percy 5th Earl of Northumberland [aged 47] carried the Sword of State. Thomas More [aged 47] read the patents of nobility. Charles Brandon 1st Duke of Suffolk [aged 41], Thomas Grey 2nd Marquess Dorset [aged 47],
                
                    Henry Courtenay [aged 29] was created 1st Marquess Exeter. [his wife] Gertrude Blount Marchioness of Exeter [aged 22] by marriage Marchioness Exeter.
                
                    Henry Clifford [aged 32] was created 1st Earl of Cumberland, Warden of the West Marches and Governor of Carlisle Castle.
                
                    Thomas Manners [aged 33] was created 1st Earl of Rutland. Eleanor Paston Countess Rutland [aged 30] by marriage Countess of Rutland. He was given the Earldom of Rutland to reflect his descent from Anne York Duchess Exeter sister of the previous Earl of Rutland. At the same time his arms Manners Arms were augmented with the Manners Augmented Arms                

                    Henry Brandon [aged 2] was created 1st Earl Lincoln.
                
                    Robert Radclyffe [aged 42] was created 1st Viscount Fitzwalter.
                
                    Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde [aged 48] was created 1st Viscount Rochford. Elizabeth Howard Countess of Wiltshire and Ormonde [aged 45] by marriage Viscountess Rochford.
                
                    Thomas Howard 3rd Duke of Norfolk [aged 52], William Fitzalan 11th or 18th Earl of Arundel [aged 49] and John de Vere 14th Earl of Oxford [aged 25] attended.

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Before 1526 [his sister] Margaret Courtenay Countess of Worcester [aged 26] died.

In or before 1526 [his son] Henry Courtenay was born to Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter [aged 29] and [his wife] Gertrude Blount Marchioness of Exeter [aged 23]. He a great grandson of King Edward IV of England.

Around 1527 [his son] Edward Courtenay 1st Earl Devon was born to Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter [aged 31] and [his wife] Gertrude Blount Marchioness of Exeter [aged 24]. He a great grandson of King Edward IV of England.

The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy

The Gesta Normannorum Ducum [The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy] is a landmark medieval chronicle tracing the rise and fall of the Norman dynasty from its early roots through the pivotal events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. Originally penned in Latin by the monk William of Jumièges shortly before 1060 and later expanded at the behest of William the Conqueror, the work chronicles the deeds, politics, battles, and leadership of the Norman dukes, especially William’s own claim to the English throne. The narrative combines earlier historical sources with firsthand information and oral testimony to present an authoritative account of Normandy’s transformation from a Viking settlement into one of medieval Europe’s most powerful realms. William’s history emphasizes the legitimacy, military prowess, and governance of the Norman line, framing their expansion, including the conquest of England, as both divinely sanctioned and noble in purpose. Later chroniclers such as Orderic Vitalis and Robert of Torigni continued the history, extending the coverage into the 12th century, providing broader context on ducal rule and its impact. Today this classic work remains a foundational source for understanding Norman identity, medieval statesmanship, and the historical forces that reshaped England and Western Europe between 800AD and 1100AD.

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On 15th November 1527 [his mother] Catherine York Countess Devon [aged 48] died at Tiverton Castle [Map]. She was buried at St Peter's Church Tiverton, Devon.

1528 Sweating Sickness Outbreak

Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1528. 28th June 1528. R. O. 4429. HENNEGE to WOLSEY.

The King removed this day from Hertford to Hatfield because of the sweat. My Lord Marquis [aged 32], his Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter and wife [aged 25], Mr. Chene [aged 43], the Queen's almoner, Mr. Toke, are fallen sick, and the Master of the Horse [aged 32] complains of his head. Nevertheless, the King is merry, and takes no conceit (?), but heartily recommends him to you, and prays you to [do] as he does. Yesterday the King sent Wolsey [as a] "preservative, manws cresty" (manus Christi), with divers other things.

Hol., p. 1. Sealed and add.

1529 Oct Wolsey surrenders the Great Seal

Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1529. 25th October 1529. Rym. XIV. 349. 6025. Cardinal Wolsey [aged 56].

Memorandum of the surrender of the Great Seal by Cardinal Wolsey, on 17 Oct., to the dukes of Norfolk [aged 56] and Suffolk [aged 45], in his gallery at his house at Westminster, at 6 o'clock p.m., in the presence of Sir William Fitzwilliam [aged 39], John Tayler, and Stephen Gardiner [aged 46]. The same was delivered by Tayler to the King [aged 38] at Windsor [Map], on the 20 Oct., by whom it was taken out and attached to certain documents, in the presence of Tayler and Gardiner, Henry Norris [aged 47], Thomas Heneage [aged 49], Ralph Pexsall, clerk of the Crown, John Croke, John Judd, and Thomas Hall, of the Hanaper.

On the 25th Oct. the seal was delivered by the King at East Greenwich to Sir Thomas More [aged 51], in the presence of Henry Norres and Chr. Hales, Attorney General, in the King's privy chamber; and on the next day, Tuesday, 26 Oct., More took his oath as Chancellor in the Great Hall [Map] at Westminster, in presence of the dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk, Th. marquis of Dorset [aged 52], Henry marquis of Exeter [aged 33], John Earl of Oxford [aged 58], Henry Earl of Northumberland [aged 27], George Earl of Shrewsbury [aged 61], Ralph Earl of Westmoreland [aged 31], John Bishop of Lincoln [aged 56], Cuthbert Bishop of London [aged 55], John Bishop of Bath and Wells, Sir Rob. Radclyf, Viscount Fitzwater [aged 46], Sir Tho. Boleyn, Viscount Rocheforde [aged 52], Sir WilliamSandys, Lord and others.

Close Roll, 21 Henry VIII. m. 19d.

Henry VIII and Francis I meet at Calais

Chronicle of Edward Hall [1496-1548]. [10th October 1532]. The 10th day of October, the King came to Dover, and on the 11th day in the morning being Friday, at three of the clock, he took ship in Dover Road, and before ten of the clock the same day, he with the lady Marchioness of Pembroke [aged 31], landed at Calais, where he was honourably received with procession, and brought to Saint Nicholas church, where he heard Mass, and so to his place called The Exchequer, where he lodged. And on the Sunday after came to Calais, the Lorde Roche Baron, and Monsieur de Mountpesat, messengers from the French King, advertising the King of England, that the French King would repair to Abuile the same night marching towards Boulogne, of which tidings the King was very glad, but suddenly came a messenger, and reported that the great Master of France, and the Archbishop of Rouen, with diverse noble men of France, were come to Sandifeld, intending to come to Calais, to salute the King, from the King their Master. He being thereof advertised, sent in great haste the fifteenth day of October, the Duke of Norfolk, the Marques of Exeter [aged 36], the Earles of Oxford [aged 61], Derby [aged 23], and Rutland [aged 40], the Lord Sandys, and the Lord Fitzwater, with three hundred gentlemen, which honourably received the French Lords, at the English pale, and so brought them to the King's presence in Calais, which stood under a rich clothe of estate of such value that they much mused of the riches. The King (as he that knew all honour and nurture) received the French Lords, very lovingly and amiably, and with them took a day and place of meeting: these Lords were highly feasted, and after diner departed to Boulogne.

Calais in the Hands of the English. [11th October 1532]. The xj. day of Octobar Henry the Eighth kynge of England landyd at Caleis, with the duke of Richemond his bastard sonne, the duke of Norfolke lord tresorar of England, the duke of Suffolke, the bysshope of Wynchestar [aged 49], the bysshope of London [aged 57], the bysshope of Lyncolne [aged 59], the bysshope of Bathe, the marques of Exceter [aged 36], the erle of Derbye [aged 23], the erle of Arundell [aged 56], the erle of Oxenforde [aged 61], the erle of Surrey [aged 16], the erle of Rutland [aged 40], the [his uncle] vicount Lisle [aged 68] kynge Edward the Fowrthes bastard sone, the lorde Matrevers, the lord Sands lord chambarlen of the kyng's howse, the lord William Howard, the lorde Braye, the lorde Montague, the lord Cobham, the lord Mordante, the lord Dawbney, the lorde Greye, the lorde Clinton, the lorde Vauxe, the lorde Mountegle, the lorde Rocheforde, with dyvars other lords, ser William Fitzwilliam tresurar of the kyng's howse, ser William Pallett comptrowlar of the kyng's howse, ser William Kyngston capitayne of the garde, ser John Page, ser James Boleyne, ser Anthony Browne, ser Edward Nevell knight herberjur, ser Thomas Cheny, ser John Russell, ser Richard Page, ser Raffe Eldercare, ser Edward Baynton, ser Edward Santener, ser Griffethe Doon, ser John Dudley, ser John Semer, ser Henry Longe, ser Anthony Hungarford, ser John Bruges, ser Arthur Hopton, ser Anthony Wyngfilde, ser William Paston, ser Edmond Bedingfeld, ser Thomas Strange, ser William Hawte, ser Edward Wotton, ser William Askughe, ser John Markam, ser William Baryngton, ser William Essex, ser Gyles Strangweis, ser Edward Chamberleyne, ser Giles Caple, ser John Seint John, ser Waltar Hungarford, ser William Gascoyne, ser Lionell Norreis, ser Edward Boleyne, ser Thomas Lisle, ser John Assheton, ser Thomas Palmar, ser William Boleyne, ser William Finche, ser William Pellam, ser Thomas Rotherham, ser John Norton, ser Richard Sands, ser John Nevell, and xxx. esquyers de quyrry and many gentlemen; every duke had x1. men, every marques XXXv. men, every erle xxiiij., every vicount xx., every bysshope xxiiij., every baron and lorde xij., every knight x., the treswrar of the kyng's hows, xx., the comptrowlar of the kyng's howse hathe xx. men, every counselar x. men, the clarke of the citchen x. men, every doctor viij. men, every esquier for the body viij. men, every sewar to the kynge vj. men, every gentleman usshar iiij. men, the clerke of the grene clothe xij. men, the clerke comptrowlar hathe vj. men, the cofferer viij. men, the clerke of the citchen j--the clerke of the spicery vj., the clerke of the ewrye iiij., the second clerke iij., every sargiant at armes on man, and every sargiant of cvery office in the kyng's howse one man, the yeman of the comptinghows hath one grome, and every one of the iiij. officers of the bake howse iiij. men, the officers of the pantrye, buttrye, and sellar have xxxiij. men, the officers of the pitcherhowse hathe xij. men, the officers of the waffers and condutis v. men, the officers of the chandry x. men, officer of the confectionary have vij. men, the officers of the lawndrye have viij. men, the officers of the kechen have xx. men and xv. servants, the officers of the lardar have Xvj. men, officers of the boylinge hows have v. men, officers of the pultrye have xiij. men, officers of the sqwllerye have xx. men, officers of the scaldynghows viij. men, officers of the pasterye are xiiij., the officers of the woodyarde are xx. men, officers of the halle are ix. men, the officers of the herbengers are x. men, besyds othar officers.

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Annales of England by John Stow. 11th October 1532. The eleuenth of October King Henrie landed at Calleis, with the Duke of Richemonde [aged 13] hys bastarde sonne, the Duke of Norffolke [aged 59] Lord Treasurer of England, the Duke of Suffolke [aged 48], the Marquesse of Excester [aged 36], the Erles of Darby [aged 23], Arundale [aged 56], Oxforde, Surrey and Rutlande [aged 40], the [his uncle] Vicount Lisle [aged 68] King Edwarde the fourth his bastarde sonne, the Lord Matrauers, the Lord Sands Lorde Chamberlaine of the Kings house, the Lorde William Hawarde, the Lorde Bray, the Lorde Montague, the Lorde Cobham, the Lorde Mordant, the Lorde Dawbney, the Lorde Grey, the Lord Clinton, the Lorde Vaux, the Lorde Mountegle, the Lorde Rocheford [aged 29], wyth diuers other Lordes: the hishoppes of Winchester, London, Lincolne, and Bathe: sir William Fitz William treasourer of the kings house, sir William Pawlet Comptroller, sir William Kingstone Capitaine of the Guarde, sir Iohn Page, sir Iames Boleine, sir Anthony Browne, sir Edwarde Neuell, sir Thomas Cheyney, sir Iohn Russell, sir Richard Page, sir Ralph Eldercare, sir Edward Baynton, sir Edwarde Santener, sir Griffyth Deene, sir Iohn Dudley, sir Iohn Femer, sir Henry Long, sir Anthony Hungerforde, sir Iohn Brudges, sir Arthur Hoptō, sir Anthony Wingfielde, sir William Paston, sir Edmonde Bedingfielde, sir Thomas Strange, sir William Hawte, sir Edwarde Wotton, sir William Askewe, sir Iohn Marleant, sir William Barington, sir William Essex, sir Giles Strangweis, sir Edwarde Chamberlaine, sir Giles Caple, sir Iohn Sent-Iohn, sir Walter Hungerforde, sir William Gascoine, sir Lionel Norrice, sir Edwarde Boloine, sir Thomas Lisle, sir Iohn Ashton, sir Thomas Palmer, sir William Boloine, sir William Finche, sir William Pellam, sir Thomas Rotherham, sir Iohn Norton, sir Richarde Sandes, sir Iohn Neuell, and thyrtie Esquiers, with manye Gentlemenne, and all theyr traines.

Wriothesley's Chronicle [1508-1562]. Around 8th April 1533. And the Wednesdaie before the good Queene Katherin^f was deposed at Hanthill [Map]^a by the Duke of Norfolke [aged 60], the Duke of Suffolke [aged 49], and Lord Marques of Exceter [aged 37], my Lorde of Oxforde [aged 62], Lord Chamberlaine of the Kinges howse, Mr. Treasorer and Mr. Controwler of the Kinges howse. And from that dale after to be called Ladie Catherin, wife of Prince Arthur, dowarie of Englande,^b she to have by yearelie pencion for her dowarie eight thousand poundes sterlinge.

Note f. The general opinion in England was distinctly adverse to the divorce. See Calendar of State Papers preserved in the Archives of Venice, vol. iv. 1532-3.

Note a. Ampthill [Map], in Bedfordshire, to which place Queen Katharine retired while the question of her dirorce was under discussion. This castle had been erected by Lord Fanhope, and reverted with the manor to the Crown in the reign of [his grandfather] Edward IV, by whom it was conferred on Lord Grey of Ruthin, Earl of Kent, from whose descendants it passed again to the Crown about 1530, and became a palace of Henry VIII [aged 41].

Note b. Princess Dowager of Wales, which designation was displeasing to the ex-queen, who refused to resign herself to the judgment passed. She went so far as to obliterate with her own pen the words "Princess Dowager" whererer they had been written by her Chamberlain, [his father-in-law] Mountjoy [aged 55], in his report to the King.

Birth and Christening of Elizabeth I

                    On 10th September 1533 the future Elizabeth I was christened at the Palace of Placentia, Greenwich [Map].
                
                    [his wife] Gertrude Blount Marchioness of Exeter [aged 30], Archbishop Thomas Cranmer [aged 44] and Margaret Wotton Marchioness Dorset [aged 46] were Godparents.
                
                    Henry Bourchier 2nd Earl Essex 3rd Count of Eu carried the covered gilt basin. Charles Brandon 1st Duke of Suffolk [aged 49] escorted the Dowager Duchess of Norfolk [aged 56]. Henry Grey 1st Duke of Suffolk [aged 16] carried the Salt. Elizabeth Stafford Duchess Norfolk [aged 36] carried the Chrisom. Agnes Tilney Duchess Norfolk carried Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland. Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter [aged 37] carried a taper of virgin wax.
                
                    Edward Stanley 3rd Earl of Derby [aged 24], Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde [aged 56], Henry Grey 4th Earl Kent [aged 38] and George Boleyn Viscount Rochford [aged 30] supported the train of the mantle.
                
                    Thomas Howard 3rd Duke of Norfolk [aged 60], William Howard 1st Baron Howard [aged 23], Thomas Howard [aged 22] and John Hussey 1st Baron Hussey of Sleaford [aged 68] carried the canopy.

In 1536 Henry Bourchier 2nd Earl Essex 3rd Count of Eu and [his sister-in-law] Mary Blount [aged 38] were married. She by marriage Countess Essex, Countess Eu.

Death of Catherine of Aragon

Letters and Papers. 29th January 1536. Vienna Archives. 199. Chapuys [aged 46] to Charles V.

Some days ago I was informed from various quarters, which I did not think very good authorities, that notwithstanding the joy shown by the concubine [aged 35] at the news of the good Queen's death, for which she had given a handsome present to the messenger, she had frequently wept, fearing that they might do with her as with the good Queen. This morning I have heard from the lady [aged 33] mentioned in my letters of the 5th November¹, and from her husband [aged 40], that they were informed by one of the principal persons at Court that this King had said to some one in great confidence, and as it were in confession, that he had made this marriage, seduced by witchcraft, and for this reason he considered it null; and that this was evident because God did not permit them to have any male issue, and that he believed that he might take another wife, which he gave to understand that he had some wish to do. The thing is very difficult for me to believe, although it comes from a good source. I will watch to see if there are any indications of its probability. Yet I have not forborne to give some little hint of it by a third hand to the Princess' gouvernante [aged 60], so as to warn her to treat the Princess a little better; and I have advised the latter to be as familiar as possible with her gouvernante so as to make her feel that when the Princess comes to her estate she will not regard her with disfavor.

Note 1. The Marchioness of Exeter. See Vol. IX., No. 776.

Trial of Anne and George Boleyn

                    On 15th May 1536 Queen Anne Boleyn [aged 35] tried at the King's Hall in the Tower of London [Map].
                
                    Thomas Howard 3rd Duke of Norfolk [aged 63] was appointed Lord High Steward and presided. Henry Howard Earl of Surrey [aged 20] attended. Henry Pole 1st Baron Montagu [aged 44] was one of the judges. Elizabeth Browne Countess of Worcester [aged 34] was the principal witness.
                
                    The jurors were:
                
                    Charles Brandon 1st Duke of Suffolk [aged 52].
                
                    Edward Clinton 1st Earl Lincoln [aged 24].
                
                    Thomas Fiennes 9th Baron Dacre Gilsland [aged 21].
                
                    George Hastings 1st Earl Huntingdon [aged 49].
                
                    Thomas Manners 1st Earl of Rutland [aged 44].
                
                    John Mordaunt 1st Baron Mordaunt [aged 56].
                
                    Ralph Neville 4th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 38].
                
                    Henry Parker 11th Baron Marshal 10th Baron Morley [aged 55].
                
                    Edward Stanley 3rd Earl of Derby [aged 27].
                
                    Thomas Stanley 2nd Baron Monteagle [aged 28].
                
                    John de Vere 15th Earl of Oxford [aged 65].
                
                    Thomas Wentworth 1st Baron Wentworth [aged 35].
                
                    [his former brother-in-law] Henry Somerset 2nd Earl of Worcester [aged 40].
                
                    Henry Percy 5th Earl of Northumberland.
                
                    Thomas Burgh 7th Baron Cobham 5th Baron Strabolgi 1st Baron Burgh [aged 48].
                
                    Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter [aged 40].
                
                    William Fitzalan 11th or 18th Earl of Arundel [aged 60].
                
                    Henry Fitzalan 12th or 19th Earl of Arundel [aged 24].
                
                    Thomas Audley 1st Baron Audley Walden [aged 48].
                
                    Edward Powers Lord Powers.
                
                    William Sandys 1st Baron Sandys of the Vyne [aged 66].
                
                    Thomas Ware.
                
                    Andrew Windsor 1st Baron Windsor [aged 69].
                
                    George Brooke 9th Baron Cobham [aged 39].
                
                    She was found guilty and sentenced to be beheaded. John Spelman [aged 56] signed the death warrant.
                
                    After Anne's trial her brother George Boleyn Viscount Rochford [aged 33] was also tried and found guilty.

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1536 Neville Triple Wedding

                    On 2nd July 1536 three weddings between the Neville, and Manners and Vere families, were celebrated at one mass at Holywell Priory [Map]:
                
                    Henry Neville 5th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 11] and Anne Manners Countess of Westmoreland [aged 9] were married. She the daughter of Thomas Manners 1st Earl of Rutland [aged 44] and Eleanor Paston Countess Rutland [aged 41]. He the son of Ralph Neville 4th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 38] and Katherine Stafford Countess of Westmoreland [aged 37]. They were half fourth cousins. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Edward III of England. 
                
                    Henry Manners 2nd Earl of Rutland [aged 9] and Margaret Neville Countess Rutland were married. She the daughter of Ralph Neville 4th Earl of Westmoreland and Katherine Stafford Countess of Westmoreland. He the son of Thomas Manners 1st Earl of Rutland and Eleanor Paston Countess Rutland. They were half fourth cousins. He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward III of England. 
                
                    John de Vere 16th Earl of Oxford [aged 20] and Dorothy Neville Countess of Oxford were married. She the daughter of Ralph Neville 4th Earl of Westmoreland and Katherine Stafford Countess of Westmoreland. He the son of John de Vere 15th Earl of Oxford [aged 65] and Elizabeth Trussell Countess of Oxford.
                
                    Those present included Thomas Audley 1st Baron Audley Walden [aged 48], Thomas Howard 3rd Duke of Norfolk [aged 63], Charles Brandon 1st Duke of Suffolk [aged 52], Henry Grey 1st Duke of Suffolk [aged 19], Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter [aged 40], John de Vere 15th Earl of Oxford and Ralph Neville 4th Earl of Westmoreland.

Chronicle of Edward Hall [1496-1548]. Around October 1536. After that the King's highness was credibly certified of this new insurged insurrection, he making no delay in so weighty a matter, caused with all speed the Dukes of Norffolke [aged 63] and Suffolke [aged 52], the Marques of Exeter [aged 40], the Erle of Shrewsbury [aged 68] with other, accompanied with his mighty and royal army, which was of great power and strength, forthwith to set upon the rebels: but when these noble captains and counsellors approached, the rebels and perceived their number and saw how they were bent to battle, they practised with great policy to have pacified all without bloodsheding, but the Northern men were so stiff necked that they would in no wise stoop, but stoutly stood and maintained their wicked enterprise, wherefore the nobles above said perceiving and seeing none other way to pacify these wretched rebels, agreed upon a battle, the battle was appointed, and the day was assigned: but, se the same night which was the night before the day of the battle appointed, fell a small rain nothing to speak of but yet as it were by a great miracle of god, the water which was but a very small ford, and that men in manner the day before might have gone dry-shod over, suddenly rose of such a height, deepness and breadth that the like no man that there did inhabit could tell that ever they saw it so afore, so that the day, even when the hour of battle should come it was impossible for the one army to come at the other.

After this appointment made between both the armies (disappointed as it is to be thought only by God, who extended his great mercy and had compassion on the great number of innocent persons, that in that deadly slaughter had like to have been murdered) could take no place: Then by the great wisdom and policy of the said captains, a communication was had, and a pardon of the King's Majestic obtained, for all the captains and chief doers of this insurrection, and they promised that such things as they found themselves aggrieved withall they should gently be heard, and there reasonable petitions granted and that their articles should be presented to the King's Majesty, that by his highness authority, and wisdom of his counsel, all things should be brought to good order and conclusion: and with this order every man quietly departed, and those which before were bent as hot as fire to fight, being letted thereof by God, went now peaceably to their houses, and were as cold as water. A domino factum est istud [This was done by the Lord].

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Bigod's Rebellion

Chronicle of Edward Hall [1496-1548]. 2nd June 1537 In June the lord Darcy [aged 70] and the lord Hosey [Map] were arraigned at Westminster before the Marques of Exceter [aged 41], then High Steward of England, and they were both found guilty and had their judgement as in cases of high treason.

After 2nd June 1537. Shortly after were also arraigned Sir Robert Constable [aged 59], Sir Thomas Percy [deceased], Sir Fraunces Bygod [deceased], Sir Stephin Hamelton, Sir Jhon Bulmer and his wife [deceased], which some reported was not his wife but his paramour, also William Lumley, Nicholas Tempest [aged 57], and the Abbots of Jerney [deceased] and Rivers, and Robert Aske [aged 37], and all found guilty of high treason, and all put to death at Tiborne [Map], saving Sir Robert Constable, which was hanged in chains on Beverley gate at Hull and Aske was also hanged in chains in Yorke on a Tower, and Sir John Bulmer's Paramour, was burned in Smithfclde [Map] in London. And in the latter end of June, was the Lord Darcy beheaded at Tower Hill [Map], and shortly after was the Lord Hosey beheaded at Lyncolne [Map].

Birth and Christening Edward VI

                    On 15th October 1537 the future Edward VI was christened by Bishop John Stokesley [aged 62] at the Chapel Royal in Hampton Court Palace [Map]. Archbishop Thomas Cranmer [aged 48] performed the Baptismal Rites, and was appointed Godfather. Thomas Howard 3rd Duke of Norfolk [aged 64] and Queen Mary I of England and Ireland [aged 21] were Godparents.
                
                    King Edward VI of England and Ireland was created Duke of Cornwall, 1st Earl Chester.
                
                    Henry Bourchier 2nd Earl Essex 3rd Count of Eu carried the Salt. Charles Brandon 1st Duke of Suffolk [aged 53] was Godfather and supported the Marchioness of Exeter. Richard Long [aged 43] was knighted. Thomas Cromwell 1st Earl Essex [aged 52], Philip Boteler [aged 45], John de Vere 15th Earl of Oxford [aged 66] and John Gage [aged 57] attended. Mary Scrope [aged 61] carried Lady Mary's train. Robert Radclyffe 1st Earl of Sussex [aged 54] carried a covered basin. Robert Radclyffe 1st Earl of Sussex carried the canopy.
                
                    Edward Seymour 1st Duke of Somerset [aged 37] helped his young niece the future Elizabeth I to carry the Crisom. Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter [aged 41] supported his wife Gertrude Blount Marchioness of Exeter [aged 34] to carry the child. Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde [aged 60] bore a taper of virgin wax. William Fitzalan 11th or 18th Earl of Arundel [aged 61] carried the train of the Prince's robe. Christopher Barker proclaimed the Prince's titles.
                
                    Edward Seymour 1st Duke of Somerset was created 1st Earl Hertford.
                
                    Nicholas Carew [aged 41], Francis Bryan [aged 47], Anthony Browne [aged 37] and John Russell 1st Earl Bedford [aged 52] surrounded the font.
                
                    Henry Knyvet of Charlton Wiltshire [aged 27], Edward Neville [aged 66], Thomas Seymour 1st Baron Seymour [aged 29], Richard Long and John Wallop [aged 47] carried the canopy.
                
                    Arthur Hopton [aged 48], Bishop Robert Parfew aka Warton and Bishop John Bell attended.
                
                    William Fitzwilliam 1st Earl of Southampton [aged 47] was created 1st Earl of Southampton. Mabel Clifford Countess Southampton [aged 55] by marriage Countess of Southampton.

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Funeral of Jane Seymour

On 12th November 1537 Queen Jane Seymour [deceased] was buried in the Henry VIII Vault in St George's Chapel in Windsor [Map].

Queen Mary I of England and Ireland [aged 21] was Chief Mourner.

Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde [aged 60], Charles Brandon 1st Duke of Suffolk [aged 53], John Gage [aged 58], Henry Grey 1st Duke of Suffolk [aged 20], Thomas Howard 3rd Duke of Norfolk [aged 64], Thomas Manners 1st Earl of Rutland [aged 45], Ralph Neville 4th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 39], Robert Radclyffe 1st Earl of Sussex [aged 54], John de Vere 15th Earl of Oxford [aged 66], Bishop Robert Parfew aka Warton and Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter [aged 41] attended.

John Mordaunt 1st Baron Mordaunt [aged 57] carried the banner.

Exeter Conspiracy

Before August 1538 the Exeter Conspiracy was an attempt to overthrow Henry VIII [aged 47] and replace him with Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter [aged 42], grandson of Edward IV, Henry's first cousin. Thomas Audley 1st Baron Audley Walden [aged 50] presided. John de Vere 15th Earl of Oxford [aged 67] sat in judgement. Thomas Fiennes 9th Baron Dacre Gilsland [aged 23] was juror.

In August 1538 Geoffrey Pole [aged 37] was arrested. He had been corresponding with Cardinal Reginald Pole [aged 38]. The investigation of Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter [aged 42] had turned up his name; he had appealed to Thomas Cromwell, who had him arrested and interrogated. Under interrogation, Geoffrey said that his eldest brother Henry Pole 1st Baron Montagu [aged 46], and Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter had been party to his correspondence with Cardinal Reginald Pole.

In November 1538 Margaret Pole Countess Salsbury [aged 65], her son Henry Pole 1st Baron Montagu [aged 46], his son Henry Pole [aged 18], and other Pole family members, and Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter [aged 42], his wife Gertrude Blount Marchioness of Exeter [aged 35], their son Edward Courtenay 1st Earl Devon [aged 11] and Edward Neville [aged 67] were arrested and imprisoned on charges of treason. Cromwell had previously written that they had "little offended save that he [Reginald Pole] is of their kin". They were committed to the Tower of London [Map].

                    On 9th December 1538   at Tower Hill [Map]:
                
                    Edward Neville [aged 67] was beheaded                

                    Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter [aged 42] was beheaded with a sword. Marquess Exeter, Earl Devon, Earl Devon, Baron Okehampton forfeit as a consequence of his attainder.
                
                    Henry Pole 1st Baron Montagu [aged 46] was beheaded

Chronicle of Edward Hall [1496-1548]. 9th December 1538. ... and the ninth day of Januarie¹, were the said two lords [Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter [aged 42] and Henry Pole 1st Baron Montagu [aged 46]] and Sir Edward Neville [aged 67] beheaded at the Tower Hill, and the two priests and Holande were drawnn to Tyburn, and there hanged and quartered, and Sir Geoffrey Pole [aged 37] was pardoned.

Note 1. Proably a mistake for December 1538.

Chronicle of Greyfriars. 9th December 1538. And this yere in December was beheddyd at the Towre-hyll lorde Henry markes of Exceter [aged 42], lorde Henry Montegew [aged 46], and sir Edward Nevelle [aged 67].

Deeds of King Henry V

Henrici Quinti, Angliæ Regis, Gesta, is a first-hand account of the Agincourt Campaign, and subsequent events to his death in 1422. The author of the first part was a Chaplain in King Henry's retinue who was present from King Henry's departure at Southampton in 1415, at the siege of Harfleur, the battle of Agincourt, and the celebrations on King Henry's return to London. The second part, by another writer, relates the events that took place including the negotiations at Troye, Henry's marriage and his death in 1422.

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

Wriothesley's Chronicle [1508-1562]. 9th December 1538. Allso, the 9th day of December,^c beinge Mondaye, Doctor Croft, Chauncellor of Chichester, my Lord Montagues chaplaine, and Holland, were drawne from the Towre of London to Tyburne, and there hanged and quartered, their heades sett on London Bridge, and theyr quarters on divers gates about London; and, incontinent after the shrives had brought the sayd persons to Newegate, the Kinges shrive, which was Mr. Wilkinson, mercer, returned backe againe to the Tower Hill, and there see execution done on the Lord Marques of Exceter [aged 42], the Lord Montague [aged 46], and Sir Edward Nevill [aged 67] which three persons were there beheaded, and theyr heds and bodyes were buryed in the chappell within lower London, and Sir Jeffrey Poole [aged 37] had his pardon given him after Christmas by the Kinge.

Note c. Other authorities have 9th January, 1539. See Hall and Stow.

Chronicle of Edward Hall [1496-1548]. 3rd November 1538. The third day of November were Henry Marquess of Exeter and Earl of Devonshire [aged 42] and Sir Henry Pole knight and Lord Montague [aged 46] and Sir Edward Neville [aged 67] brother to the Lord Bergavenny sent to the Tower which three were accused by Sir Geoffrey Pole [aged 37] brother to the Lord Montague, of high treason, and the two lords were arraigned the last day of December, at Westminster before the Lord Audley of Walden, Lord Chancellor, and then the High Steward of England, and there found guilty, likewise on the third day after was arraigned Sir Edward Neville, Sir Geoffrey Pole and two priests called Croftes and Collins, and one Holande a mariner and all attainted,

Arrival of Queen Mary I in London

                    On 3rd August 1553 Queen Mary I of England and Ireland [aged 37] made her formal entrance into London.
                
                    Strype's Complete History of England describes Mary's entrance to the Tower:
                
                    There met her as humble supplicants the Duke of Norfolk [aged 80], who had been a prisoner ever since his son the Earl of Surrey was put to death by King Henry the ; Edward Courtenay [aged 26], son of the Marquis of Exeter who was executed in the year 1538; Gardiner [aged 70], deprived of his Bishopric of Winchester about two years before; and the Dowager Duchess of Somerset [aged 56]. They presented themselves on their knees, and Gardiner in the name of them all, made a congratulatory speech to the Queen, who kindly raised them one after another, saluted them, saying they were her own proper prisoners and ordered their immediate discharge. The next day she restored Courtenay to the honor of his family. Gardiner not only obtained his bishopric again but on the 23rd of August following was made Lord Chancellor, even though he had formerly subscribed to the Sentence of Divorce against the Queen's mother and had written in defence of King Henry's proceedings.

On 25th September 1558 [his former wife] Gertrude Blount Marchioness of Exeter [aged 55] died.

Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1528. This day, as the King came "towards evensong," the marquis of Exeter brought two great bucks from Burllyng [Map], the best of which the King sends to your Grace. This day the King has received his Maker at the Friars', when my Lord of Lincoln administered. On Tuesday the King goes to Waltham [Map]. Greenwich [Map], Corpus Christi Day. Signed.

Biography of Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter 1496-1538

Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter 1496-1538 appears on the following Descendants Family Trees:

Royal Ancestors of Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter 1496-1538

Ancestors of Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter 1496-1538