Henry VIII -Tudor Culture Timeline

Henry VIII was financially secure – his father, Henry VII had left around 1 million pounds in the treasury. The new King modelled himself on his predecessor Henry V and swore to continue Henry V’s war with France.

As King, Henry took no part in the government of the country and would only attend to necessary state matters at a time that suited him, generally after he had hunted or played sport.

Henry and Catherine took part in a special Coronation procession as they made their way to the Tower of London to await their coronation. Henry wore a cloth of gold tunic with a red velvet robe. Catherine wore an embroidered gown of white satin and a coronet of rich stones on her head.

To avoid an outbreak of plague in London, Henry and Catherine left on a progress. They visited Hamworth, Sunninghill, Woking, Farham, Esher, Enfield and Waltham.

William Blount, Lord Mountjoy, invited the Humanist reformer, Erasmus, to England. He told him that the old regime was over and that England was full of promise for young men of learning.

king Henry and Catherine of Aragon returned to London. They stayed at Richmond Palace.

It was the custom for the King and courtiers to exchange gifts on New Year’s Day. Henry gave Catherine a beautifully illuminated missal (a book containing the Roman Catholic Service of Mass for one year).

A jousting tournament was held to celebrate Twelfth Night. Henry had been advised not to take part in jousts, due to the danger and lack of heir to the throne. However, he decided he could stay away no longer and took part heavily disguised. The ‘unknown knight’ showed great skill and when he was revealed as the King was cheered and applauded. Henry regularly took part in jousts from this point.

It was rumoured that Henry was actively pursuing Anne, Lady Hastings, wife of Lord Hastings, sister of the Duke of Buckingham. In medieval times it was normal for the nobility to take a mistress when their wives were pregnant. Lady Anne’s sister, Lady Fitzwalter, had heard the rumour and told the Duke of Buckingham who told Lord Hastings. Hastings duly removed his wife from court and placed her in a convent. Henry was furious and ordered Catherine to dismiss Lady Fitzwalter for spying. Catherine was upset to hear of the affair.

Henry visited the shrine of Our Lady at Walsingham to give thanks for the birth of his son and heir, Henry.

The royal court moved to the Palace of Westminster where banquets and tournaments were held to celebrate the birth of Prince Henry. The prince remained at Richmond in the care of his nursemaids.

Henry VIII and Catherine went on a progress of England.

The Humanist scholar Desiderius Erasmus visited London. He stayed in the home of Thomas More.

Thomas Boleyn was sent on his first diplomatic mission to Margaret of Austria, Regent of the Netherlands. While there he succeeded in securing a place for his daughter, Anne, in Margaret’s service.

Thomas Cromwell, aged 28 years, returned to England having spent the last ten years on the continent. He began to study common law.

Anne Boleyn was sent in the care of a knight named Broughton, to begin her service in the household of Margaret, Regent of the Netherlands.