Henry VIII Chronology – What Happened in 1519?

King Henry VIII’s sister, Margaret Tudor, wanted to divorce her second husband Archibald Douglas. She wrote to Henry asking for his support but he refused and instead sent cleric Henry Chadworth to try to effect a reconciliation between the pair.

William Carey, a descendant of the Beaufort family was appointed a Gentleman of the Privy Chamber.

Thomas Wolsey established a Greek department at Oxford University. Although the language had been taught at times in the past, this was the first time it had been properly established.

A new wing was added to Greenwich Palace. The second floor of this extension housed a new library with 329 books. The books were not kept on shelves but were housed in desks or placed on lecterns.

Maximilian, ruler of the Habsburg Empire and Holy Roman Emperor, died. His grandson, Charles I of Spain inherited the Habsburg Empire and an election was announced for Holy Roman Emperor. Charles, Francis I of France and Henry VIII all put themselves forward for election.

Henry’s mistress, Bessie Blount, was delivered of a son who was named Henry Fitzroy. Henry was overjoyed by the birth of a son since it proved that he could father sons and that his lack of a male heir was not his fault.

Charles I of Spain was elected Holy Roman Emperor by the electors of Germany in Frankfurt. He was thereafter known as Emperor Charles V and ruled over the German States, the Habsburg Empire, Burgundy and Spain. He also held land in Italy and the New World.

Following the election of Charles as Holy Roman Emperor, England and France were united in their fear of Charles’s great power. It was proposed that a summit meeting between Francis and Henry be held. It was agreed that English and French representatives would make the arrangements, overseen by Thomas Wolsey who would make final decisions.

John Colet, Dean of St Paul’s died.

Princess Mary’s household was re-organised. Her Treasurer Richard Sydnor, Chaplain Henry Rowle and nurse Catherine Pole remained in place. Three rockers were promoted to Gentlewomen of the Chamber and six gentlemen, nine valets and four grooms were added to her household. Beatrice Rice, wife of David ap Rice, a newly appointed groom, became Mary’s laundress.