Tudor Property, Land and Possessions Chronology – Henry VIII

A fire gutted a large part of Westminster Palace. The palace was used as the headquarters for the government as well as a Royal residence. After the fire Baynards Castle, Bridewell Place and the Tower of London were used instead.

This was established at Greenwich to make Henry’s armour. It was called Alamain after the collective name for the Dutch and German craftsmen who were brought to England to work in the armoury. The master armourer was Martin Van Royne and he had a staff of four hammermen, three polishers and one apprentice.

Work began on a new tiltyard at Greenwich.

Thomas Wolsey leased Hampton Court from the Knights Hospitalers on a 99 year lease. He planned to enlarge and refurbish the palace.

A household was established for Princess Mary, with Elizabeth Denton being appointed governess, Catherine Pole as nurse, Richard Sydnor was to be her treasurer and Henry Rowle her Chaplain. Her household also included four rockers and a laundress.

Thomas Wolsey issued a number of commissions covering 35 counties. Commissioners were required to find out how many towns, hamlets, houses or buildings had been destroyed since September 1488. Information was also required regarding how much land had been converted to pasture, how many new parks had been created and alterations made to existing parks and land that had been enclosed without permission.

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.

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.