Christopher Garneys facts for kids

Sir Christopher Garneys (died 1534) was an important person in the court of King Henry VIII of England. He was known as the chief porter of Calais, a city that was part of England at the time. He also worked as a gentleman usher, which meant he helped the King in his royal rooms.

A Friend to the King

Christopher Garneys was a close companion to King Henry VIII. They often spent time together, even at fun events like masquerade balls. He even won money from the King when they played cards! Because of their friendship, the King rewarded him often.

Royal Rewards

King Henry VIII gave Sir Christopher many gifts. He received money every year, which grew from £10 to £20 and then £30. The King also gave him large areas of land in different parts of England. These included places like Bargham and Wiggenholt in Sussex, Saxlingham in Norfolk, and Wellington in Shropshire. He also gained control over a young heir, the son of a rich London merchant named Henry Kebill. This was called a "wardship" and meant he managed the boy's money and property. Sir Christopher also worked as a manager in Stockton Socon, Suffolk, and looked after the New Park near Nottingham Castle.

Becoming a Knight

In 1513, Sir Christopher Garneys joined King Henry VIII in a military campaign in France. After a victory at the Battle of the Spurs, the King entered the city of Tournai. On that day, September 25, 1513, King Henry VIII made Christopher Garneys a knight in the cathedral after a church service. This was a great honor!

Life in Calais

After his military service, Sir Christopher lived in Greenwich, probably close to the royal palace. From 1514 to 1521, he helped keep the peace in the county of Kent.

Diplomatic Missions

Sir Christopher also served as a diplomat for the King.

• In 1514, he was part of a group sent to meet Louis XII, the King of France. This happened just before Louis XII married King Henry VIII's sister, Princess Mary.
• The next year, in 1515, he traveled north to Scotland. He carried a special gift of clothes from King Henry VIII to his other sister, Margaret Tudor, who was the Queen of Scotland.

Working at the Field of the Cloth of Gold

In 1520, Sir Christopher was in Calais. He helped prepare the living spaces for the royal court at the famous Field of the Cloth of Gold. This was a huge meeting between King Henry VIII and the King of France, where they showed off their wealth.

Chief Porter of Calais

By 1526, Sir Christopher Garneys was officially appointed as the chief porter of Calais. He had been waiting for this important job for about ten years. His duties included managing the port and supervising the sea-banks around Calais. He also had a special task: to make sure the King received fresh vegetables and fruits, like artichokes. These were rare and special foods in England at that time.

Later Years and Legacy

Sir Christopher Garneys passed away in October 1534. After his death, Sir Thomas Palmer took over his role as chief porter. Sir Thomas described Sir Christopher as an "honest man" who was very fortunate. He mentioned that the King had given Sir Christopher a wealthy widow to marry, who had a lot of land and money. He also received a large sum of money from the wardship of a merchant's son.

Family Crest

Sir Christopher Garneys had a special family crest. It showed a silver shield with a blue chevron (a V-shape) between three black scallop shells. His crest also featured an arm holding a curved sword.

Sir Christopher's wife was named Joan, and she lived for some time after him. It seems they did not have any children.