Henry Norris (courtier) facts for kids

Henry Norris (born around 1482 – died May 17, 1536) was an English courtier. He was a very close friend and trusted servant of King Henry VIII. Henry Norris held an important job called Groom of the Stool in the King's private rooms.

He also supported Anne Boleyn, who was King Henry VIII's second wife. When Queen Anne lost the King's favor, Henry Norris was accused of serious crimes. He was found guilty and sadly executed. Many historians believe these accusations were false. They think it was part of a plan to remove Queen Anne from power.

Family and Background

Henry Norris was likely the second son of Sir Edward Norris. His mother was Lady Frideswide Lovell. His family lived at Yattendon Castle in Berkshire, England.

Henry's grandfather, Sir William Norris, fought in a big battle. This battle, called the Battle of Stoke Field, happened in 1487. It was one of the last battles in the Wars of the Roses.

Henry also had a brother named John Norreys. John served four different English monarchs. He held various roles, including Usher of the Outer Chamber.

Marriage and Children

Henry Norris married a woman named Mary Fiennes. She was the daughter of Thomas Fiennes. Together, Henry and Mary had three children who survived:

• Henry Norris, 1st Baron Norreys of Rycote, born around 1525. He grew up with Henry Carey, who was the son of Mary Boleyn.
• Edward, who was born in 1524 but sadly died young in 1529.
• Mary, who married twice. Her first husband, Sir George Carew, died when the ship Mary Rose sank in 1545. She later married Sir Arthur Champernowne.

Life at Court

Henry Norris came to the royal court when he was young. He quickly became a close friend of King Henry VIII. The King gave him many important jobs.

In 1515, he became the keeper of Foliejon Park. By 1517, he was serving in the King's private chamber. He also received an annual payment from the King.

In 1520, Henry Norris attended a famous meeting. This was between King Henry VIII and King Francis I of France. It was known as the Field of the Cloth of Gold.

Rise to Power

In 1526, Henry Norris took over a very important role. He became the Groom of the Stool. This job meant he was in charge of the King's private rooms. He was also one of the King's closest friends and trusted advisors.

Later that year, he also became Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod. This was another significant position at court.

Henry Norris was known for his loyalty. He even offered his own rooms to Thomas Wolsey when the Cardinal was in trouble. He was present when Wolsey gave up the Great Seal of the Realm.

The King continued to reward Henry Norris. He received land and money. In 1534, he was made constable of Beaumaris Castle. He also received lands that Sir Thomas More had once held.

Norris helped Anne Boleyn gain her position at court. He became a close friend and a leader of her supporters. This sometimes put him at odds with Thomas Cromwell.

By the time of his death, Henry Norris was very wealthy. His income was higher than many nobles.

Accusation and Execution

In 1536, Queen Anne Boleyn lost the King's favor. As a close friend and supporter of Anne, Henry Norris was immediately in danger. Thomas Cromwell began to gather evidence against Anne and her supporters.

Henry Norris was accused of serious crimes against the King. Four other courtiers were also accused. These included Mark Smeaton, William Brereton, Sir Francis Weston, and Anne's brother George Boleyn. Most historians believe these accusations were made up.

A jury decided there was enough evidence for a trial. The trial for Henry Norris and the other three courtiers took place on May 12. It was held in Westminster Hall.

The jury included people who were against Anne Boleyn. It also included Anne's own father and uncle. The accused had to defend themselves without any legal help. They were found guilty.

The original sentence was a very harsh form of execution. However, because they served the King, their sentence was changed. They were to be beheaded instead.

The execution happened on May 17, 1536, at Tower Hill. Henry Norris said very little on the scaffold. He did not want to risk the harsher punishment. Later, Queen Elizabeth I, Anne Boleyn's daughter, always honored his memory. She believed he died for a noble cause and to show her mother's innocence.

In Popular Culture

Henry Norris has been shown in several TV series:

• In Wolf Hall, a BBC Two series, he was played by Luke Roberts.
• In The Tudors (2007-2010), a Showtime series, he was played by Stephen Hogan.