Henry Vernon (died 1515) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Vernon
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Vernon of Haddon arms
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| Born | 1441 |
| Died | 1515 |
| Noble family | Vernon |
| Spouse(s) | Anne Talbot |
| Father | William Vernon |
| Mother | Margaret Swynfen |
Sir Henry Vernon (born 1441, died 1515) was an important English nobleman during the time of the Tudor family. He owned a lot of land and was involved in politics and the royal court. Sir Henry was a special helper, called the Controller, for Arthur, Prince of Wales. Prince Arthur was the oldest son of King Henry VII and was supposed to become king, but he sadly died young.
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Henry Vernon's Family Background
Henry Vernon came from the well-known Vernon family. They were important in the areas of Cheshire and Derbyshire. His father, William Vernon, held several big jobs. He was the Knight-Constable of England and the Treasurer of Calais. He was also a Member of Parliament, which means he helped make laws.
Henry's grandfather, Richard Vernon, was even the Speaker of the House of Commons. This is a very important role in the government. Henry's mother was Margaret Swynfen. She inherited a lot of wealth from her father, Sir Robert Pype. Henry was one of twelve children. He was the main heir, meaning he inherited most of his father's property when his father died in 1467.
Henry Vernon grew up during a very difficult time in England. This period was called the Wars of the Roses. It was a series of civil wars fought between two powerful families. These families were the House of Lancaster (who used a red rose as their symbol) and the House of York (who used a white rose).
Henry was very clever at staying safe during these wars. He had family connections to the Lancastrian side. This was because he married Anne Talbot. She was the daughter of the 2nd Earl of Shrewsbury. However, Henry himself seemed to prefer the Yorkist side.
Avoiding Direct Conflict
Letters still exist that show Henry's involvement in these events. The Duke of Clarence wrote to him, asking him to join battles. Richard Neville, known as "the Kingmaker," also sent him a letter. This letter is special because it's the only known example of Warwick's own handwriting.
Henry Vernon tried not to pick a side too strongly. The Duke of Clarence asked him to fight in the battles of Barnet and Tewkesbury. But Henry found ways to avoid joining these fights. We don't have his exact replies. However, there is no proof that he left his home at Haddon Hall to fight.
Even though he didn't join the battles, it didn't hurt his standing with the Yorkists. He became an "esquire of the body" for both Edward IV and Richard III. This was a close personal attendant to the king. He also served as a Member of Parliament for Derbyshire in 1478. Henry Vernon was able to switch easily from serving the Yorkist kings to working for the new Tudor king.
Serving the Tudor King
Soon after the Tudor family won the war, Henry Vernon became a favorite of the new king. This was King Henry VII. The king praised him for his help at the Battle of Stoke Field. Henry Vernon was then given a very important job. He became the governor and treasurer for the king's son, Prince Arthur.
When Prince Arthur was made Prince of Wales in 1489, Henry Vernon became a Knight of the Bath. This was a special honor. One room at Haddon Hall, Henry's home, was even called the "Prince's Chamber." Prince Arthur spent a lot of time there. He also stayed at Tong Castle, which Henry Vernon improved around 1500. Henry Vernon was also a witness when Prince Arthur and Katherine of Aragon signed their marriage contract.
Challenges and Continued Service
Prince Arthur's early death was a setback for the Vernon family. It meant they lost a chance for more royal support. In the same year the prince died, Henry Vernon did something wrong. He arranged for his son, Roger, to marry a wealthy widow named Margaret Kebell. This marriage was against her will. He might have done this to get back some of the money he spent serving the king.
Because of this action, the king was very upset. Henry Vernon was fined a lot of money. However, he was still trusted by the king. He was sent to go with the king's daughter, Margaret Tudor, to Scotland. She was going there to marry King James IV. Later, Henry Vernon was forgiven for his part in the forced marriage. He also served as the High Sheriff of Derbyshire in 1504.
Marriage and Children
Henry Vernon married Anne Talbot. She died in 1494. She was the daughter of the 2nd Earl of Shrewsbury. They had many children, including:
- Roger Vernon, who married Margaret Kebell
- Richard Vernon (died 1517)
- Thomas Vernon (died 1556)
- Humphrey Vernon (died 1542)
- Arthur Vernon (died 1517), who became a priest
- John Vernon (died 1545)
- Elizabeth Vernon (died 1563)
- Mary Vernon (died 1525)
- Margaret Vernon
- Anne Vernon (died by 1507)
- Alice Vernon
Death and Burial
Henry Vernon passed away on April 13, 1515. He was buried in St Bartholomew's Church, Tong. Many of his family members are also buried there. His wife, Anne Talbot, had died before him in 1494. Their tomb has stone statues of them. These statues are different from the other tombs in the church, which are not made of stone.
