Henry Wyatt (courtier) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sir Henry Wyatt KB
Portrait of Sir Henry Wyatt, Hans Holbein the Younger
Born	Henry Wyatt 1460
Died	10 November 1537 (aged 76–77)
Resting place	Milton, Kent
Occupation	Knight, courtier, politician
Spouse(s)	Anne Skinner
Children	Sir Thomas Wyatt Henry Wyatt Margaret Wyatt

Sir Henry Wyatt (1460–1537) was an important English nobleman and politician. He was a trusted friend and supporter of King Henry VII and later his son, King Henry VIII. Henry Wyatt was known for his loyalty and for serving the kings in many important roles.

Early Life and Challenges

Henry Wyatt was born in 1460. Not much is known about his early years. He became a strong supporter of Henry Tudor, who later became King Henry VII. At this time, England was in a period of civil war called the Wars of the Roses. Henry Tudor was fighting against King Richard III for the throne.

Because of his support for Henry Tudor, Henry Wyatt was captured and imprisoned. Family stories say he faced many hardships during this time. One famous story tells how he was held in a cold, narrow tower. He might have starved if not for a kind cat. This cat supposedly befriended him and brought him food. This friendly cat is even shown in paintings of Sir Henry Wyatt!

He was also said to have suffered harsh treatment. His son, Thomas Wyatt, later wrote that his father was held "in irons and stocks" for more than two years in Scotland. It's not clear exactly where or when all these events happened. Some stories say he was imprisoned by Richard III, while others suggest he was held by a Scottish baron.

In 1485, Henry Wyatt was finally released from prison. The newly crowned King Henry VII thanked him for his loyalty. One of his first jobs was looking after Norwich Castle and its prison.

Serving the Tudor Kings

Under King Henry VII, Henry Wyatt quickly rose to important positions. He became the Clerk of the King's Jewels. This meant he was in charge of the king's valuable treasures. He also became the Captain of Carlisle Castle, a key fortress near the Scottish border. His experience with Scotland made him a good choice for secret missions there.

Henry Wyatt became a close advisor to the king. He was part of the Privy Council, a group of trusted advisors. He was so well-regarded that he was chosen as one of the people to help manage Henry VII's affairs after his death. He also became a guardian for the young King Henry VIII.

In 1509, Henry VIII made him a Knight of the Bath. This was a special honor. He continued to serve the new king in many ways. In 1511, he became a constable of Norwich Castle. He also received land in Berkshire.

Henry Wyatt was a brave knight. In 1513, he joined King Henry VIII's army in France. He fought in the Battle of the Spurs. After this battle, he was made a knight banneret, another high honor for his bravery.

He also attended important royal events. In 1520, he went with King Henry VIII to the Field of the Cloth of Gold. This was a grand meeting between Henry VIII and the King of France, Francis I. Henry Wyatt was in charge of moving all the gold and silver plates needed for the royal banquets. He was also present when King Henry VIII met with Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor in 1522.

From 1524 to 1528, he held the important job of Treasurer of the King's Chamber. This meant he managed the king's personal money.

Allington Castle Home

In 1492, Sir Henry Wyatt bought Allington Castle and its lands in Kent. This beautiful castle became his main home. King Henry VIII even visited him there in 1527.

Sir Henry was good friends with Sir Thomas Boleyn, who lived nearby at Hever Castle. Because their homes were close, Sir Henry's son, Thomas Wyatt (who became a famous poet), met Sir Thomas Boleyn's daughter, Anne Boleyn. Anne later became Queen of England. Their meeting at the castle inspired some of Thomas Wyatt's famous love poems.

Family Life

Around 1502, Henry Wyatt married Anne Skinner. They had two sons and one daughter:

• Sir Thomas Wyatt: He became a famous poet and diplomat.
• Henry Wyatt: He is believed to have died when he was a baby.
• Margaret Wyatt: She married Sir Anthony Lee. Their son, Sir Henry Lee, later became a champion for Queen Elizabeth I.

Death

Sir Henry Wyatt passed away on November 10, 1537. He was buried in Milton, near Gravesend, as he had wished in his will. He was remembered as a loyal and trusted servant to the Tudor kings.