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Lot #188
King Henry VII Document Signed for Accounts of Land Confiscated from Enemies - One Portrayed in Shakespeare

Significant accounting record annotated and signed by King Henry VII for lands confiscated from beheaded political enemies—one the subject of a Shakespeare play

 
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Description

Significant accounting record annotated and signed by King Henry VII for lands confiscated from beheaded political enemies—one the subject of a Shakespeare play

The first monarch of the House of Tudor (1457–1509), who reigned as King of England and Lord of Ireland from his seizing of the crown on August 22, 1485, until his death on April 21, 1509. Rare manuscript DS, signed by King Henry VII with his monogram, “H.R.,” one page both sides, 11 x 16, 1506–1507. Accounts for lands confiscated from Sir James Tuchet, 7th Baron Audley and Sir James Tyrell, in the twenty-second year of the reign of King Henry VII (headed "Anno XXII" at the head, signifying August 22, 1506–August 21, 1507). Executed in a fine chancery script, the accounts relate to the manors of Aisshwall [Ashwell] and Puriton, lands at Betley and Chesterton, and a farm at 'Swynesbroke.' For each estate the total income is calculated from various sources (rents and farms, sales of wood, perquisites of the court, and issues of land), against the 'reprisals' deducted (fees and wages, annuities, expenses, repairs, and allowances).

King Henry VII annotates the document in two places, "co[m]puta[tu]r ho[c] anno [accounted in this year]," against entries noting the sums of money forwarded by Treasurer of the Chamber John Heron 'ad usum D[omi]ni Regis de exit[u] Huius Anni [for the use of the Lord King from the end of this year].' The sums forwarded are relatively substantial, comprising £466.19.6 from Lord Audley's former lands, and £106.2.1 from Tyrell's. In very good to fine condition, with scattered light foxing and staining. Accompanied by a modern English transcript of the document.

James Tuchet, 7th Baron Audley, was the leader of the Cornish rebellion, which ended with his defeat and capture at the battle of Blackheath in 1497; taken prisoner, he was beheaded on June 28, 1497. His lands were confiscated and his peerage was forfeited, but both were later restored to his son.

James Tyrrell was an English knight and trusted servant of King Richard III. He is known for confessing to the 'Princes in the Tower' murders under Richard's orders—as portrayed in William Shakespeare's historical play Richard III—and was beheaded for Yorkist plotting in 1502. Like Tuchet, Tyrrell's lands were confiscated but later restored to his heirs.

Provenance: Christie's, Valuable Printed Books and Manuscripts, June 13, 2012.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts
  • Dates: #699 - Ended September 11, 2024





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