• 19 May 1499 - Catherine of Aragon is married by proxy to Arthur, Prince of Wales. Catherine is 13 and Arthur is 12.

    Today in Tudor history...

    19 May 1536 - Execution of Anne Boleyn 

    Today in Tudor history...

    On the morning of Friday 19 May, Anne Boleyn was executed within the Tower precincts, not upon the site of the execution memorial, but rather, according to historian Eric Ives, on a scaffold erected on the north side of the White Tower, in front of what is now the Waterloo Barracks. She wore a red petticoat under a loose, dark grey gown of damask trimmed in fur and a mantle of ermine.Accompanied by two female attendants, Anne made her final walk from the Queen's House to the scaffold and she showed a "devilish spirit"and looked "as gay as if she was not going to die".Anne climbed the scaffold and made a short speech to the crowd:

    Good Christian people, I am come hither to die, for according to the law, and by the law I am judged to die, and therefore I will speak nothing against it. I am come hither to accuse no man, nor to speak anything of that, whereof I am accused and condemned to die, but I pray God save the king and send him long to reign over you, for a gentler nor a more merciful prince was there never: and to me he was ever a good, a gentle and sovereign lord. And if any person will meddle of my cause, I require them to judge the best. And thus I take my leave of the world and of you all, and I heartily desire you all to pray for me. O Lord have mercy on me, to God I commend my soul.

    Today in Tudor history...

    "Oh Death Rock Me Asleep" is a poem, usually attributed to Anne Boleyn. It was written shortly before her execution.

    Today in Tudor history...

    O  Death, rock me asleep,

    Bring me to quiet rest,

    Let pass my weary guiltless ghost

    Out of my careful breast.

    Toll on, thou passing bell;

    Ring out my doleful knell;

    Let thy sound my death tell.

    Death doth draw nigh;

    There is no remedy.

     

    My pains who can express?

    Alas, they are so strong;

    My dolour will not suffer strength

    My life for to prolong.

    Toll on, thou passing bell;

    Ring out my doleful knell;

    Let thy sound my death tell.

    Death doth draw nigh;

    There is no remedy.

     

    Alone in prison strong

    I wait my destiny.

    Woe worth this cruel hap that I

    Should taste this misery!

    Toll on, thou passing bell;

    Ring out my doleful knell;

    Let thy sound my death tell.

    Death doth draw nigh;

    There is no remedy.

     

    Farewell, my pleasures past,

    Welcome, my present pain!

    I feel my torments so increase

    That life cannot remain.

    Cease now, thou passing bell;

    Rung is my doleful knell;

    For the sound my death doth tell.

    Death doth draw nigh;

    There is no remedy.

     

    Dispensation by Cranmer to Henry VIII. and Jane Seymour, to marry, although in the third and third degrees of affinity, without publication of banns. Lamehithe, 19 May 1536.

    Today in Tudor history...

    19 May 1536-Chapuys to Charles V.

    Received on the 7th, by the English ambassador's messenger, the Emperor's letters of the 13th ult. Was unable, from a tertian fever, to visit the King, but communicated the contents to Cromwell, who expressed himself very much gratified to hear, especially with such particulars, of the continuance of the Emperor's goodwill, giving hope, as usual, of reciprocity on the part of his master, and saying that matters could not be in better train, owing to what had taken place as regards the concubine; reminding Chapuys also of what he had said to him on the eve of St. Matthias, when he had given a hint of what was going to take place. He also expressed great desire for Chapuys' recovery, that he might, after the dispatch of the Concubine and her accomplices, come to Court for business. As to the draft copy of the [bull of] privation which the French have got, I think they will make little by it as regards the English, who have been long persuaded that the Holy See was pursuing the matter in its own behalf and pressing your Majesty about it; and they are more jealous lest the French should make immediate profit out of it—by exemption from the pension and from the claims of England in France—than that your Majesty should gain anything; and the Princess, for whom you have most consideration, would be injured by it. This I must point out to Cromwell on every opportunity, as he is incessantly seeking to establish this stricter amity. For this reason, when the English ambassador's messenger on his arrival reported the sincere and perfect goodwill shown by your Majesty to his master, Cromwell sent him immediately to the King, conjuring him to declare it plainly without allowing himself to be disturbed by any appearance of a contrary feeling on the King's part. The said messenger tells me the King answered him that there was no appearance whatever of this goodwill except in words, and that these words were only because the Emperor's affairs did not succeed altogether to his wish, and he wanted the King's help, i.e. pecuniary aid; for as to the rest, however the French might disguise it, he considered your Majesty's forces incomparably greater than theirs, and considered them as already lost.

    The joy shown by this people every day not only at the ruin of the Concubine but at the hope of the Princess' restoration, is inconceivable, but as yet the King shows no great disposition towards the latter; indeed he has twice shown himself obstinate when spoken to on the subject by his Council. I hear that, even before the arrest of the Concubine, the King, speaking with Mistress Jane Semel of their future marriage, the latter suggested that the Princess should be replaced in her former position; and the King told her she was a fool, and ought to solicit the advancement of the children they would have between them, and not any others. She replied that in asking for the restoration of the Princess she conceived she was seeking the rest and tranquillity of the King, herself, her future children, and the whole realm; for, without that, neither your Majesty nor this people would ever be content. Will endeavour by all means to make her continue in this vein. Hopes also to go and speak with the King within three days, and with those of the Council in general and particular. Will also get some of the lords spoken with who have been called hither for the Parliament to commence on the 8th proximo. Thinks the Concubine's little bastard will be excluded from the succession, and that the King will get himself requested by Parliament to marry. To cover the affection he has for the said Semel he has lodged her seven miles hence in the house of the grand esquire, and says publicly that he has no desire in the world to get married again unless he is constrained by his subjects to do so. Several have already told me, and sent to say that, if it cost them their lives, when Parliament meets they will urge the cause of the Princess to the utmost (il pourteront jusques au boult laffaire de lad. princesse).

    The very evening the Concubine was brought to the Tower, when the duke of Richmond went to say Good night to his father, and ask his blessing after the English custom, the King began to weep, saying that he and his sister, meaning the Princess, were greatly bound to God for having escaped the hands of that accursed whore, who had determined to poison them; from which it is clear that the King knew something about it.

    On the 11th were condemned as traitors Master Noris, the King's chief butler, (sommelier de corps) Master Ubaston (Weston), who used to lie with the King, Master Bruton (Brereton), gentleman of the Chamber, and the groom (varlet de chambre), of whom I wrote to your Majesty by my man. Only the groom confessed that he had been three times with the said putain and Concubine. The others were condemned upon presumption and certain indications, without valid proof or confession. On the 15th the said Concubine and her brother were condemned of treason by all the principal lords of England, and the duke of Norfolk pronounced sentence. I am told the earl of Wiltshire (Voulcher) was quite as ready to assist at the judgment as he had done at the condemnation of the other four. Neither the putain nor her brother was brought to Westminster like the other criminals. They were condemned within the Tower, but the thing was not done secretly, for there were more than 2,000 persons present. What she was principally charged with was having cohabited with her brother and other accomplices; that there was a promise between her and Norris to marry after the King's death, which it thus appeared they hoped for; and that she had received and given to Norris certain medals, which might be interpreted to mean that she had poisoned the late Queen and intrigued to do the same to the Princess. These things she totally denied, and gave to each a plausible answer. Yet she confessed she had given money to Voaiston (Weston), as she had often done to other young gentlemen. She was also charged, and her brother likewise, with having laughed at the King and his dress, and that she showed in various ways she did not love the King but was tired of him. Her brother was charged with having cohabited with her by presumption, because he had been once found a long time with her, and with certain other little follies. To all he replied so well that several of those present wagered 10 to 1 that he would be acquitted, especially as no witnesses were produced against either him or her, as it is usual to do, particularly when the accused denies the charge.

    I must not omit, that among other things charged against him as a crime was, that his sister had told his wife that the King "nestoit habile en cas de soy copuler avec femme, et quil navoit ne vertu ne puissance." This he was not openly charged with, but it was shown him in writing, with a warning not to repeat it. But he immediately declared the matter, in great contempt of Cromwell and some others, saying he would not in this point arouse any suspicion which might prejudice the King's issue. He was also charged with having spread reports which called in question whether his sister's daughter was the King's child. To which he made no reply. They were judged separately, and did not see each other. The Concubine was condemned first, and having heard the sentence, which was to be burnt or beheaded at the King's pleasure, she preserved her composure, saying that she held herself "pour toute saluee de la mort," and that what she regretted most was that the above persons, who were innocent and loyal to the King, were to die for her. She only asked a short space for shrift (pour disposer sa conscience). Her brother, after his condemnation, said that since he must die, he would no longer maintain his innocence, but confessed that he had deserved death. He only begged the King that his debts, which he recounted, might be paid out of his goods.

    Although everybody rejoices at the execution of the putain, there are some who murmur at the mode of procedure against her and the others, and people speak variously of the King; and it will not pacify the world when it is known what has passed and is passing between him and Mrs. Jane Semel. Already it sounds ill in the ears of the people, that the King, having received such ignominy, has shown himself more glad than ever since the arrest of the putain; for he has been going about banqueting with ladies, sometimes remaining after midnight, and returning by the river. Most part of the time he was accompanied by various musical instruments, and, on the other hand, by the singers of his chamber, which many interpret as showing his delight at getting rid of a "maigre vieille et mechante bague," with hope of change, which is a thing specially agreeable to this King. He supped lately with several ladies in the house of the bishop of Carlisle, and showed an extravagant joy, as the said Bishop came to tell me next morning, who reported, moreover, that the King had said to him, among other things, that he had long expected the issue of these affairs, and that thereupon he had before composed a tragedy, which he carried with him; and, so saying, the King drew from his bosom a little book written in his own hand, but the Bishop did not read the contents. It may have been certain ballads that the King has composed, at which the putain and her brother laughed as foolish things, which was objected to them as a great crime.

    Three days after the Concubine's imprisonment the Princess removed, and was honorably accompanied both by the servants of the Little Bastard and by several gentlemen who came of their own accord. Many of her old servants and maids upon these news went to her, and although her gouvernante allowed them to remain, she was warned by me not to accept or retain anyone but those given her by the King her father. What I most fear as regards her is, that when the King is asked by Parliament to restore her to her rights, he will refuse his consent unless the Princess first swears to the statutes invalidating the first marriage and the Pope's authority. To this, I think, she will not easily yield, although I should advise her to acquiesce in everything as far as she can without prejudice to her conscience and her own rights. Desires to know the Emperor's opinion.

    Today Rochford has been beheaded before the Tower, and the four others above named, notwithstanding the intercession of the bishop of Tarbes, the French ambassador resident, and the sieur de Tinteville, who arrived the day before yesterday, in behalf of one named Vaston (Weston). The Concubine saw them executed from the Tower, to aggravate her grief. Rochford disclaimed all that he was charged with, confessing, however, that he had deserved death for having been so much contaminated and having contaminated others with these new sects, and he prayed everyone to abandon such heresies. The Concubine will certainly be beheaded tomorrow, or on Friday at the latest, and I think the King feels the time long that it is not done already. The day before the putain's condemnation he sent for Mrs. Semel by the Grand Esquire and some others, and made her come within a mile of his lodging, where she is splendidly served by the King's cook and other officers. She is most richly dressed. One of her relations, who dined with her on the day of the said condemnation, told me that the King sent that morning to tell her that he would send her news at 3 o'clock of the condemnation of the putain, which he did by Mr. Briant, whom he sent in all haste. To judge by appearances, there is no doubt that he will take the said Semel to wife; and some think the agreements and promises are already made.

    The Scotch ambassador is still here, and there is no answer about the interview of the two Kings. The said ambassador has told me that his master would not hear of the marriage with the lady of Vendome. Will write what he hears about the interview and the charge of the bailiff of Troyes. The said bailiff, hearing, by the way, the news of the Concubine's imprisonment, delayed some days at Boulogne, pretending to be ill, awaiting news from his master whether any change was to be made in his charge.

    Has just received the Emperor's letters of the 18th ult., with enclosures, which he will use as instructed. Will immediately report how the King takes everything. Has heard that the King, before the said bailiff's arrival, took in very good part the Emperor's proposal. So Briant told Mrs. Semel and other ladies on the day the King sent to inform her of the putain's condemnation; and though Brian is French in his leanings, be does not forbear to praise your Majesty in these matters, and to abuse and laugh at the French, who had made a foolish and shameful reply about the combat between your Majesty and the king of France. Cannot write more fully about the King's inclination to negotiate. Cromwell puts him continually in hope, especially by what has happened to the Concubine. Will understand matters better when he has spoken with the King, which he will do as soon as he can. Must not omit to mention that although the King at Easter pressed him strongly for the four articles in writing, he has since praised Chapuys for his refusal and for his further diplomacy; and Cromwell, the same day, admitted to him that the request for those articles in writing was not justified by any suspicion. On Chapuys asking what could have turned the King so suddenly from the intention he had so persistently declared to Chapuys, Cromwell could give no other reason except that the King had taken some suspicion of himself by reason of the letters your Majesty had written to him.

    Having written the above the day before yesterday, thought it well to delay the despatch to inform the Emperor of the execution of the Concubine, which was done at 9 o'clock this morning within the Tower, in presence of the Chancellor, Cromwell, and others of the Council, and a great number of the King's subjects, but foreigners were not admitted. It is said that although the bodies and heads of those executed the day before yesterday have been buried, her head will be put upon the bridge, at least for some time. She confessed herself yesterday, and communicated, expecting to be executed, and no person ever showed greater willingness to die. She requested it of those who were to have charge of it, and when the command came to put off the execution till today she appeared very sorry, praying the Captain of the Tower that for the honor of God he would beg the King that, since she was in good state and disposed for death, she might be dispatched immediately. The lady who had charge of her has sent to tell me in great secresy that the Concubine, before and after receiving the sacrament, affirmed to her, on the damnation of her soul, that she had never been unfaithful to the King. London, 19 May 1536.

     

    19 May 1536-Sir Wm. Kingston to Cromwell.

    "Syr, thys shalbe to advertyse you I have reysayved your letter, wherin yo[u would] have strangerys conveyed yowt of the Towre, and so thay be by the [means] of Richard Gressum and William Loke and Wythepolle, bot the numbre of stra[ngers passed] not xxx., and not mony hothe (sic), and the imbassitor of the Emperor had a ser[vant] ther, and honestly put yowt. Sir, yf we have not anowre serten [as it may] be knowen in London, I thynke he (sic) wilbe bot few, and 1 thynke [a reasonable] humbure ware best, for I suppose she wylle declare hyr self to b[e a good] woman for alle men, bot for the Kynge, at the our of hyr de[ath, for this] mornynge she sent for me that I myght be with hyr at [such time] as she reysayved the gud Lord, to the intent I shuld here hy[r] s[peak as] towchyng hyr innosensy alway to be clere; and in the writ[ing of this] she sent for me. And at my comynge she sayd, 'Mr. Kyngston, I h[ear say I shall] not dy affore none, and I am very sory therfore, for I thowt[h to] be dede [by this time], and past my payne.' I told hyr it shuld be now payne, it [was so sotell. And then she said, 'I] heard say the executor was very gud, and I have a lyt[el neck,' and put he]r hand abowt it, lawynge hartely. I have sene [many men and a]lso wemen executed, and al thay have bene in gre[at sorrow, and to my knowle]ge thys lady hasse mech joy and plesure in dethe. Sir, [her almoner is contin]ewaly with hyr, and hasse bene syns ii. of the cl[ock after midnight. This is] the affecte of hony thynge that ys here at t[his time. And thus fare you] welle. Your Willm. Ky[ngston]."

     

    19 May 1536-

    The count (viscount) Rochefort, brother of the queen (unjustly so called) Anne Boleyn, was beheaded with an axe upon a scaffold before the Tower of London. He made a very catholic address to the people, saying he had not come thither to preach, but to serve as a mirror and example, acknowledging his sins against God and the King, and declaring he need not recite the causes why he was condemned, as it could give no pleasure to hear them. He first desired mercy and pardon of God, and afterwards of the King and all others whom he might have offended, and hoped that men would not follow the vanities of the world and the flatteries of the Court, which had brought him to that shameful end. He said if he had followed the teachings of the Gospel, which he had often read, he would not have fallen into this danger, for a good doer was far better than a good reader. In the end, he pardoned those who had condemned him to death, and asked the people to pray for his soul. After him Norris was beheaded, then Weston and Brereton, and Marc, the player on the spinnet, who said scarcely anything except to cry mercy of God and the King, and beg people to pray for their souls. Brereton and Marc were afterwards quartered.

    The said Queen (unjustly called) finally was beheaded upon a scaffold within the Tower with open gates. She was brought by the captain upon the said scaffold, and four young ladies followed her. She looked frequently behind her, and when she got upon the scaffold was very much exhausted and amazed. She begged leave to speak to the people, promising to say nothing but what was good. The captain gave her leave, and she began to raise her eyes to Heaven, and cry mercy to God and to the King for the offence she had done, desiring the people always to pray to God for the King, for he was a good, gentle, gracious, and amiable prince. She was then stripped of her short mantle furred with ermines, and afterwards took off her hood, which was of English make, herself. A young lady presented her with a linen cap, with which she covered her hair, and she knelt down, fastening her clothes about her feet, and one of the said ladies bandaged her eyes.

    Immediately the executioner did his office; and when her head was off it was taken by a young lady and covered with a white cloth. Afterwards the body was taken by the other ladies, and the whole carried into the church nearest to the Tower of London. It is said that she was condemned to be burned alive, but that the King commuted her sentence to decapitation. Thus, he who wrote this billet says that, according to old writings, he has seen the prophecy of Marlin fulfilled.

     

    19 May 1536-John Husee to Lord Lisle.

    I have received your letter with the spurs. With all my efforts I have been unable to come to the King's presence. "His Grace came not abroad except it were in the garden, and in his boat at night (at which times it may become no man to prevent him), this 14 days." But now that these matters of execution are past I hope soon to speak with him and deliver your spuis. Lord Rocheford, Mr. Norrys, Bruriton, Weston, and Markes suffered with the axe on the scaffold at Tower Hill on Wednesday the 17th, and died very charitably. The Queen suffered with sword this day within the Tower, upon a new scaffold, and died boldly. I can hear nothing of Mr. Russell of the King's pleasure. I fear he will profit me little in your affairs, but I will be in hand with him, and learn if you shall come over this Parliament. I hope now to have leisure to remind Mr. Secretary of his promises towards your Lordship's living. I will tomorrow present him your "brews" (?) and declare the matter concerning the "mares" (marsh). I have been divers times in hand with Mr. Treasurer touching Suowden's room. He says he may lawfully keep it still, but if any command come to put him out, he will speak to the King ere his departure to St. George's feast. But he will not trouble the King till he come again on Whitsunday. He has seen the King's bill and the copy of the King's letter, but I can get no other answer of him than before written. Any wine you send for Mr. Secretary will be well received. I wish you had written to Mr. Hennage, for I think him the trustiest man in the Court. It is said my lord of Northumberland is dead, but I cannot certify it. Mr. Payge and Mr. Wyat remain in the Tower. The most of the late Queen's servants are set at liberty to seek service elsewhere. Mr. Aylmer will explain by mouth something I cannot write. London, 19 May.

     

     

     

    19 May 1539 - Henry VIII given the right to all of the monasteries

     

    19 May 1554- Queen Mary I released Princess Elizabeth from the Tower of London

     

    Today in Tudor history...

     

    19 May 1568 -  Queen Elizabeth I of England orders the arrest of Mary, Queen of Scots.

     

    Today in Tudor history...

    http://www.thetudormonarch.com/,http://www.british-history.ac.uk/,wikipedia

     


  • 18 May 1497 - Death of Katherine Woodville,She was the sister-in-law of King Edward IV of England and gave birth to several illustrious children. Catherine was the daughter of Richard Woodville, 1st Earl Rivers, and Jacquetta of Luxembourg. When her sister Elizabeth married King Edward IV, the King elevated and promoted many members of the Woodville family. Elizabeth Woodville's household records for 1466/67 indicate that Catherine was being raised in the queen's household.

    Sometime before the coronation of Elizabeth in May 1465, Catherine was married to Henry Stafford, 2nd Duke of Buckingham; both were still children.After Richard III was defeated by Henry Tudor at Bosworth in 1485, Catherine married the new king's uncle Jasper Tudor on 7 November 1485.

    After Jasper's death in 1495 - not later than 24 February 1496- Catherine married Richard Wingfield, who outlived her.

    Today in Tudor History...

     

    18 May  1536 - Anne Boleyn’s execution was postponed.(on the morning of May 19 the time was changed again-from 9:00 A.M. to noon.)

     

    Today in Tudor History...

    Anne was to have died on May 18, three days after her trial, but her queenly bearing throughout the plainly unjust proceedings had brought a large sympathetic crowd to Tower Green. Lord Thomas Cromwell, who was in charge of the execution, hoped the throngs of people would disperse if Anne's death were delayed a day. He also lowered the scaffold in order to obscure the view of the spectators. The tactics didn't work, and on the morning of May 19 the time was changed again--from 9:00 A.M. to noon. Anne complained to jailer Sir William Kingston, "I thought to be dead by this time and past my pain." Kingston replied, "It is no pain, it is so subtle." He was astonished at her sudden burst of laughter as she commented: "I heard the executioner is very good, and I have a little neck." Kingston uncomfortably concluded that "this lady hath much joy and pleasure in death." Anne experienced rapidly shifting moods, but she never lost control. "The people will have no difficulty in finding a nickname for me: I shall be Queen Anne Lack-Head," she told her hovering ladies-in-waiting.

    source:http://www.trivia-library.com/

    Anne spent her last day praying in her chamber at the Tower of London

     

    Today in Tudor History...

     

     

    18 May 1536-Charles V. to Chapuys.

    We have by your man, the bearer, received your two letters and learnt the occurrences with you. You did well to dispatch him to certify us of what has happened about the Concubine; and since the case is so manifest, as we suppose, by the Divine will, and the King takes it to heart as he ought, we think, as we wrote you in our last letters (copy with this) that the King will wish to marry again; and having since our said previous letters thought over the marriages (partiz de mariage) therein mentioned between the said King and the Infanta of Portugal, daughter of the queen of France, our sister, and of don Loys of Portugal, our brother-in-law, we have decided that it will be better openly to declare to the said King, in the way that you shall see most fitting, as the affair of the Concubine proceeds, and you can learn the King's inclinations from Cromwell and others, that, knowing what has taken place, we have charged you to put before him the said marriages, the more to show him the cordial affection we have always retained towards him and the peace of his realm, and that if it please him to listen to them we have good hope, in accordance with the perfect friendship between the king of Portugal and us, of conducting the affair. You shall use your best dexterity to forward the said matches (partiz), which we desire particularly to be able to conduct for several good reasons, and we do not intend you to speak of the other match, of the duchess of Milan, for the said King, unless you see there is no way to the preceding, and that he is seeking another marriage. And since we wrote fully in our preceding letters about the proposals and communications you have had with the King and Cromwell, we will add nothing but that we continue our journey towards Piedmont, where the French king's army is, to do against it what we shall see fit; and from Alessandria, where we shall decide what to do, we will write more fully. Borgo St. Donino, 18 May 1536.

     Sir William Kingston to Cromwell

     

    I have been with my lord of Rochford, and showed him the clause of your letter. He answered that he had sent you word by Dr. Alryge. Notwithstanding, he says that he made suit to you for promotion of a White Monk, of the Tower Hill, and with your help he was promoted to the abbey of Vale Sante Crewsys, in Cheshire, and he had for his promotion 100l., and at Whitsuntide next should receive 100l. more, but for this the King has the obligations. He supposes the said abbey is suppressed and the abbot undone, and his sureties also. As yet I have heard nothing of my lord of Canterbury, and the Queen desires much to be shriven. I am very glad to hear of the "executur" of Cales, for he can handle that matter. For the gentlemen, the sheriffs of London must make provision. As yet I hear of no writ, but they are all ready, and, I trust clean, to God. They shall have warning in the morning, and I shall send at once to Master Eretage for carpenters to make a scaffold of such a height that all present may see it. If you wish more to be done, let me know. The Tower.

    You must help my lord of Rochford's conscience for the monk, if need be; and also he spake unto [me] for the bishop of Develyn, for he must have of the said Bishop 

     

    18 May  1593 – Playwright Thomas Kyd's accusations of heresy lead to an arrest warrant for Christopher Marlowe.

     

    Today in Tudor History...

     

    source:wikipedia,http://www.trivia-library.com/,http://www.british-history.ac.uk/

     

     


  • 17 May 1443 - Edmund, Earl of Rutland.He was the fifth child and second surviving son of Richard Plantagenet, 3rd Duke of York, and Cecily Neville and brother of Kings Edward IV and Richard III 

     

    17 May 1521 - Edward Stafford was executed.He was an English nobleman. He was the son of Henry Stafford, 2nd Duke of Buckingham, and Katherine Woodville, whose sister, Queen Elizabeth Woodville, was the wife of King Edward IV.

     

    Today in Tudor History...

     

    17 May 1527 - Cardinal Wolsey began a secret court to determine whether Henry VIII was unlawfully married to Catherine of Aragon

     

    Today in Tudor History...

     

    17 May 1536

     

    Today in Tudor History...

     

    Execution of George Boleyn , Mark Smeaton, William Brereton, Henry Norris and Francis Weston 

     

    Today in Tudor History...

     George Boleyn's last words

    Christian men, I am born under the law and judged under the law, and die under the law, and the law has condemned me. Masters all, I am not come hither for to preach, but for to die, for I have deserved to die if I had twenty lives, more shamefully than can be devised, for I am a wretched sinner, and I have sinned shamefully. I have known no man so evil, and to rehearse my sins openly, it were no pleasure to you to hear them, nor yet for me to rehearse them, for God knoweth all. Therefore, masters all, I pray you take heed by me, and especially my lords and gentlemen of the court, the which I have been among, take heed by me and beware of such a fall, and I pray to God the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, three persons and one God, that my death may be an example unto you all. And beware, trust not in the vanity of the world, and especially in the flattering of the court. And I cry God mercy, and ask all the world forgiveness of God. And if I have offended any man that is not here now, either in thought, word or deed, and if ye hear any such, I pray you heartily in my behalf, pray them to forgive me for God’s sake. And yet, my masters all, I have one thing for to say to you: men do common and say that I have been a setter forth of the Word of God, and one that have favoured the Gospel of Christ; and because I would not that God’s word should be slandered by me, I say unto you all, that if I had followed God’s word in deed as I did read it and set it forth to my power, I had not come to this. If I had, I had been a liv[ing] man among you. Therefore I pray you, masters all, for God’s sake stick to the truth and follow it, for one good follower is worth three readers, as God knoweth

     

    Even though the executioner needs several strokes to chop Brereton's head off,during the second attempt no head or blood can be seen on the block.

     

    Mark Smeaton is the last man to be executed but even though the executioner has chopped off several heads before,the blade of the axe is bloodless as Smeaton is placed on the block.Then,when the executioner raises the axe,the blade is stained with blood.

     

    (source:www.tv.com via http://www.thetudorswiki.com/)

     

    Poems by Thomas Wyatt

     

    Who list his wealth and ease retain,

    Himself let him unknown contain.

    Press not too fast in at that gate

    Where the return stands by disdain:

    For sure, circa regna tonat.

     

    The high mountains are blasted oft

    When the low valley is mild and soft.

    Fortune with Health stands at debate.

    The fall is grievous from aloft.

    And sure, circa regna tonat.

     

    These bloody days have broken my heart.

    My lust, my youth did then depart,

    And blind desire of estate.

    Who hastes to climb seeks to revert.

    Of truth, circa regna tonat.

     

    The Bell Tower showed me such sight

    That in my head sticks day and night.

    There did I learn of of a grate

    For all favor, glory, or might,

    That yet circa regna tonat.

     

    By proof, I say, there did I learn:

    Wit helpeth not defense to yerne,

    Of innocence to plead or prate.

    Bear low, therefore, give God the stern,

    For sure, circa regna tonat.

     

    ************

     

    In Mourning wise since daily I increase

    In Mourning wise since daily I increase,

    Thus should I cloak the cause of all my grief;

    So pensive mind with tongue to hold his peace’

    My reason sayeth there can be no relief:

    Wherefore give ear, I humbly you require,

    The affect to know that thus doth make me moan.

    The cause is great of all my doleful cheer

    For those that were, and now be dead and gone.

    What thought to death desert be now their call.

    As by their faults it doth appear right plain?

    Of force I must lament that such a fall should light on those so wealthily did reign,

    Though some perchance will say, of cruel heart,

    A traitor’s death why should we thus bemoan?

    But I alas, set this offence apart,

    Must needs bewail the death of some be gone.

    As for them all I do not thus lament,

    But as of right my reason doth me bind;

    But as the most doth all their deaths repent,

    Even so do I by force of mourning mind.

    Some say, ‘Rochford, haddest thou been not so proud,

    For thy great wit each man would thee bemoan,

    Since as it is so, many cry aloud

    It is great loss that thou art dead and gone.’

    Ah! Norris, Norris, my tears begin to run

    To think what hap did thee so lead or guide

    Whereby thou hast both thee and thine undone

    That is bewailed in court of every side;

    In place also where thou hast never been

    Both man and child doth piteously thee moan.

    They say, ‘Alas, thou art far overseen

    By thine offences to be thus deat and gone.’

    Ah! Weston, Weston, that pleasant was and young,

    In active things who might with thee compare?

    All words accept that thou diddest speak with tongue,

    So well esteemed with each where thou diddest fare.

    And we that now in court doth lead our life

    Most part in mind doth thee lament and moan;

    But that thy faults we daily hear so rife,

    All we should weep that thou are dead and gone.

    Brereton farewell, as one that least I knew.

    Great was thy love with divers as I hear,

    But common voice doth not so sore thee rue

    As other twain that doth before appear;

    But yet no doubt but they friends thee lament

    And other hear their piteous cry and moan.

    So doth eah heart for thee likewise relent

    That thou givest cause thus to be dead and gone.

    Ah! Mark, what moan should I for thee make more,

    Since that thy death thou hast deserved best,

    Save only that mine eye is forced sore

    With piteous plaint to moan thee with the rest?

    A time thou haddest above thy poor degree,

    The fall whereof thy friends may well bemoan:

    A rotten twig upon so high a tree

    Hath slipped thy hold, and thou art dead and gone.

    And thus farewell each one in hearty wise!

    The axe is home, your heads be in the street;

    The trickling tears doth fall so from my eyes

    I scarce may write, my paper is so wet.

    But what can hope when death hath played his part,

    Though nature’s course will thus lament and moan?

    Leave sobs therefore, and every Christian heart

     

    Pray for the souls of those be dead and gone.

     

    Today in Tudor History...

    Sentence pronounced by the archbishop of Canterbury of the nullity of the marriage between the King and Anne Boleyn, in the presence of Sir Thos. Audeley, chancellor, Charles duke of Suffolk, John earl of Oxford, and others, at Lambeth, 17 May 1536.

    Today in Tudor History...

    17 May 1575 - Death of Matthew Parker.He  was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1559 until his death. He was also an influential theologian and arguably the co-founder (with Thomas Cranmer and Richard Hooker) of a distinctive tradition of Anglican theological thought.

     

    17 May 1581 - Death of Sir William Cordell.He was Solicitor General and Master of the Rolls during the reign of Queen Mary I and Speaker of the House of Commons during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

    Today in Tudor History...

    17 May 1590 - Anne of Denmark is crowned Queen of Scotland.

    Today in Tudor History...

     

    source:http://www.thetudorswiki.com/,http://www.thetudormonarch.com/

  • 16 May 1517 - Margaret Tudor returned to Scotland

     

    Today in Tudor History...

     

    16 May 1529-Martin Luther Publishes His Small Catechism

     

    Today in Tudor History...

     

    16 May 1532 - Sir Thomas More resigns as Lord Chancellor of England.

     

    Today in Tudor History...

     

    16 May 1536

     Archbishop Cranmer visited Queen Anne Boleyn at the Tower of London.

     

    Today in Tudor History...

     

    Sir William. Kyngston to Thomas Cromwell

    Was with the King today, and declared the petition of lord Rochford, wherein I was answered. The said Lord desires to speak with you on a matter which touches his conscience. I wish to know your pleasure, because of my promise to him, and also to know the King's pleasure touching the Queen, as well for her confession as for the preparation of scaffolds. The King told me that my lord of Canterbury should be her confessor, and he was here today with her. "The time is short, for the King supposeth the gentlemen to die tomorrow, and my lord of Rochford, with the residue of gentlemen, and as yet without Doctor Allryge, which I look for;" but I have told him to be ready to suffer tomorrow, and so he accepts it very well, and will do his best to be ready, "notwithstanding, he would have received his rights, which hath not been used, and in especial here." Yet this day at dinner the Queen said she would go to "anonre" (a nunnery) , and is in hope of life.

     

    Today in Tudor History...

     George Boleyn, Sir Francis Weston, Sir Henry Norris, Sir William Brereton and Mark Smeaton prepared for their deaths by confessing their sins to Dr Allryge (or Alridge), the chaplain sent to them(Read more: http://www.theanneboleynfiles.com/16-may-1536-men-prepare-death/#ixzz31rlgB4c6)

    16 May 1566 - Death of Patrick Ruthven, 3rd Lord Ruthven.He  played an important part in the political intrigues of the 16th century and in the murder of David Riccio, Mary, Queen of Scots’s private secretary. He succeeded to the lordship in December 1552. The Ruthven lordship encompassed the offices of Provost and Constable of Perth, and Sheriff of Strathearn.

    16 May 1568 - Mary Queen of Scotland flees to England

     

    Today in Tudor History...

     

    16 May 1578 - Birth of Everard Digby.He was a member of the group of provincial English Catholics who planned the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Although he was raised in a Protestant household, and married a Protestant, Digby and his wife were converted to Catholicism by the Jesuit priest John Gerard. In the autumn of 1605 he was part of a Catholic pilgrimage to the shrine of St Winefride's Well in Holywell. About this time he met Robert Catesby, a religious fanatic who planned to blow up the House of Lords with gunpowder, killing James I. Catesby then planned to incite a popular revolt, during which a Catholic monarch would be restored to the English throne.

     

     

    More history:

    16 May 1412- Giovanni Maria Visconti,duke of Milan was stabbed to death at the door of a church

     

    Today in Tudor History...

     

    16 May 1527 – The Florentines drive out the Medici for a second time and Florence re-establishes itself as a republic.

    16 May 1547 - Protestant German monarch surrenders to Karel in Wittenberg

    16 May 1770-Marriage of Marie Antoinette and the future King Louis XVI of France.

    Today in Tudor History...

     

    source:http://www.thetudorswiki.com/,wikipedia,http://www.british-history.ac.uk/,the anne boleyn files

  • 15 May 1464-Execution of Henry Beaufort, 3rd Duke of Somerset.He was an important Lancastrian military commander during the English Wars of the Roses. He is sometimes numbered the 2nd Duke of Somerset, since the title was re-created for his father after his uncle died. He also held the subsidiary titles of 5th Earl of Somerset, 2nd Marquess of Dorset and 2nd Earl of Dorset.

     

    Today in Tudor History...

     

    15 May 1536

     

     

    Today in Tudor History...

     

     

    Trial of Anne Boleyn and Lord Rocheford

    Record of pleas held at the Tower of London before Thos. duke of Norfolk, treasurer and earl marshal, lord high steward, citing:—

    (1.) Patent appointing the said Duke steward of England hac vice for the trial of queen Anne and lord Rocheford. Westm., 12 May 28 Hen. VIII.

    (2.) Mandate to Sir John Baldewyn, Sir Ric. Lister, Sir John Porte, Sir John Spelman, Sir Walter Luke, Sir Anth. Fitzherbert, Sir Thos. Englefeld, and Sir Will. Shelley, special commissioners of Oyer and Terminer for Middlesex, to return all indictments found against queen Anne and lord Rocheford. Westm., 13 May 28 Hen. VIII.

    (3.) Similar mandate to Sir John Baldewyn, Sir Walter Luke, Sir Anth. Fitzherbert, and Sir Will. Shelley, special commissioners for Kent. Westm., 13 May 28 Hen. VIII.

    (4.) Mandate to Sir Will. Kyngestone, constable of the Tower, to bring queen Anne and lord Rocheford before the Lord High Steward when required. Westm., 13 May 28 Hen. VIII.

    (5.) The Lord High Steward issued his precept, 13 May, to Sir John Baldewyn and his fellows in Middlesex, to return the indictments at the Tower before him on Monday, 15 May, and a similar precept to Sir J. Baldewyn, Luke, and his fellows in Kent; a third precept to the constable of the Tower to bring queen Anne and lord Rocheford that day before him; and a fourth to Ralph Felmyngham, serjeant-at-arms, to summon such and so many lords of the kingdom, peers of the said queen Anne and lord Rocheford, by whom the truth may appear.

    (6.) Pleas held before the duke of Norfolk, steward of England, at the Tower, on Monday, 15 May 28 Hen. VIII.

    The justices bring in the indictments for Middlesex and Kent, Sir Will. Kingston produces the prisoners, and Ralph Felmyngham declares that he has summoned the peers. Proclamation being then made, the peers answer to their names; viz., Charles duke of Suffolk, Hen. marquis of Exeter, Will. earl of Arundel, John earl of Oxford, Hen. earl of Northumberland, Ralph earl of Westmoreland, Edw. earl of Derby, Hen. earl of Worcester, Thos. earl of Rutland, Rob. earl of Sussex, Geo. earl of Huntingdon, John lord Audeley, Thos. lord La Ware, Hen. lord Mountague, Hen. lord Morley, Thos. lord Dacre, Geo. lord Cobham, Hen. lord Maltravers, Edw. lord Powes, Thos. lord Mount Egle, Edw. lord Clynton, Will. lord Sandes, Andrew lord Wyndesore, Thos. lord Wentworth, Thos. lord Burgh, and John lord Mordaunt.

    (7.) Indictment found at Westminster on Wednesday next after three weeks of Easter, 28 Hen. VIII. before Sir John Baldwin, &c., by the oaths of Giles Heron, Roger More, Ric. Awnsham, Thos. Byllyngton, Gregory Lovell, Jo. Worsop, Will. Goddard, Will. Blakwall, Jo. Wylford, Will. Berd, Hen. Hubbylthorn, Will. Hunyng, Rob. Walys, John England, Hen. Lodysman, and John Averey; who present that whereas queen Anne has been the wife of Henry VIII. for three years and more, she, despising her marriage, and entertaining malice against the King, and following daily her frail and carnal lust, did falsely and traitorously procure by base conversations and kisses, touchings, gifts, and other infamous incitations, divers of the King's daily and familiar servants to be her adulterers and concubines, so that several of the King's servants yielded to her vile provocations; viz., on 6th Oct. 25 Hen. VIII., at Westminster, and divers days before and after, she procured, by sweet words, kisses, touches, and otherwise, Hen. Noreys, of Westminster, gentle man of the privy chamber, to violate her, by reason whereof he did so at Westminster on the 12th Oct. 25 Hen. VIII.; and they had illicit intercourse at various other times, both before and after, sometimes by his procurement, and sometimes by that of the Queen. Also the Queen, 2 Nov. 27 Hen. VIII. and several times before and after, at Westminster, procured and incited her own natural brother, Geo. Boleyn, lord Rocheford, gentleman of the privy chamber, to violate her, alluring him with her tongue in the said George's mouth, and the said George's tongue in hers, and also with kisses, presents, and jewels; whereby he, despising the commands of God, and all human laws, 5 Nov. 27 Hen. VIII., violated and carnally knew the said Queen, his own sister, at Westminster; which he also did on divers other days before and after at the same place, sometimes by his own procurement and sometimes by the Queen's. Also the Queen, 3 Dec. 25 Hen. VIII., and divers days before and after, at Westminster, procured one Will. Bryerton, late of Westminster, gentleman of the privy chamber, to violate her, whereby he did so on 8 Dec. 25 Hen. VIII., at Hampton Court, in the parish of Lytel Hampton, and on several other days before and after, sometimes by his own procurement and sometimes by the Queen's. Also the Queen, 8 May 26 Hen. VIII., and at other times before and since, procured Sir Fras. Weston, of Westminster, gentleman of the privy chamber, &c., whereby he did so on the 20 May, &c. Also the Queen, 12 April 26 Hen. VIII., and divers days before and since, at Westminster, procured Mark Smeton, groom of the privy chamber, to violate her, whereby he did so at Westminster, 26 April 27 Hen. VIII.

    Moreover, the said lord Rocheford, Norreys, Bryerton, Weston, and Smeton, being thus inflamed with carnal love of the Queen, and having become very jealous of each other, gave her secret gifts and pledges while carrying on this illicit intercourse; and the Queen, on her part, could not endure any of them to converse with any other woman, without showing great displeasure; and on the 27 Nov. 27 Hen. VIII., and other days before and after, at Westminster, she gave them great gifts to encourage them in their crimes. And further the said Queen and these other traitors, 31 Oct. 27 Hen. VIII., at Westminster, conspired the death and destruction of the King, the Queen often saying she would marry one of them as soon as the King died, and affirming that she would never love the King in her heart. And the King having a short time since become aware of the said abominable crimes and treasons against himself, took such inward displeasure and heaviness, especially from his said Queen's malice and adultery, that certain harms and perils have befallen his royal body.

    And thus the said Queen and the other traitors aforesaid have committed their treasons in contempt of the Crown, and of the issue and heirs of the said King and Queen.

    (8.) Record of indictment and process before Baldewyn, Luke, and others, in co. Kent.

    The indictment found at Deptford, on Thursday, 11 May 28 Hen. VIII., is precisely similar in character to the Middlesex indictment, except as regards times and places; viz., that the Queen at Estgrenewyche, 12 Nov. 25 Hen. VIII., and divers days before and since, allured one Hen. Noreys, late of Est Grenewyche, to violate her, whereby he did so on the 19 Nov., &c.; that on 22 Dec. 27 Hen. VIII., and divers other days, at Eltham, she allured Geo. Boleyn, lord Rocheford, &c., whereby he did so, 29 Dec., &c.; that on the 16 Nov. 25 Hen. VIII., and divers, &c., at Est Grenewyche, she allured one Will. Bryerton, late of Est Grenewyche, &c., whereby he did so, 27 Nov., &c.; that on the 6 June 26 Hen. VIII., &c., at Est Grenewyche, she allured Sir Fras. Weston, &c., whereby he did so, 20 June, &c.; that on the 13 May 26 Hen. VIII. &c., at Est Grenewyche, she allured Mark Smeton, &c., whereby he did so, 19 May 26 Hen. VIII.

    And further that the said Boleyn, &c. grew jealous of each other; and the Queen, to encourage them, at Eltham, 31 Dec. 27 Hen. VIII., and divers times before and since, made them presents, &c.; that the Queen and the others, 8 Jan. 27 Hen. VIII., conspired the King's death, &c., and that she promised to marry one of the traitors whenever the King was dead, affirming she would never love him, &c.

    And afterwards, Monday, 15 May, queen Anne comes to the bar before the Lord High Steward in the Tower, in the custody of Sir Will. Kingston, pleads not guilty, and puts herself on her peers; whereupon the said duke of Suffolk, marquis of Exeter, and other peers, are charged by the High Steward to say the truth; and being examined from the lowest peer to the highest, each of them severally saith that she is guilty.

    Judgment:—To be taken to prison in the Tower, and then, at the King's command, to the Green within the Tower, and there to be burned or beheaded as shall please the King.

    The same day, lord Rocheford is brought before the High Steward in the custody of Sir Will. Kingston, and pleads not guilty. The peers are charged, with the exception of the earl of Northumberland, who was suddenly taken ill, and each of them severally saith that he is guilty.

    Judgment:—To be taken to prison in the Tower, and then drawn through the city of London, to the gallows at Tyburn, &c., as usual in high treason.

    Today in Tudor History...

    Original parchment record of the trial of Anne Boleyn and her brother, George Boleyn

     

    Anne and George Boleyn were tried separately in the Tower of London.The Duke of Norfolk, pronounced the sentence:

    “Because thou hast offended against our sovereign the King’s Grace in committing treason against his person, and here attainted of the same, the law of the realm is this, that thou hast deserved death, and thy judgment is tis: that thou shalt be burned here within the Tower of London on the Green, else to have thy head smitten off, as the King’s pleasure shall be further known of the same.” 

    She was accused of adultery, incest, and high treason.By the Treason Act of Edward III, adultery on the part of a queen was a form of treason (presumably because of the implications for the succession to the throne) for which the penalty was hanging, drawing and quartering for a man and burning alive for a woman, but the accusations, and especially that of incestuous adultery, were also designed to impugn her moral character. The other form of treason alleged against her was that of plotting the king's death, with her "lovers", so that she might later marry Henry Norris.Henry Percy, 6th Earl of Northumberland sat on the jury that found Anne guilty. When the verdict was announced, he collapsed and had to be carried from the courtroom.

    After Anne received the sentence , she addressed the court:

    “My lords, I will not say your sentence is unjust, nor presume that my reasons can prevail against your convictions. I am willing to believe that you have sufficient reasons for what you have done; but then they must be other than those which have been produced in court, for I am clear of all the offences which you then laid to my charge. I have ever been a faithful wife to the King, though I do not say I have always shown him that humility which his goodness to me, and the honours to which he raised me, merited. I confess I have had jealous fancies and suspicions of him, which I had not discretion enough, and wisdom, to conceal at all times. But God knows, and is my witness, that I have not sinned against him in any other way. Think not I say this in the hope to prolong my life, for He who saveth from death hath taught me how to die, and He will strengthen my faith. Think not, however, that I am so bewildered in my mind as not to lay the honour of my chastity to heart now in mine extremity, when I have maintained it all my life long, much as ever queen did. I know these, my last words, will avail me nothing but for the justification of my chastity and honour. As for my brother and those others who are unjustly condemned, I would willingly suffer many deaths to deliver them, but since I see it so pleases the King, I shall willingly accompany them in death, with this assurance, that I shall lead an endless life with them in peace and joy, where I will pray to God for the King and for you, my lords.”

     

    George stood trial a few hours after Anne . As Anne had been found guilty before George had stood trial he too was pre-judged because he could hardly be acquitted when his sister had already been found guilty of incest. The order of the trials had been very cleverly arranged to ensure the difficult case against George could not realistically fail

     

    Cranmer declared Anne's marriage to Henry null and void

    Today in Tudor History...

    Charles V. to Chapuys.

    We send with this other letters of ours, written for the purpose of being shown to Cromwell and the Council, and even to the King if you think fit, but you must not deliver a copy or let them out of your hands. In them we refer to our previous letters, in order that you may add or diminish as the state of matters requires. If the King consent to treat we wish you to follow substantially our previous letters, and, if there be any difficulty and you cannot do better, you are to temporise, either on the pretext of communicating with us, or otherwise, so that the King may not directly or indirectly assist France, without further pretending to the king of England that Francis can be induced to forbear from war for any reason but want of power, and we trust we are strong enough to withstand him. Moreover, we think that in this the king of England would think he had done much for us, and would become more intractable in other matters.

    Hannaert has written to Granvelle on the 9th that he had just heard that the king of England's concubine had been surprised in bed with the King's organist. If this be so, as it is very probable that God has permitted it after her damnable life, we think the King will be more inclined to treat, especially as regards our cousin; but you must use great dexterity lest the King intend a marriage in France, and that he should rather choose one of his own subjects, either the one with whom he is in love or some other. We trust that if there be anything in it you will let us know with diligence. We send letters of credence for you for the dukes of Richmond, Norfolk, and Suffolk, and also for Cromwell, such as you will see by the copies. Pontremulo, 15 May 1536.

    P.S.—Since the above was written your man George has arrived, who confirms the news touching the King's concubine, and, as we suppose that the King will put her and her accomplices to death and take another wife, as he is of amorous complexion and always desires to have a male child, and as on the side of France they will not fail to offer him a match, you will suggest, when you can, to him or Cromwell, a marriage with the Infanta of Portugal, daughter of our sister the queen of France, who has 400,000 ducats dowry by testament. Another marriage might be arranged for the Infant Don Loys of Portugal, our brother-in-law, with the princess of England. You must point out to them that these matches would be very expedient, both to remove past scruples and to promote strict amity between us, him, and Portugal, and would be very advantageous to England in case the King should have a male child by this marriage, as he may reasonably hope from the youth and bringing up of the Infanta. If you see the King not inclined to these marriages you might propose one between the King and our niece, the duchess dowager of Milan, a beautiful young lady, well brought up and with a good dowry; treating at the same time of the other marriage between Don Loys and our cousin. But we should greatly prefer the former match with the Infanta, for the good of both, and in order to be able to dispose of our niece of Milan otherwise. Bersel, 15 May 1536.

    Today in Tudor History...

    15 May 1537 – Thomas Darcy, 1st Baron Darcy de Darcy, and John Hussey, 1st Baron Hussey of Sleaford, were tried for treason at Westminster after being implicated in the Pilgrimage of Grace.

    Today in Tudor History...

    15 may 1556-John Knox, the Scottish Reformer, appeared in Edinburgh to face heresy charges.

    15 May 1567 - Marriage of Mary Stuart and James Hepburn, Earl of Bothwell

    Today in Tudor History...

     

    source:wikipedia,http://www.onthisdayintudorhistory.com/,http://www.british-history.ac.uk/,http://queentohistory.blogspot.fr/,facebook.com/theanneboleynfiles

     


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