The Wyatt family – Sir Henry Wyatt, a loyal supporter of Henry VII, his poet son Sir Thomas Wyatt the Elder, and his dedicated daughter Margaret Wyatt were key players in the tumultuous world of Tudor England.
From political intrigue and imprisonment to pioneering literary contributions and unwavering loyalty, the Wyatts’ story offers a compelling look at the personal and political dramas of the Tudor court. Join us as we uncover the rich tapestry of their lives and their enduring impact on history.
This is episode 241 and it’s a listener request episode on the Wyatts specifically the first patriarch during the Tudor period at least, Henry Wyatt and then his children Thomas Wyatt and Margaret Wyatt so we are going to talk about the Wyatt family today. Henry Wyatt was apparently kept alive by a cat so you know that’s random and we will get into it we will talk about it today.
We’re going to start with Henry Wyatt, the patriarch during our period of course, there were other patriarchs during other parts of the family’s history but we are interested in the Tudor part of the family’s history so we’re going to start with Henry who was born in Yorkshire around 1460.
Henry Wyatt
His early life was marked by his support of the Lancastrian cause. This of course is during the period of the Wars of the Roses. So he was very loyal to the Lancastrian faction which led him to become a prominent supporter of Henry Tudor, the future Henry VII. Now in 1483, he was involved in the Duke of Buckingham’s revolt against Richard III this was the revolt where the Duke of Buckingham wanted to place Henry Tudor on the throne.
Henry Tudor was going to come across the channel but there were bad storms. He wasn’t able to get across, the whole thing just fell apart, the revolt was unsuccessful, and there were very severe consequences. Buckingham was killed and Wyatt was put in the Tower of London. So apparently his time in captivity has become the stuff of legends.
There are many stories of the harsh treatment that he endured and his endurance during that time he was allegedly tortured. There are accounts suggesting that he was racked that he had horse-barnacles applied to his mouth and was force-fed mustard and vinegar.
Apparently though a very famous legend is that a cat brought him pigeons to eat which helped him to survive through the harsh conditions of his imprisonment. So needless to say, the veracity of these stories is up for grabs but it does underscore the fact that this Henry Wyatt was not somebody to be messed with.
He had some resilience and he faced some brutality and he came out of it on the other side still alive maybe having fed on pigeons that were brought to him from a cat. Stranger things have happened in the world. I don’t know I’m not going to question it cats are pretty awesome and intelligent creatures so I don’t know if it’s true or not. I’m not going to debate that, but let’s talk about what happened to Henry when Richard III died and Henry VII ascended to the throne.
Legacies and Contributions
Following the Battle of Bosworth, Richard is defeated, Wyatt is released from prison, and his loyalty to Henry Tudor is richly rewarded. He joined Henry VII’s court and he rose rapidly through the ranks, reflecting the new King’s appreciation for his unwavering support.
So Henry appointed Wyatt to several very prestigious positions, recognizing his talent and his loyalty, he was made the keeper and later the constable of Norwich Castle which was a role that he held for life. He also became the Master of the King’s Jewels which was a position he held for 34 years and he was the Controller of the Mint where he played a very crucial role in reorganizing the mint and the coinage.
His expertise and his reliability made him a trusted adviser and key figure in the administration of Henry VII’s government. Wyatt’s contributions extended beyond administrative duties. He served as the joint executive of Henry VII’s will, ensuring that the King’s last wishes were carried out.
His military prowess was also recognized. In 1513, he was appointed Governor of Carlisle where he was responsible for defending the border against the Scots. So this role then also highlights his strategic importance in maintaining the kingdom’s security. So this guy was just everywhere doing a lot of different things after Henry VII ascends to the throne.
He stays in service at Henry’s coronation. Wyatt was made a Knight of the Bath which further cemented his status as a distinguished and trusted courtier. His career under two Tudor monarchs exemplifies his adaptability and the high regard in which he was held both as a loyal servant and as a capable leader.
Henry Wyatt’s life was marked not only by his political and Military contributions but also by his significant domestic achievements. In 1502, he married Anne Skinner. He was already a little bit older by this point. He was in his 40’s. This began a very prosperous and influential period in his life.
One of the most notable accomplishments during this time was the purchase and renovation of Allington Castle which had been acquired from the trustees of Robert Gainsford in 1492. The castle was in a state of disrepair, Wyatt and his son undertook extensive renovations to restore and enhance its grandeur.
His wife Anne would have also been involved with that work, so it was a family job, but these improvements included the installation of large Tudor windows, a ladies bower, a new fireplace, a long gallery, a new kitchen, and a staircase. So these changes not only improved the Castle’s aesthetic appeal but also made it a comfortable residence suitable for hosting high-profile visitors.
Allington Castle became a significant site for notable interactions with key figures of the Tudor court. Among its distinguished visitors were people like Henry VIII and Cardinal Wolsey which again shows why its prominent position and the Castle’s importance as a social and political hub, why its connections extended to influential personalities like Sir Thomas Boleyn, father of Anne Boleyn, showing how deeply entangled he was in the political and social fabric of the time.
Henry Wyatt’s administrative capabilities were also equally impressive as the Treasurer of the King’s Chamber, he was responsible for raising funds for various military campaigns, showcasing his financial acumen and trustworthiness. His role in the privy council, particularly as a member of the select body, positioned him at the heart of Tudor governance where he was involved in critical decision-making processes.
Additionally, he played a crucial role in the disillusion of lesser monasteries, a significant event during the Reformation through which he acquired lands in Essex and Milton. These acquisitions not only increased his wealth but also cemented his influence in the region.
Henry Wyatt’s career came to a close in 1528 when he resigned from his official post. He spent his final years at Allington Castle passing away in 1536. He was nearly 80 years old. He was buried at Milton near Gravesend. Leaving behind a legacy of loyalty to the Tudors, service, and contributions to the dynasty.
Myths and Legends
Now Henry Wyatt has been wrapped up in a lot of different myths and legends, many of which have been debunked by historians. The most famous of these is his alleged imprisonment and torture in the Tower of London by Richard III. Contemporary research suggests that Wyatt’s imprisonment likely occurred in Scotland, not in the Tower of London, and many of the torture stories while colorful, lack verifiable evidence, like the cat.
Despite these myths, the core of Wyatt’s resilience and loyalty, the truth of that is still intact now. Wyatt’s role in the transition from the Wars of the Roses to the establishment of the Tudor Dynasty is of considerable historical significance. He was like one of these bridge figures. So he saw a lot of different things happen. He came of age during the Wars of the Roses and then bridged that gap and was still alive buying lands during the Reformation. So that is an amazing life to have lived.
Sir Thomas Wyatt
Now we’re going to talk about his son Sir Thomas Wyatt the Elder, poet, courtier, and and court intriguer. So Thomas Wyatt was born in 1503 and was the eldest son of Sir Henry Wyatt and Anne Skinner. He had two siblings. There was a younger brother Henry who died in infancy probably, and also a Sister Margaret who we’ll talk about in a second. Thomas’s education began at St John’s College, Cambridge where he demonstrated early promise as a scholar and poet.
His education provided him with a strong foundation in classical literature and languages which of course would later influence his literary works. Now he did grow up knowing the Boleyns in childhood, that’s an important thing to know about him because of all the different rumors that he might have. He had a love affair with Anne Boleyn early on.
Of all of the people who were accused, he is probably the one for which there is the most evidence of something having happened and he and George Boleyn and Anne all would have come into contact with each other and have seen each other around during their childhoods as well. So that’s important to know too.
His career in court did begin under the reign of Henry VIII. Of course, in 1520, his charm, his intelligence, and his education earned him favor with the King. His diplomatic skills were soon put to use in several important missions. Coincidentally just as Henry was wooing Anne and wanted any potential competitors out of the way in 1526, he was sent to Spain where he observed the court of Charles I.
This experience exposed him to the political and cultural complexities of the time, enriching his understanding of European politics. Then in 1527, he went to Italy. This was a particularly influential trip in his development as a poet. He encountered the works of Petrarch for the first time. The themes and the structures of Petrarch’s poetry left a lasting impact on Wyatt, inspiring him to adapt the sonnet form for English literature.
Like I said one of the most notable aspects of Wyatt’s court life was his relationship with Anne while the exact nature of their relationship is a matter of historical debate, it’s widely believed that Wyatt harbored very strong feelings for Anne. His poems are filled with longing and admiration and suggest an emotional connection that transcended more courtly affection.
I did do an episode I think it was actually a members-only episode for YouTube members and Patreon members on a deep dive into Thomas and Anne and what the evidence says about their relationship and basically the gist is Anne does make an appearance in his poetry and he clearly had some feelings for her that were very deep.
Anne Boleyn’s rise and fall were closely intertwined with Wyatt’s fortunes as Anne became Henry VII’s queen, Wyatt’s position at court was both bolstered and threatened. His proximity to Anne brought him favor but it also entangled him in the dangerous political intrigue surrounding her.
When Anne was accused of adultery and treason in 1536, Wyatt was among those arrested and imprisoned in the Tower of London. Although he was eventually released, this period of imprisonment left a lasting mark on him as of course it would.
Thomas Wyatt’s literary contributions though are significant and that’s really what he probably should be remembered for. Particularly his introduction of the sonnet form to English literature. So he adapted the form from Petrarch, making it accessible to an English audience and setting the stage for future poets like Shakespeare.
Wyatt’s poetry often explored themes of love, longing, and the complexities of court life. His Works include “Whoso List to Hunt”, believed to reflect his feelings for Anne Boleyn, and “They Flee From Me”, which contemplates the transient nature of relationships. The Whoso List to Hunt is possibly one of the biggest pieces of evidence of his relationship with Anne Boleyn. It ends with:
Who list her hunt, I put him out of doubt,
As well as I may spend his time in vain.
And graven with diamonds in letters plain
There is written, her fair neck round about:
Noli me tangere, for Caesar’s I am,
And wild for to hold, though I seem tame.
Wyatt’s influence extended beyond his own works. He played a pivotal role in the development of English Renaissance poetry. He’s credited with bridging the gap between medieval and modern poetic forms. His experimentation with verse and his blending of Italian and English styles enriched the literary landscape of his time. And like I said, set the stage for Shakespeare and later poets.
Thomas Wyatt did marry Elizabeth Brook in 1520. The couple had one child, a son named Thomas Wyatt the Younger. Their marriage however was tumultuous, marked by separations and reconciliations. Elizabeth Brooke was a notable figure in her own right.
After the execution of Katherine Howard, rumors circulated that Henry VIII actually might consider her as a potential wife, although these rumors never materialized into reality. They highlight just how impressive Elizabeth was, that she was someone who would have caught the eye of Henry. The fact that there are even rumors shows that you know she was somebody who could have been considered.
Thomas Wyatt actually went to the Tower of London a second time. Then he was implicated in 1541 in another plot against Henry and the specific circumstances around this accusation remain pretty obscure but it’s believed that his close association with high-profile figures at court and the volatile political climate made him a target of suspicion.
During this period in 1541, this is after Cromwell has been put to death, things are really up in the air. There’s a lot of factionalism, there’s a lot of back and forth, and Wyatt’s earlier connections including his relationship with Anne Boleyn, his interactions that he had with the Seymours and other influential families may have contributed to the mistrust against him.
The precise nature of the conspiracy is unclear but there were allegations of treason and disloyalty to Henry VII. So Wyatt was arrested and confined to the Tower in 1541. He maintained his innocence but the charges against him were serious enough to warrant his detention.
He was eventually released from the Tower largely due to the intervention of his influential friends and his own protestations of loyalty to the King. But his health had suffered significantly due to the harsh conditions of imprisonment and even though he was pardoned, the Experience left a lasting impact on him.
He continued to serve Henry but was under a cloud of suspicion until he died in 1542. He was only 39 and his death marked the end of a tumultuous yet impactful life. Posthumously, his reputation grew as his poetry gained recognition and appreciation. He was remembered not only as a pioneering poet but also as a courtier who navigated the treacherous waters of Henry VII’s court with a blend of wit charm and resilience.
Margaret Wyatt
Now let’s talk about Margaret, the lady-in-waiting and loyal sister. Margaret was born around 1506 and she grew up on an estate near her the home of the Boleyn family. Although there’s no solid documentary evidence, it is speculated that Margaret and Anne may have known each other from childhood because they were very close to each other in proximity physically and that she had encountered Thomas, so the siblings all probably knew each other now of course
Not a lot is known about Margaret’s life early on in her education but in 1532 she did marry Sir Anthony Lee who was a respected courtier and soldier. So their marriage was fruitful, they had nine children including Henry Lee. Henry Lee would later become a notable courtier and Elizabeth I’s champion
The Lee family’s status and Margaret’s role at court solidified her position within the Tudor aristocracy. So Margaret served as a lady-in-waiting to Anne Boleyn when she was Queen which was a position of course of significant status and influence.
She’s believed to have held the position of Mistress of the Queen Wardrobe, granting her daily proximity to the Queen. This role would have placed her at the center of the Tudor court’s intricate social and political dynamics.
She did also accompany Anne on her journey to Calais which some speculate made her a witness to Anne and Henry’s secret wedding ceremony. Although there’s no contemporary evidence to confirm this, it is what the lore says, and it is kind of something that’s come down through word of mouth through the years, so who knows.
Also one of the enduring traditions about Margaret Wyatt is her unwavering loyalty to Anne. It said that she was present at Anne’s execution, standing by her side on the scaffold. According to a manuscript written by Thomas Wyatt’s grandson, Anne gave Margaret a prayer book inscribed with the words:
“Remember me when you do pray,
that hope doth lead from day to day.”
This poignant gesture highlights the deep bond and loyalty between the two women. Again some historians question whether or not this is true. Whether it is or isn’t, either way, it does reflect the enduring narrative of loyalty and friendship that characterizes Margaret’s legacy.
Margaret Wyatt’s later years were marked by her continued influence and the legacy of her children. So she died in 1555 and she was commemorated in an elegy by the poet Grimald. So the funeral elegy which is called An Epitaph of the Lady Margaret Lee, suggests that the reader should “Man, by a woman learn, this life what we may call.” It talks about her “blood, friendship, beauty, and youth”, and her other qualities. She was buried alongside her husband in Querrendon Chapel which now lies in ruins.
When Elizabeth I ascended to the throne, she favored her Boleyn relatives and their surviving friends. Margaret’s son Sir Henry Lee served as Elizabeth’s champion at her coronation which was a testament to the enduring ties between the Wyatt and Boleyn families.
Elizabeth’s recognition of Margaret’s son likely honored the bonds of friendship and loyalty that characterized Margaret’s life and service at court. So Margaret Wyatt’s story, less documented than that of her brother Thomas, remains a testament to the intricate personal and political relationships in the Tudor court.
So the Wyatt family really we mentioned a couple of times them being like a bridge. Henry was the first one who was the bridge between the Wars of the Roses to then having a life that lived all the way until the Reformation. And then Thomas Wyatt was a bridge in terms of poetry from the medieval poems to the more modern ones.
So they were definitely a family that was part of this transition. They also have a compelling narrative of loyalty, service, and resilience whether or not he was kept alive by a cat, I’m just obsessed with the cat story, I’m just going to admit that right now. I’m going to keep thinking about this cat bringing pigeons to Henry.
But anyway, whether or not that happened, Henry Wyatt did clearly support Henry Tudor during the end of the Wars of the Roses and was there for Henry’s rise, was one of the early supporters, and then continued to serve Henry VIII.
And then Thomas Wyatt the Elder expanded the family’s legacy through his pioneering literary works and his intricate involvement in the politics of Henry VIII’s court as a diplomat. As a poet, Thomas introduced the sonnet form to English literature and left an indelible mark on the English Renaissance.
Despite his premature death, Thomas Wyatt’s poetic contributions and his embodiment of the courtier/poet archetype, continue to be celebrated. Then Margaret Wyatt the less prominently known, exemplified loyalty and service as a lady-in-waiting to Anne. Her close association with the Queen and her presence during Anne’s final days, highlight the personal bonds and emotional stakes of the Tudor court.
Margaret’s Legacy through her children and the continued favor of the Elizabethan court reflects the enduring impact of the Wyatt family’s service and connections. So I think in the next episode I’ll go to the next level, so Henry Lee and and Thomas Wyatt the Younger as well and kind of talk about Henry Wyatt’s grandchildren and the next generation.
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Heather Teysko is the creator, writer, and producer of The Renaissance English History Podcast, one of the longest running indie history podcasts, going since 2009. She's been writing about history online for over 25 years, since her first site on Colonial American history became number one in history on Yahoo in 1998. She writes books, created the original Tudor Planner (a yearly diary filled with Tudor history) and in 2019 created the world's first Tudorcon (you can "attend" online this year!). She has been passionate about Tudor England since she first read Alison Weir's The Six Wives of Henry VIII 20 years ago, and subsequently moved to London after college to spend her time immersed in Tudor history.