6 July – Margaret Clement, Sir Thomas More’s adopted daughter

On this day in Tudor history, 6th July 1570, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, Margaret Clement (née Giggs), adopted daughter of Sir Thomas More, died in Mechelen.

Find out more about Margaret Clement, what Sir Thomas More had bequeathed her, and how she had helped some imprisoned priests, in this latest edition of #TudorHistoryShorts...

On this day in Tudor history, Tuesday 6th July 1535, Henry VIII’s former friend and Lord Chancellor, Sir Thomas More, was beheaded on Tower Hill as a traitor.

In today's talk, I share accounts of his execution, including one that gives real insight into More's personality, with his black humour on the scaffold.

I also give details on the fate of Sir Thomas More's head and what his daughter, Margaret Roper, did with it.

Also on this day in Tudor history, 6th July 1553, fifteen-year-old King Edward VI died at Greenwich Palace leaving the throne to his cousin's eldest daughter, Lady Jane Grey.

Find out more about Edward's final illness and last days, his “Devise for the Succession”, and Lady Jane Grey's reaction at being told that she was Edward’s successor...