The Tudor Society

  • 8 December – Anne Boleyn’s Master of the Horse

    3 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    On this day in Tudor history, 8th December 1538, courtier and Master of the Horse to Queens Anne Boleyn and Jane Seymour, Sir William Coffin, died at Standon in Hertfordshire.

    It is thought that he died of the plague because his wife Margaret wrote to Thomas Cromwell saying that Coffin had “died of the great sickness, full of God’s marks all over his body”.

    Who was Sir William Coffin and what did the Master of the Horse do?

    Find out in today’s talk.

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  • The Three Great Officers of Henry VIII’s Court by Sarah Bryson

    8 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    Portrait of William Paulet, 1st Marquess of Winchester, holding the white staff of the office of Lord High Treasurer

    William Paulet, Lord Chamberlain and Lord Steward

    William Paulet, Lord Chamberlain and Lord Steward

    During the reign of Henry VIII, the Royal Household was divided into three departments. These departments were the household above stairs, otherwise known as the "Chamber" or domus magnificentiae; the household below stairs, or domus providentiae, which included the kitchens and domestic responsibilities; and that which was located outside of the household such as the stables. The men responsible for these three departments were the Lord Chamberlain, the Lord Steward and the Master of the Horse. These three men were considered to be the ‘Great Officers’ of the King's court.
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