Common questions about Elizabeth Blount

Short answers, pulled from the story.

Who was Elizabeth Blount and what was her family background?

Elizabeth Blount was the daughter of Sir John Blount and Katherine Peshall of Kinlet in Shropshire. Her parents were united in a childhood marriage in 1491 when John was seven years old and Katherine was a young heiress. The Blounts were landed gentry with deep historical resonance in the Severn valley near the Clee Hills.

When did Elizabeth Blount become the mistress of Henry VIII?

The relationship between Elizabeth Blount and Henry VIII began in 1514 or 1515 and lasted for approximately eight years. She arrived at court as a maid-of-honour to Katherine of Aragon by the spring of 1512 and became the King's preferred dancing partner.

Who was Henry FitzRoy and when was he born?

Henry FitzRoy was the only acknowledged illegitimate child of Henry VIII born to Elizabeth Blount on the 15th of June 1519. He was later created Duke of Richmond and Somerset and Earl of Nottingham and died on the 23rd of July 1536.

When did Elizabeth Blount marry Gilbert Tailboys and how many children did they have?

Elizabeth Blount entered an arranged marriage with Gilbert Tailboys, 1st Baron Tailboys of Kyme, in 1522. The couple settled in Lincolnshire and had three children including Elizabeth Tailboys, George Tailboys, and Robert Tailboys.

When did Elizabeth Blount die and what was the cause of her death?

Elizabeth Blount died shortly after July 1540, traditionally asserted to be from consumption. She was not buried with either husband and returned to her husband's estates before her death.