Francis Weston
Sir Francis Weston entered the world in 1511 as the only son of Sir Richard Weston. His father held estates at Ufton Court in Berkshire and Sutton Place in Surrey. Sir Richard served King Henry VIII as Governor of Guernsey, Treasurer of Calais, and Under-Treasurer of the Exchequer. Francis's mother was Anne Sandys, daughter of Oliver Sandys of Shere in Dorking, Surrey. An uncle named Sir William Weston died in 1540 as the last Prior of the Order of St John in England. This family lineage traced back to high office within the Knights Hospitallers for generations.
In 1526, a fifteen-year-old Francis appeared on court lists as a page. He stood twenty years younger than King Henry VIII yet quickly became a minor member of the royal circle. Records show him beating the monarch at bowls, tennis, and dice games. By 1532 he received appointment as Gentleman of the Privy Chamber. This role granted him close daily access to the king himself. The following year he earned knighthood during Anne Boleyn's coronation as Knight of the Bath.
Francis wed Anne Pickering in 1530. She was the daughter of Sir Christopher Pickering of Killington in Cumberland. An oak marriage chest bearing carved heads of both spouses survives today in Saffron Walden Museum in Essex. Their union produced one son and one daughter before his death. Henry Weston born in 1535 became heir to his grandfather Sir Richard at age six. Daughter Anne later married Francis Keilway. Following Francis's execution, Anne remarried Sir Henry Knyvet of Charlton in Wiltshire who served as Master of the Jewel Office.
Thomas Cromwell instructed four ladies attending Queen Anne Boleyn to report on her actions after arrest. Mistress Coffin recorded Anne reprimanding Weston for flirting with Madge Shelton. Madge remained betrothed to fellow courtier Henry Norris when these events unfolded. Anne asked Weston why Norris had not yet married Madge. Weston replied that Norris came more to her chamber for her than for Madge. This conversation appeared in a letter from Sir William Kingston to Cromwell shortly after Anne's arrest. Weston himself did not face arrest until a day or two after the queen.
Francis faced charges of adultery with Queen Anne Boleyn, treason, and plotting to kill the king. He denied all accusations but protests proved without avail. Evidence supporting the claims against him remains dubious according to historical records. His father offered everything the family possessed to secure a pardon. Lancelot de Carle wrote that no one dared plead for Weston except his mother and wife. His mother petitioned the King while oppressed with grief. His wife offered rents and goods for his deliverance. Francis was beheaded on Tower Hill on the 17th of May 1536 alongside George Boleyn, Viscount Rochford, William Brereton, Henry Norris, and Mark Smeaton.
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Common questions
Who was Francis Weston and what was his family background?
Sir Francis Weston entered the world in 1511 as the only son of Sir Richard Weston. His father held estates at Ufton Court in Berkshire and Sutton Place in Surrey.
When did Francis Weston become a Gentleman of the Privy Chamber?
By 1532 he received appointment as Gentleman of the Privy Chamber. This role granted him close daily access to the king himself.
What happened to Francis Weston on the 17th of May 1536?
Francis was beheaded on Tower Hill on the 17th of May 1536 alongside George Boleyn, Viscount Rochford, William Brereton, Henry Norris, and Mark Smeaton.
Why was Francis Weston executed by King Henry VIII?
Francis faced charges of adultery with Queen Anne Boleyn, treason, and plotting to kill the king. He denied all accusations but protests proved without avail.
How many children did Francis Weston have before his death?
Their union produced one son and one daughter before his death. Henry Weston born in 1535 became heir to his grandfather Sir Richard at age six.