Henry Norris (courtier)
Henry Norris arrived into a world fractured by the Wars of the Roses. His grandfather Sir William Norris fought at the Battle of Stoke Field on the 16th of June 1487. This battle marked the conclusion of decades of civil war between the Houses of York and Lancaster. Historical records offer conflicting accounts regarding Henry's parentage. Many sources state he was the second son of Sir Edward Norris of Yattendon Castle in Berkshire. They claim his mother was Lady Frideswide Lovell, daughter of John Lovel, 8th Baron Lovel. Other historians like Eric Ives argue Henry was born later in the 1490s as the son of Richard Norris. Richard was Edward's younger brother but fathered only one daughter named Anne. If Henry were Richard's son he would have inherited the manor of Great Shefford around 1522. Since he did not inherit that property it is likely Ives was incorrect about the lineage. All sources agree that his maternal uncle Francis Lovell disappeared mysteriously after the Battle of Stoke Field.
Anne Boleyn fell out of favour with the king in early 1536. Henry Norris as a close confidant and supporter was immediately put at risk. The threat grew from negotiations being carried out with the French ambassador at Greenwich on the 18th of April 1536. Thomas Cromwell decided Anne and her associates stood in the way of his goals. With the King's approval he began to secure evidence for charges of treason against Anne Norris and four other courtiers. These included Mark Smeaton William Brereton Sir Francis Weston and Anne's brother George. Norris was accused of being solicited by Anne at Westminster on the 6th of October 1533. He faced further accusations of adultery on the 12th of October and again at Greenwich in November. The prosecution chose dates that appear improbable and careless today. At that time Anne was in Greenwich recovering from the birth of Elizabeth on the 7th of September. A catch-all charge claimed she committed adultery at diverse times and places. Most historians believe all these specific charges were fabrications
designed to remove Anne from power.
A grand jury assembled at Westminster Hall on the 9th of May to review the case. Chief Justice John Baldwin presided over six judicial colleagues who decided there was a case to answer. On the 10th of May Baldwin went to Deptford where a Kent jury found grounds for events at Greenwich. Cromwell arranged the trial for Norris and three others who were not higher nobility. The trial took place in Westminster Hall on the 12th of May. The jury was packed with people hostile to Anne Boleyn or holding personal enmity toward the accused. Thomas Boleyn Anne's father sat among them along with her uncle the Duke of Norfolk. Henry Percy 6th Earl of Northumberland also served as a juror. Sir William Paulet controller of the King's household acted as one of the judges. All four men pleaded not guilty except Mark Smeaton who had been tortured into pleading guilty to one charge. The accused improvised their defences without any defence counsel or advance warning
of evidence. Hostile prosecutors secured a guilty verdict against all four defendants. They were sentenced to be hanged drawn and quartered before the sentence was commuted to beheading by axe.
The execution was carried out on the 17th of May 1536 on Tower Hill. Unlike other accused courtiers Norris said little on the scaffold regarding his innocence. He did not risk reimposition of the harsher method of execution through silence. Queen Elizabeth I always honoured his memory according to Sir Robert Naunton. She believed he died in a noble cause and in justification of her mother's innocence. Henry VIII took possession of Norris's house Parlaunt at Langley Marish after the death. When Henry married Anne of Cleves in 1540 furnishings from Parlaunt moved to Oatlands Palace. Norris's gross annual income combined with private sources raised his total wealth to £1327 15s 7d. This figure made him wealthier than many nobility of his time despite his tragic end. His son Henry Norris became 1st Baron Norreys of Rycote around 1525. That son was educated alongside Mary Boleyn's son Henry Carey during
their youth.
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Common questions
Who was Henry Norris courtier and what was his family background?
Henry Norris was an English courtier born in the 1490s as the second son of Sir Edward Norris of Yattendon Castle. His mother was Lady Frideswide Lovell, daughter of John Lovel, 8th Baron Lovell.
When did Henry Norris die and how was he executed?
The execution was carried out on the 17th of May 1536 on Tower Hill. He was sentenced to be hanged drawn and quartered before the sentence was commuted to beheading by axe.
Why was Henry Norris accused of treason in 1536?
Thomas Cromwell decided Anne Boleyn and her associates stood in the way of his goals so he began to secure evidence for charges of treason against Norris. The prosecution claimed Norris committed adultery with Anne at Westminster on the 6th of October 1533 and again at Greenwich in November.
Where did the trial of Henry Norris take place in May 1536?
The trial took place in Westminster Hall on the 12th of May. A grand jury assembled at Westminster Hall on the 9th of May to review the case while Chief Justice John Baldwin presided over six judicial colleagues.
How much wealth did Henry Norris possess during his lifetime?
Henry Norris gross annual income combined with private sources raised his total wealth to £1327 15s 7d. This figure made him wealthier than many nobility of his time despite his tragic end.