Privy chamber
King Henry VII created the privy chamber in 1485 as a private apartment within royal residences. This new space allowed him to separate his personal life from the public court. By the time his son Henry VIII took the throne, the institution had become fully established with its own staff. The Privy Chamber contained the king's bedroom, library, study, and lavatory. It developed further under Henry VIII through reforms between 1518 and 1536. An extract from the Ordinances of Eltham dated January 1526 shows how the nature of this chamber was officially ordered. These gentlemen were noble-born servants who waited on the King in private settings. They also attended various court activities and entertainments alongside their duties. Six of these gentlemen were appointed by the Lord Chamberlain to handle foreign ambassadors publicly.
Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber held higher status than Grooms of the Privy Chamber below them. A gentleman received fifty pounds annually while a groom earned only twenty pounds per year. Gentlemen ushers made thirty pounds yearly for their service. The six principal gentlemen arrived at seven o'clock or earlier each morning to attend upon the King. They dressed His Majesty in garments chosen by royal pleasure. No other person could touch the King's body except those six gentlemen unless commanded otherwise. Ordinary gentlemen numbered twenty-six during Edward VI's reign while six principal gentlemen served as close intimates. All ordinary gentlemen except Barnaby were ten to fifteen years older than the young King. These men belonged to what historians call the Ordinary of the King's Honorable House rather than the smaller group established under Henry VIII.
Access to the Privy Chamber provided real influence over state affairs according to Penry Williams. Maintaining verbal contact with the King required control of his private lodgings. Sir John Gates emerged as a political figure based within the privy chamber during Edward VI's later reign. He controlled access to the young king on behalf of the Duke of Northumberland. John Fowler indirectly maintained Thomas Seymour's control by accepting bribes and allowing repeated contact between them. Some courtiers like Sir Philip Hoby acted as diplomats and intriguers from this position. Others such as Henry Stanley confessed to being employed by Somerset as spies. The number of office holders increased partly to accommodate outsiders recognizing advantages near the King. Occasionally access contributed to downfall as seen with Thomas Wolsey. Gentlemen shared characteristics including the king's religion and personal favor.
Sir William Compton held the position of Groom of the Stool from 1509 until his death in 1528. This role involved cleaning the monarch after defecation yet remained an honorable service. Sir Henry Norris served from 1526 until he was beheaded for High Treason in 1536. Sir Thomas Heneage took office from 1536 through 1546 before passing away. Sir Anthony Denny held the post from 1546 to 1547 while Sir Michael Stanhope served from 1547 until his execution in 1552. The position became increasingly influential especially during King Henry's old age when physical assistance was needed greatly. Despite handling royal excretion the service carried high standing within the household hierarchy. These men provided essential physical help that no other servant could offer.
Queen Mary's household included seven Ladies and thirteen Gentlewomen alongside half a dozen Gentlemen and Grooms at her death. Elizabeth I reduced male staff numbers further to just two members: one Gentleman and one Groom. James VI of Scotland became king of England in 1603 bringing different Scottish court institutions. His varlets of the chalmer transformed into grooms of the bedchamber under new arrangements. Some English courtiers like John Fortescue lost positions resisting appointment of Scottish courtiers. The new Privy Chamber formed in May 1603 contained forty-eight gentlemen with twelve serving simultaneously. Ludovic Stewart served as Chamberlain while Sir Thomas Erskine managed operations directly. John Murray of Bedchamber emerged as an influential courtier and conduit for patronage. New grooms held lower family status than Elizabeth's but ushers enjoyed some superiority over them.
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Common questions
When did King Henry VII create the privy chamber?
King Henry VII created the privy chamber in 1485 as a private apartment within royal residences. This new space allowed him to separate his personal life from the public court.
What reforms occurred between 1518 and 1536 under Henry VIII?
The Privy Chamber developed further under Henry VIII through reforms between 1518 and 1536. An extract from the Ordinances of Eltham dated January 1526 shows how the nature of this chamber was officially ordered.
How much money did Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber earn annually compared to Grooms?
A gentleman received fifty pounds annually while a groom earned only twenty pounds per year. Gentlemen ushers made thirty pounds yearly for their service.
Who held the position of Groom of the Stool from 1509 until his death in 1528?
Sir William Compton held the position of Groom of the Stool from 1509 until his death in 1528. This role involved cleaning the monarch after defecation yet remained an honorable service.
When did Sir Henry Norris serve until he was beheaded for High Treason?
Sir Henry Norris served from 1526 until he was beheaded for High Treason on the 2nd of May 1536. He was one of the key figures within the privy chamber during King Henry's later years.