The Yeomen of the King's Guard 1485-1547
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The Yeomen of the King’s Guard 1485-1547 by Anita Rosamund Hewerdine of the London School of Economics and Political Science University of London A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the University of London August 1998 UMI Number: U613438 All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. Dissertation Publishing UMI U613438 Published by ProQuest LLC 2014. Copyright in the Dissertation held by the Author. Microform Edition © ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. This work is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code. ProQuest LLC 789 East Eisenhower Parkway P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor, Ml 48106-1346 .Ijrw y ot PorttC'i' I Abstract The Tudor bodyguard known as the Yeomen of the Guard has been viewed generally as a ceremonial body used to add splendour to the royal court. This thesis shows that, while the Guard's ceremonial role was of special importance, the corps was of greater significance than this function would suggest. The corps was a true bodyguard, in constant attendance upon the sovereign throughout the two reigns described. One of Henry VII's first acts as king was to institute a personal bodyguard which also provided him with an impressive retinue, arrayed in richly embellished jackets of his livery and forming part of the royal affinity. Like other members of the affinity, the yeomen were appointed to crown offices in the provinces, safeguarding the king's interests, collecting his revenues and upholding the law. They reported on local situations and brought news of events at court to the provinces, thus supplying a means of communication between central and local government. The origins, foundation and constitution of the Guard are traced, as far as the absence of any foundation documents will allow. Methods of recruitment are described, together with the remuneration, rewards and other benefits received by the yeomen. The Guard's complement did not remain static and by using evidence contained in royal accounts its size has been indicated more accurately than previously known. The duties and functions of the Guard were more varied than has been supposed, both within and outside the court, and included military and naval service, at home and abroad. Some of the yeomen also formed part of a peace-keeping force in the garrison at Toumai in 1513-19. The thesis ends with a description of individuals in the Guard, showing their family and social background, private occupations and offices held, as well as their geographical spread throughout the country. Table of Contents List of Abbreviations................................................................................................................vii Introduction................................................................................................................................ 1 1. Foundation of the Guard.................................................................................................. 10 Origins: Early Opinions .................................................................................................. 10 The Guard's foundation and constitution.................................................................... 14 Sources of recruitment to the Guard............................................................................ 17 Yeomen of the Guard, Crown and Chamber.............................................................. 19 Conclusion........................................................................................................................ 24 2. Remuneration and Development of the Guard.......................................................... 25 Remuneration.................................................................................................................. 25 (a) Wages .................................................................................................................. 25 (b) Fee of the crown................................................................................................ 28 (c) Other fees............................................................................................................ 28 (d) Annuities and corrodies.................................................................................. 29 Other rewards and privileges ........................................................................................ 30 The Guard's complement.............................................................................................. 34 Reforms of 1490's to 1515................................................................................................ 37 Reforms of 1519................................................................................................................ 38 Reforms of 1526................................................................................................................ 39 Reforms of 1539/40 ........................................................................................................ 44 Later changes .................................................................................................................... 45 Officers of the Guard...................................................................................................... 46 Conclusion........................................................................................................................ 49 3. Functions and Livery of the G uard.............................................................................. 50 Conditions of service...................................................................................................... 50 Duties at court.................................................................................................................. 51 Duties outside the court.................................................................................................. 54 Duties at royal events ...................................................................................................... 56 Special offices.................................................................................................................. 58 Livery................................................................................................................................ 59 Ceremonial even ts.......................................................................................................... 69 Conclusion........................................................................................................................ 74 4. The Guard’s Involvement in Naval and Military Activity ...................................... 75 Background to methods of enlistment to the royal army.......................................... 75 The Guard's military obligations .................................................................................. 77 Special responsibilities.................................................................................................... 78 General naval activities and offices held ...................................................................... 81 Preparing for campaigns ................................................................................................ 83 Military training .............................................................................................................. 84 Payments to the Guard on active service.................................................................... 86 Naval activity under Henry VII .................................................................................... 86 Early Tudor com bats ...................................................................................................... 87 iii Military activity under Henry V II ................................................................................ 88 Rewards and forfeitures ................................................................................................ 89 Naval activity under Henry VIII .................................................................................. 90 Military activity under Henry VIII ................................................................................ 92 Garrison duties................................................................................................................ 96 (a) Calais .................................................................................................................. 96 (b)Touma i .............................................................................................................. 96 Possible disaffection in the Guard................................................................................ 99 Conclusion....................................................................................................................... 100 5. The Role of the Guard in the Localities....................................................................... 101 Bastard feudal society and the royal affinity .............................................................. 101 The hierarchy of local government............................................................................. 102 Appointment of yeomen to county offices: fees and other benefits.......................