On this day in Tudor history, 7th February 1526, the annual Shrovetide joust took place at Greenwich Palace.
The 1526 joust went rather badly for courtier Sir Francis Bryan, who lost an eye when a spear splintered – nasty! Fortunately, he survived.
The joust had a theme of unrequited love and the king’s team bore the motto Declare ie nose, Declare I dare not, on their beautiful costumes. Was King Henry VIII in love with a certain Anne Boleyn?
Further reading on Henry VIII’s courtship of Anne Boleyn – click on the links below to read the articles:
- Henry VIII Falls in Love with Anne Boleyn
- When did Anne Boleyn say yes to Henry VIII?
- A Timeline of Anne Boleyn’s Relationship with Henry VIII – From 1528-1533