The Funeral of Henry VIII

On the 16th February 1547, Henry VIII’s body was interred in a vault in St George’s Chapel Windsor, alongside that of his third wife, Jane Seymour. Here is an eye witness account of the proceedings:-

“16 strong Yeomen of the Guard took the coffin and with four strong linen towels, which they had for their fees, let it into the vault near unto the body of Queen Jane Seymour, his third wife. Then the Lord Chamberlain, the Lord Great Master, Mr Treasurer, Mr Comptroller and the Sergeant Porter, breaking their white staves upon their heads in three parts, as did likewise all the Gentleman Ushers, threw them into the grave. Thus the funeral ended, the trumpets sounded in the Rood loft and the company dispersed.”

Today, there is a memorial slab marking his resting place under the Quire of St George’s Chapel. As well as containing Henry and Jane, this vault also contains the remains of Charles I and an infant child of Queen Anne, the Stuart queen.

Sources

  • The Romance of St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, Harry W Blackburne
  • College of St George, Windsor Castle, Henry VIII’s final resting place – Background notes

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6 thoughts on “The Funeral of Henry VIII”
  1. A sad day for the Great King, who died a very broken soul aswell as alone within himself. I truely belive that Jane Seymour was in fact his true love, and her death broke a very once strong King,I have read ,at her death Henry was truely behond sad and did indeed mourne this Queens death. R I P

  2. Well, love him or hate him, and I find him absolutely fascinating, you have to agree that he has given us a lot to read about and discuss, he will never be forgotten or fade into the background thats for sure..
    I bet England felt there was a huge void when he died, he was larger than life, ruled for a long time, and would be a hard act to follow. Personally I don’t think this void was filled until Elizabeth became Queen.
    I hope he’s at rest, even though I know many will think he doesn’t deserve it..but I honestly think he was a deeply tormented, unhappy man.

  3. Henry VIII: famous for bending Parliament to his will and chopping people’s heads off.
    Charles I: famous for trying to bend Parliament to his will and having his head chopped off.
    Anyone else think its ironic that these two to share a grave? 🙂

    1. Wow! … you have nothing nice to say about the King. I think he was famous ,because He was married 6 times. According to you, He did not accomplish anything … He only was chopping people’s heads off. Henry was a great King , yes He was bending rules. Why? because He could , He was the law of the land…did what was necessary at the time….since church was standing in his way. On any painting of the monarchy, there is always a Pope standing not too far…Gee I wander why??

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