King of England and Lord (later King) of Ireland (1491–1547) from 1509 until his death. The second monarch of the Tudor dynasty, Henry attained the status of legend among British monarchs, not only for his virtually untrammeled power (including the break with Rome that led to the formation of the Anglican Church), but for his six marriages. Ultimately unsuccessful in his wish for a male heir, he was instead succeeded by his daughter, Elizabeth I, who would prove to be one of the most able and influential figures in the history of the monarchy. Incredibly scarce LS in Latin, one page, 12.5 x 15.5, January 18, 1529. A most interesting letter about his attempts to advance his plans to divorce Catherine of Aragon in order to marry Anne Boleyn. The king writes to Cardinal Benedetto de Accolti, the Bishop of Ravenna. In this letter, Henry sends a recommendation for his envoy Thomas Boleyn, Earl of Wiltshire (and curiously, the father of Anne Boleyn), sent to represent him in discussions with Emperor Charles V, the nephew of Catherine of Aragon.
Translated, in full: “Henry, by the grace of God King of England and France, Defender of the Faith, and Lord of Ireland, to the Most Reverend Father in Christ, Lord Benedetto, Cardinal of Ravenna, etc., Our most dear friend, greetings. We have often before had clear experience of how much We are able to promise Ourselves from Your Most Reverend Lordship’s benevolent feelings and affection toward Us; Our ambassadors who have recently returned from Italy also bear such abundant witness to this that We will not be satisfied until by testimony of Our grateful feelings We have made some partial return for Your Most Reverend Lordship’s so extraordinary desire to deserve well of Us. The letter filled with all human sentiments that Your Most Reverend Lordship has sent to Us, indeed, We consider a rich indication, most pleasing and most dear, of Your Most Reverend Lordship’s disposition toward Us, as having been sent by one whom We already numbered among Our preeminent friends and of whose grandeur and honor We take the greatest of care. We therefore vehemently beg Your Most Reverend Lordship both to desire to persist in this Your Most Reverend Lordship’s most fair determination to please Us and also to make bold use of anything in Our power whenever it seems useful or honorable to Your Most Reverend Lordship. Further, we are sending an ambassador to His Imperial Majesty on account of various business of Ours, the illustrious Lord Thomas, Earl of Wiltshire and Ormonde, Our most beloved kinsman and councillor, and Keeper of Our Privy Seal, for which reason We pray Your Most Reverend Lordship to attend to him with the same courtesy and grant him in all things the same trust as if Your Most Reverend Lordship heard Us speaking in person. And a fortunate farewell. From Our court at London, 18 January 1529.” The reverse bears addressed greetings, “To the Most Reverend Father in Christ, Lord Benedetto, Cardinal Presbyter, etc., Our most dear friend.”
In very good condition, with professional repairs and reinforcement to intersecting folds on reverse, scattered light toning, minor edge wear, and a few small areas and pin holes of paper loss (primarily from ink erosion). The signature is extraordinarily bold and dark, and, given its age, the document is exceedingly handsome for display.
The basic message of this royal piece—though heavily dressed in a very formal tone—essentially sends the recipient the good wishes of His Royal Highness, expresses a desire for mutual cooperation between the two factions, and asks that note be taken of the ambassador that he is sending: the father of Anne Boleyn.
At the time of this message, one of Henry's greatest desires was to secure an annulment from his wife, Catherine of Aragon, who had failed to produce a male heir to survive to adulthood. Catherine steadfastly refused, headstrong and defiant when it was suggested that she quietly retire to a nunnery. Henry set his hopes upon an appeal to Pope Clement VII. The Pope was, at the time, a prisoner of Catherine's nephew, Emperor Charles V, following the Sack of Rome in May 1527, and Henry had difficulty in obtaining access to him. Clement's dependence on Charles V led indirectly to the break between the Kingdom of England and the Roman Catholic Church.
This historically significant correspondence represents a failed attempt to further his case for annulment, which ultimately never happened, setting the groundwork for England’s break from the Church of Rome and the creation of Protestantism. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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