Henry Norreys

Henry Norreys was one of many nobles of feudal era whose connections with royalty made them wealthy but was also the reason for their downfall.

Henry Norris came to court in youth, was appointed gentleman of the king's chamber, and was soon one of the most intimate friends of Henry VIII. The king made him many grants, and his influence at court grew rapidly.

Henry came to Court in youth, was appointed Gentleman of the King's Chamber and was soon one of the most intimate friends of King Henry VIII (r. 1509-1547) who made him many grants and his influence at Court grew rapidly. In 1515, Henry was made Keeper of the Park of Foliejon in Winkfield, Berkshire; in 1518, he became weigher at the common beam at Southampton, then the great mart of the Italian merchants; in 1519, he was appointed Bailiff of Ewelme in Oxfordshire, and was also Keeper of the King's Privy Purse. Throughout his life Henry served the King and was rewarded with offices and lands. After the execution of Sir Thomas More in 1535, Henry received various manors which More had held.

Henry was also close friend of Anne Boleyn, Queen consort of England (1522-1536), and it was this friendship that cost him his life. Being so close to the reigning monarch and having great influence at the Court, naturally made him many powerful enemies. Henry VIII wanted to get rid of his wife Anne to be able to marry Jane Seymour. Henry was accused, with several other men, to have been the lover of Anne. On his trial he pleaded not guilty, but was found guilty and executed on 17 May 1536.