EXTREMELY EARLY KING HENRY VIII APPOINTMENT FOR THE UNCLE OF ANNE BOLEYN’S LOVER.
Rare and early manuscript DS, signed “Henry R,” one page, 11.5 x 5, March 20, 1509/10.
Petition to grant Bartholomew Brereton an extension of his appointment to the office of the Crier of the Exchequer of Chester, in part: “Whereas your humble subject Bartholomew Brereton hath hadde and occupied the rome and office of Crier of the eschequer dore of Chester as well by the grannte of the late Prince Arthur your brother…as sith his deathe by the grannte of the late king your fadre…that this bill signed with your most gracious hande may be sufficient warrant to your Chamberlyn of your county of Chester to make hym sufficient letters patente thereof.”
Attractively and archivally cloth-matted and framed with an engraving of King Henry to an overall size of 25 x 13.
Dating to the first year of King Henry’s reign, this outstanding document boasts a fascinating connection to the controversy with his second wife, Anne Boleyn, that would befall him later on. Bartholomew Brereton was the granduncle of William Brereton, a Groom of the Privy Chamber to Henry VIII. In May 1536, William was one of those tried and executed for treason after being accused of adultery with Anne Boleyn, who was also put to death. Henry VIII is rare in any sort of autographic material, particularly with such fascinating content from so early in his rule.
