Sir William Kingston: Imprisoning Henry VIII's Enemies

[@ReadingthePast]

Apologies for dropping off of the live chat - my battery decided to run out! I've just caught up on the great comments - some food for thought for future videos too! Thank you all for joining and I hope lots of you will make it for the history news on Monday (8.30pm BST) 🥰

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

Thank you 🐿🙂

[@Knightannavonkleve]

Thank you

[@lisalking2476]

Thank you 😊

[@theodosiasnudpuckle7372]

Any person who was successful in HenryVIII court is very sus

[@nearlydied]

Agreed. I'd like to think he was just keeping his head down and avoiding trouble, but he seems to have flourished. Despite being in Henry's vicinity quite a bit.

[@jennifermatta1445]

So true 😂

[@cyn5962]

I agree

[@RiseeRee]

I don’t know, compared to many of his forbearers, H8 seems to have really accelerated social mobility. People often got promoted for their actual skills. But then again they might also get banished, imprisoned, or executed on annoyance or suspicion 😅

[@conemadam]

He must have had nerves of steel, sharp ears ,and very good eyes to see all around him . A man definitely on his toes!

[@lucyosborne9239]

Frankly, I'm amazed that anyone so close to the Tudor kings managed to survive these ornery and mercurial kings. In this, I think mostly of the infamously philandering monarch, Henry VIII. Kingston had to have a lot of patience, a willingness to ask no questions and do what I was told when he was told to do it but knowing which controversial matters were left well alone. That speaks of very high levels of intelligence, discretion and perspicuous use of information. I would have loved to have had a good conversation with Sir William. I think we, as descendants of that time, could have learned a great deal from his insight and his flexibility. It's too bad that there is so little of his writing or opinions ever to know how he managed his navigation through the hurricanes that were the three Tudor kings.😜🚭

[@kaloarepo288]

Anne Boleyn's behavior -moments of breaking down crying followed by bursts of laughter is sadly indicative of a mind under deep stress bordering on psychosis!

[@lisalking2476]

If I'd have married Henry think I'd have been psychotic 😮😂😅

[@kaloarepo288]

@@lisalking2476 Henry's character was not exceptionally bad by the standards of the time - a peep at contemporary rulers of that time whether European or world wide would reveal similar tyrants or worse - look at his French contemporary Francois I - renowned for seducing the daughters of his courtiers and inspiration for Victor Hugo's play "L'Roi s'amuse" and the opera "Rigoletto" based on it and Francois had the gall to scratch on a window pane in his great palace of Chambord "Women is fickle woe to him who trusts her" -set to music as the well known pop aria "La donna e mobile."

[@marcelabeltran6216]

observer a good listener keeping a certain distance and not advising the king may have helped, he obviously knew his character very well 🏰

[@obcl8569]

I'm a simple gal: Dr. Kat posts - I watch ❤🏵️

[@kathyjohnson2043]

Whenever you talk about a member of Henry's court, for some reason I always think of Othello. But, just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't out to get you.

[@prettypic444]

Kingston probably knew better than anyone else at Henry’s court how easily a person’s fortunes could change with a monarch’s mood. ⛓️🗝️

[@judyshoaf448]

I am guessing that Kingston was also Thomas More's jailer? That would be interesting, given his views on the Eucharist and so on; they could actually have discussed such matters.

[@ReadingthePast]

If you believe William Roper’s biography of More - Kingston was outspoken in his grief and shame as being party to More’s fall, trial and execution. Do we believe More’s son-in-law on this though? 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@judyshoaf448]

@@ReadingthePast Hmm. If Kingston had been unkind that would have been a good addition to the martyrdom story, so I do believe Roper.... Of course, from what you said, Kingston would also have had to be spying on More on behalf of Cromwell & co. to test his beliefs, and More would have known that..... I am just thinking that the prisoner's attitude towards the jailer is important in shaping the jailer's attitude, and More could have been sympathetic to some of Kingston's beliefs and practices.

[@Rosedawn321]

He appears to have been a man of integrity, responsibility and firm loyalty to Henry. I am sure his charges in the Tower appreciated his respect and compassion too. 👏🏼👏🏼🏵

[@bgclo]

You are a wonderful educator. I can only hope you are teaching as well as broadcasting on YT, as I can imagine that a class with you would be eminently engaging and fun!

[@tinkeringinthailand8147]

I'm back on YT. And one of my first ports of call is "Reading the Past". Thanks Kat.

[@amykortuem5554]

I’ve always wondered at what Anne Boleyn said to Kingston about not going to the dungeon: “It is too good for me.” Was she incriminating herself? Was it simply relief or was it said in the throes of what Kingston reported as preceding a crying and laughing spell? Did she really say it at all? It’s haunted me. Kingston seems to have managed to do the right thing at the right time for the king to have been favored and survive.

[@tonyharpur8383]

Excellent summary of Kingston's career!

[@tonyausten2168]

I love these little stories of little background people. Thank you Madam

[@jldisme]

Edith Pargeter's (aka Ellis Peters) book, "The Rose Rent"

[@Jo-pp7yj]

🏰🚣 He didn't rock the boat. Thanks, this was great. What a tough job that was!

[@elizabethsands4470]

The three ladies attending Queen Anne Boleyn hated her and didn’t show her any kindness. William was a good man. 🥀👑🥀👑

[@cindchan]

The man must have had the skills of a cat to tread lightly enough to avoid all the traps that others fell into. 🐈🏰

[@marielacey7928]

There is a rose rent in one of the Brother Cadfael novels

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

Love your content! You're the Best 😊😊😊❤❤❤

[@Laura-fn6fl]

Thank you for this video 🙏 I was always interested in sir Kingston and had read his letters available on the internet with great pleasure. I believe he was a very intelligent and wise man who managed to improve significantly the situation of his family by choosing positions that in modern language we may call supply chain and management and by staying away from politics, the dramas surrounding the king marriages and other dangerous subjects. He was wiser than Cromwell for sure in my opinion. Apologies for my English. I am Italian but love your channel and never miss a video 🧡

[@scarlettg6136]

William appears to be loyal, yet discrete. His recitant, respectful manner served and pleased his king well. William's even, unobtrusive qualities elevated him to wealthy and historical status.🏰

[@joanwerthman4116]

I think he was very good at keeping his head down and staying out of trouble. Of course, if you’re going to mention a Rose Rent, I’m going to think of the Brother Cadfael mystery; so what do I know?

[@melissacampbell9214]

Great episode! Thank you.

[@madelinevanderbunny607]

Thanks!

[@Myke_OBrien]

Brilliant as always! Brava! 🏰

[@Jay-Leigh]

🏰 ❤ I’m going to watch it again later with a cup of tea… I wasn’t notified and I do have notifications turned on most annoying. Anyway having skimmed through it all looks and sounds amazing. ❤

[@jimmmmy41]

I imagine it must have been a feat to not get caught up in something that would cost you your head in Henry VIII's court. Good for him.

[@SharonPadget]

If you ever deem him interesting enough, I would love to see a video about William Paget who served Henry 8, Edward 6 and Mary 1. My married name is Padget and my husband’s family did come from England but no relation I’m sure. Still would be fun to learn more about him.

[@pennyatkinson5740]

Thanks Dr Kat!🏰🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿♟️

[@tonyk1584]

The prototypical “yes” man

[@lucyosborne9239]

He was stereotypical too. Being as "flexible" as that can sometimes also have pitfalls. He seems to have a much higher degree of intelligence than a simple stereotype

[@happygrandma5637]

@@lucyosborne9239 definitely didn't 'speak truth to power', not that anyone could. I was going to say a toady.

[@katmartindale8049]

As always, an enjoyable report.

[@suzzannegabel1636]

There's an Ellis Peters 'Brother Cadfael' series mystery novel (set in the Middle Ages) called "The Rose Rent". I've never heard of a 'peppercorn rent' before, though.

[@julzy3]

He seems to have managed the miraculous to get close to the fire, I mean crown, without getting burned. 👑⛓🔒🗝 Also, I loved the picture sent with the sneaky peak of your little historian in training. (the way you captured him reminded me of Christopher Robin)🧸🍯

[@Books-Are-Brilliant]

So interesting ... he must have be both savvy and observant. 🏰🗝

[@madelinevanderbunny607]

He sounds a lot like a civil servant simply do what he is tasked with to the best of his abilities. It's not a perfect parallel obviously and it makes him no less interesting. It's always a joy to learn about someone who is brand new to me and I certainly wasn't aware of him before this video. 😊

[@Kristine709]

❤❤❤👑👑👑 very enjoyable video! Thank you for all of your work!

[@sunniclark6827]

I think the man walked a very tight rope! He must have been steady and useful because Henry trusted him, but he always seemed to benefit from some of his actions concerning his prisoners so that smacks a little of deceit. 🙄 Can't decide if I'd trust him behind my back! 🤷

[@TikiHi77]

Anne, wife of Sir John Guise (guessing on the spell cause CC spelled it Geese). Any relation to the de Guise of France and in-turn relation to royalty? 👑 Would it be possible to have a series on the French roalty, court and bleed over into the English court? 🇬🇧 🇫🇷

[@ellenjames7630]

Trustworthy is the word that comes to mind. But I wonder if, had he lived longer, would he too have run afoul of Henry VIII ? 🏰

[@annkelly0072]

He either had an infinite amount of politesse & intelligence in the realpolitik of the time or he was the champion of keeping his head down & on a swivel.

[@obcl8569]

Perhaps the first begat the latter!

[@KitOfTheWeirdWoods]

I'd be tempted to call him the most successful man in Henrician England! Chapuys' comments on him must've been influenced by Cromwell, makes one wonder just how much information he was sharing, and for who's benefit!

[@Beth.H]

Must have been good at keeping his cards close to his chest and his true opinions to himself whilst being a great echo chamber for Henry VIII. I think he would be one of those people who knows where everyone’s skeletons where hidden and not above using them to stay alive and on top.

[@curiousfirely]

Thanks for another great video! ,🏰

[@historybuff7491]

He doesn't seem to be a schemer for power. Whether or not this is true, it seems he did his jobs and worked toward higher office...always siding with the King. 🏰

[@kathyjohnson2043]

What is the symbolism of Buckingham, Edward Stattford, holding a small bouquet of white flowers? White roses?

[@Voronochka262]

There was a Brither Cadfael book (by Ellis Peters) called the Rose Rent!

[@pamelaoliver8442]

He seems to have been the perfect "yes man". I wonder if he left any of his own opinions about Anne or any of his charges? That's a dangerous thing to do I suppose but I'd love to know

[@hilmaallen1302]

I think William was a man of all season, a very good soldier diplomat and a very pleasant personality.🏰🤺⚔️

[@thebanditking8502]

amazing video as always

[@Ru-wh8nu]

❤️ your videos!

[@ralphstern2845]

Good presentation

[@WhiteCamry]

One of the lucky few to serve and survive the Tudor court.

[@mimiclout4792]

🏯🏰 very interesting.thanks for your time 🎉

[@PartyFlorida]

Thank you for the content!

[@micheleheddane3804]

Seems like an honest man, obviously good company and did his job with fairness and grace

[@alioncosmic]

In those days, the key to keeping your head was keeping your head down, it seems. He seems to have been a very stable? person.

[@cindygrubbs5856]

Loved this! ❤❤❤❤

[@dorian4534]

It's all about position, parentage, and being in the right place at the right or wrong time. 🏰

[@vidaudink3044]

Thank you!

[@deborahbrottmiller2948]

I think he had those qualities of keeping his mouth shut, doing a good job and showing total loyalty to Henry. He probably had a decent personality otherwise I doubt H would promote him to posts that kept him close to him.

[@lauramurdoch135]

Kingston - bravery tempered but substantial circumspection.

[@mike-myke22]

Fascinating 👌

[@kerryfaden94]

Dr Kat When are you live again? Thanks super

[@JanetClough-dy5kd]

SO SAD.

[@catherinewood948]

He seems a "court"eous gentleman.

[@neenareadsalot7563]

🏰 ⛓️ William Kingston is one of the Tudor associates that I find fascinating. Thank you for this. 🙂

[@joanholg15]

A thing that always stands out to me about the reign of Henry VIII is that it could be a dangerous time to be at court. If I was from an aristocratic family during those times, I would have hung out at my country house & avoided the court entirely.

[@kersebleptes1317]

Ooh, not ALL the time- then you'd be marked out for sullen disloyalty! Henry VIII had real intelligence, capability and talents...but reading about him I'm still reminded again and again of Trump.

[@krawlb4walking802]

Thanks ❤

[@aliciatucker3713]

Do be the man in his position would be mind-blowing!

[@franceenwebb9003]

😊

[@maryroccanti]

Dr.Kat i really enjoy all of your podcasts! After watching one about Elizabeth 1 today, i have a question. Why didn't Elizabeth name Katherine Grey Seymour's son as her heir rather than end the Tudor dynasty with James 1 ?

[@utuberhoda]

Where do you find a video she linked? She said she would link the video about the knights of the garter

[@russc788]

I like this channel having just discovered it. However I have a pet peeve, I don’t want to see videos that I cannot watch yet in my feed. My feed is for videos I can watch now. I wonder if I can turn “premieres” off.

[@GeminiSlacker]

🏰 There's an emoji for everything.

[@lisalking2476]

😂😅😅

[@manuellubian5709]

Also, speaking of being a trusted servant like that mentioned in your thumbnail, is there any truth to the rumor that possibly we now know the true identity of Anne Boleyn's executioner? I have read somewhere recently that supposedly her executioner was someone by the name of Jean Rombaud (spelling ??)? There's a recent book out, called "The Sword of Calais". Haven't read it yet. Is there any truth to that rumor? If it is true where would the information about this person's name have ever come from? I have always been of the impression that executioner's names are usually hidden or lost to history. Am I right?

[@tonyausten2168]

I sense William was uptight, follows rules to the tenth degree judging from how he wrote and what he remembers. 😂💋

[@manuellubian5709]

Off-Topic question / suggestion: Have you ever heard of, or is there any history surrounding the life of Queen Blanche of England? I have never heard of her before watching this particular video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIWaoql6f6qreposi=a7OS7m-XHM3wgdgo ?

[@robwest6231]

A good man doing the best he can under trying circumstances.

[@theaxe6198]

Yeah! New one!

[@annemorton5236]

He comes across as a decent man in a difficult job.🏰

[@katrinamckenzie6552]

👌

[@manuellubian5709]

What R "woolen curzies"?

[@michaelkoeiman5661]

🦊 (William was shrewd af)

[@rebeccasharley593]

🗝🗝🗝

[@NolaGal2601]

At around 6:34 you say that William became a steward (?) and was paid 40 marks a year. What is the value of a mark?

[@ReadingthePast]

It was worth 13 shillings and 4 pence - according to the currency converter in 2017 money that makes a mark the equivalent of £346.68. This would mean 40 marks would be the equivalent of £13,867.20 (if my sums are correct)

[@JanetClough-dy5kd]

It's been along time. Good afternoon.

[@barbaragallant609]

🏰

[@LaLayla99]

He sounds like a corporate "yes man" 🏰

[@viviansagginario7579]

He was SMART.

[@tubwell9]

a cog in the wheel

[@margheritatimeus3400]

To go back to Medioeval English, I noticed that you have never spoken specifically of William the Marshall. Is there a reason?

[@MamaMargie]

❤

[@bonnieskilton3247]

🏰 Always a learning experience in your videos. Kingston: must have been very observant and charming to see where advantage lay and how to engraciate. Trusted no doubt.. so he knew how to keep a secret. Three wives? Death was the big arbatrator in those days. ❤️ Doc Kat!

[@stankovamarcela7406]

🕍🏰❤

[@FingalsMyst]

Anyone who successfully navigated Henry’s court, had to be clever, wise, and own an unerring ability to judge his moods and beliefs. 👑

[@laurachapple6795]

A man who managed to remain in Henry VIII's favour for a long time was almost certainly a yes-man, but I appreciate that he was respectful to prisoners.

[@mikelaffoon5986]