Margaret Scard - Tudor Survivor: The Life and Times of William Paulet

Frontispiece: Henry VIII and the Privy Council, by an unknown artist.(National Portrait Gallery, London)

Front of jacket: William Paulet, 1st Marquess of Winchester, unknown artist, detail NPG 65. (National Portrait Gallery, London)

Back of jacket: The Family of Henry VIII: An Allegory of the Tudor Succession, detail, c.1572, attributed to Flemish artist Lucas de Heere (15341584). The panel is now at Sudeley Castle. To the left are Philip II of Spain and Mary. Edward kneels at Henrys feet. Elizabeth on his right holds the hand of Peace. According to the inscription the painting was a gift from Elizabeth to Francis Walsingham. (Bridgeman Art Library)

First published in 2011

The History Press

The Mill, Brimscombe Port

Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL 5 2 QG

www.thehistorypress.co.uk

This ebook edition first published in 2011

All rights reserved

Margaret Scard, 2011

The right of Margaret Scard, to be identified as the Author of this work has been asserted in accordance with the Copyrights, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

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EPUB ISBN 978 0 7524 6925 6

MOBI ISBN 978 0 7524 6926 3

Original typesetting by The History Press

The story of William Paulet, 1st Marquis of Winchester, is an extraordinary account of political survival during the turbulent years of the Tudor dynasty. Born into a gentry family, probably in 1484 as the Wars of the Roses came to an end, Paulet served under four Tudor monarchs, rising to the position of Lord Treasurer and becoming the most senior peer in the realm by his death in 1572. With his long and varied career at the heart of the Tudor court, Paulet serves as the archetype for the successful courtier.

This biography sets out not only to describe the life of William Paulet set against the politics of the time but also to explain his role at court and to look in detail at how he lived. The book includes several short, descriptive accounts of daily life at both home and court all based on detailed research that are intended to throw light on the many routines and rituals that shaped everyday life during this period. Covering such events as christenings and funerals, together with descriptions of activities such as dressing and dining, this study hopes to provide a vivid picture of the life of a Tudor courtier.

William Paulet has been a part of my life for many years and this book only came to fruition with the help of many people. However, I would like to express my especial thanks to my husband, Geoffrey, and to Valery Rose for their many hours of proof reading and for their invaluable comments and encouragement.