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Anthony Knyvett (Black Rod)

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Not to be confused with Anthony Knyvett (died 1554). For the pirate and slave trader see Anthony Knivet (fl. 1591–1649).

Sir Anthony Knyvett (c. 1486 – 1549) held the office of Black Rod in the English parliament from 1536 to 1543.

Life

He was the fifth son of Edmund Knyvett (d.1504) of Buckenham, who married Eleanor Tyrrell, the daughter of Sir William Tyrrell of Gipping, Suffolk by Margaret, daughter of Robert Darcy, knight. Eleanor was sister of Sir James Tyrrell.

His paternal grandparents were Sir William Knyvett and Alice Grey (d. 1474), daughter of John Grey, Esq., of Kempston, eldest son of Reginald Grey, 3rd Baron Grey de Ruthyn by his second wife, Joan Astley.

Anthony had apparently entered the Royal Household early in King Henry's reign and enjoyed a long and successful career there. Like his brothers, he served as one of Lord Howard's lieutenants during the naval campaign of 1512–13, and he shared, along with his brothers Christopher and James, a grant of property at Tournai in 1515. The following year, he began receiving an annual annuity of £20 during the King's pleasure, suggesting he was becoming one of the monarch's trusted intimates. Anthony was skilled in courtly pursuits, much like his brother, Sir Thomas, before him. In 1518, he was part of a group of emissaries sent to Flanders, and he took part in jousts at both the Field of the Cloth of Gold in 1520 and the revels of 1522.

By 1526 at the latest, he was one of the powerful Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber. He was described as a gentleman usher of the privy chamber to Henry VIII, with Roger Ratcliffe, in the Eltham Ordinance of 1526. By this time he apparently wielded significant influence in making appointments to dignities within the Irish Church.

On 1 November 1529 was given, to Anthony Knyvet, for tennis money, 50s.

Though he received a number of small grants, including valuable lands in Essex and the office of Black Rod at Windsor, these were insufficient to prevent him from falling into serious debt by 1536.

Anthony was knighted after 15 November 1538, while serving as Porter of Calais.

He was made Governor of Portsmouth in 1544 and oversaw the building of Southsea Castle in that year.

8 Oct.

385. Sir Anthony Knyvet to Wriothesley.

R.O.

I have received 500l., which I wrote to your Lordship for, and with it discharged six score workmen and paid all men for September, and some money remains. I have paid 900l. odd, for which I trust to make a true account, in the absence of Mr. Deane, who is still very sick. The carriage of the money cost 6l., for it took 10 men and 8 horses "because there were so many men 'reysed' in the country to go to Bulleyne." There was never such a piece of work brought up with so little cost. When the King sees the work, which was of his Majesty's own device, I trust your Lordship, and we here, shall have thanks. I beg you get me leave to come to the King; I will bring the "plat" of the fortifications done since I came hither. I am bound to your Lordship for putting me to such "worship" in this country, both for the great cheer and the hunting at Tytchefylde and other parks of your lordship's. Portsmouth, 8 Oct. Signed. P.S. in his own hand.— Begs answer by bearer.

22 Oct.

476. Sir Anthony Knyvet to Henry VIII.

R.O.

The King's surveyor at Portsmouth has been sick for 2 months and is still unable to leave his chamber. Knyvet, with the help of John Chaderton, has meanwhile been overseer of the King's works there, which have not been hindered. Begs licence to come to the King to show the state of the fortress; which may be called a castle for size, strength and beauty, and is praised of all who see it. Begs he may come for three days. Has at the King's command, by a letter from the Council, placed John Chaderton chief captain of the said new fortress, with 12 gunners, 8 soldiers and a porter; which is of the fewest, considering the greatness of the place. Has also given over to Chaderton the ordnance he received from the master of the King's ordnance, which is too little for half the place. Portsmouth, 22 Oct. Signed.

Sir Anthony Knyvet, governor of the town in 1544, set forth its convenience, since the greatest ships could get in and out at all tides, and it was only one night's sailing from Newhaven, Dieppe, Harfleur, and the Seine. In 1545 a new chain was stretched across the harbour, and the whole fleet concentrated to defend the town; but after the succession of Edward VI Portsmouth fell into comparative insignificance as a naval station, owing to its distance from London.

In 1544 Sir Anthony Knyvet, then governor of the town, petitioned for more men to defend it, stating that whereas there had formerly been a hundred gunners there, there were latterly only fifty, besides four or five hundred bakers and brewers and also labourers repairing the wall, and reinforcement would be difficult in time of war owing to the single approach to the island over Portsea Bridge.

In September 1546, he retired from his office at the Tower, and a year later, in October 1547, he stepped down from his duties in Calais. However, under the reign of Edward VI, he continued to style himself as 'gentleman wayter of the King’s Private Chamber', as evidenced by the will he composed in June 1548.

Anne Askew

Knyvett was Lieutenant of the Tower of London and is mentioned in Foxe's Book of Martyrs for refusing to continue torturing the Protestant Anne Askew on the rack.

Roger Virgoe writes:

In 1541 he was knighted and became gentleman-porter of Calais and soon after was made Lieutenant of the Tower, in which post he figures, not dishonourably, in Foxe’s account of the torture of Anne Askew.

In Anne Askew's own words:

Then the Lieftenaunt caused me to be loosed from the racke. Incontinently I swounded, and then they recouered me agayne. After that I sate two long houres reasoning with my Lord Chauncellour vppon the bare floore, whereas he with many flattering wordes, perswaded me to leaue my opinion. But my Lord God (I thanke his euerlasting goodnes) gaue me grace to perseuer, and wil do (I hope) to the very end.

'Touching the order of her racking in the Tower,' Foxe writes:

thus it was. First, she was led downe into a dungeon, where Syr Anthony Kneuet the Liuetenant commaunded hys Gaoler to pinche her with the racke. Which beyng done so much as he thought sufficient, went about to take her downe, supposing he had done enough. But Wrisley the Chauncellour not contented that she was loosed so soone confessing nothing, commaunded the Lieftenant to streine her on the racke agayne. Which because he denyed to doe, tenderyng the weakenes of the woman, he was threatned therefore grieuously of the sayd Wrisley, saying, that hee would signifie hys disobedience, vnto the kyng: and so cōsequently vpon the same, he and M. Riche throwyng of their gownes, would needes play the tormenters themselues: first asking her if she were with child. To whome she aunswering agayne, sayd: ye shall not neede to spare for that, but do you willes vpon me: and so quietly and patiently prayeng vnto the Lord: she aboade their tiranny, till her bones and ioints almost were pluckt a sunder, in such sort, as she was caried away in a chaire. When the racking was past, Wrisley and his fellow tooke theyr horse toward the Court. In the meane tyme, while they were making their way by land, the good Lieftenant eftsoones taking boate, spedde hym in all hast to the Court, to speake with the kyng before the other, and so dyd. Who there makyng his humble sute to the Kyng, desired his pardon, and shewed hym the whole matter as it stoode, and of the rackyng of Mistresse Askew, and how he was threatened by the Lord Chauncellour, because at his commaundement, not knowyng his highnesse pleasure, he refused to racke her: whiche he for compassion could not finde in his hart to do, and therefore hūbly craued his highnes pardō. Which when the K. had vnderstand, seemed not very well to like of their so extreme handlyng of the woman, and also graunted to the Lieftenant his pardon, willing him to returne and see to hys charge. Great expectation was in the meane season among the Warders and other officers of the Tower, waiting for his returne. Whom when they saw come so cheerefully, declaring vnto them how he had sped with the king, they were not a little ioyous, and gaue thanks to God therfore.

Marriages

Anthony Knyvett married twice. Roger Virgoe writes:

His first wife, Matilda, widow of John Dennis, whom he married about 1527, he seems to have discarded in 1536 at the height of his financial embarrassment, in order to wed shortly afterwards Avice, the wealthy widow of Nicholas Gibson, a London merchant. Knyvett’s will granted to her all his goods and she was made sole executrix. She proved the will in July 1549 and he must have died, apparently without surviving children, shortly before then. His widow died in 1554.

In 1535, the Crown granted the manor of Aldersbrook, a tenement called Draginsford (along with its adjoining Naked Hall Grove and Millfield), and other lands in Little Ilford and Wanstead to Anthony Knevett, a gentleman usher of the Privy Chamber, and his wife Maud, with rights of survivorship. By 1544, Maud Knevett had passed away, and the Crown sold the estate to Katherine Addington, a widow, and her son Thomas, the king's skinner, who had acquired the Knevetts' interest in the property. Matilda wrote to Thomas Cromwell in 1536:

Maud Knevet to Cromwell.

Petition setting forth that she was the wife of John Dennis, who died 5 July 1526 in the parish of St. Gabriel, Fenchurch Street. Soon aftewards she was secretly married by Master Knevet, a gentleman of the King's Privy Chamber, but as he refused for some time to acknowledge her she married one Smythe, belonging to my lord of St. John's.

Hearing of this, Master Knevet then interfered, summoned her before my lord Cardinal, and procured her divorce from Smythe. He also told the whole story to Mr. Philip Dennis, who explained the circumstances to Smythe, and caused him to proceed no further. Then Dr. Hughes sent Knevet a licence from the Cardinal to marry her, and they were married in the parish of East Ham, and so continued for eight years and more, till Knevet cited her in the Arches, saying she was not his lawful wife. Yet the King at Cromwell's request made her joint patentee with him in the manor of Aldersbroke on his confession that she was his lawful wife.

Desires that Knevet be compelled, at least, to secure her an honourable living.

Pp. 2. Add. at head: Sir Thomas Cromwell, knight, and lord Privy Seal.

In 1541, he married Avice Gibson, widow of Nicholas Gibson, who founded the Nicholas Gibson Free School, now Coopers' Company and Coborn School.

Avise (d. October 1554) was the daughter of Henry Mortelman (d.1515+) and his wife Joan. Joan remarried, taking as her second husband Nicholas Jenyn (d.1531/3), the King’s Skinner. Avise was thus the step-sister of Barnard Jenyn or Jennings of Vann, near Godalming (d.1550/1), the step-brother of Queen Katherine Howard. Barnard married Frances Saunders (d. 15 October 1622) (daughter of William Saunders) by licence dated 31 January 1548. He died childless only two or three years after their marriage.

References

  1. "Sir Anthony Knyvett (c1486-1549)". Archived from the original on 26 April 2012. Retrieved 27 December 2011.
  2. Virgoe, Roger (1992). "Norfolk Archaeology". The Earlier Knyvetts: The Rise of a Norfolk Gentry Family – Part Ⅱ (PDF). Vol. 41 (3). Norfolk & Norwich Archaeological Society. p. 265.
  3. Plantagenet Ancestry: A Study In Colonial And Medieval Families, 2nd Edition, 2011. Douglas Richardson. pp. 189–90. ISBN 978-1-4610-4513-7.
  4. Douglas Richardson; Kimball G. Everingham (30 July 2005). Magna Carta Ancestry: A Study in Colonial and Medieval Families. Genealogical Publishing Com. pp. 394–96. ISBN 978-0-8063-1759-5. Retrieved 13 June 2012.
  5. Plantagenet Ancestry: A Study In Colonial And Medieval Families, 2nd Edition, 2011. Douglas Richardson. p. 189. ISBN 978-1-4610-4513-7.
  6. Plantagenet Ancestry: A Study In Colonial And Medieval Families, 2nd Edition, 2011. Douglas Richardson. p. 190. ISBN 978-1-4610-4513-7.
  7. Richardson, Douglas (2011). Magna Carta Ancestry: A Study in Colonial and Medieval Families, ed. Kimball G. Everingham. II (2nd ed.). Salt Lake City. p. 322. ISBN 1449966381
  8. Dashwood, G.H. (ed.). The Visitation of Norfolk in the year 1563, taken by William Harvey, Clarenceux King of Arms: Volume 2 (PDF). Norwich. p. 365. To the memory of Alice, wife of William Knyvet, Esq., dau. of John Grey, son of Reginald Grey, Lord of Rythin, who died 4 April, 1474.
  9. Douglas Richardson; Kimball G. Everingham (30 July 2005). Magna Carta Ancestry: A Study in Colonial and Medieval Families. Genealogical Publishing Com. pp. 394–96. ISBN 978-0-8063-1759-5. Retrieved 13 June 2012.
  10. ^ Virgoe, Roger (1992). "Norfolk Archaeology". The Earlier Knyvetts: The Rise of a Norfolk Gentry Family – Part Ⅱ (PDF). Vol. 41 (3). Norfolk & Norwich Archaeological Society. pp. 265–266.
  11. A Collection of Ordinances and Regulations for the Government of the Royal Household (London, 1790), p. 154.
  12. London, Society of Antiquaries of (1790). A Collection of Ordinances and Regulations for the Government of the Royal Household, Made in Divers Reigns: From King Edward III. to King William and Queen Mary. Also Receipts in Ancient Cookery. Society of Antiquaries. p. 154.
  13. "Henry VIII: September 1528, 21-30 | British History Online". www.british-history.ac.uk. Retrieved 17 January 2025. Lamb. MS. 602, f. 56. St. P. II. 140. 4799. ROBERT COWLEY to WOLSEY. While the earl of Ossory and his son attend Wolsey's pleasure and deliberation in Irish affairs, "others run in at the window the next way, making immediate pursuits to the King's highness," by means of Antony Knevet, by which Ireland will be ruined. The archbishop of Cashel is making suit by subtle means for grants tending to the establishment of the earl of Desmond and the ruin of Ossory and his son. Hears the Archbishop has a bill signed by the King for all the premises, directed to the chancellor of Ireland, thinking to gain his suits without Wolsey's knowledge. He and his chaplain have fraudulently obtained the King's letters to the Council against Ossory, in favor of Sir Jas. Butler, Desmond's greatest friend, who, with the Archbishop's aid, by the seditious practice of the man Wolsey knows, have caused so much disorder in Ossory's country that he cannot serve against Desmond, or even defend himself. Gerald Aylmer, menial servant to Kildare, is appointed Secondary Justice of the Common Pleas, and has a bill signed to the Chancellor. Anthony Knevet has obtained the bishopric of Kildare for "a simple Irish priest, a vagabond, without learning, manners, or good quality, not worthy to be a holy water clerk," and hears the King will pay for his bulls. Those who have done the King service are much surprised. Wolsey might send a commission to the bishop of London, More, Masters Dean and Secretary, to call the Archbishop and his chaplain, Gerald Aylmer and the Irish priest, before them to examine their warrants, &c.; and might also order Sir John Russell, Dr. Bell, and others, who promote letters to the King's signet, to pass no Irish matters till Wolsey has seen them. Wishes to know his pleasure concerning the earl of Ossory's causes and his son's, and who is to be the Deputy. Hopes he will remember his old servant James. One Bathe of Ireland has lately made a book for Wolsey, "feigning it to be for the reformation of Ireland, but the effect is but to drive the King to the extremity to send home my lord of Kildare with authority, to accomplish his inordinate affection to my lord of Kildare. He hath no more experience of the land than I have in Italy; and if he were a little touched for his presumption in repugning at the King's pleasure, and provoking to be done that which should sound to his dishonor, it would make others fear to attempt such matters." Hol., pp. 2. Add.: To my lord Legate's good grace, with speed.
  14. "Henry VIII: Privy Purse Expences | British History Online". www.british-history.ac.uk. Retrieved 17 January 2025. To Anthony Knyvet, for tennis money, 50s.
  15. "Henry VIII: February 1531, 16-28 | British History Online". www.british-history.ac.uk. Retrieved 17 January 2025. 43. Anthony Knyvet, gentleman usher of the Privy Chamber, and his heirs, &c. Grant of two old tenements in Croked Lane, London, in the King's gift by the death of Henry Pekman. York Place, 30 Jan. 22 Hen. VIII. Del. Westm., 15 Feb. P.S. Pat. p. 1, m. 10.
  16. Shaw, William Arthur; Burtchaell, George Dames (1906). The Knights of England. A complete record from the earliest time to the present day of the knights of all the orders of chivalry in England, Scotland, and Ireland, and of knights bachelors, incorporating a complete list of knights bachelors dubbed in Ireland. Robarts - University of Toronto. London Sherratt and Hughes. p. 51.
  17. ^ Lara. "Question from Rachel - Death of Anthony Knyvett". Retrieved 4 April 2024.
  18. Stephen Brooks and John McIlwain (editor), Southsea Castle, Pitkin Guides 1996, ISBN 0-85372-809-7 (pp.6-7)
  19. "Henry VIII: October 1544, 7-10 | British History Online". www.british-history.ac.uk. Retrieved 17 January 2025.
  20. "Henry VIII: October 1544, 21-25 | British History Online". www.british-history.ac.uk. Retrieved 17 January 2025.
  21. ^ "The liberty of Portsmouth and Portsea Island: Introduction | British History Online". www.british-history.ac.uk. Retrieved 17 January 2025.Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  22. Mason, J. (1848). Martyrologia; or, records of religious persecution. p. 226. Retrieved 1 October 2012. The Lieutenant of the Tower, whom they had threatened to report to the King because he would not rack her to their satisfaction, hastened away to the King before them, and begged His Grace's pardon for deficiency of obedience, pleading compassion towards a woman.
  23. "Henry VIII: August 1545, 11-15 | British History Online". www.british-history.ac.uk. Retrieved 17 January 2025. Warrant to Williams to deliver Sir Ant. Knevett, lieutenant of the Tower, 250l. to be employed about ordnance affairs by Sir Thos. Arondel, Sir Wm. Tirwyght and Sir Ric. Southwell.
  24. "Henry VIII: August 1545, 16-20 | British History Online". www.british-history.ac.uk. Retrieved 17 January 2025. 18 Aug. 157. Corn Powder for the North. R. O.Warrant by the Council in London to the treasurer and chamberlains of the Exchequer to pay Michell Mathewe, servant of Sir Ant. Knevett, lieutenant of the Tower, 10l. 10s., for transporting certain corn powder to the earl of Hertford. Lyncoln Place, 18 Aug. Signed: John Bakere: Robert Sowthwell: Edward North.P. 1. Add. at the foot.
  25. "Henry VIII: July 1546, 21-25 | British History Online". www.british-history.ac.uk. Retrieved 17 January 2025. Warrant to Augmentations for 2,000l. for Sir Ant. Knevett, lieutenant of the Tower
  26. ^ "The Acts and Monuments Online". www.dhi.ac.uk. Retrieved 15 January 2025.
  27. "Little Ilford | British History Online". www.british-history.ac.uk. Retrieved 16 January 2025.
  28. "Henry VIII: September 1535, 26-30 | British History Online". www.british-history.ac.uk. Retrieved 17 January 2025. 8. Anth. Knevet, gentleman usher of the Privy Chamber, and Matilda, his wife. Grant in survivorship of the manor of Aldersbroke, in the parish of Ilford Parva, Essex, and the tenement called Dragin ford, thereto adjoining, in the parish of Wansted, Essex; certain lands called Naked Hall grove and Millfeld, pertaining to the said tenement of Draginsford; the tenement in the parish of Ilford Parva wherein John Harvy dwells; the tenement in the parish of Wansted wherein John Ferney dwells; and all messuages, lands, &c. in Wansted and Ilford Parva, belonging to the said manor of Aldersbroke:—which premises were granted to the King by Giles Heron. Del. Oldford, 18 Sept. 27 Hen. VIII.—S.B. Pat. p. 2, m. 6.
  29. "Henry VIII: Miscellaneous, 1536 | British History Online". www.british-history.ac.uk. Retrieved 16 January 2025.
  30. ^ Emerson, Kathy Lynn (11 October 2020). A Who's Who of Tudor Women. Kathy Lynn Emerson. pp. Entry for 'Avise Mortelman (d. October 1554)'.
  31. "Henry VIII: July 1541, 26-31 | British History Online". www.british-history.ac.uk. Retrieved 15 January 2025. 58. Sir Ant. Knyvet. Licence to alienate the manor or lordship of Parva Kelke, Yorks., which belonged to the late priory of Bridlyngton, Yorks., and came to the King by the attainder of Will. Wood, the late prior, and which was granted to the said Anthony by pat. 9 Jan. 32 Hen. VIII.; to Edw. Watur, Ric. Tumor, and John Muklow. Westm., 14 July. Pat. 33 Hen. VIII., p. 4, m. 43. 59. Sir Ant. Knyvett and dame Avicia his wife. Licence to alienate the great tenement with houses, &c., called Asshelingwarff, formerly called Pakename Warff, and late Chrychurche Wharff, in the parish of St. Dunstan in the East, London, which belonged to the late priory of Holy Trinity called "Cristchurche" within Aldgate, London; which tenement the said dame Avicia, by the name of Avicia Gybson, widow and executrix of Nic. Gibson of London, grocer, lately had to herself and her heirs by patent 9 Jan. 32 Hen. VIII.;—to Will. Gonson, Edw. Water, and Hen. Horne. Westm., 14 July. Pat. 33 Hen. VIII., p. 5, m. 1.
  32. Green, Nina (2020). "Will of Nicholas Jenyn, proved 22 January 1533. The National Archives PROB 11/24/298" (PDF).
  33. Green, Nina (2018). "Will of Barnard Jenyn, proved 13 February 1558. The National Archives PROB 11/34/65" (PDF).
  34. Harvey, William (1878). The visitation of Norfolk in the year 1563. unknown library. Norwich, Printed by Miller and Leavins. p. 253.
  35. Canterbury (England) (Province). Faculty Office; Chester, Joseph Lemuel; Armytage, George John (1886). Allegations for marriage licences issued from the Faculty office of the Archbishop of Canterbury at London, 1543 to 1869. Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center. London. p. 12.
  36. Surrey Archaeological Society (1858). Surrey archaeological collections. Surrey Archaeological Society. Guildford p. 92.
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