The Greyhound of Richmond

Henry VIII inherited the heraldic greyhound from Edward III and the House of Lancaster. Initially adopted by Henry VIII’s grandfather, Edmund Tudor, Earl of Richmond, the white greyhound became identified as the White Greyhound of Richmond. This emblem held great significance for Henry VIII as it symbolised both the House of Lancaster and the House of Tudor, reinforcing his legitimate claim to the throne through both dynasties.

The King of the Joust 

The greyhound on the Moat Bridge bears a shield shaped like those used for jousting, one of Henry VIII’s favourite sports. During the king’s reign, he suffered numerous jousting injuries and some historians believe that they were the underlying cause behind his increasingly volatile personality.

When Henry VIII rose to power in 1509, he epitomised Renaissance ideals as he was robust, well-educated and profoundly influenced by chivalric customs. Traditionally, jousting was seen as a monarchical pastime but it held special significance for Henry VIII. As a young king keen to solidify his position following the Wars of the Roses, a conflict that had unsettled the English monarchy, he utilised jousting and heraldry to demonstrate his power and legitimacy.

Historical records vividly depict Henry VIII’s early love for jousting and the grandeur with which these events were organised. His passion for the sport was evident in his regular participation in tournaments, competing in the lists alongside knights and nobles. The king hosted these jousting tournaments at his magnificent palaces, including those at Hampton Court and Greenwich, transforming them into grand arenas for heraldic spectacle.

The Projection of Power

Jousting is depicted in the 1511 Westminster Tournament Roll, a 60-foot-long vellum scroll illustrating the two-day festivities held for the birth of Henry VIII’s first son, who passed away as an infant not long after the occasion. Painted by heraldic artists of the College of Arms, it is adorned with motifs, initials and Coats of Arms.

The tournaments held during Henry VIII’s reign were meticulously executed to further solidify the king’s authority and influence. Strategically timed, these events often coincided with important diplomatic occasions like visits from foreign dignitaries, which allowed Henry VIII to demonstrate England’s military prowess and the king’s physical capability.

Featuring luxurious tapestries, gleaming armour and intricate heraldic symbolism, the opulent nature of the tournaments clearly communicated to foreign courts that Henry VIII’s England was a formidable power.

The Field of the Cloth of Gold, 1520

The Field of the Cloth of Gold was a renowned diplomatic event during which Henry VIII hosted jousts with Francis I of France in June 1520 near Calais in France. The summit aimed to strengthen the bond between England and France to prevent potential conflicts. The event featured opulent displays of wealth, including tents made of gold cloth, lavish feasts and thrilling jousting tournaments.

Henry VIII and Francis I both participated in the jousts, each endeavouring to showcase their strength and skill to outshine the other. Although the summit did not result in lasting peace, it was a grand demonstration of Henry VIII’s influence on the European stage.

The Meeting with Charles V, 1522

Another significant diplomatic meeting was Henry VIII’s meeting with the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V in 1522. This meeting occurred during a period of shifting alliances and increasing tensions amongst England, France and the Habsburg Empire.

As part of his efforts to form an alliance with Charles V against France, Henry VIII organised jousting events to honour the emperor’s visit to England. These jousts served as a clear demonstration of English military strength and the Tudor king’s aspiration to play a prominent role in European politics.

Anne Boleyn’s Coronation, 1533

When Anne Boleyn acceded to the throne as Henry VIII’s queen in 1533, extravagant jousts were organised as part of the grand festivities. Boleyn’s coronation was a significant and politically charged occasion that signified a pivotal moment in English history, as the king’s separation from the Catholic Church and his union with Anne had led to considerable diplomatic strains, particularly with the Pope and Catholic rulers such as Charles V.

The Treaty of Greenwich, 1543

In 1543, Henry VIII utilised jousting as part of the celebrations for the Treaty of Greenwich, a significant agreement between England and Scotland. The purpose of this treaty was to establish peace and pave the way for the potential union of the two kingdoms through the marriage of the king’s son Edward to Mary, Queen of Scots.

As was customary, Henry VIII commemorated the occasion with grand public festivities, including a jousting tournament at the royal court. This event held great diplomatic significance for the king as he sought to solidify his influence over Scotland, whilst the tournament served as a powerful demonstration of his authority in British politics.

SHOP THE GREYHOUND OF RICHMOND