Write a short history (be it in timeline or prose, your choice) about your characters during the period Before 1533, and what happened with them recently. Use this template!

This post has been edited by Agnes of Northleach on Jul 12 2012, 01:26 AM

AGNES OF NORTHLEACH

Lady Agnes of Northleach became Lady in waiting at Bavarian Court after she left England when she lost her parents, and her two older siblings - with whom she never got along well - didn't want her in their homes. In Bavaria Agnes met two lifelong friends: Henriette the Longwy and Cordelia Tudor. There she met Mark Smeaton, the musician as well, and their friendship and love lasted for years with highs and lows. They returned back to England together where Agnes became governess of the little Victoria Percy. However when Agnes got pregnant with Mark's child started to abandon her, most probably because of fear of responsibility. In these hard times she turned to her friends Henriette and Cordelia and the warmhearted Gregory Cromwell, whose father Thomas is in good terms with Agnes. She also met Michael Francis, the rude and wild man, who tried to win her for long months, and after long hesitation Agnes admitted her feelings to him, and now they life together at Hedingham Castle. Agnes' son David Gregory was born, but it seems Michael disappeared.

ANNABELLA STEWART

Annabella was born at Stirling Castle on the 30th April 1514, the youngest child of James IV of Scotland and Margaret Tudor. She and her twin brother, Alexander, were born seven months after their father's death at the Battle of Flodden. Her elder brother, James V, was only one and a half years old when he was crowned King and she became his sole heir in December 1515 when Alexander died. During the years of James' minority the Princess was moved from guardian to guardian as the Regents squabbled over the King's power and as a result she had a very troubled childhood. In 1528 James finally began to rule in his own right and Annabella became his constant companion. Together, they helped to stabilize their country following the regency disputes. Now, Annabella has been sent to her uncle, King Henry VIII's court to try and establish peace between the 'Auld Enemies'. She is seeking out allies to help her cause and is hopeful that the Meeting of the Kings will pave the way to a more lasting peace. However, fearful her uncle will try to offer an English suitor as the price for peace, she is desperate to hurry negotiations with Francis I for both her brother and herself to marry in to either the French Royal family or the French nobility. She has also expressed her opposition to her uncle's new Act and fears her brother's own claim to the English throne, should there be a need to use it, will be jeopardised.

ANNE BOLEYN

The middle child of Thomas and Elizabeth Boleyn, Anne Boleyn was very ambitious from the start. She was educated at German and French courts as a young child. When she returned home to England, the King quickly set eyes on her. Anne was not dumb and could play the political game as well as any man from Court. She did not want to be just a mistress like her sister, Mary, was. She wanted something more for herself. Therefore, she pressured the King to get a divorce from his wife before she allowed him to have her. After waiting years and years for the divorce to come through, Henry finally decided to drop it. However, Anne did not allow this to be the end of her true ambitions. If she could not be the Queen of England, she was going to make sure she would become the mother of the future King of England. Anne recently married Henry Courtenay, earl of Devon. However, Courtenay was sent away on a diplomatic mission so that Anne and the King could carry on as a happy couple in secret.

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ELENA BORGIA

Elena Borgia was born on the 14th of February 1514 in subisco, Italy which is the second richest country in the whole of italy and literally at the doorstep of the holy city itself. Elena family is notorious and known by the world over since her grand-father became pope of Rome and place her family on the map. Her father is Casare Borgia whom from rumors had and incestuous relation with her auntie. Casare whom now hates the fact that there family has fallen from grace wants the Borgia's to be restored to there former glory and beliefs that his pearl Elena would be able to ensure that vision. Thinking now that Elena is at age he had sent her to the English court, to seek out a advantage marriage for there family. It was on Elena first week where she met Richard Beaufort whom she thought was very sweet and very gallant, however Elena came to find out that he was indeed claimed by another women at court and was crushed but was happy to hear that her friend has found someone. Richard helped Elena have an audience with the King VIII whom Elena found scary by his aura, as the conversation motioned between the two Elena had mention the Borgia's army would be beneficial for England and with that Henry suggested Elena be betrothed to the Duke of Richmond, Smitten by the thought of making her family happy at successing in her mission, it was all to good to be true when she sent a letter to the Duke to find out he knew nothing of the arrangement.

ELIZABETH DARRELL

Elizabeth Darrell was the daughter of Sir Edward Darrell of Littlecote (Wilts), Chamberlain to Queen Katherine of Aragon, by his first wife, Anne. Elizabeth was a servant of the Marchioness of Exeter and then became Maid of Honour to Queen Katherine of Aragon. During her exile in which she followed Katherine of Aragon, she sought for help for her mistress and found it with Thomas Wyatt with whom she fell in love with but kept to herself. But soon after Wyatt has disappeared and the Queen was allowed to come back to court, Elizabeth faced other problems. The new Act of Succession was proclaimed and although Katherine of Aragon and most of the courtiers at court signed it in agreement, Elizabeth and her friends Jane Seymour and Harold Neville refused to obey and had to face the King's anger. They are now captured in the Tower for a month and their future seems still uncertain. But as always, there is a light in the dark. Sir Thomas More has become a friend and promised to help her. He's the one who offers Elizabeth a strong shoulder to lean on.

ELIZABETH SEYMOUR

Elizabeth Seymour was a happy, free and daring child, but at the age of 13 she was married to Sir Anthony Oughtred, Governor of the Isle of Jersey. Her marriage was a very unhappy one, as her husband was much older than her and she gathered very bad experiences about married life. That way she became a young woman full of fears and cramps. After eight years she returned back to England. In front of a Londoner bookstore she met Gregory Cromwell whose kindnesss and openness helped her to open her heart, and she hoped that with the help of him she can become a living and feeling human being again. Their relationship bloomed, even Lizzie's brother Edward accepts this relationship, and also promises, that he will never force her sister to marry against her will. Gregory asks Lizzie's permission to officially court her, and Lizzie agrees, although she still feels herself uncertain in some aspects, and she is still afraid to reveal her biggest secret.
Lizzie had a happy reunion with her beloved sister Jane, to whom she always stood close, and with whom she can return to the happiness of her childhood.

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GREGORY CROMWELL

Gregory was the first born child and only son of Thomas and Elizabeth Cromwell. After the family experienced a hard blow of fate, Gregory was the only surviving child and his father's one and only. It often happened that Gregory felt too overprotected by his father but the young man knew the reason and deep in his heart he liked the knowledge that there was someone who would catch him when he would fall. Now - 1533 - life has changed and Gregory is an intelligent, young and handsome gentleman who has finished his education at Cambridge and started a new level of it: Real life experiences... His father gives hims tasks to fulfill and even asked Thomas Cranmer, the Archbishop to give him things to do. Although it's something totally knew, Gregory will grow to the challenge. Another "challenge" for the young man is to marry the woman he loves: Elizabeth Seymour. It seems an easy task compared to all the others his father gives him, but there are still obstacles Gregory is determined to overcome. Then, other news changed his life: His dear friend Agnes of Northleach gave birth to a baby boy and asked Gregory to be the godfather. Will he manage all those events?

GUILIA MACHIAVELLI

Guilia was born at the 28th of October of the year 1507 as the second child of Niccol� and Marietta Machiavelli. Guilia came to England incognito to follow her mistress Elena Borgia whom she guided and protected from the miseries of the world and to flee her home, since the Medici have returned to power. Guilia holds deep hatred for the Medici because they have erased her father from all his offices and have tortured him what turned Niccol� in a broken man until death took him from the world. Hoping to find in England peace she was much mistaken as she met an old friend of her childhood and youth: Raphael Frescobaldi. Guilia has loved him in secret and never found the strength to tell him the secret of her heart due to his relationship to another woman. In a way she even fled from him and her memories. But now everything is revealed since Raphael finally discovered the secret of her heart and even found his love for Guilia. What the future will bring, only time will show.

HENRY VIII TUDOR

KING HENRY VIII TUDOR of England, France and Ireland, the third child and second son of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York, was born on the 28th of June 1491 and, like all the Tudor monarchs except Henry VII, at Greenwich Palace. On the 22nd of April 1509 Henry VIII succeeded to the throne, his accession was hailed with universal acclamation. He married an Italian noble and his first daughter, Cordelia, was born the following year. By 1513 he followed an English army across the Channel and personally took part in the successful sieges of Therouanne and Tournay and the battle of Guinegate which led to the peace of 1514. In that same year, Ferdinand of Spain sent his daughter Katherine of Aragon, as ambassador of Spain to England. Henry was taken by her beauty and acumen and they were married the same year. In 1516 his second daughter, Mary, was born. Although he loved Katherine, that did not stop the King for having a long list of mistress, among them Elizabeth Blount, Anna Stafford and Mary Boleyn, to name a few. In 1529 he became totally obsessed with Katherine's lady-in-waiting Anne Boleyn, especially because of his desires for a male heir and he uncertainty that Katherine was going to provide one. Against counsel from many of his ministers, he began divorce proceedings against the Queen and continued with his designs even after Wolsey failed to find a solution to Henry�s divorce. The King, manipulated by the Boleyns, of course fired the Cardinal. But Henry did not take into consideration the divisions not only at Court but across his Kingdom. Katherine is a popular ruler, loved by many, especially the Catholics and Anne is seen by the Protestants as their best chance to get their voices heard. Henry was beginning to think that he was going about the whole affair the wrong way and in a surprising move, decided to bring back to court his wife and daughters and gave Anne a title and sent her for a while to Hever Castle.

HENRY HOWARD

Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, was born in Hunsdon, Herfordshire, in 1517. He was the eldest son of Thomas Howard, the Duke of Norfolk, and Lady Elizabeth Stafford, daughter of the Duke of Buckingham. Surrey was of royal descent on both sides of his family. From age 12 onwards, he was brought up at Windsor with Henry VIII's illegitimate son, Henry Fitzroy, Duke of Richmond. He was given the title "Earl of Surrey" by courtesy in 1524 on the passing away of his grandfather, Thomas Howard, Earl of Surrey and 2nd Duke of Norfolk, when his father was created 3rd Duke of Norfolk. In 1529, Henry Howard began to have a more dominant role in life at court. His cousin, Anne Boleyn, brought the Boleyn and Howard family great favor from the king. However, at just sixteen, Henry spends most of his time playing tennis with other young courtier, hunting, and flirting with the young ladies at court. Henry is also a talented writer, which his father does not support. Most of his poetry are written for particular ladies of the court. However, there has been one lady that has caught his attention. However, he knows this one lady is almost unobtainable, if not impossible.

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JOHN OF SAXONY

John was the son of the Duke George the Bearded, from his marriage to Barbara Jagiellon, daughter of King Casimir IV of Poland. Because of the good relationship between his father to the Habsburg family, he was raised in Brussels, together with Charles V with whom he is friend. Since the Reformation made its way through Saxony the Albertine realm of this country remained faithful to Rome. This led to some conflicts with John's uncle Henry IV for he converted to Lutheranism. John loved philosophy and called himself humanist he has had not much time to follow his own heart. The duty towards his country and father was rooted deep in his heart since John will be the next Prince of Saxony. He was betrothed since he was seven years old; his fiancee was Elisabeth of Hesse but in all honesty, John wasn't eager to marry her, for during all the years he has heard about her changing her confession from Catholic into Lutheran. John's father sent his son to England as Emissary to set signal.

KATHERINE OF ARAGON

KATHERINE OF ARAGON, Queen of Henry VIII of England, daughter of Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain, was born on the 15th or 16th of December 1495 (AU). She left Spain in 1511 to become Ambassador of Spain in the court of the young Henry VIII. From the moment he met her, Henry was smitten and decided immediately on marrying her, the wedding taking place on the 11th of June and the coronation on the 24th. By 1529, Henry � looking to secure a male heir � became obsessed with Anne Boleyn and looking for ways to either be allowed to have two wives or to annul his marriage with Katherine in favor of Anne Boleyn. Cardinal Wolsey was put in charge to arrange this and when he failed, he was fired from his position of Chancellor. Katherine, while the great question remained unsolved, was still treated by Henry as his queen but on the 14th of July, 1531, Henry banished her from Court and at the same time separated from the princess Mary. Alone and helpless in confronting Henry's absolute power, her cause found champions and sympathizers among the people, among the court preachers, and in the House of Commons. Seeing that things were becoming difficult � even as he had absolute power � because of the possibility of a War against Charles V and the dangers of a civil war in England, Henry decided to accept Katherine back to court while he explored other possible ways to get his wish for a male heir fulfilled. One of such ways was the Act of Succession, which Henry forced Katherine to sign in agreement. But she is now in court and remains close to her daughter and stepdaughter and also remains the Queen.

PHILLIP OF BAVARIA

Phillip of Bavaria was born in 1503 in Germany. He had a happy childhood with his parents and with his one year younger brother, Otto Henry. However Phillip's life changed at the age of ten when he suddenly lost both his parents in consumption. After this Phillip and Otto Henry lived with their uncle William of Cleves. Life was cold and strict there, Phillip didn't really liked to be there. He did everything he could do to forget bitterness of reality. Finally at the age of 21 Phillip left Germany behind, and started his long roaming through Europe. He visited many countries, usually not revealing his true identity. He arrived in England in the beginning of 1533. One day he rescues a mesmerizing beauty, Margaret from being raped. It seems that their meeting was meant to be, and after some adventure they get closer than Phillip ever hoped. Phillip wants to see Margaret again, so he even risks to sneak in the King's masquerade... But instead of Margaret he meats Henry Howard there and they become good friends. Phillip even visits Henry in Norfolk. However, now he returns to the Court to reveal Margaret the truth...

RAPHAEL FRESCOBALDI

Born on 18th October 1504, Raphael shortly turned out to be the rebel of the family. Well aware of the fact that his older brother was designed to enter into their father's businesses, Raphael enjoyed his freedom and led an adventurous life. Ever since he could remember, he had a strong connection to his younger sister, Sophia. She was probably the only one, who was capable of reading his mind. After a worriless childhood he confessed his feelings to Valentina, who had been his childhood friend. Although Valentina felt the same for him she was too weak to oppose her father, who had planned to marry her off to a wealthy man. Raphael did everything in his power to change the mind of Valentina's father but in the end he was violently removed from their estate. During this night, his beloved committed suicide. From this point on his life seemed to be completely senseless. He felt lost and blamed himself for everything that had happened. Even the memory of the past happenings seemed to drive him insane, so his mother decided to send him to England in order to deliver the sad news of his father's death to his sister. Once in London, he had to save some women's lives and got in trouble with Cromwell's relatives. It broke his heart to sadden his sister but he had no other choice. After another accidental meeting, he faced his friend Guilia Machiavelli, who used to visit the estate of the Frescobaldi's. Thanks to his stubbornly behavior he picked up a fight with her that ended up with a passionate kiss. No doubt, he had to see her again, so he wrote a secret letter and carried her off to the woods, where they shared a lustful night. Guilia seemed to ease the burden he had to carry and sooner or later he would surely realize that his heart had always belonged to her.

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RICHARD BEAUFORT

Born in Leicester on February 18, 1501 from a family of Craftsmen from Northcumberalnd. His father was Steven Beaufort, who could trace his branch to Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry VII, although his branch was of more common stock. His mother Eloise Neville traced hers to the Nevilles of Northcumberland. Became Sheriff of Leicestershire in 1532, right after a visit to the English territory of Calais, where he met a mysterious woman who he took a fancy of. After a loveless but intense relationship he returned to Leicester and then was summoned by the King to enter into service as Steward of the Royal Guard for the Royal Family. When he was sent to escort Lady Henriette de Longwy, the estranged wife of Thomas Cromwell, Richard was smitten by her and they started a passionate yet problematic affair, despite that not only she was married but the King, who had been intimate with the lady years before set his eyes on her again. But their tryst as become more than that and Richard continued the affair.

SOPHIA FRESCOBALDI

Sophia, born as the third child of Francesco Frescobaldi and Isabel Bruce, inherited the beauty of her mother and the famous Italian temper of her father. She grew up with two older brothers and therefore went from one extreme to the other. At the young age of 10, she began to practice the art of sword fighting and was quite skillful in it. Her daily routine was characterized by horseback riding, drawing and fighting with her brothers. It could have been the perfect idyll if her father wouldn't have become ill. Francesco's health changed for the worse and he got weaker with every passing day. Seeing that her father wouldn't recover, Sophia swore to grant him his final request. She was sent to England, where Thomas Cromwell had to take her under his wings. After her adventurous arrival she began to realize that she had to amend her way of living in order to fulfill the wishes of her family. Sophia tried hard to conceal her upcoming feelings towards Thomas, who was still a married man, but didn't succeed. She fell head over heels in love with him. They were about to strengthen their relationship as Sophia's brother delivered the sad news of Francesco's death. Till now Sophia couldn't get over this sustained loss but worse, she also has to make sure that her dark secret won't be revealed.

THOMAS CROMWELL

Thomas, third child of Walter and Katherine Cromwell came from humble background. As son of a blacksmith he made his way through life and soon became trusted lawyer to Cardinal Wolsey. After his mentor and friend the Cardinal fell from power and soon thereafter has died, Thomas' future was uncertain. But he had made his way up till he got a member of the King's household. First, Master of the Rolls and Master of the Jewel's House. Around this time, his personal life has started to reboot itself after it suffered a hard blow: His first wife, Elizabeth Wykes has died as well as his two beloved daughters, Anne and Grace. A young woman from Bavaria had entered his life as she was seeking for help. Henriette de Longwy soon came to England to see who the man behind the letters was. Both fell in love and Thomas married her after some time. Shortly after their marriage, Henriette gave birth to Liliana, who is next to Gregory, Thomas' one and only. Thomas keeps an eye on the poet Thomas Wyatt, who became like a second son to Thomas. Other persons, Thomas calls his friends, despite of some differences, are Sir Thomas More and Harold Neville (godfather to Gregory). 1533, after three years happily married, the amount of work got more and more and Thomas barely found time for his family. That and some other reasons led his wife and Thomas to a separation and thanks to the invention of the King to a divorce. Furthermore, Thomas has become the Secretary of the King, Baron Cromwell of Wimbledon and Lord Privy Seal. Even his heart found another one to cherish: Sophia, his ward; sent to England by his good old friend Francesco Frescobaldi.

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THOMAS MORE

His relationship with the King became more and more tense, and in 1532 More resigned from his office and hoped he can spend the rest of his life peacefully in his Chelsea home among his children and grandchildren, meeting friends like Thomas Cromwell. However the King had other friends and in 1533, he ordered More back to Court, made him Chancellor again, and asked him to arrange a masquerade and buy presents for the Princesses, together with Thomas Cromwell. More took Alisa Brown into his household, promising her to help to find her son.
More signed the Act of Succession after Queen Katherine expressed her strong wish for him to do so. However this deed caused him many sleepless nights. He visited Thomas Cromwell from some friendly advise, and later visited Lady Elizabeth Darrell in the Tower to provide her comfort.

Tian, Duchess of Kent

Tian was the second of two daughters of the Duke of Kent. She grew up in the shadow of her older sister, with whom she had a poor relationship from very early on. Her sister was always adored by their parents and was set to become the Duchess of Kent until she one day ran away and eloped with a suitor. When Tian's sister returned home in shame, a question arose of who would succeed their father. At the end, Tian managed to win over her father's affections before his death and successfully became the Duchess of Kent. She then left behind her old life for a life at the royal court. At court, she sought excitement and did some crazy things, with many bumps on the road. One day, she was involved in a carriage accident and lost many of her memories. She has returned to court in hopes that it will trigger her memory and is remembering things one by one. She also hopes to have fun while steering clear of trouble.

TRISTAN FRANCIS

Tristan Francis appeared unexpectedly at Hedingham Castle after twenty years being completely disappeared. His family is anything but happy about his return. Cordelia teaches him a valuable lesson about the fact that not all princesses are delicate flowers. Tristan tries to mend his relationship with his daughter. In the meantime he starts a passionate affair with Catherine Willoughby.

URSULA MISSELDON

Ursula is the daughter of Lady Catherine Gordon who was a Lady-in Waiting to Elizabeth of York who met a well a farm boy and since Catherine was a favoured lady the Queen Consort secured a "gift" to Catherine so she had her family was still taken care of. Ursula is 27 and has three older brothers her father and mother felt it was time for her to be around other proper ladies and their connections got her a place as a Lady-In-Waiting to Lady Anne. On her first day at court she met many people including the King who has now started to favour her as a mistress. She was given the title in her own right of Viscountess of Belkshire and the King also gave her the biggest estate in her home town. She has learned more about her mother’s past especially with Henry VII and the rest of the Royal family. She doesn’t plan on being a lady to attempt to give the King a son with the New Act in effect but that doesn’t mean the thought isn’t in the back of her head, what ambitious woman wouldn’t at least think about it. She has been making enemies and friends at court some with high titles and position so this could hinder or help her. One friendship that may start many rumors at court is a budding friendship with Princess Cordelia Tudor Francis. The King has ordered her to now use her mother’s Scottish bloodline to get inside the Scottish inner circle at court and report back to him. This will start when she gives a gift of friendship to Princess Annabella Stewart, one that is similar to one Margaret Tudor Queen Dowager of Scotland gave to Ursula’s mother at Margaret’s wedding to James the IV. Will Ursula succeeded in her endeavors? Will she stay in the Kings favor? The future is unclear for her but she is happy with what she has now!

ANNE STANHOPE

Anne was the daughter of Sir Edward Stanhope of Rampton and Elizabeth Bourchier, sister of John Bourchier, Earl of Bath, and a descendant of King Edward III by his youngest son, Thomas of Woodstock. She was born at Sudbury in Suffolk.She had two half-brothers from her father’s first marriage: Richard Stanhope and Sir Michael Stanhope. Anne came to court in 1511 as a maid of honor to Queen Katherine of Aragon.The Stanhope’s standing at court was probably one of magnificence and importance, for Camden in 1586 says, in his reference to Shelford: ‘It is the seat of the famous family of Stanhope, knights, whose state and grandeur in those parts is eminent and their names renowned.’ In 1533, Sir Edward Seymour fell in love with her and repudiated his wife in order to marry her, which he did in 1535. Anne had apartments at court and for a time her sister-in-law, Jane Seymour, met King Henry VIII there. When Jane became queen, her brother was elevated in the peerage so that Anne became, in rapid succession, Viscountess Beauchamp and Countess of Hertford. Anne wants nothing more then to Restore the Seymour family as one family to over throw the Boleyns.

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