On This Day in Tudor History

On January 24, 1536 Henry VIII took a serious fall from his horse during a jousting accident. The horse, a heavy breed designed for war, fell on top of him leaving him unconscious for an extended period of time. Imperial ambassador Eustace Chapuys who witnessed the fall reported to his master saying, "...the King being mounted on a great horse, to run at the lists, both fell so heavily that everyone thought it a miracle he were not killed..."  It was this accident, and the subsequent internal injuries that I believe led to Henry's mental and physical decline in the coming years. It was also a force in the decline of Henry and Anne's relationship. Upon hearing of the King's fall and subsequent inability to wake or speak Anne Boleyn went into pre-term labor delivering a male fetus of about four months gestation. Unsubstantiated claims have said the Queen cried and screamed saying "I miscarried of my savior.." Jousting, though dangerous, was considered a chivalrous sport, where noble men rode not only for honor but also the favor of high-born women and rich prizes.

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