Henry FitzAlan, 19th Earl of Arundel, Chancellor of the University of Oxford (d. 1580)

Henry Fitzalan: A Tudor Survivor and Master of Courtly Navigation

Henry Fitzalan, the 12th Earl of Arundel KG, born on April 23, 1512, and passing on February 24, 1580, stands as an extraordinary figure in English history. A nobleman of immense prestige and the inheritor of one of England's oldest earldoms, his remarkable life spanned a period of profound religious upheaval and political transformation. What truly distinguished him was his unparalleled ability to not only survive but consistently maintain a prominent and influential position within the volatile court of *all* the later Tudor sovereigns: Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I. This feat of political dexterity and strategic adaptation is widely considered unique among his contemporaries, serving as a powerful testament to his astute understanding of power dynamics and his capacity to navigate ever-shifting loyalties and religious tides during a perilous era.

Early Life and Ascendancy Through Tumultuous Reigns

Fitzalan's journey into the heart of English power began early in his career. Under King Henry VIII, he was appointed a Privy Councillor, a significant mark of trust and an entry point into the highest echelons of government. As the young kingdom grappled with the seismic changes brought about by the English Reformation, Arundel demonstrated a keen ability to remain relevant and trusted. Following Henry VIII's death in 1547, Arundel transitioned smoothly into the court of the boy-king, Edward VI. Here, his influence continued to grow, as he served in crucial administrative roles such as Lord Chamberlain and subsequently as Lord Steward of the Household. His notable participation in the overthrow of the powerful Lord Protector Somerset further underscored his willingness and capacity to engage in the often cut-throat and dangerous politics of the era.

Loyalty, Adaptation, and Shifting Sands Under Mary I and Elizabeth I

The death of Edward VI in 1553 plunged England into a profound succession crisis. While many sought to place Lady Jane Grey on the throne, Henry Fitzalan, leveraging his extensive political experience and perhaps his underlying Catholic sympathies, played a pivotal role in proclaiming Mary I as the rightful queen. This decisive action earned him considerable favor, and he was quickly reinstated as Lord Steward. His loyalty was further rewarded when he was chosen to lead the esteemed embassy to Spain, tasked with arranging Queen Mary's politically significant marriage to Philip II, a union that profoundly shaped England's international standing and religious direction. During this period, Arundel was undoubtedly at the zenith of his influence, a trusted advisor to a Catholic monarch determined to reverse the Protestant reforms of the previous reign.

With Mary I's death in 1558 and the ascension of her Protestant half-sister, Elizabeth I, many Catholic-leaning noblemen faced an uncertain future. Yet, Henry Fitzalan once again demonstrated his remarkable ability to adapt. Initially, he continued to serve Elizabeth, maintaining his position as Lord Steward and remaining a Privy Councillor. However, the religious and political landscape under Elizabeth was markedly different. Arundel's deeply conservative and perhaps genuinely Catholic sentiments became increasingly at odds with the new Protestant establishment. Over time, his loyalty came under suspicion. He became entangled in various plots aimed at restoring Catholicism or even replacing Elizabeth, most notably the Northern Rebellion (though he denied direct involvement) and the infamous Ridolfi Plot, which sought to marry Mary, Queen of Scots, to Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk, and place her on the English throne. These involvements led to his imprisonment and ultimately diminished his standing, though he managed to avoid the execution that befell many other plotters. Despite this later decline, his initial acceptance and service under Elizabeth for several years further solidified his unique and unparalleled record of serving all four Tudor monarchs after Henry VII.

A Legacy of Endurance and Political Acumen

Henry Fitzalan's life journey through the tumultuous Tudor courts is a masterclass in political survival and strategic adaptation. While his later years were marked by suspicion and waning influence under Elizabeth I, his earlier career stands as an extraordinary example of how one nobleman could maintain consistent prominence amidst the most dramatic religious and political upheavals. His story offers a vivid illustration of the high stakes, intricate maneuvering, and constant negotiation of personal allegiances, religious convictions, and political ambition that characterized life in Tudor England. He remains a testament to the extraordinary resilience required to navigate the perilous path of a leading figure in an age defined by its unpredictability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Henry Fitzalan, 12th Earl of Arundel?
Henry Fitzalan was a highly influential English nobleman who lived from 1512 to 1580. He is historically significant for uniquely holding prominent positions at the court of four successive Tudor monarchs: Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I.
What made his service to the Tudor monarchs so remarkable?
His most significant achievement was his unparalleled ability to serve all four later Tudor sovereigns – Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I – maintaining a prominent and influential role throughout their often-turbulent reigns. This level of continuous service and political survival through such tumultuous times, marked by religious shifts and dynastic struggles, is considered unique among his peers.
Which specific Tudor monarchs did he serve?
He served King Henry VIII, King Edward VI, Queen Mary I, and Queen Elizabeth I.
What prominent roles did he hold during his career?
Across his long and distinguished career, he held various high-ranking positions, including Privy Councillor, Lord Chamberlain, and most notably, Lord Steward of the Household. He was also a Knight of the Garter (KG), a prestigious order of chivalry that recognized his standing.
How did he manage to survive through such turbulent political and religious changes?
Henry Fitzalan demonstrated remarkable political acumen, adaptability, and an exceptional ability to navigate the complex and often dangerous religious and dynastic shifts of the Tudor era. While often seen as having conservative or Catholic leanings, he was adept at shifting his public allegiances or at least avoiding direct confrontation to maintain his standing for much of his life, although he did face significant challenges and imprisonment in his later years under Elizabeth I.
Was he ever involved in plots against Queen Elizabeth I?
Yes, in his later life, his conservative and Catholic sympathies led to his involvement, or at least strong suspicion of involvement, in various plots against Elizabeth I, most notably the Ridolfi Plot. These actions ultimately led to his imprisonment and a significant decline in his political influence, though he managed to avoid execution.