Signed Henry VIII document auctioned in Jersey

Henry VIII signed documentImage source, Paul Fraser Collectibles
Image caption,

Henry VIII signed the document to show his approval for the supply of cloth and other materials

At a glance

  • A document signed by King Henry VIII has gone up for auction in Jersey

  • The document was signed 'Henry R' on 6 December 1513 at Windsor Castle when the King was 22 years old

  • When he signed it he was married to the first of his six wives and the split with Rome was two decades away

  • Published

A document signed by King Henry VIII has been put up for auction in Jersey.

Henry VIII was the King of England from 1509 until his death in 1547 - well-known for his six wives and his decision to break with the Catholic Church and establish the Church of England.

The document was signed Henry R on 6 December 1513 at Windsor Castle, when he was 22 years old.

He was giving his approval for the supply of cloth and other materials to the royal household to be made into gowns and other garments.

It is addressed to Sir Andrew Windsor, Keeper of the Great Wardrobe.

Mike Hall, Paul Fraser Collectibles’ CEO, said the potential history behind the rare document was "tantalising".

He said: “This auction gives collectors - and people who might not normally bid in auctions - the chance to own an important piece of English history for a low price.

“Henry is happily married to his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, when he signs this letter. The five future wives and the break from the Catholic Church - that's all ahead of him."

The company said most rare historical documents that "have withstood the tests of time" were "mostly held in institutions", and not in private hands.

The auction started on Wednesday with a starting price of £65,000, and will reduce by £5,000 every day until a successful bid is made.

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