The Other Tudors. Philippa Jones

up to Margaret licking her thin lips in anticipation of the reception her news would have, her black eyes gleaming balefully …’

      Sadly, Glenne gives no sources for his pen portrait of Elizabeth. It may be that he had some evidence for his version of her character, or it may be that he needed a meddling, spiteful character to support the plotline of Margaret as a spoiled brat, at odds with her doting husband, and chose Elizabeth because she was a real person who served in close proximity to the young Queen. What he does is give us a physical picture of a lady with black hair, dark eyes, pale skin and thin lips. Had he at least seen a portrait of her?

      Henry VIII’s rewards to Elizabeth Denton were made within weeks of his ascending the throne. While he would want to reward loyal family servants, there must have been many people who had served his family and who deserved to be rewarded. One conclusion could be that Elizabeth had provided a service to Henry that was not set down in the Court records. Given that she had been a loyal servant to Margaret Beaufort, it might make sense that, to make sure that there were no unwanted complications, Henry’s grandmother selected the lady for his first lovemaking experience.

      Whether she was Henry’s choice or chosen by those who had his best interests at heart, whoever made the decision had the good sense to choose a married lady as his first sexual conquest, one who was experienced and discreet.

      In the Blackfriars church of St Anne on Lombard Street, a lady named Elizabeth Denton is buried. Her will, dated 26 April 1518, leaves a generous bequest: ‘… To the intent that the same Prior, &c. shall pray for the Soul of my late Husband, my Soul, and all Christen Souls …’⁹ The church was eminently suitable for the final resting place of a high-ranking court lady. Several minor members of the Royal Family were buried at St Anne’s, as well as a number of people from notable noble families.