16 October 1532 – The Meeting with the Great Mayster of Fraunce

Posted By Claire on October 16, 2014

Anne, duc de Montmorency

On 16th October, while Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII were lodged in Calais, the Duke of Norfolk, Earl of Derby and a group of gentleman met with “the great mayster of Fraunce” Anne, duc de Montmorency, and his men at the English Pale, six miles outside of Calais. This meeting was to plan where Henry VIII would meet Francis I.

After the meeting, the two groups rode back to Calais, where they dined with Henry VIII.

Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn had left England for Calais on 11th October and stayed in Calais together until 21st October when Henry left Anne to meet Francis I and travel on to Boulogne. Henry VIII was still married to Catherine of Aragon at this point, but Anne acted as his consort on this trip. He had raised her to the title of Marquis of Pembroke in preparation for this trip and had also presented her with a collection of jewels.

The main purpose of this trip was for Henry and Anne to gain Francis I’s public recognition and approval of their relationship. Henry wanted Francis to then meet with the Pope and push the case for the annulment of Henry’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon.