An alchemist, the Princes in the Tower’s doctor, and a duke who suffered a rigged trial

In this first part of "This week in Tudor history" for the week beginning 1st February, historian and author Claire Ridgway talks about Tudor events and people associated with 1st, 2nd and 3rd February.

 

1st February 1552, in the reign of King Edward VI - The birth of Roger Cooke, an alchemist who worked for Dr John Dee, Francis Anthony, the Wizard Earl (Henry Percy, 9th Earl of Northumberland) and Sir Walter Ralegh, and a man with whom Dee shared the secret of a special elixir.

 

2nd February 1508, in the reign of King Henry VII - The death of physician and Provost of King's College Cambridge, John Argentine. Argentine was said to have been the last person to have attended on the Princes in the Tower before their disappearance.

 

3rd February 1478, in the reign of King Edward IV - The birth of Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham. Buckingham was executed for alleged treason in 1521, but it appears that his downfall was more to do with King Henry VIII's fear of Buckingham's wealth, importance and Plantagenet blood.

 

Other Tudor events for these dates:

February 1 - Mary I's Rousing Speech - https://youtu.be/hwf3CbwYjWM

February 1 - Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots' death warrant - https://youtu.be/Hq9b7nM51GY

February 2 - The Feast of Candlemas - https://youtu.be/sXj14xV4gCE

February 2 - Sir Francis Bryan, the Vicar of Hell - https://youtu.be/5f3QFIIvq2w

February 3 - Mary, Queen of Scots' death warrant - https://youtu.be/cIEZJXK9q8M

February 3 - Silken Thomas - https://youtu.be/JA5hsZk0G3k 

 

The Private Diary of John Dee - https://www.gutenberg.org/files/19553/19553-h/19553-h.htm
Francis Anthony and his drinkable gold - https://youtu.be/UPf24CDIVTo