Sir Thomas Bullen K. G. d.1538

Hever, Kent

Rubbing size: 5' 5" X 2'1" or 20 1/2" X 7 1/2"

Colour: Gold on Black(large) or White on Black (small)

Price: $125(US) - large or $35(US) - small

Sir Thomas Bullen, father of Henry VIII's ill-fated queen, Anne Boleyn, is depicted in this magnigicent engraving wearing full Garter robes and regalia comprising: the coronet; the collar of Tudor roses; the badge; and the garter below the left knee. Both the latter bear the motto of the Order: 'Honi soit qui mal y pense'. His head rests upon a great tilting helmet surmounted by the Ormonde crest. At his feet is a griffin - a fabulous animal with eagle's beak and wings and lion's body.

Sir Thomas became enormously powerful during Henry's reign. Owning estates at Blickling, in Norfolk, he married Elizabeth, daughter of the Duke of Norfolk, and became successively Governor of Norwich Castle and Ambassador to the Low Countries. At various times his wife and two of his daughters became the King's mistresses - no impediment to his ambitious progress!