Gertrude Courtenay

Marchioness of Exeter

Gertrude Courtenay (1502 – ), married to Henry Courtenay, 1st Marquess of Exeter.

Week 10: 'Alas, What Shall I Do For Love?' (Part 1)

The old families are paying attention to Elizabeth Barton, the prophetess down in Kent.

“If I were Exeter, I wouldn’t let my wife dance attendance on some addle-witted girl who is feeding her fantasies that one day she will be queen.”

Week 14: Devil’s Spit / A Painter’s Eye

Lady Exeter is caught up in the circle of treason surrounding Elizabeth Barton.

‘Look,’ Henry says, ‘it is Courtenay’s wife that is to blame. WHen he knows the whole of her practices he will want to be rid of her. She is fickle and weak like all her sex, easily led into scheming.’

Cromwell advises her to write to the king to say, “She has not the wit of a flea.” Nothing can be too humble for Henry.

Week 23: The Black Book (Part 2)

In his mind’s eye, Cromwell sets a table for the Boleyn butchers. Lady Gertrude insists on coming. ‘He has always tried to avoid this rash and interfering woman.’

Week 24: The Black Book (Part 3)

At Cromwell’s imaginary table: ‘Montague and his sainted mother. Courtenay and his blasted wife.’

Week 42: The Image of the King (Part 2/2) / Broken on the Body

Gertrude bears the baby Edward to the font at his christening.

Week 45: Corpus Christi (Part 2/2) / Inheritance

Gertrude is questioned in November 1538.

She is the man of the household, a bold and enterprising woman, constantly seeking to advance the family she has married into. … It is hard to abash Gertrude. He has let her go free before, so she thinks he is soft-hearted.

She is spared a second time, but her husband is executed the next month and her son is imprisoned in the Tower.

Week 46: Ascension Day (Part 1/2)

Cromwell visits Gertrude in the Tower. She is eating almonds. She finds it hard to imagine herself in Wyatt’s shoes. ‘Why would I be? I am not a heretic.’ She cries and talks about the children she has lost and how the Maid of Kent said she would speak to the Virgin Mary on her behalf.

‘The king may think better of you than he does now. A mother’s heart. He will understand.’