William Butts
William Butts (c. 1486 – ), member of King Henry VIII of England's court and the King's physician.
The story so far…
Week 14: Devil's Spit / A Painter’s Eye
At Austin Friars, Butts complains about his patient, the King of England, who will not rest despite his age and his bad leg. He asks Kratzer about what the planets may suggest? Cromwell says:
It is not the stars that make us, Dr Butts, it is circumstance and necessita, the choices we make under pressure; our virtues make us, but virtues are not enough, we must deploy our vices at times. Or don’t you agree?
Week 16: The Map of Christendom (Part 1)
Cromwell falls ill in March 1535. “Cromwell, I couldn’t kill you if I shot you through with cannon. The sea would refuse you. A shipwreck would wash you up.”
Week 34: Wreckage (II) (Part 1/2)
Dr Butts is caring for an ailing Duke of Richmond. Cromwell asks him about Fitzroy’s theory that Wolsey was poisoned. Butts thinks, ‘more likely his heart gave out.’ Butts says Richmond is a ‘bad patient’, and he has witnessed the boy talking treason of his father. He congratulates Cromwell on his work to reconcile Henry with Mary and the effect it has had on her health. He tells Call-Me to wear his hat and not jump in any rivers.
Week 43: Nonsuch
April, 1537: Dr Butts and Dr Cromer speak this the king’s councillors. They want the king to rest and not to hunt. After the king’s fall, Dr Butts is there to stop him from conducting business with Cromwell.