$78,027
Description
✍️ Bold, clear signature from Henry VIII – one of England’s most iconic monarchs.
Exceptional loan content to Sir Richard Gresham, father of Sir Thomas Gresham (founder of the London Stock Exchange).
Provenance from the famous manuscript collector Sir Thomas Phillipps.
Vellum document dated 1513 — the year Henry VIII invaded France — in superb condition.
Henry VIII (1491–1547) reigned from 1509 until his death. Famous for his six wives and the formation of the Church of England, he remains a defining figure in world history.
Beyond politics and religion, he was also a patron of the arts, a writer, and a composer.
Document Details
Signed as "Henry R" — short for Henry Rex Omnibus ("King of All").
Measures 11.3 x 8.5 inches — ideal for display.
The letter is addressed to John Heron, Treasurer of the Chamber. In it, Henry instructs Heron to delay repayment from cloth merchant Richard Gresham for a loan of £637 10s (equivalent to approx. £3.9 million today).
“Richard Gresham of oure Citie of London with other stonde bounde by obligacion for the payment to oure use of the somme of Sixe hundred thirty seven poundes and ten shillynges at a certayn daie expired...”
This pivotal loan helped Gresham build the House of Gresham — one of the most powerful mercantile houses of the 16th century. His son, Sir Thomas Gresham, later founded the Royal Exchange — the forerunner of the London Stock Exchange.
Provenance
From the world-renowned collection of Sir Thomas Phillipps, known for assembling the largest manuscript collection in the 19th century — rivaled only by the British Library.
Rarity
Due to his historical importance, most surviving documents signed by Henry VIII are housed in institutions such as the British Library, the British Museum, and the National Archives.
Privately owned documents of this quality are extremely rare, especially those tied to major financial history.
Expert Commentary
Paul Fraser’s view:
“Henry VIII signatures rarely come up for sale — most reside in museums or libraries. The historical importance of this loan, which helped establish the Royal Exchange, makes this piece particularly remarkable. And provenance from Sir Thomas Phillipps doesn’t get better for collectors.”
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Purchase
King Henry VIII Autographed Document
$78,027
