Originally Published 1st January 2025
Happy New Year!
I would like to extend a warm welcome to our first post of 2025. We are commencing this year with a compelling topic for discussion. Rather than focusing on future projections, I wish to take this opportunity to reflect on the chain of office belonging to Edward V, which was prominently featured in the 2024 documentary titled "Princes in the Tower: A Damned Discovery." In this post, I will present a comprehensive overview of this intriguing subject. I have mentioned this in the third part of the documentary review, which I will leave a link to here.
I will now explore the remaining aspects of the chain, including its historical context and its present condition. Before I proceed for the final time, I wish to clarify that, while I hold differing opinions in high regard, this critique is founded on my perspective and research. I have engaged with a variety of sources and viewpoints from historians and enthusiasts.
Case 1: The Evidence In the Documentary
In December 2024, a notable media frenzy ensued following the unveiling of Margaret Capel's (née Arundell) last will. In the concluding moments of the broadcast, historian Tracy Borman, actor Jason Watkins, and Professor Tim Thornton from the University of Huddersfield examined the document housed in the National Archives. During the reading of this extraordinary artefact, which dates back to 1522, Capel made a significant reference to Edward V.
I bequeath to my sonne Sir Giles his fadres Cheyne which was Yonge kynge Edward the Vth.
Following its release, the media attention surrounding the topic increased significantly. However, it's important to note that the documentary may not have presented any new "smoking gun" evidence. The initial reference to Capel's will can be found in Susan James's publication, "Women's Voices in Tudor Wills 1485–1603" (published in 2015). In her work, James provides a direct quotation from the will, listing the items bequeathed, including a chain and a bed adorned with embroidered curtains.
Margaret Arundell's legacy in 1516 to her son was his 'faders cheyne which was yonge kyng Edwarde the vth's. To have the foresaid stuffe and cheyne during his lyfe wt reasonable werying upon that condicion that after his decease I wille that yt remain and be kept by myn executours to the use of [his young sons] Henry Capell and Edward Capell from one to another'.
This text complements Professor Thornton's report titled "Sir William Capell and A Royal Chain: The Afterlives (and Death) of King Edward V," which was authored in October 2024.
Although the term "Chain of Office" is not explicitly mentioned in the will, it is noteworthy that Sir William Capel had significant Lancastrian affiliations. Capel's family had aligned with Lancastrian supporters, except for her brother, Sir Thomas Arundell, who was appointed a Knight of the Bath at Richard III's Coronation. However, Sir Thomas Arundell later deflected from the Lancastrians by participating in Buckingham's rebellion against the Yorkist king. Furthermore, Capel was connected to Lady Margaret Beaufort through her relationship with Thomas Grey.
Capel's ties to the Tudor court are further illustrated by her son, Giles, who achieved a position at Henry VII's court as an esquire to the king. During the reign of Henry VIII, Giles attended numerous significant events, including the Field of the Cloth of Gold and the baptism of Edward VI.
These connections prompt a critical inquiry regarding the origins of Sir William Capel's chain. This aspect is not addressed in the documentary, resulting in a notable gap in the narrative. Additionally, the documentary fails to provide essential information concerning the chain itself. This post aims to further explore these facets. While the definitive conclusions may remain elusive, the available clues could provide valuable insights, marking the commencement of our investigation.
Case 2: Origins of the Chain of Office Chain
The current location of Edward V's Chain of Office remains undetermined; however, the identification of a Chain of Office serves to indicate an individual's identity. A Chain of Office is synonymous with a livery collar. The design of the collar features a Lancastrian 'SS' motif, typically rendered in gold, adorned with Yorkist symbols, including suns and roses, along with a quatrefoil design. This piece may also be embellished with jewels and pearls. Such chains were traditionally worn by medieval kings, Princes of Wales, and dignitaries, including Edward V, following the Order of the Garter ceremony. A replica of this chain can be found online. The image provided illustrates a replica of Henry VI’s Chain of Office, as depicted in his portrait at Hardwick Hall. Although this design may have become antiquated before Edward V's reign, it serves as the closest representation of what Edward V's Chain of Office may have resembled.
![Replica of King Henry VI's chain of office [picture by EnchantedTudorRose]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/696bb1_88b0b3219052451fb54f2148ba448e2f~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_980,h_944,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/696bb1_88b0b3219052451fb54f2148ba448e2f~mv2.png)
Monarchies frequently incorporate a heraldic badge as a pendant on their chains of office. In the case of Edward V, his badge prominently displayed the traditional symbols associated with the House of York: the fetterlocked falcon and the white rose of York also referred to as the rose argent.
Edward V received his chain of office following his knighthood as a member of the Order of the Garter and invested as Prince of Wales at the remarkable age of five. This ceremony occurred on May 15, 1475, when he and his one-year-old brother, Richard of Shrewsbury, were elected. It's likely that Richard also received his Chain of Office on this occasion.
The elections of the Princes to receive this honour were recorded in a book commonly known as the Bruges Garter Book. At the time of his election, Edward V was granted the title of Prince of Wales under the Garter Statutes of 1415. These statutes specify that the "Prince of Wales" must always occupy the stall opposite the Superior of the Order following their election. The announcement of Richard of Shrewsbury's election surprised the courtiers, as there were no prior records indicating an election for him. Nonetheless, it is noteworthy that Edward V was designated as Prince of Wales at just one-year-old, suggesting that Edward IV was eager to bestow titles upon his sons as soon as possible.
Records are scarce in regards to Edward V's chain of office, as no documented evidence of its existence during his lifetime has been found. However, speculations about its whereabouts prior to the will of Lady Margaret Capel will be addressed later.
Case 3: Where Could The Chain of Office Be Now?
Although this account does not explicitly state it, it is plausible that Sir James Tyrell held the chain of office on September 14. Various resources including Rev. W.H. Sewell’s 'Memoirs of Sir James Tyrell', mentions Tyrell travelling from York to London to collect the clothing and belongings of the princes and to deliver them to their new owner, the Prince of Wales, Edward of Middleham. This specifies that Tyrell was one of seven Masters of the Pages during the ceremony for the Prince of Wales. This ceremony is documented to have occurred on September 8, 1483, when Middleham was invested as Prince of Wales at York Minster.
This passage delineates the final recorded reference to Edward V and Richard of Shrewsbury, prompting an inquiry into the potential whereabouts of the chain of office. It raises the critical question of whether this chain was left within the Lanthorn Tower at the Tower of London. If it were indeed left there, it is plausible that it could have been returned to the Crown around September 1483. This theory is supported by evidence found in The London Gazette, which constitutes the earliest official public record from the 1660s concerning the appointment of Knights when vacancies arose due to the passing of a current member. Should Middleham have retained possession of the chain, it would have remained in his ownership until he died in 1484. Conversely, it is equally feasible that the chain was held by the Capel family or retained by Tyrell until the onset of Henry VII’s reign.
By the year 1522, records indicate that the chain was in the possession of the Capel family, as documented in "Princes in The Tower: A Damned Discovery." However, the documentary fails to elucidate the circumstances under which the chain was acquired by the Capel family, particularly in light of Professor Thornton's assertion that Capel was Tyrell's sister-in-law. This situation raises intriguing inquiries, as a single document can lead to a multitude of theories regarding the disappearance of the Princes. I have primarily focused on Professor Thornton's report, wherein he articulates that ownership of the chain resulted from a transfer of possession.
as part of a purely or largely financial transaction when the young king's attendants and potentially some of his possessions were being dispersed in the summer of 1483 and although gold chains were a prestige item in themselves, the wearing of which was soon to be regulated in law, the symbolic significance of the item and its associations may suggest otherwise.
Based on Professor Thornton's quotation, I believe the chain was acquired through some form of bargaining or money-lending activity. A relevant clue comes from historical accounts indicating that when Elizabeth of York—Queen Consort of Henry VII—married Sir William Capel, a two-time Lord Mayor of London, she had been granted permission to secure a loan of £100. This relationship suggests a more profound connection between the two women, although it may or may not relate to Edward V's chain of office.
Further references to the chain can be found in Sir William Capel's will, dated September 1, 1515. In the will, Capel bequeathed a significant amount of plate and gold, but the chain itself was notably absent. It is believed that these assets were intended for his eldest son, Giles, and the Capel family. Sir William Capel was known for his relentless pursuit of debtors in the courts, often resulting in the seizure of plates, jewels, and money from his London residence. It is plausible that the chain was given to Capel as a gift, allowing her to dispose of it at her discretion.
After 1522, documentation concerning the chain of office appears to be non-existent.
Although I have yet to conduct further investigations, I have developed two theories regarding the chain's fate. One theory is relatively weak, while the other is based on extensive research, making it the more probable explanation.
I will begin with the less substantiated theory. This hypothesis primarily focuses on the Capel family's eldest son and considers the possibility that the chain was buried with Giles Capel in his tomb. Records at All Saints Church in Rayne, Essex, indicate that Giles Capel's sword and helmet were displayed above his tomb—artefacts he wore during jousting competitions at the Field of Cloth of Gold. While I am sceptical about the chain being in the tomb, locating it is further complicated by the church's reconstruction in 1840, rendering this theory rather unlikely.
The second and more plausible theory suggests that the chain was passed down through the Capel family lineage until it reached Capel's great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Paulet, and her descendants. It is conceivable that the chain might have been lost after the year 1576.
Final Conclusion: Is There A Future of Edward V's Chain?
Currently, the answer remains negative regarding the fate of the Chain of Office. Based on my research, I have determined that it may have been disposed of by Margaret Capel, lost to history after being in the possession of Paulet, destroyed during refurbishment, or returned to the Monarchy, where it was subsequently disposed of.
If the chain were to resurface in an unusual historical context, such as in Thomas Cromwell's Book of Hours from 1527, its discovery could provide crucial insights into this mystery. However, the implications of such a finding would remain uncertain. Nonetheless, discovering the chain would represent a significant achievement, and I remain hopeful for its eventual recovery.
I invite your thoughts on the historical significance of the Chain of Office. Please share your perspectives in the comments section below.
Author's Note: All resources I have used are based on the sources from these websites and books. This information could change at any time if new evidence comes to light. Find below all the resources I've used including texts from authors who published works from 1994 onwards:
References and Sources:
Daw, Ben, 'Elections to the Order of the Garter in the Reign of Edward IV, 1461-83' [Medieval Prosopography] [Board of Trustees of Western Michigan University through its Medieval Institute Publications] [Volume. 19], 1998 [P 190 - 191, P209]
Malloch, Russell, 'The Order of the Garter and Queen Elizabeth' [The Gazette],12 October 2022
Murdock, J. Paul, 'Order of the Garter' [A ROYAL HERALDRY], 28th May 2021
Richardson, Douglas, 'Plantagenet Ancestry: A Study In Colonial And Medieval Families,' [Library of Congress], 2011 [2nd Edition] [P464]
Scarisbrick, Diana, 'Jewellery in Britain, 1066 - 1837: A Documentary, Social, Literary and Artistic Survey [Norwich: Michael Russell], 1994 [P28]
Thornton, Tim, 'Sir William Capell and A Royal Chain: The Afterlives (and Death) of King Edward V' [History: The Journal of the Historical Association], 2024 [P445–480]
Ward, Matthew, SA (Hons), MA, 'The livery Collar: Politics and Identity in Fifteenth-Century England [University of Nottingham], 2013, 'Introduction' [P4 - 5], 'The Political Context' [P85]
"Arundell of Lanherne and Trerice", The National Archives, 2024
Extraordinary new clue about the Princes in the Tower found at The National Archives, The National Archives, 2024, accessed 2 December 2024
Website References:
Video References:
Lion Television [2024] 'The Princes In The Tower: A Daming Discovery', 3 December 2024. Available at: https://www.channel5.com/show/princes-in-the-tower-a-damning-discovery
History Calling (YouTube) [2024], 'HISTORIAN REACTS TO NEW PRINCES IN THE TOWER EVIDENCE', 6 December 2024. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fqbfd1YicCw
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