Sir Thomas Wyatt’s fate was to become the English Renaissance Period’s most significant poet. He was born at Allington Castle on March 15, 1503, and his father Henry Wyatt followed a similar life. Henry Wyatt Wyatt is the father of Sir Thomas Wyatt. Henry Wyatt also lived a Lancastrian life, having been arrested by Richard III under his reign and released by Henry VII. Wyatt was born in Lancashire. His father, Henry Wyatt was a Privy Counselor under Henry VII and an executor. He continued serving as a servant of King Henry VIII. Watt was said to have been raising a cub lion when the cub attacked Wyatt one day. Wyatt then stabbed the lion with his rapier. King Henry VII heard this story and said “Oh, he’ll tame the lions”. Thomas Wyatt was educated at St. John’s College which is known for being humanistic. Wyatt and Elizabeth Brooke had a boy in 1520. The Duke of Norfolk was the godfather of the child. Wyatt drew on these early experiences as well those in his future to influence his work, including his relationships and so-called relationship with Anne Boleyn.
Wyatt grew up with the influence of his father and friend Cromwell. He was also influenced by many other poets. Thomas Wyatt’s Father, Sir Henry Wyatt did not have a direct effect on Wyatt’s works but had a major impact on Wyatt’s personal life. Henry Wyatt encouraged his son Thomas Wyatt pursue a diplomatic profession, and Thomas Wyatt achieved many important positions in King Henry VIII’s court. Thomas Wyatt, like his father, had imprisonments and arrests. Thomas Wyatt became a famous poet because of these events, as well as the diplomatic climate. Cromwell performed Wyatt’s arrest. Cromwell made Wyatt feel comfortable by talking with the tower guard. He also promised to release Wyatt soon. Thomas Wyatt’s “The Pillar Perished”, a poem written in the wake of Cromwell’s death, is thought to be a tribute to his beloved friend. Thomas Wyatt had many friends. He wrote of the death of several close friends including “Weston that pleasant was and youth” for whom “all would weep if thou (Weston) were dead and gone.” Thomas Wyatt’s spouse, Elizabeth Brooke, was a source of much pain and grief during their marriage.
Wyatt’s influence was not limited to his family and friends, but also writers from the time period and before. Wyatt translated Francesco Petrarch (a 14th-century Italian poet). Wyatt did not translate these works as a way to practice his craft. They retained their original style and form, but also took on new ideas and concepts. These translations appeared to divert the original questions away from important and controversial themes, such as courtly treachery and political intrigue. Wyatt translated Plutarch before he did these translations. Plutarch created chronicles that were based on the lives and deeds Romans and Greeks leaders. He used engaging details to convey the actions of Plutarch characters. Wyatt shared many similarities in his admiration for Chaucer. But he wanted English Literature elevated and respected. Lastly, Wyatt mentions Plato in his poem “Farewell Love”, as an inspiration for reflection and comfort.
Wyatt, it is claimed, fell in love Anne Boleyn in 1522 after she arrived in the English courts. George Wyatt (grandson of Thomas Wyatt) wrote that Thomas Wyatt had been “surprised” by Anne Boleyn’s first sighting by Wyatt. Thomas Wyatt split from his wife three years after Anne Boleyn arrived at the court in 1522. This is thought to be partly because of his encounter with Anne Boleyn. The King’s love for Boleyn would have made it nearly impossible for the two to fall in love. However, Wyatt mentions her indirectly many times. Due to this, the love between Boleyn’s and Wyatt’s is thought to be only ‘one way’. In The Chronicle of King Henry VIII, Wyatt is shown visiting Anne Boleyn’s home where he finds her lying in bed. They have a sexual relationship until the footsteps of Boleyn’s lover interrupt their intimacy. George Wyatt tells another story in which Wyatt entertained Boleyn by reading his poetry as she worked on needlework. Wyatt grabbed the jewel from Boleyn’s necklace as a prize. Wyatt and King argued about a bowling shot. Wyatt pulled out the jewel from Boleyn’s neck to use as a measuring tool. The King was able to recognize the jewel. He stormed out of his room and asked Anne Boleyn a question about it. Wyatt wrote several works that were indirectly attributed directly to Anne Boleyn. “What Worde is That that Changeth Not”, ‘The Lover Confesses His Love for Phyllis’, and ‘Whoso List To Hunt’ was based upon the story of Caesar deer which wore Caesar’s collar. Wyatt compares Boleyn’s neck to Caesar’s Deer. “Her fair neck is round about written:/Nolime tangere for Caesar’s.
Thomas Cromwell apprehended Wyatt, one Wyatt’s dearest friends, in 1536, on King’s order. It is thought that Anne Boleyn was the reason for this first arrest. Cromwell promised Wyatt to watch over him, but he said he was going to imprison Wyatt in the tower. Wyatt told Cromwell he wasn’t afraid and that his character was impeccable. Thomas Wyatt, who was in the belltower, watched the executions Weston Bereton Norris Smeato George Boleyn. The views that Wyatt saw from the tower inspired him to write one of his most well-known poems: “Innocentia Veritas”. In Innocentia Veritas Wyatt said, “The Bell Tower gave me such sights in my mind that I would stick to them day and night”. Thomas Wyatt had been released from his tower because he was in the good graces of King Henry VIII.
Thomas Wyatt’s childhood was filled with many events, such as his ‘taming’ his lion. After his childhood he went to St. John’s College and pursued a career in diplomacy, much like his late father. He married and had a son. Thomas Wyatt was inspired by his father, Plato and Chaucer as well as Anne Boleyn. His works also showcased his relationships, including his relationship with Anne Boleyn.
