The Tudor Minute today mentioned something that almost always makes people stop and blink.

Today in 1539, Jeffrey Pohl was pardoned. And if that sounds surprising, it should because

Henry VIII is not exactly remembered as a forgiving man. We're used to thinking of him as a

king who solved political problems with a scaffold and a

headspin. And usually that picture isn't wrong. But Henry never pardoned anyone. Also, isn't quite true.

What is true is that when Henry VIII pardoned someone, it was never accidental, sentimental, or generous in the way that we would like to imagine mercy.

It was deliberate and calculated and usually useful to him.

Get comfy, grab a beverage, and settle in, my friend.

Let's talk today about Henry's pardons.

Yeah. Let's talk today about Henry's Pardons. Hey friend, welcome back to the YouTube channel for the Renaissance English History Podcast.

I am your host, Heather. This is the first video of 2026.

I still have my little Christmas decorations in the back. There's Santa and the

tree because we still are in the 12 days of Christmas. Those of you who are in Yuletide with the Tudors,

our holiday program, know that we're still in it. Though thoughts do tend to drift towards

preparation for candle mass at this time of year. Or maybe that's just me? Anyway, I am delighted

that you are here with me today, as always, to talk about Henry's pardons. We'll start the year off

with something positive, right? There's plenty of time all year for executions and tower imprisonment,

but for now, let's start with some calculated mercy, shall we?

And Jeffrey Pole is actually the perfect place to start. He was the younger brother of Reginalpull,

the Cardinal who became one of Henry's most outspoken enemies. I also did a video on how he's

the worst son ever, but that's a different story.

He was the son of Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury, one of the last living plantagenets.

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