Colchester Castle, the Howard Estates

[Jokern]

House of Howard

The Howard family claim to be descendants from Hereward the Wake, a Mercian warlord who resisted the Normans after the Conquest in 1066. Whether these claims are true or not may never be discovered. What is known is that the Howards took their first step into the limelight when they married into the Mowbray family in the late 14th century, earning them important family connections - a royal line going back to Thomas of Brotherton, son of Edward I. They can also claim another line of royal descent through an illegitimate son of Richard, Earl of Cornwall, the second son of King John. Currently, the Howards have served the Yorkist dynasty for many years. Instead of joining the great crusade on the continent, they sailed to Ireland to serve the Duke of Clarence in his campaigns to consolidate English rule over the Irish clans. A successful endeavor, earning the baronial family both lands and a marriage to the Duke of Clarence himself. However, with another marriage to the Woodvilles, the allegiance of the house may be divided with the looming struggle between the Woodvilles and the late King Edward's brothers. --- Sir Robert Howard (1385-1436), married Margaret de Mowbray (1391-1459) John Howard, 1st Baron Howard (1425-1481), first marriage to Katherine Moleyns (dead 1465), second marriage to Margaret Chedworth (1436-1482) by Katherine Moleyns Thomas Howard, 2nd Baron Howard (1443-1484), first marriage to Margaret Woodville (1454-1478), second marriage to Elizabeth Boleyn (1459) by Margaret Woodville Thomas Howard (1472-1473) Robert Howard (1474-1484) Charles Howard (1477) by Elizabeth Boleyn Joan Howard (1482) Nicholas Howard (died 1468) Margaret Howard (1445), married Sir John Wyndham Anne Howard (1446-1481), married Sir Edward Gorges Isabel Howard (1448), married Robert Mortimer Jane Howard (1450), married to George Plantagenet, Duke of Clarence by Margaret Chedworth Katherine Howard (1472), betrothed to Henry Fitzroy (1470) Mary Howard (1473) Katherine Howard (1430-1473), married Edward Neville, Baron Bergavenny

Demesne, Buildings and Income

Suffolk (Primary Residence) Provinces: - Lavenham/Melford - Prosperous Province (£350) Buildings: Tier I Tier II Tier III Province Income: £350 Munster (Ireland) - Dunmahon/Wallstown - Irish Average Income (£150) - Mitchelstown - Irish Average Income (£150) - Tipperary - Irish Average Income (£150) Buildings: Tier I - Tenant Homesteads: +5% province income - Reinforced Gatehouse: +1 siege defence to castle/manor - Increased Garrisons: Adds a garrison of twenty soldiers to the province (14 yeomen archers, 6 yeomen footmen) Tier II Tier III Province Income: £495 (+5% from buildings, +5% from regional bonuses) Total Income: £845

Military

Livery and Retinue 20 Mounted Archers 40 Yeomen Footmen 40 Yeomen Archers Total: 100 men

Regional Bonuses

Suffolk Suffolk: Centre of the Wool Trade: This area is one of the centres of the English wool trade, and thus those who have their primary estates within these lands will be able to invest in the industry by constructing sheep enclosures. Munster Munster: Dairy Lands: Also known as the 'Golden Vein' and 'Machaire méith na Mumhan' in Gaelic, this stretch of top-notch pastureland covering parts of Tipperary, Cork and Limerick in Munster is the absolute best land in all of Ireland for dairy farming. The Galtee Mountains mark the western border of these green fields, while the Munster Blackwater cuts through the southern Vale. +5% income.

[Mary The Quene]

Boleyn arrives at Colchester castle and asks for an audience.

[Jokern]

John Howard looked out from the window in his solar, taking in the beautiful view of the countryside around Colchester. Autumn had turned the nearby forest into a sea of vibrant reds, yellows and oranges, like a peaceful fire dancing in the wind. Soon it would be traded for pure white and chilling cold, but they had enough store to survive the winter.

He turned back to his pupil and future son-in-law, Henry Fitzroy. He thanked God for the boy, whom he had come to love as his own son. It was therefore heartening to see him beginning to cope with the loss of his father. There is the strength of York in his blood, John thought to himself as he closed a book on English history that they had just read through.

"So, I think that's enough about King Arthur and his knights of the round table for today. While it is one of my favorite stories about our isles, it is important to remember that it is about a time so far back that there is much we don't know about. I always found it curious how many more wizards and monsters and magic there seem to have been back in the day, but so little today. Where do you think all the magic went, Henry?"

----

Lord Boleyn is allowed entrance, where Thomas Howard received him. The baron is dressed in dark and solemn clothes, with a winter coat hanging from his shoulders. It was early October, but the winter cold was already creeping in. Howard smiled and made a slight bow at his guest, though his eyes revealed how distraught he really was.

"Welcome to Colchester, my lord Boleyn, though I'm afraid that these are not the best of times. By now you must've heard of my father's recent passing, and I myself have just recently returned from Ireland to see to his final passing. How do you fare, my lord, and what brings you here?"

[Mary The Quene]

John Howard looked out from the window in his solar, taking in the beautiful view of the countryside around Colchester. Autumn had turned the nearby forest into a sea of vibrant reds, yellows and oranges, like a peaceful fire dancing in the wind. Soon it would be traded for pure white and chilling cold, but they had enough store to survive the winter.

He turned back to his pupil and future son-in-law, Henry Fitzroy. He thanked God for the boy, whom he had come to love as his own son. It was therefore heartening to see him beginning to cope with the loss of his father. There is the strength of York in his blood, John thought to himself as he closed a book on English history that they had just read through.

"So, I think that's enough about King Arthur and his knights of the round table for today. While it is one of my favorite stories about our isles, it is important to remember that it is about a time so far back that there is much we don't know about. I always found it curious how many more wizards and monsters and magic there seem to have been back in the day, but so little today. Where do you think all the magic went, Henry?"

''Hmm, across the sea?''

Henry replied with a faint smile, he was grateful for Howard, he and Katherine were the best to have ever happened to him. He'd learned much from Howard and Katherine had been his play mate for a long time now. And as a result they forged him in a cheerful and happy boy. ''So ehm, my brother will be a new king of Arthur then, like my father was?'' He'd ofcourse speak about his half brother Edward whom he had never met yet.

[Jokern]

''Hmm, across the sea?''

Henry replied with a faint smile, he was grateful for Howard, he and Katherine were the best to have ever happened to him. He'd learned much from Howard and Katherine had been his play mate for a long time now. And as a result they forged him in a cheerful and happy boy. ''So ehm, my brother will be a new king of Arthur then, like my father was?'' He'd ofcourse speak about his half brother Edward whom he had never met yet.

John laughed a little at Henry's answer. It was genuine, the way only children could be.

"Maybe you're right. I hear that Ireland, where my son Thomas is right now, is full of weird creatures and druids. Perhaps it all went there."

Howard was more skeptical of the fairy tales that seemed to be England's early history. Then again, who really knew? The old lord pondered at Henry's question. It was something he had asked himself a few times since King Edward's passing.

"Hmm, I certainly hope so, Henry. Your father was one of the greatest kings England has ever seen, but sadly men like that only comes around once a century or so. Henry V, who defeated the French at Agincourt, was succeeded by Henry VI of Lancaster, a weak man not fit to wear the crown upon his head. But remember, the blood of York is strong and righteous, so I think His Majesty will prove and able king in the future."

He smiled and ruffled the boy's head before stretching his back. He was over 50 now, and the years spent on campaign in Ireland had not been kind to him.

"Well, I think that's enough lessons for today. Why don't you go find Katherine and play together, I'm sure the cook can give you some biscuits if you ask nicely."

''Oh, i will have him in my prayers of course, i am sorry for his passing''

Boleyn piously crossed himself. It did not really surprise Boleyn ofcourse, John was an old man after all, a diligent worker under the York regime who is in the royal favor.

''I myself am fine, thanks, but i did come here with an offer of marriage, though if you wish we could discuss it at a better time''. Boleyn had heard Thomas' wife died some years ago, thus marital ties could be formed.

Thomas raised his eyebrow at the blunt offer from Boleyn. He had certainly thought of remarrying one day, but he had not expected to be the one being offered a bride. The Irish campaigns, the king's death, his sister Anne's death and now his father's passing had taken up his time these past years. Perhaps it was the right opportunity now? His two sons needed a mother in their lives, and Thomas himself had missed the warmth a wife provided in a home. Even if the Boleyns were only a knightly family, merchants recently raised up to prominence.

"No, no, we can discuss it now. In times of sadness, we need to find all the joy we can, no? My father, may God watch over his soul, would hate to see me fall into despair now that I must take up his mantle and carry on the Howard name. Though, I must say sir, you seem a bit young to have a daughter who has grown into womanhood. Is it a sister of yours you had in mind?"

[Mary The Quene]

John laughed a little at Henry's answer. It was genuine, the way only children could be.

"Maybe you're right. I hear that Ireland, where my son Thomas is right now, is full of weird creatures and druids. Perhaps it all went there."

Howard was more skeptical of the fairy tales that seemed to be England's early history. Then again, who really knew? The old lord pondered at Henry's question. It was something he had asked himself a few times since King Edward's passing.

"Hmm, I certainly hope so, Henry. Your father was one of the greatest kings England has ever seen, but sadly men like that only comes around once a century or so. Henry V, who defeated the French at Agincourt, was succeeded by Henry VI of Lancaster, a weak man not fit to wear the crown upon his head. But remember, the blood of York is strong and righteous, so I think His Majesty will prove and able king in the future."

He smiled and ruffled the boy's head before stretching his back. He was over 50 now, and the years spent on campaign in Ireland had not been kind to him.

"Well, I think that's enough lessons for today. Why don't you go find Katherine and play together, I'm sure the cook can give you some biscuits if you ask nicely."

''Kate, i think i love her already!'' Henry said enthusiast to Howard, not that Henry knew what that really meant yet but these two children had been close friends ever since. And so he did embrace Howard before he ran off to find Katherine with biscuits to share after he asked for them in the kitchen.

Thomas raised his eyebrow at the blunt offer from Boleyn. He had certainly thought of remarrying one day, but he had not expected to be the one being offered a bride. The Irish campaigns, the king's death, his sister Anne's death and now his father's passing had taken up his time these past years. Perhaps it was the right opportunity now? His two sons needed a mother in their lives, and Thomas himself had missed the warmth a wife provided in a home. Even if the Boleyns were only a knightly family, merchants recently raised up to prominence.

"No, no, we can discuss it now. In times of sadness, we need to find all the joy we can, no? My father, may God watch over his soul, would hate to see me fall into despair now that I must take up his mantle and carry on the Howard name. Though, I must say sir, you seem a bit young to have a daughter who has grown into womanhood. Is it a sister of yours you had in mind?"

''Indeed, it is a noble sister of mine'' Boleyn replied, about time his sister would find a suitable match for her. ''Elizabeth Boleyn is the name'' Twenty two years old she is and ripe for marriage. ''You see, i think she'll be a great comfort for you and the children.'' Boleyn hoped the comfort Howard a bit, the man had lost children and a wife after all.

[Jokern]

''Kate, i think i love her already!'' Henry said enthusiast to Howard, not that Henry knew what that really meant yet but these two children had been close friends ever since. And so he did embrace Howard before he ran off to find Katherine with biscuits to share after he asked for them in the kitchen.

--

''Indeed, it is a noble sister of mine'' Boleyn replied, about time his sister would find a suitable match for her. ''Elizabeth Boleyn is the name'' Twenty two years old she is and ripe for marriage. ''You see, i think she'll be a great comfort for you and the children.'' Boleyn hoped the comfort Howard a bit, the man had lost children and a wife after all.

Howard smiled as the boy scampered off to find his future fiance. It was good to see the two grow so close, it boded well for their future marriage once they had come of age. John prayed every day for his children to make it through another winter. He thought of his daughter Anne as he paced over to the window to once more look out over the autumn foliage, tears welling up. She had succumbed to a fever just a few months past. It hurt just to think about her, so young and full of life, with children of her own.

The pain grew intenser, though Howard suddenly felt a more physical pain now, spreading from his left arm up to his chest. There had been similar bouts before, but this one was unbearable. He grabbed his chest hard, but quickly had to catch himself falling from his knees giving out. The pain grew with every breath, before finally he lost consciousness.

John Howard would be found a few hours later by a servant, lying on the floor of his solar. The physicians who came to examine him declared he had died of a heart attack. The members of the Howard family were dispatched messages detailing the passing of their father, and not soon thereafter Colchester would see the return of Thomas Howard, now the 2nd Baron Howard. A funeral was held with all of Howard's children and their families.

-----

Thomas thought for a bit before nodding in agreement.

"We seem to be in agreement then, Sir Boleyn. We can hold the wedding ceremony here at Colchester, we have a chapel for such an occasion."

[Mary The Quene]

Lord Boleyn is allowed entrance, where Thomas Howard received him. The baron is dressed in dark and solemn clothes, with a winter coat hanging from his shoulders. It was early October, but the winter cold was already creeping in. Howard smiled and made a slight bow at his guest, though his eyes revealed how distraught he really was.

"Welcome to Colchester, my lord Boleyn, though I'm afraid that these are not the best of times. By now you must've heard of my father's recent passing, and I myself have just recently returned from Ireland to see to his final passing. How do you fare, my lord, and what brings you here?"

''Oh, i will have him in my prayers ofcourse, i am sorry for his passing''

Boleyn piously crossed himself. It did not really surprise Boleyn ofcourse, John was an old man after all, a diligent worker under the York regime who is in the royal favor.

''I myself am fine, thanks, but i did come here with an offer of marriage, though if you wish we could discuss it at a better time''. Boleyn had heard Thomas' wife died some years ago, thus marital ties could be formed.

[Pinkerton]

A letter signed by the Baron of Grey de Ruthin arrives at Colchester Castle.

To T. Howard, Baron Howard

I write to you to offer my deepest condolences on the passing of your father, the late Lord Howard. My own father knew him better than myself and always assured me he was a good man, the Realm is surely a worse place without him. I also wanted to reach out a helping hand, as I know quite well myself that inheriting can be quite a burden at first. I am sure you will overcome them and that you will perform great deeds in the future and will bring glory to your name.

Your Lordship's assured friend,
L. Grey, Baron Grey de Ruthyn.

[General Brewster]

A pigeon, that's being carried by a servant whilst carrying a letter on it's tiny pigeon leg arrives at Colchester.
It bears the seal of the Earl of Shrewsbury and Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.

To the most honorable Baron Howard,

Recently I have called all Lords in Ireland to my residence at Malahide castle, even though you are not in Ireland at this moment I would appreciate your attendance. If the good Duke of Clarence can miss you at his side of course.

Yours truly,
Lord Shrewsbury.

[Jokern]

"Of course, a feud would not serve anyone in the long run. It is good to have knowledge of the situation before acting, in my opinion. If your wife is a direct issue from the last Butler, then her claim would be greater than that of Lord Talbot through his mother."

Thomas nodded in agreement with Boleyn. Easy, quiet and bloodless was the optimal solution.

"A settlement outside a court is preferable, since you would get your wife's rightful lands and keep a somewhat better relation with Shrewsbury than if you had claimed all of his Butler lands. I will naturally support your claim. How much big a portion do you seek?"

[Mary The Quene]

''Given that the late Butler had sired two daughters and by law its inheritance would divided equally between these daughters i would be content with half of the lands he currently owns in Ireland aswell as the title of Ormond'' Said Boleyn, ambitious sure but not impossible to achieve.

[Jokern]

"We can certainly try, though negotiations will be long and arduous. No matter, you have my word that I shall support your endeavor to rightfully claim your wife's inheritance. I guess we will need to prepare to depart for Ireland. However, I still have matters to attend to here in England. Lord Clarence still needs me, but once the co-regency has been settled in, I should be able to return to Dublin with you."

[Mary The Quene]

"We can certainly try, though negotiations will be long and arduous. No matter, you have my word that I shall support your endeavor to rightfully claim your wife's inheritance. I guess we will need to prepare to depart for Ireland. However, I still have matters to attend to here in England. Lord Clarence still needs me, but once the co-regency has been settled in, I should be able to return to Dublin with you."

''Then my business is over here, glad to count on your support brother, i will retire now, brother.'' Boleyn said with a courteous nod before retiring.