Henry VII on his deathbed in 1509
Drawn by Sir Thomas Wriothesley (d. 1534), from the Add Ms S 45131, f. 54
The British Library, London

Within the Privy Chamber, the dying king lies surrounded by his closest attendants. Present are Richard Fox, Bishop of Winchester; George, Lord Hastings; Richard Weston, Esquire of the Body and Groom of the Privy Chamber; Richard Clement, Groom of the Privy Chamber; Matthew Baker, Esquire of the Body; John Sharpe and William Tyler, Gentlemen Ushers; Hugh Denys, Esquire of the Body; and William Fitzwilliam, Gentleman Usher, who is holding a staff and closing the king’s eyes. Two tonsured clerics and three physicians, holding urine bottles, also attend. Hidden from the public, Henry’s death on 21 April 1509 remained a secret, and although Sir Thomas Wriothesley was not present, he stated that it was Weston who maintained the illusion that the king was still alive until 23 April.