Great Skeptics of History, No. 3

- 1 February 1992

Christopher Urswick, was almoner (an alms-giver or medieval social worker) to Henry VIL. His account of the king’s run-in with an astrologer was repeated, with glee, by Erasmus.

Henry had been for some time in a declining state of health, and this had encouraged a saucy astrologer to foretell his death, and that it should happen before the year expired. The wise king had more mind to expose him than to punish him. So he sent to the man, and talked friendly with him, seeming not to know anything of his insolent prophecy.

that he had very good skill. “Come then,” says the king, “tell me where you are to be in the Christmas holidays that are now coming.”

The man faltered at first, and then plainly confessed he could not tell where. “Oh!” says the king, “I am a better astrologer than you. I can tell where you will be — in the Tower of London,” and accordingly. commanded him to be committed a prisoner thither. And when he had lain there till his spirit of divination was a little cooled, the king ordered him to be dismissed for a silly fellow. (VH)