On this day in 1522, the annual Shrovetide joust took place. Jousting was one of Henry VIII’s greatest passions, and tournaments like this were not just sporting events but carefully choreographed displays of power, allegiance, and courtly love. The 1522 joust, however, is particularly intriguing because of the personal message Henry VIII chose to wear – a declaration that has sparked debate among historians for centuries.

Henry VIII’s Motto: A Message of Love?

Dressed in magnificent cloth-of-silver, Henry VIII entered the lists with his horse’s trappings embroidered with the phrase “Elle mon cœur a navera” – “She hath wounded my heart.” Such mottos were common in courtly tournaments, where knights often jousted in honor of their chosen lady. But who was the woman that had “wounded” the king’s heart?

Many believe this was a reference to Mary Boleyn, the sister of Anne Boleyn. By 1522, it is widely suspected that Mary was involved in a romantic relationship with Henry – whether it was a brief affair or a more prolonged liaison remains unclear. The king, ever the performer, may have used the tournament as a stage to hint at his romantic conquests. If the motto did indeed refer to Mary, it suggests she was the object of his affections at the time, long before her sister Anne would come to dominate his thoughts and alter the course of English history.

It is worth mentioning that there is no evidence whatsoever that Henry was referring to Mary, but it certainly is an interesting story.

A Moment in Time

Whether Henry’s motto was truly meant for Mary Boleyn or merely a poetic flourish, it remains a tantalising hint at the king’s affections during this period.

Little did anyone know that within a decade, Henry’s heart would be “wounded” in a far deeper and more lasting way – not by Mary, but by Anne Boleyn, the woman who would reshape his reign and redefine English history.