D. Shelton

Mary Shelton (born between 1510 and 1515, died 1570 or 1571) was an English noblewoman who served at court and was recognized for her poetic contributions. She was a cousin to Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII's second wife, and her life intersected with prominent figures of the Tudor court, including poets like Sir Thomas Clere, Henry Howard (Earl of Surrey), and Thomas Wyatt.

Shelton is most notably associated with the Devonshire Manuscript, a collection of poems where she is considered a primary editor and contributor. Her own poems, often characterized by a direct and unsentimental style, are found within its pages. There is scholarly debate about the extent of her authorship, with some suggesting she compiled and completed the manuscript. Beyond her literary work, historical accounts suggest she may have been a mistress to King Henry VIII for a brief period, though historical records sometimes confuse her with her sister, Margaret. She was married three times and had seven children.

Mary Shelton entered the royal court around 1534 and became a part of a vibrant social and literary circle. This group included notable poets such as Sir Thomas Clere, the Earl of Surrey, and Thomas Wyatt. Her close friendships extended to Lady Margaret Douglas, King Henry VIII's niece, and Mary Howard, Duchess of Richmond. Shelton's own poetic talents were recognized, though she was reportedly admonished by Anne Boleyn for composing "certeyne ydill poeses" in a prayer book. Her personal life was marked by romantic entanglements, including a declared "beloved" status by the Earl of Surrey in an epitaph for Sir Thomas Clere, to whom she was also engaged before his death.

Shelton played a crucial role in the compilation and editing of the famous Devonshire Manuscript, a significant collection of poetry from the 16th century. She is believed to have been its main editor and a major contributor, adding her own poems and allowing others within her circle to contribute. Some scholars suggest she largely completed the manuscript, incorporating medieval fragments. While many poems in the manuscript are attributed to others like Thomas Wyatt, a substantial portion remains of uncertain authorship, with Shelton being a strong candidate for many of these. Her handwriting has been identified on several folios, and her contributions are often described as having an "unsentimental, plain-speaking" tone. One poem, "Suffryng in sorow in hope to attayn," is ascribed to her, with the acrostic "SHELTVN" formed by the first letters of its stanzas.

Historical accounts and contemporary observations suggest that Mary Shelton, or possibly her sister Margaret, may have been a mistress to King Henry VIII. Imperial ambassador Eustace Chapuys referred to a "Mistress Shelton" in relation to the King. While some historians attribute this relationship to Margaret, more recent research points to Mary, suggesting potential confusion in historical records due to similar spellings. It has been rumored that Mary was considered as a potential fourth wife for the King. Her tenure at court coincided with Anne Boleyn's reign, and despite their familial connection as cousins, the atmosphere was complex, with rumors of Anne's jealousy. Mary's beauty, talent, and literary pursuits, coupled with her association with the King, fueled such speculation. Their alleged affair was reportedly brief, lasting about six months, during which Mary apparently made no demands for titles or wealth.

“certeyne ydill poeses”

“beloved”

“yt ys worhy”