John Tresilian
Encyclopedia
John Tresilian was a master smith who worked for Edward IV of England
.
All we know about Tresilian comes through few documents in Windsor Castle
and his surviving handiwork. His name is Cornish but the dates of his birth and death unclear.
According to official documents, John Tresilian was a "principal smith" that worked in Windsor Castle from 1477-1484. His annual wage was £24 5s or 16 pence a day. Documents mention his in connection to a 1479 creation of a large anvil that was brought to Windsor. In the King's Book of Payments for the year 1515 Tresilian was paid 30s 5d for clock
making. He probably died within a couple of years. His successor was Anthony Trassillion, who might have been his son.
Other clues are based on his unique handiwork. Based on the craftsmanship, Tresilian was involved with making gates to Edward IVs tomb and suite of door furniture for his chantry at St. George's Chapel, Windsor, between 1477-1484. Before 1841 these had been attributed to Brabant painter Quentin Metsys (who lived 1466-1530). Tresilian's other works would be the lock and ring plates to the door of Edward IVs chantry
, the lock plates originally on the north and south sides of the choir and Henry VI
offertory
.
Edward IV of England
Edward IV was King of England from 4 March 1461 until 3 October 1470, and again from 11 April 1471 until his death. He was the first Yorkist King of England...
.
All we know about Tresilian comes through few documents in Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is a medieval castle and royal residence in Windsor in the English county of Berkshire, notable for its long association with the British royal family and its architecture. The original castle was built after the Norman invasion by William the Conqueror. Since the time of Henry I it...
and his surviving handiwork. His name is Cornish but the dates of his birth and death unclear.
According to official documents, John Tresilian was a "principal smith" that worked in Windsor Castle from 1477-1484. His annual wage was £24 5s or 16 pence a day. Documents mention his in connection to a 1479 creation of a large anvil that was brought to Windsor. In the King's Book of Payments for the year 1515 Tresilian was paid 30s 5d for clock
Clock
A clock is an instrument used to indicate, keep, and co-ordinate time. The word clock is derived ultimately from the Celtic words clagan and clocca meaning "bell". A silent instrument missing such a mechanism has traditionally been known as a timepiece...
making. He probably died within a couple of years. His successor was Anthony Trassillion, who might have been his son.
Other clues are based on his unique handiwork. Based on the craftsmanship, Tresilian was involved with making gates to Edward IVs tomb and suite of door furniture for his chantry at St. George's Chapel, Windsor, between 1477-1484. Before 1841 these had been attributed to Brabant painter Quentin Metsys (who lived 1466-1530). Tresilian's other works would be the lock and ring plates to the door of Edward IVs chantry
Chantry
Chantry is the English term for a fund established to pay for a priest to celebrate sung Masses for a specified purpose, generally for the soul of the deceased donor. Chantries were endowed with lands given by donors, the income from which maintained the chantry priest...
, the lock plates originally on the north and south sides of the choir and Henry VI
Henry VI of England
Henry VI was King of England from 1422 to 1461 and again from 1470 to 1471, and disputed King of France from 1422 to 1453. Until 1437, his realm was governed by regents. Contemporaneous accounts described him as peaceful and pious, not suited for the violent dynastic civil wars, known as the Wars...
offertory
Offertory
The Offertory is the portion of a Eucharistic service when bread and wine are brought to the altar. The offertory exists in many liturgical Christian denominations, though the Eucharistic theology varies among celebrations conducted by these denominations....
.