But the story is probably a mere inference from the excellence of the boy's education, and from his father's thrift.
If the idea of an ecclesiastical career for young Henry was ever entertained, it was soon abandoned for secular preferment.

On 5th April, 1492, before the child was ten months old, he was appointed to the ancient and important posts of Warden of the Cinque Ports and Constable of Dover Castle.[34] A little later he received the still more honourable office of Earl Marshal; the duties were performed by deputy, but a goodly portion of the fees was doubtless (p.

017) appropriated for the expenses of the boy's establishment, or found its way into the royal coffers.

Further promotion awaited him at the mature age of three.

On 12th September, 1494, he became Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland;[35] six weeks later he was created Duke of York, and dubbed, with the usual quaint and formal ceremonies,[36] a Knight of the Bath.