With her hand passed the heritage of the English Crown.

Henry had now ceased to hope for a son from Catharine, and Mary was his destined successor.

Her right to the throne was asserted by a deed which proved how utterly the baronage now lay at the mercy of the king.

The Duke of Buckingham stood first in blood as in power among the English nobles; he was the descendant of Edward the Third's youngest son, and if Mary's succession were denied he stood heir to the throne.

His hopes had been fanned by prophets and astrologers, and wild words told his purpose to seize the crown on Henry's death in defiance of every opponent.