Tudor Tart: Elizabeth Amadas

No known portrait of Amadas exists.
However, here is a lovely "Unknown"
by Eleanor Fortescue-Brickdale

Elizabeth Amadas, wife of Robert Amadas - Royal Goldsmith is up for vote as this week's Tudor Tart for several reasons. In the 1520's, it was rumored that Elizabeth was a mistress of Henry VIII. It is said that Henry wrote many a letter to the young lady, asking her to meet at William Compton's London home for a tryst. It is unknown whether or not Elizabeth did, in fact, become the King's mistress or not.

If she did, it would potential explain her later behavior. In 1532, Elizabeth was arrested for treason. She had spoken out against the King's marriage to Anne Boleyn saying Anne was a "harlot" and that the King should return to Katherine of Aragon. 

Unlike other less fortunate subjects who railed against their King's new wife, Elizabeth escaped execution and was released. However, she and her husband were permanently banished from court.

Now that the evidence has been laid before you, what do you think? Was Elizabeth spared because of the King's former affection for her as his mistress?