Thomas Wyatt was an unbelievably lucky man during his life. True, he suffered in terms of love - his wife was accused as an adulteress (though there is not any clear proof that this was true), and he spent the majority of the marriage separated from her. However, he was charged with treason (and spared) at least twice during his life: Once in 1536 during the trial and subsequent executions of Anne Boleyn and her "lovers," he was imprisoned in the Tower of London along with the others. Thanks to his friendship with Thomas Cromwell, he was released later that year and was allowed to continue his duties, after watching his friends and past love walk to their deaths. Again in 1541, he was charged with treason but the charges were swiftly lifted, much to the thanks of Catherine Howard's intervention. It seems that Thomas Wyatt was a likable fellow - to escape the executioner twice because of friends' helping hands.
Interestingly, the thing we most remember Thomas Wyatt by is his poetry - yet none of his poems were published during his lifetime! In fact, the first time a book of his poems was printed was about fifteen years after his death. I encourage you to read his work if you haven't already - the emotion in his poems really shows his sensitivity, which is refreshing after looking at some of the harsher men of the Tudor dynasty. In many ways, Thomas is considered the "ideal Tudor man" - and he's certainly one of the most romantic!
It was definitely a loss to the time period on this day in 1542 when Thomas Wyatt took his last breath, but thankfully we have his poems and texts to remember him and his life by. There have also been many interesting books written about him - including a new release called "Thomas Wyatt: The Heart's Forest" by Susan Brigden, which I am really anxious to read!
Today, let's remember the handsome, successful, romantic man that was Sir Thomas Wyatt! Rest in Peace!