ABSTRACT
The policy of the young Henry VIII with regard to musical service and entertainment, much as it reflects a personal enthusiasm and involvement which was new to the English court of this period, was at the base a continuation of his father's plans. the foreign origins of names in the records is confirmed by external documentation, such as letters of denization. The frequent anglicization of names in English court documents may hide more instances of foreign musicians than are detectable. Aside from Van Wilder's elevated status as one of the royal tutors, it is the musician's unique activities in the context of English courtly music-making of the period that have singled him out for modern recognition. The definite involvement of the boys and men of the Chapel in the king's secular music and entertainments argues forcefully against the idea that the ecclesiastical establishment was cut off from the court's other musical activity.
