The Family’s Fall After Cromwell
The King's CurseAs Cromwell’s investigations reach Margaret’s family, she tries to protect her sons while imprisonment, coerced testimony, and attainder dismantle the household.
increasing
Bearing strength in each event
decreasing
Rumors Around the Family

A Network Under Suspicion
Hugh Holland’s Messages
Gervase Tyndale asks questions about the family’s connections to Reginald and the old faith. Hugh Holland’s past work carrying messages makes the rumor politically dangerous.
A Failed Reassurance
Geoffrey visits Cromwell to explain the matter and believes he has settled it. The family assumes that transparent explanations will prevent further action.
Holland Arrested

The Inquiry Widens
Royal Guards Arrive
Hugh Holland is seized while traveling, despite Cromwell’s apparent acceptance of Geoffrey’s explanation. The arrest reveals that the earlier reassurance offered no protection.
Fear Enters the Household
Montague warns that papers must be destroyed and that the family’s contacts may be under scrutiny. Margaret tries to calm her children while recognizing the danger.
Geoffrey in the Tower

A Son in Despair
Arrest and Isolation
Geoffrey is imprisoned, becomes frantic, and offers information in return for basic comforts. He attempts suicide after the offer is acted upon.
Margaret’s Horror
Margaret struggles to believe that her favorite son would betray his family. Montague fears that Geoffrey’s words have exposed them all.
Montague and Courtenay Convicted

Treason by Association
Trials Without Fair Defense
Montague, Henry Courtenay, and Edward Neville face proceedings shaped by testimony and suspicion. Geoffrey’s evidence harms his own relatives.
Executions
The three men are found guilty and executed. Margaret loses her heir and closest political ally, while her family’s estates and standing are stripped away.
Margaret and Harry Attainted

A Dynasty Condemned
No Trial Required
Parliament attainders Margaret, her grandson, and the Plantagenet family. The Crown confiscates their property and keeps them imprisoned.
The Last Dependents
Margaret is left to care for Harry within the Tower while her other sons are dead, exiled, or broken. The state turns a family’s bloodline into a permanent charge.
Summer 1538
Summer 1538
Autumn 1538
December 1538
Summer 1539