John Blount

Sir John Blount (by 1471 – 27 February 1531) was an English politician. His daughter, Elizabeth, was a Lady-in-Waiting to Consort Queen of England Catherine of Aragon, and later, a mistress to King of England Henry VIII. She bore for Henry VIII his only recognized, illegitimate son, Henry FitzRoy, Duke of Richmond and Somerset. Elizabeth was Henry's mistress beginning in 1514 or 1515, a relationship which continued for about eight years, after the suggestion of an affair was brought to light.

Early life

He was born the eldest son of Sir Thomas Blount of Kinlet Hall, Bridgnorth, Shropshire. He married at Kinlet on 1 August 1492, Catherine, the daughter and coheiress of Hugh Peshall of Knightley, Staffordshire, with whom he had three sons and four daughters including Elizabeth and George. It should be noted as part of John Blount's legacy that just five years later Henry FitzRoy died on 23 July 1536 at the age of 17 years without issue, thus ending Blount's bloodline connection to Henry VIII.