Most years, the court went 'on progress' in late summer/early fall. King and court would uproot and travel around the country, staying in the houses of various lords and nobles.
The route changed every year, depending on the politics of the moment, as did the size of the entourage and the length of stay at each stop along the way.
The purpose was threefold:
- Avoid the plague: outbreaks were more common during summer months, and Henry was plague-o-phobic. Even if he was already on progress and news came that one of the travelling courtiers was symptomatic, he would take only his closest intimates and flee on horse to a remote hunting lodge.
- Be seen by the country: Visibility and pomp were important elements of establishing the majesty of the monarchy. A good king knew that it was good public relations to be seen by more than just Londoners. For example, Henry and wife five Katherine Howard went on progress to the north of his kingdom to show the former norther rebels that he mercifully forgave them for being "ingrate and unnatural towards their Most Rightful King."
- Hunting: The sport was better in the country. Henry loved to hunt, hawk, fish, ride, and so on. So what the king wants, the king does. (image: Bushy Park, confiscated on Cardinal Wolsey's downfall, and a favorite deer hunting park of the king)
Henry could act like a spoiled child at times, so why not take a summer vacation like a school kid too? Who would dare risk their head to deny him?
