The Barber Who Survived Henry VIII

When we think of Henry VIII’s inner circle, we usually focus on his wives, ministers, and high-ranking courtiers. But what about the man who held a razor to the king’s throat every day?

Meet Edmund Harman, Henry VIII’s personal barber—a man who not only kept the king’s hair and beard in check but also navigated the dangerous world of Tudor politics. From accusations of heresy to receiving royal land grants, Harman’s story is one of ambition, survival, and mystery.

But perhaps the most intriguing part of his legacy is his tomb in Burford Church, which features one of the earliest known depictions of Native Americans in England. What does it mean? And how did a Tudor barber come to include such imagery on his monument?

Join me as I uncover the fascinating life of Edmund Harman—his rise, his close calls, and his enduring legacy in Tudor history.

What do you think of Edmund Harman’s story? And why do you think Native Americans appear on his tomb? Let me know in the comments!

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