The example of her signature which we give here is appended to a document of some importance, since it goes a good way towards refuting the statement frequently dwelt upon in history, that Henry VII – who, perhaps rightly, possessses a character for carefulness, carried to the degree of meanness – seized his mother-in-law possessions, and left her without any adequate means of support. In the following, we see a receipt given by Elizabeth, the Queen Dowager, for the arrears of a pension of £400 a year allowed her by her son-in-law.

Original in English. Public Record Office. Signature only in Queen’s handwriting.

Be hyt that I Quene Elyzabethe late wyffee to the exelent prynce, Kyng Edward the iiijth, have reseyvede the xxi day of May the vith yere of King Herry the viith of John Lord Denham tresorer of Ynglond be the handdes of Thomas Stolys, on [one] of the reseyte, xxxli in party of payment of CCli due to me at ester last past as hyt aperyth be my annuete graunted br the Kyng. In wytnes wher of I have endoseyd thys byll wythe my hand the day and yere above said.

‘Elysabeth.’