Henry Neville's birthdate has been an open and unsettled question for a long time. Many Neville researchers have looked into this issue. I think we finally have enough evidence to say confidently that Henry Neville was born around April 11, 1563 (Easter Sunday). I will summarize all of the evidence here. If you are aware of more evidence, please let me know!
Henry Neville's Baptism
Henry Neville's baptism was registered at St Ann Blackfriars church on May 20, 1564. This information alone might suggest that he was likely born in May 1564.
However, as we will show below, he was likely born a year earlier. Note that Henry Neville was likely one of Queen Elizabeth's godchildren; see this list:
Henry Neville's Entry to Merton College, Oxford
There is a record of Henry Neville entering Merton College, Oxford on 20 December 1577 at age 15. That would suggest he was born in 1561/2.
Henry Neville's Age at Death
Henry Neville died on July 10, 1615. His friend James Whitelocke recorded in his diary at the time that Henry Neville was 52 years old. This suggests a possible birthdate of 1562/3.
Portrait Evidence
Before leaving for France as ambassador, Henry Neville appears to have sat for a portrait with Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger. The portrait is dated 1599 and says he was 36 years old.
The Answer: Thomas Gresham's Chancery Inquisition Post Mortem
Henry Neville's mother's uncle, Thomas Gresham, left him and his father some property. So Henry Neville's age is listed in the inquisition taken after Gresham's death. Specifically: "The said Henry Nevell was on the 21st March last past of the age of 16 years 11 months and 10 days and is now living."
In other words, on March 21, 1580, Henry Neville was 16 years 11 months and 10 days old. So, if you subtract 16 years, 11 months, and 10 days from March 21, 1580, you get April 11, 1563.
The Confirmation: His Mother's Funeral Certificate
Henry Neville's mother, Elizabeth Gresham, died on November 12, 1573. Her funeral certificate lists the ages of her children at her death and lists Henry as being 10 years and a half. That is perfectly consistent with his birthdate being April 11, 1563.
Conclusion
It is still an open question why Henry Neville was baptized so late. It could be related to his being Queen Elizabeth's godson or there could be some other reason. Please let me know if you have any insight on this issue!
