John Barlow (diplomat)

John Barlow was an English diplomat and spy in the time of Henry VIII.

He graduated M.A. at the University of Oxford in 1521.

Barlow was intimately involved in the King's attempts to secure a divorce from his first wife, Katherine of Aragon from the Pope. Barlow was a supporter of Henry's fiancee, Anne Boleyn. Barlow uncovered evidence of Cardinal Wolsey's betrayal of the King's cause in Rome, which he faithfully reported to a horrified Anne in 1528. This information helped solidify the future queen's hatred towards Wolsey, something which played a major part in the Cardinal's fall from power the following year.

He is described as one of her [Anne Boleyn's] favourite clerics. Later he became archdeacon of Westbury-on-Trym, and then dean of Worcester. His closeness to Anne Boleyn led some to suggest he must have known of her 'treason.'

Barlow was Dean of Worcester from 1544 until he was deprived of the role under Queen Mary in 1553.

William Barlow was his brother.

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