Sir Henry Bedingfield, Bart., to Alfred Tennyson, 20 August 1875: 'As a great admirer of your genius, I eagerly read your drama "Queen Mary," but was so surprised and pained at the ignoble part which is allotted to Sir Henry Bedingfield, that I cannot refrain from addressing you on the subject. I feel justified in so doing, for I am the direct descendant of Sir Henry [...] The millions who will read "Mary Tudor," or witness the play on the stage, will carry away the impresson that my ancestor was a vulgar yeoman in some way connected with the stables, whereas he was a man of ancient lineage, a trusted friend and servant of the Queen, who confided to him in time of danger the Lieutenancy of the Tower, and the custody of the Princess Elizabeth [continues] [...] I trust therefore to your high feeling of justice, that you will, if possible, strike out Sir Henry's name from future editions, or allott him a more dignified part on the stage, and one which will convey a more correct view of his character and position.'