William Compton (The Tudors)

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Sir William Compton

The Tudors
Name	Sir William Compton
Historical basis	William Compton
Portrayed by	Kristen Holden-Ried (2007)
First appearance	"Episode 1"
Last appearance	"Episode 7"
Spouses	Ann Hastings (common law)
Romances	Thomas Tallis
Allies	Henry VIII Charles Brandon Anthony Knivert

Sir William Compton is a fictional character on the Showtime television series The Tudors.

Based on a minor historical figure of the same name, he is portrayed by Kristen Holden-Ried. The historical Compton was a page to Henry VIII of England and ultimately rose in rank in the court and became one of Henry's best friends.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] All the King's men

As The Tudors begins, King Henry VIII of England's closest companions are longtime friends Charles Brandon, Anthony Knivert and William Compton. Henry's favouritism toward these "common-born" men angers the noble-born Edward Stafford, Duke of Buckingham. In "Episode 4", Compton is knighted Sir William Compton, alongside Knivert.

In an early episode, Compton deflects Knivert's suggestion that they find some women to sleep with; "Episode 5" reveals why when Compton, though married, shows romantic interest in young composer Thomas Tallis. At first Tallis, who has himself shown disinterest in women in a previous episode, refuses Compton's advances. Still, he does not pull away when Compton kisses him; later in the episode they are shown in bed together, Tallis quietly composing music as Compton sleeps.

In "Episode 6", Compton and Tallis spend time together at Compton Wynyates, Compton's house in Warwickshire, England; Compton is unhappy that Tallis will be accompanying Cardinal Wolsey on a journey to France. Later, a despondent Compton watches quietly as Henry frolics with Anne Boleyn at a picnic.

Compton is the first to die from the devastating "sweating sickness" in "Episode 7." Compton's common-law wife Ann Hastings grieves, and tells a returning Tallis where her husband is buried. Tallis cries at the grave, smashing his lute over the marker. The King mourns his friend's death; Ann Hastings is soon dead herself.

[edit] The historical Compton

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The historical Sir William Compton was born circa 1475. In 1498 he married Warburga Brereton who at the time of marriage was around 20 years old. The couple had two children, Peter and Catherine, and there is no evidence that Compton was bisexual.

Compton was a favoured companion of Henry VIII and was his Groom of the Stole.

Compton died of the sweating sickness in 1528.