Elizabeth Tudor - Elizabeth I of England

Elizabeth Tudor - Elizabeth I of England - Virgin Queen/Whore Queen

Elizabeth Tudor

Elizabeth Tudor was born at Greenwich Palace, London on 7 September 1533. Daughter to Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, and was named after her Grandmother, Elizabeth Plantagent - Elizabeth of York. 

Elizabeth was christened in the Church of Franciscan Friars, Greenwich, London. Her Godparent's were Dowager Duchess of Norfolk, Dowager Marchioness of Dorset and Thomas Cranmer - Archbishop of Canterbury.

At just 3 months old, Elizabeth had been given her own Household - as this was common practice at the time - Elizabeth was escorted through the streets of London by her Great Uncle, to her new Home at Hatfield House, Hertfordshire. When Elizabeth was just 3 years old, Henry VIII ordered the be-heading of his Wife, her Mother, Anne Boleyn (on charges for adultery, and treason - which I will cover more off in Anne Boleyn's blog at a later date). 

Even though Elizabeth was next in line to the throne, she ended up being 3rd in line because of her Mothers death, making Elizabeth's birth illegitimate. And if that wasn't bad enough, her Mother and Fathers marriage was then deemed invalid - because of the adultery charges, and that meant Elizabeth was completely removed from the line of succession. Up until her Fathers death in 1547... As he had written in his will that Elizabeth is heir to the throne. 

Elizabeth I of England

Elizabeth was around 10 years old when her education started. She learnt French, Italian, Greek and Latin, she also received education for classical languages, history, rhetoric and moral philosophy - these type of lessons were normally reserved for the male heirs! 

A few speculated that Elizabeth hated her Mother - but then again, wouldn't you if you had lost your place in the line for the throne! 

But apparently, this wasn't at all true, as a few times, while posing for a portrait as a teenager, Elizabeth would wear her Mums "A" pendant - something Henry VIII would have been disgusted by if he had seen! She also wore a pendant in her later life with a picture of herself and her Mother inside. When Elizabeth became Queen of England, she promoted all her Mothers relatives to the best positions in court - maybe Elizabeth was truly a Mummy's Girl but couldn't express her love as her Father had taken that relationship away...

Elizabeth Tudor

Elizabeth never actually married -  for reasons that are unknown. Although, some did speculate that Elizabeth wasn't able to have Children, they even had people check her bed sheets to see if she "was ever bleeding"!!  Some speculated she was secretly a Man, and others believed that Elizabeth was in actual fact, attracted to Woman. 

Whatever the truth is, and whatever Elizabeth's reasons were, she chosen to never marry, and with doing so, birthed no Children - which was worrying back then as she would have had no rightful heirs to the throne. 

Robert Dudley - 1st Earl of Leicester

Rumours did start going around about Elizabeth, and her childhood friend Robert Dudley - 1st Earl of Leicester, and the 5th Son to John Dudley - Duke of Northumberland, and they also shared the same childhood Tutor, Roger Ascham. 

When Elizabeth and Robert were growing up, Elizabeth would confine to Robert quiet often, especially about her Mother, Anne Boleyn. 

Both Elizabeth and Robert remained very close through-out their Adulthood's, and even when Robert had married Amy Robsart, they still kept a strong bond, and sparked rumours by meeting up in private, at any costs. When Elizabeth was made Queen, the first thing she did was appoint Robert to be her Mother of Horse - meaning Robert was the only person who would be allowed to touch the Queen! 

And after just one year of Elizabeth reigning England, she moved Roberts bed chambers next to her private rooms - I can see why people speculated such ideas! 

Then, in 1587, a young Man, named Arthur Dudley appears at Phillip II's Court claiming he's the Son of Elizabeth Tudor and Robert Dudley - his date of birth is said to match up with their private meet ups - but there was no firm evidence to suggest such happenings of them birthing a Child. 

Although it is noted that, Elizabeth had 'fallen drastically unwell and had gained some weight' around the time that Arthur Dudley was said to be born - was this a secret birth, was it a case of a fake baby - just like when the Doctor said her Sister, Mary Tudor was pregnant, or was Elizabeth genuinely just unwell?

Robert Dudley tried everything he could to get his marriage with Elizabeth seen through, they exchanged letters for long periods of time, he bought her gifts upon gifts, but Elizabeth wouldn't cave into such temptations. And after about 10 years he finally given up.

Robert Dudley passed away on 4 September 1588 - something Elizabeth would be affected by for the rest of her life.

Robert Devereux - 2nd Earl of Essex 

Another rumoured 'affair' was with Robert Devereux - 2nd Earl of Essex and Son to Walter Devereux - 1st Earl of Essex, this began about 2 years after Robert Dudley had given up with the idea of marrying Elizabeth. Even though Robert was only 22 at the time, and Elizabeth being double his age, this didn't stop them from being close. They did everything together - including dancing with each during ceremonies and other such events. 

By 1587, Elizabeth made Robert her new Mother of Horse - which meant, Robert was now, the only person who was allowed to touch the Queen!

But sadly, Robert wasn't all that loyal to Elizabeth, as he had an affair, and a Son, named Walter Devereux with one of Elizabeth's attendants, Elizabeth Southwell - she  sent their Son to be raised by his Grandmother, Lettice Dudley. 

Elizabeth didn't know about Robert's disloyalty until June 1595, when she stumbled upon his will, where he had written about his Son. Elizabeth got very upset and was very angry towards Robert as she had no knowledge, or approval of this affair. 

Few years later, Robert begs Elizabeth for her forgiveness, to which she refused and condemned him to death, by execution in 1601.

Elizabeth Tudor

Other speculated romances with Elizabeth were, Phillip II of Spain, King Eric XIV of Sweden, Archduke Charles of Austria - Phillip's cousin, Henry - Duke of Anjou and his brother Francis - Duke of Anjou.

So, it's not really surprising she got given a cruel nickname. As these relationships, real or not, suggests Elizabeth did have a fair few to her name. 

Maybe she just liked the attention and people got the wrong idea of things, or maybe there is some truth to the nickname Whore Queen...?

But is that really a fair statement when she, by paper, never gotten married, and had birthed no Children, and as a result, was handed her second nickname, Virgin Queen...

Elizabeth I of England

Elizabeth Tudor was never actually meant to become a Queen - as you read earlier, but with both her Siblings, Edward and Mary Tudor, and her Father dead, Elizabeth was made Queen of England on 17 November 1558. And was crowned at Westminster Abbey, Carlisle on 15 January 1559. 

Elizabeth believed that 'beauty, amplifies power'. It would take her 4 hours to get dressed for occasions, and even though she worn beautiful vibrant dresses and jewels, her Female attendants on the other hand,were only allowed to wear black, this was so, no matter what room Elizabeth was in, and no matter how busy the crowds were, she would always stand out thus getting the Males attention she wanted and desired. 

Elizabeth also worn make up to 'restore youthfulness', her make-up consisted of painting her hands, neck and face with Venetian Ceruse - white lead and vinegar mixed. Elizabeth would also paint her Lips with a red paste - mixed with Beeswax and plant dye, and line her eyes with Kohl. 

The make up routine also could have been down to the fact, that Elizabeth didn't age well at all, and had black, rotten foul smelling mouth and teeth, was scarred by pox, and using Venetian Ceruse wouldn't have helped, as that was corrosive! 

While the Queens personal dressers were the only ones, allowed by Elizabeth, to see her without. Her former lover, Robert Devereux, snuck into her chambers one evening, and seen her with no make up on, he then joked about with his friends over her 'crooked carcass' - I'm not surprised she didn't accept his apology! 

Whore Queen or Virgin Queen?

Elizabeth Tudor was able to reign England for 45 years before her death. 

In March 1602, Elizabeth became very unwell, and her physical health deteriorated. By Autumn 1602, she had fallen into severe depression after loosing many family and friends. And on 24 March 1603, Richmond Palace, Elizabeth passed away. Her Coffin was carried to Westminster Abbey in a Hearse drawn by 4 Horses all drawn in velvet black. 

She was placed next to her Grandfather, Henry VII. But in 1606, Elizabeth was re-moved to the Henry VII Chapel, in the same vault as her Sister, Mary Tudor.

What do you think about Elizabeth's nicknames?
Let me know below.

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Mary Tudor - Mary I of England

Mary Tudor - Mary I of England - Bloody Mary.

England's 1st Female Monarch

Mary Tudor was born at Greenwich Palace, London on 18 February 1516. 

She was the only surviving daughter of Henry VIII and his wife Catherine of Aragon. She was christened as a Catholic at the Church of the Observant, Greenwich. Her Godparents were, Catherine of York, Countess of Devon, Anges Howard - Duchess of Norfolk and Cardinal Thomas Wolsey.

Mary's mother provided her with most of her education, and was very well educated in French, Greek, Latin and Spanish. Mary also became educated in dance and music. 

When Mary was aged just 1/2 years old, she was promised to Prince Francis III - Duke of Brittany, Son to King Francis I of France. This marriage never went forward, and the contract was repudiated 3 years later. Her father then contracted Mary, who was around 3/4 years old at the time, to marry Charles V - Holy Roman Emperor, Son to Phillip I of Castile, but a few years later, as advised by Thomas Wolsey - also Henry VIII's Chief Adviser - to cancel the wedding, Henry agreed. 

Francis III - Duke of Brittany

Thomas Wolsey then resumed negotiating marriages within France, mainly to declare the seal of the Treaty of London, which would make peace between the two countries, but Henry suggests Mary marries King Francis I.

A Treaty was then put into place, and signed stating Mary either marries King Francis I, or his Son, Henry - Duke of Orleans.

Charles V - Holy Roman Emperor

July 1520, aged just 4 and a half years old, Mary performed on the virginals - similar to a harpsichord, to entertain the visiting French delegation. 

Now aged around 6 years old, Mary and Charles V betrothed in the presence of the English Court, on 19 June 1522, this was to seal the Treaty of Windsor, which was an extension of the Treaty of Bruges, sealed in August of the previous year - a secret alliance between England and Spain, to set a date for the war with France. 

Around August 1524, Henry VIII began going over the idea of Mary marrying her cousin - James V of Scotland. By April the following year, Charles V demanded that Mary be sent to Spain with her share of the dowry in cash, to himself. Henry refused this order on the reason of not wanting to send Mary away before her 12th birthday - how noble of him! In June 1525, Charles released himself from the betrothal he had with Mary to find someone more 'fitting'.

James V of Scotland - Mary's Cousin

In 1526 there was a rearrangement in the household, and Mary, just 10 - and during this time it was only right Mary had her own place - so she was sent to Wales, and once there was titled Princess of Wales, she also visited Ludlow, to establish her own court in the welsh marches.

Mary I of England

Few years later, Henry wanted to divorce Mary's mother - which I will cover in another blog. During this time, Mary had a rough ride. She got dragged through court over a negotiation regarding peace with England and France, as well as another marriage idea! Mary also got treated like a bastard, people said her birth was illegitimate because Henry married his brothers wife, which probably didn't help her fathers own thinking, he believed Catherine didn't birth him a Son because he was being punished by God.
This was also around the time that Henry started his relationship with Anne Boleyn, who wasn't the kindest when it came to Mary, now her step-daughter. Anne also believed Mary was a bastard, and wanted Mary to admit this, as well as place Mary under Anne's birth, but she refused, this broke up the household and Mary was sent to Hatfield, Hertfordshire to act as Lady-In-Waiting to her younger Sister - Henry and Anne's secret daughter - Elizabeth Tudor.

Phillip of Spain II, Charles V Son

25 July 1554, at Winchester Cathedral, Hampshire Mary I of England married her cousins only child - Prince II of Spain.
Charles V upped his rank making himself Emperor Charles V, and made his son Phillip the crown of Naples, as well as his claim to the Kingdom of Jerusalem. This made Mary the Queen of Naples and the Queen of Jerusalem. Even though Phillip was King, every Parliament papers would be dated and signed in both there names, they would both attend hearings, Phillip would not be assisted by Mary's Army if he went to war, and he also could not act without Mary's consent. Even though he was unhappy with these agreements, and felt no passion towards Mary, he stuck by her side for "political and strategic" gain. Phillip couldn't speak English, so they spoke in French, Latin or Spanish - guess her education paid off in the end.
During the course of their marriage Mary became very unwell, mentally and physically

Mary I of England

In September 1554, Mary had become unwell and gained some weight, she visited her Doctor who declared her pregnant, however, no baby ever came. Then in 1558, Mary believed she was pregnant, but again, no baby arrived.
By October 1558, Mary's health had severely worsened and on 17 November 1558, aged 42 at St James Palace, Mary passed away. Some suggest ovarian cysts, others say uterine cancer.

So why was she nicknamed 'Bloody Mary of England'?
For the next 5 years Mary was to rule over England, and she was determined, along with proving her birth's legitimacy, she also wanted to restore England back to Catholicism. Those who refused to convert were burnt at the stake - at the time, this was the preferred execution method by the Catholic Spanish Inquisition. In total she burnt, 227 Men and 56 Women!
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The second reason was during and after her marriage with Phillip. England said she had "married a foreigner" and frowned on the fact they were partially ruled by a "foreigner". Some point during the marriage, Phillip tells Mary to start a war with France, and as a result, ended up loosing the last possession England had over France, Calais.
After Mary passed, Phillip tried marrying her Sister - to which she refused. Phillip went back to Spain, got the Spanish Armada to invade England, and lost. Phillip then started to exaggerate Mary's execution's, those she burnt became martyr's, he even made the marriage sound worse then it was.
Mary became portrayed as evil.
And so began, the notorious Bloody Mary.

Personally, to me, she wasn't that evil. Yes she killed, but her father, when he reigned England killed at least 40,000 more people then his daughter...

What do you think?

Thank you for reading.

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The Tudor period begins...

The Tudor period began when Henry Tudor took reign of England and Wales on 22 August 1485, after his battle with Richard Plantagent at the Battle of Bosworth Field. 

Henry VII

Henry VII was born at Pembroke Castle, Wales 28 January 1457, and was the only Son to Lady Margaret Beaufort, Countess of Richmond, and the only Son to Edmund Tudor, 1st Earl Of Richmond, who sadly passed 3-6 Months before Henry VII was born - we will come back to his untimely death later.

There is little to be known about Henry VII and his childhood, but what we do know is, his Uncle, Jasper Tudor, looked after him and brought him up as his Mother was only 13 when he was born - she then went on to marry another 2 times before passing from "eating a cygnet" on 29 June 1509. Henry VII didn't see much of his Mother in his early years as Lord Herbert seized Pembroke Castle in 1461 - and so Edward IV became the new King.

At the age of 14, Henry VII had fled to Burgundy, for his own safety, as both Henry VI and his only Son, Prince Edward had passed, making Henry VII the main Lancastrian to take the throne. But it wasn't an easy ride for him, he would have to endure a troublesome fight before getting the throne.
Henry VII's host while in France was Francis II, Duke Of Brittany. Edward offered Francis a substantial reward for Henry VII, but Francis denied any exchanges and instead told Edward that he would keep guard of Henry VII and his Uncle Jasper, so they couldn't escape or return to England. Francis II was playing a dangerous game at the time, siding with whom Edward IV once thought was the enemy. 

In time, Henry VII was due to travel back over to England to supposedly marry one of Edward's daughters, but Henry ended up becoming unwell before the journey and was sent to sanctuary with his Uncle Jasper instead, to which Edward made no further effort in getting Henry back to England.

Skip a little and we enter the year 1483, while Henry and his Uncle Jasper were in sanctuary, Edward IV suddenly passes on 9 April, his Son, Edward V never got the throne - even though it was rightly his -  instead, Richard Duke of Gloucester, proclaimed himself King.
Even though Richard had a lot of supporters, making himself King made him gain enemies, fast. And England believed the rightful heir to the throne be Henry VII. With all this going on, Edward IV's widow, Elizabeth Woodville, caught wind of this and wanted Henry to marry her only surviving Daughter. But Richard III didn't like the sound of that, so he also decided, that he would marry Elizabeth's daughter - only because it would have made Henry VII look weak. And on Christmas Day of the year 1483, Henry made a public declaration that, if he can take the throne from Richard, he will marry Elizabeth's daughter.

Once again, Henry and his Uncle Jasper flee for their safety as Richard took all of Henry's Mothers property and was plotting against Henry. Two years later they would return to Wales and on 22 August 1485 the Battle of Bosworth Fields begin. By this time Henry had gathered 5,000 men while Richard had gathered 8,000. Not much is to be known about this Battle, but one thing is for certain, Richard III passed and Henry VII became King.

Richard III

Henry Tudor did end up marrying Elizabeth Woodville's daughter, Elizabeth of York - daughter of Edward IV - on 18th January 1486. Putting an end to The War Of Roses, and put a start to a brand new period - The Tudor Period which would be here for the next 118 years.

Now lets take a little look into Henry VII's Family

Mother

Lady Margaret Beaufort, Countess of Richmond

Margaret was born at Bletsoe Castle, Bedfordshire 31 May 1443.
She was first married in 1450 to John de la Pope, it was a contracted marriage between the Family, this only lasted until 1453. Margaret was very young during this marriage, and some people believe it didn't happen as there isn't many records to show this, but records do show that John de la Pope was in fact Margaret's 3rd cousin - this marriage bore no Children.
Her second marriage was in 1455 to Edmund Tudor. Margaret was only 12 at the time. This marriage lasted until Edmond's untimely death in 1456 - this marriage bored one Child, Henry VII.
Margaret's third marriage was to Henry Stafford in 1461. He is believed to have been Margaret's 2nd cousin, and also the 1st cousin to Edward IV. This marriage lasted until 1471 when Henry sadly passed - this marriage bore no Children.
Her final marriage was in 1472 to Thomas Stanley, Margaret would have been about 40 at this time, and this marriage ended in 1504 when Thomas passed - this marriage bore no Children.
When her Son reigned England and Wales, he would go to his Mother a lot for advice on how to rule the country, and she did everything she could to help, she even wrote a Book titled "Book of the Royal Household" and this determined how State and private occasions should be performed. During her Son's reign, Margaret would be addressed as "My Lady the Kings Mother". Margaret also founded Christ's College and made frequent gifts to local Churches and monasteries.
Margaret, passed away peacefully in her Bed on 29 June 1509 - just three Months after her only Son.
Margaret was laid to rest at the Henry VII Chapel in Westminster Abbey, in a black marble tomb with bronze gilded effigy.

Father

Edmund Tudor, 1st Earl of Richmond

Edmund was born at Royal Manor of Hadham, Hertfordshire, England on 11 June 1430. In his later life, he became known as Earl Of Richmond. And its widely known that Henry VI was Edmund's half brother.
Edmund only married the one time, to Lady Margaret Beaufort. This could have been due to his untimely death. At some point during Lady Margaret's pregnancy with Henry VII, Edmund had been tasked with preventing an overthrow being plotted against Henry VI. Sadly, he was unable to stop this, and he ended up being captured in mid 1456 by William Herbert, a Yorkist supporter, who imprisoned Edmund at Camarthen Castle, South Wales.
Edmund died while in Camarthen Castle, 1 November 1456, 3-6 Months before his Son was born.
Some believe that Edmund passed because of the Bubonic Plague (which I will cover in another blog), others disagree and state that Edmund was murdered. Several Months later, the accused stood in Court and none of the parties were ever found guilty.
Edmund was buried at the Carmarthen Grey Friars, but sadly because of dissolution of the monasteries, he was re-moved to the Choir of St David's Cathedral in 1539.

Wife

Elizabeth Plantagent, Elizabeth of York

Elizabeth was born at the Palace of Westminster on 11 February 1466. She married Henry VII on 18 January 1486, and birthed him 8 Children, 4 of which sadly passed - which you will find out later on in this blog.
Elizabeth sadly passed away, through complications of her last birth, on 11 February 1503 and was buried in Westminster Abbey on 24 February 1503.

Son

Arthur Tudor, Prince of Wales

Arthur was born in St Swithuns Priory, Winchester on 20 September 1486. Arthur was christened and his Godparents were John de Vere, William FitzAlan, Elizabeth Woodville and Cecily of York. Just like his Father, little is known about Author's childhood.
Arthur only married the one time, to the well known Catherine of Aragon, on 14 November 1501, their marriage birthed no Children. They resided in Ludlow Castle, Wales. During their marriage, in March 1502, they both became unwell from an unknown illness. While Catherine recovered from this illness, Arthur sadly didn't, he passed on 2 April 1502 at his Home, 6 months before his 16th birthday.
On 8 April 1502, a general procession took place, on the same night a dirge was sung at St Paul's Cathedral and every Parish in London. His body was carried to Parish Church of Ludlow, Wales on 23 April 1502.
Finally, on 25 April 1502, Arthur was taken to Worcester Cathedral in a "special wagon, upholstered in black and drawn by 6 horses". And in 1504 a Chantry was erected above his grave.

Daughter

Margaret Tudor, Queen of Scotland

Margaret was born at the Palace of Westminster on 18 November 1489, she was named after her Grandmother - Margaret Beaufort. Just like Arthur, Margaret was also christened, her Godparents were Lady Berkeley Duchess of Norfolk, Earl of Shrewsbury and her Grandmother Margaret Beaufort.
Margaret had three marriages in her lifetime, and in total birthed 7 children most of which sadly passed.
Her first marriage was to King James IV, they had a proxy wedding on 25 January 1502 at Richmond Palace, but the actual wedding ceremony wasn't until 8 August 1503. Margaret gave birth to their first Son, Prince James on 21 February 1507 at Holyrood Palace Edinburgh, but he sadly passed at Stirling Castle, Scotland 27 February 1508. On 15 July 1508, Margaret gave birth to her first daughter, who sadly passed hours after.
Margaret gave birth to her second Son, Prince Arthur at Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh on 20 October 1509, and was styled Duke of Albany, this was shortly lived as he sadly passed at Edinburgh Castle on 14 July 1510.
Margaret birthed her third Son, Prince James V at Linlithgow Palace on 10 April 1512 and was styled Duke of Rothesay. In November 1512, Margaret birthed a second daughter, and like her Sister, sadly passed hours after.
King James IV died during the Battle of Flodden Field on 9 September 1513, and he sadly never met his Son, Prince Alexander, who Margaret birthed at Stirling Castle, Scotland on 30 April 1514 and was very quickly styled as Duke of Ross.
Margaret then went on to marry Archibold Douglas, Earl of Angus, their first wedding was done in secret at Kinnol Church on 6 August 1514. The reason it was done in secret was because King James IV put down in his will that if Margaret Tudor was to ever re-marry after himself she would loose regancy of their Son, Prince James V. Unfortunately, their marriage got made public in late August, Margaret lost regancy and fled to England where she birthed their first Daughter, Margaret Douglas on 8 October 1515.
Prince Alexander sadly passed at Striling Castle, Scotland on 18 December 1515. When Margaret heard of this news, she went back to Scotland, once there Margaret learned she could only see Prince James V under strict conditions, and also learnt, that Margaret will get full regancy of Prince James V as long as she divorces Archibold Douglas, Margaret begged for the divorce and it finally happened on 11 March 1527!
 Her third, and final marriage was on 8 March 1528 to Henry Stewart. Prince James V was now King James V and he appointed Henry as Lord Methven. This marriage birthed no Children, and it lasted until Margaret passed from a stroke at Methvan Castle and was buried in Cathusian Abbey in Perth on 18 October 1541.

Son

Henry VIII, King Henry VIII

Henry VIII was born at Greenwich Palace, London on 28 June 1491. He too was christened - Godparents unknown, or none chosen. There is so many interesting things that Henry VIII did as a child, and out of respect and my passion for the guy, I'll be making a blog on him alone. 

Henry VIII had 6 marriages in total, but did not kill all his Wives. 

His first marriage was to Catherine of Aragon on 11 June 1509 at Greenwich Palace, and they were crowned King and Queen on 24 June 1509 at Westminster Abbey. Sadly, on 31 January 1510, Catherine had a still born, her first Daughter. 

1 January 1511, Catherine gave birth to their first Son, Henry, who was christened, but sadly passed 22 February 1511 and was buried at Westminster Abbey. 

Margaret birthed their second Son on 17 September 1513, but he sadly passed shortly after. And again, on 8 January 1515 Margaret birthed their third Son but he also passed shortly after. 

Finally on 18 February 1516 Margaret birthed their second Daughter. Mary, at Greenwich Palace, London. Sadly, on 10 November 1518 Margaret birthed a baby girl who became very weak and unwell and sadly passed hours after, so much went on during this marriage before his second, I will have to make a separate blog about it.

January 1533, Henry VIII married Anne Boleyn, I will also go into these marriages in more detail in their own blog as a lot of stuff went on! Anne Boleyn was pregnant, so they got married in secret so Henry VIII would have legitimacy over their Child. On 7 September Anne birthed her first Daughter - Henry wanted a boy. In June or July of the year 1534 Anne had a secret birth and sadly the baby was still born. 

June 1536 Anne again, had a secret birth, this time the baby was premature and sadly passed at birth. January 29 1536 brought even more heartache, as Anne had a miscarriage. Henry had had enough of her "inept behaviour" falsely accused Anne of wanting him dead and she was beheaded on 19 May 1536. 

Henry didn't wait around long, by 20 May 1536 he got engaged to Jane Seymour and had married her the next day. Jane did birth a Child with Henry, a Son in fact, named Edward Duke of Cornwall. Only 3 years after the birth of her Son, Jane sadly got puerpal fever and passed on 24 October 1537.

By 6 January 1540 Henry VIII had married Anne of Cleves at the Greenwich Palace, London. Henry was never keen on Anne, and through-out there marriage had grown feelings for Katherine Howard. Anne realised this and filed for divorce - told you he didn't kill all his wives!

28 July 1540 marked Henry VIII's fifth marriage, and it was with Katherine Howard. However, Katherine became very unfaithful to Henry, so he be-headed her on 13 February 1542. 

His last marriage was with Catherine Parr in July 1543.

Over his lifetime Henry VIII had become very unwell in his legs, had pains and was also obese, and on 28 January 1547, at Whitehall Palace, Henry VIII passed away, and is laid to rest on 16 February next to Jane Seymour in St George's Chapel.

Elizabeth Tudor, 2 July 1447 - 14 September 1495.

Daughter

Mary Tudor, Queen of France.

Mary was born at Richmond Palace, England on 10 March 1496. Mary had two marriages in her lifetime and birthed 4 children, sadly none survived. 

Mary's first marriage was with Louis XII of France at Abbevill Castle, he was much older then Mary and she did refuse to marry him at first, he later passed on 1 January 1515. 

On 3 March 1515, Marry married Charles Brandon at the Chapel in the Palais de Cluny Paris. Mary gave birth to their first Son, Henry on 11 March 1516, and in 1522 sadly passed. On 16 July 1517, Mary gave birth to her first Daughter, Lady Frances Brandon, who had one marriage which she birthed a Daughter, Lady Jane Grey, Frances passed 20 November 1559. 

In 1519, Mary births her second Daughter, Lady Eleanor Brandon, she also had one marriage in her lifetime, birthed no Children and passed on 27 September 1547. 

Mary then gives birth to her second Son, and last child, Henry in 1523, sadly in March 1534 Henry passes away.

A year before the passing of Henry, Mary herself became very unwell, and never recovered. Mary passed 25 June 1533. 

On 22 July 1533 Mary was buried at Abbey of Bury St Edmonds's. And like her Father, dissolution of the monasteries, Mary's body was re-moved to St Mary's Church in 1538.

Edward Tudor, 1408 - 1499

Edmund Tudor, Duke of Somerset, 21 February 1499 - 19 June 1500

Katherine Tudor, 2 February 1503 - 10 February 1503. 

Henry VII, in fairness, had a pretty big Family, even though their was many deaths during child birth, the ones that did survive became Kings and Queens and I reckon Henry VII and his Wife Elizabeth would have been proud of their Family.

Let me know what you think about Edmund Tudor's death, was it the buponic plague or was it murder?

Thank you for reading

Until next time 

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