The Tudor Society

11 February – The birth and death of Elizabeth of York

Fancy dying on your birthday! Well, that's what happened to Elizabeth of York, queen consort of King Henry VII, founder of the Tudor dynasty.

In today's video, I tell you all about this Tudor queen, from her birth on this day in 1466 to her death on this day in 1503.

Also on this day in history:

  • 1531 – Convocation granted Henry VIII the title of “singular protector, supreme lord, and even, so far as the law of Christ allows, supreme head of the English church and clergy”.
  • 1542 – The bill of attainder against Jane Boleyn, Lady Rochford, and Queen Catherine Howard received royal assent.

There are 6 comments Go To Comment

  1. M

    Well I had that wrong! I don’t know why I thought her death was around the end of the year. Happy birthday! Michelle t

    1. C - Post Author

      Thank you! Another birthday buddy of mine is Natalie Dormer, who played Anne Boleyn in the Tudors!

  2. M

    I think Natalie Dormer is fabulous! If you get a chance, catch her in Picnic At Hanging Rock. It’s on Amazon Prime, but maybe other places too.

    1. C - Post Author

      Oooh, I’ll have to watch that! I loved her in Elementary and Game of Thrones too.

  3. R

    Happy Birthday for yesterday. Happy Birthday Elizabeth of York.

    Richard was offered the throne, legally, he didn’t “take it”, by the three estates of the realm because the ex King Edward V and his siblings were declared illegitimate, which they were believed to be because their father was married to Lady Eleanor Talbot before Edward iv wed Elizabeth Woodville in secret and she was still alive when the second and illegitimate marriage took place. Richard examined the evidence, they were declared and confirmed as no longer able to rule and as the next legitimate male heir, Richard was offered the crown, having retired to his mother’s house six days later. He did everything legally and every text agreed with him.

    Elizabeth was a dutiful Queen, she did, I think have some affection for Henry and they had a very fruitful and successful marriage. Henry was a decent husband and not too bad as King. They are both laid side by side in the Lady Chapel Henry built in Westminster Abbey.

    1. C - Post Author

      Thank you for the birthday wishes!

      Even if he was offered it, he still took it, which is why I said that. Personally, I believe he purposefully took it, so we’ll have to disagree on that one. Doing something legally doesn’t make it right, in my book. I just don’t see Richard as you do, I’m afraid. I’m fascinated by him and enjoy reading about him though.

      Yes, I think Elizabeth was a model queen consort and I’m glad she had quite a few years of happiness.

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11 February – The birth and death of Elizabeth of York