The Tudor Society

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  • A bench belonging to Catherine of Aragon? – by John Roberts

    6 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
    21 Comments

    Discovering new artefacts from Henry VIII’s era, and so far away from England, sounds highly unlikely, but I am an ex-Brit living on the west coast of Canada, and I think I may have found the ‘holy grail’ of pre-Elizabethan furniture.

    I am a retiree, and in December 2016 I was looking for historical items for my daughter, Melanie, who had recently purchased a two-piece upright cupboard with 1703 among the carvings.

    My latest find, a highly ornate wood-panelled bench, or settle (we’ll settle on the bench word from now on!), was at a weekly auction in Victoria, British Columbia, on Vancouver Island. It was described as 19th century, and I was the winning bidder at a hammer price of $725 Canadian (415 GBP).

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  • Catherine of Aragon’s Pregnancies Part 1: 1509 – 1511

    6 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    As this week was the anniversary of Queen Catherine of Aragon giving birth to a still-born daughter in 1510, I thought I’d look at the primary source accounts we have of Catherine’s pregnancies.

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  • Happy times for Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon

    6 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    With Henry VIII’s Great Matter, his six-year quest for an annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon and his harsh treatment of her in the 1530s, we tend to forget that Henry was once besotted with Catherine. He had chosen to marry her in 1509, he wasn’t forced into it by diplomatic negotiations, and they were happy for over fifteen years.

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  • The Moot Virginity of Catherine of Aragon – 27 July 2017, London

    6 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
    1 Comment

    We’ve just had an email from Tête à Tête: The Opera Festival regarding one of their productions which they thought would be of interest to our members, “The Moot Virginity of Catherine of Aragon”. Here are the details:

    The Moot Virginity of Catherine of Aragon
    Produced by The Belfast Ensemble

    9:15pm – 10:05pm | Thursday 27 July 2017
    Robin Howard Dance Theatre, The Place, 17 Duke’s Rd, London, WC1H 9PY

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  • Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon Crossword

    6 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    As yesterday was the anniversary of the coronation of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon in 1509, we’re going to have some fun and exercise our brains with a Henry and Catherine-themed crossword – enjoy!

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  • The Moot Virginity of Catherine of Aragon, the Belfast Ensemble

    7 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    Tudor Society member Ceri Creffield has kindly agreed to share with us her experience of seeing “The Moot Virginity of Catherine of Aragon” production which was performed by the Belfast Ensemble at the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff, South Wales.

    Here is a description of the production from the theatre website:

    “‘ALL THIS, ALL EUROPE, ALL UNDONE? …AND FOR WHAT? A SON?’

    Europe divides in two. An act of teenage love could be the cause. Catherine of Aragon’s first wedding night with Henry VIII’s brother, Arthur comes into question in this no-nonsense music-theatre first. Did they? Didn’t they?

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  • 31 January 1510 – Queen Catherine of Aragon gives birth to a stillborn daughter

    7 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    On this day in history, 31st January 1510, Catherine of Aragon, first wife of Henry VIII, gave birth to a stillborn daughter. It was her first pregnancy and she had been married to Henry for just over 7 months.

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  • Catherine of Aragon resources

    7 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    As today is the anniversary of the birth of Catherine of Aragon on 16th December 1485, I thought I would share with you some book recommendations and resources for finding out more about Catherine.

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  • Catherine of Aragon – A true maid?

    8 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
    2 Comments

    In today’s Claire Chats, I talk about Catherine of Aragon, her marriage to Arthur Tudor and its implications in Henry VIII’s quest for an annulment of his marriage to Catherine.

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  • 23 June 1509 – Coronation procession of King Henry VIII and Queen Catherine of Aragon

    8 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    On Saturday 23rd June, Henry VIII and his wife Catherine of Aragon left the Tower of London and made their way through the streets of London to Westminster on their coronation procession.

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  • The Procession and Pageants for the wedding of Catherine of Aragon and Prince Arthur

    8 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    In today’s Claire Chats, I look at an event from Henry VII’s reign, the marriage of Catherine of Aragon and Arthur, Prince of Wales, and the pageantry involved in Catherine’s procession through London.

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  • Catherine of Aragon’s Stillbirth on 31 January 1510 – The Primary Source

    9 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
    15 Comments

    On this day in history, 31st January 1510, Queen Catherine of Aragon gave birth to a still-born daughter. Although she had lost her baby, Catherine’s abdomen stayed rounded and actually began to increase in size, leading her physicians to conclude that she was still pregnant with the twin of the baby she’d lost. This was not true.
    I thought it would be interesting to share the primary source account of this event here.

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  • Video – The Annulment of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon’s Marriage

    9 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
    2 Comments

    A video on Henry VIII’s Great Matter and Catherine of Aragon’s opposition.

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  • Catherine of Aragon’s Black Heart and Poison: The Primary Sources

    9 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
    2 Comments

    Following Catherine of Aragon’s death on the afternoon of 7th January 1536, her body was prepared for burial by a chandler in her household, whose job it would have been to embalm her body. Sir Edmund Bedingfield and Sir Edward Chamberlain wrote to Thomas Cromwell from Kimbolton on 7th January about the arrangements they had made:

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  • February 20 – Anne Herbert, Countess of Pembroke, wife of Black Will Herbert and sister of Catherine Parr

    1 year ago Author: Claire Ridgway
    1 Comment

    On this day in Tudor history, 20th February 1552, Anne Herbert, Countess of Pembroke, died at Baynard’s Castle in London.

    Anne was the younger sister of Queen Catherine Parr and served Queens Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves and Catherine Howard.

    Let me give you a few facts about this Tudor countess…

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  • October 19 – Isabella I of Castile marries Ferdinand II of Aragon

    1 year ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    On this day in history, 19th October 1469, eighteen-year-old Isabella I of Castile married seventeen-year-old Ferdinand II of Aragon.

    Their marriage may have happened outside of the Tudor period, and in Spain, but it had an impact on Europe and has links with the Tudors.

    The couple became the famous “Reyes Catolicos”, the Catholic monarchs, and brough together two powerful kingdoms, which comprised most of what is modern-day Spain. They were also the parents of Catherine of Aragon, who married Arthur Tudor, Prince of Wales, and, after his death, King Henry VIII.

    Let me tell you more about this powerful couple, their reigns and their legacy…

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  • 2 January – A visit for the dying Queen Catherine, and Granada surrenders

    2 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    On this day in Tudor history, 2nd January 1536, imperial ambassador, Eustace Chapuys, visited his good friend, Catherine of Aragon, first wife of King Henry VIII and a woman who was now officially called the Dowager Princess of Wales.

    Catherine was seriously ill, in fact, she was dying, and this would be the last time that Chapuys saw her.

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  • Celebrate spring with the two Catherine’s

    3 years ago Author: Merel
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    Today is the first day of Spring! As a celebration of this joyous occasion, we chose two spring looking portraits and moments from two of Henry VIII’s wives to talk about. 

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  • 7 September – Charles Brandon marries Catherine Willoughby

    3 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    On this day in Tudor history, 7th September 1533, just over two months after the death of his previous wife, Mary Tudor. Queen of France, forty-nine-year-old Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, married his ward, fourteen-year-old Catherine Willoughby.

    Find out more about this Tudor couple, how they came to be married, what their marriage was like, and what happened to them, in today’s talk.

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  • Tudor Catherines Crossword Puzzle

    3 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    Catherine (or Katherine) was a very popular name during the Tudor period, many parents perhaps honouring Queen Catherine of Aragon by naming their daughters after her, but how much do you know about the prominent Catherines of this period?

    Test your knowledge with this fun crossword puzzle. Have fun!

    Simply click on the link or image below to open and print out.

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  • 9 April – Catherine Willoughby’s second husband

    4 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    On this day in Tudor history, 9th April 1582, Richard Bertie, member of Parliament, evangelical, and second husband of Catherine Willoughby (other married name Brandon), Duchess of Suffolk, died at Bourne in Lincolnshire. He was laid to rest in St James’s Church, Spilsby, with Catherine, who had died in 1580.

    Bertie was Catherine’s gentleman usher and the two became close following the death of her sons from sweating sickness.

    Find out more about the man Catherine Willoughby chose to marry for love in today’s talk from Claire Ridgway.

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  • 6 November – Henry VIII abandons Catherine Howard

    4 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
    2 Comments

    On this day in Tudor history, Sunday 6th November 1541, Catherine Howard, Henry VIII’s fifth wife, was abandoned by her husband the king at Hampton Court Palace. She would never see him again.

    On the same day, Queen Catherine was visited by a delegation of king’s council members and informed of allegations made against her.

    What exactly happened on this day in 1541 and what has this to do with Hampton Court Palace’s ‘Haunted Gallery’? Find out in today’s talk.

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  • 7 September 1533 – The marriage of Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, and Catherine Willoughby

    6 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    On this day in history, 7th September 1533, the same day that Queen Elizabeth I was born, Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, married Catherine Willoughby.

    This was the duke’s fourth marriage. He was about forty-nine years old and Catherine was just fourteen. She was the daughter of William Willoughby, 11th Baron Willoughby de Eresby, and his wife, Lady Maria de Salinas, a woman who had come over from Spain with Catherine of Aragon in 1501 as one of her ladies. Suffolk had acquired the wardship of Catherine Willoughby in 1529 and had originally intended to marry her to his son, Henry, 1st Earl of Lincoln. However, following the death of his third wife, Mary Tudor, Queen of France, it appears that Suffolk took a liking to his ward, or rather the money and lands that he would gain by marrying her. Their marriage took place less than three months after Mary’s death.

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  • September 2017 Tudor Life – Katherine of Aragon

    6 years ago Author: ADMIN Tim
    3 Comments

    Here is the full version of our 80-page September edition of Tudor Life Magazine. This month we focus on Katherine of Aragon, the first wife of Henry VIII.

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  • Should Ferdinand of Aragon have insisted on Katherine’s return?

    6 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
    4 Comments

    Thank you to Tudor Society member Angela for asking the question “Should Ferdinand of Aragon have insisted on Katherine’s return when Prince Arthur died?”. Historian Amy Licence, who is the author of “Catherine of Aragon: An Intimate Life of Henry VIII’s True Wife” has answered Angela’s question…

    This is a complex question, because Katherine’s position in England fluctuated during the period of her widowhood between 1502 and 1509. Also, we have to consider the dual impulses in Ferdinand, as a father on one hand, and as a monarch on the other, playing on the international stage, on which all his children were pawns for the furtherment of the Spanish Empire. Out of Katherine’s parents, it was Isabella of Castile who played a more active role in terms of writing to Henry VII before and after her daughter’s wedding, so she was really the commanding figure of the pair until her death in 1505. We must be careful too, with the word “should,” because it is suggestive of hindsight. We know what an awful time Katherine was to have during her widowhood and later, at the hands of Henry VIII, but back then they didn’t know how things would turn out.

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  • 24 June 1509 – The coronation of King Henry VIII and Queen Catherine

    6 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    On this day in history, Sunday 24th June 1509, Midsummer’s Day and the Feast of St John the Baptist, King Henry VIII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, were crowned king and queen by William Warham, Archbishop of Canterbury, at Westminster Abbey.

    You can read all about the coronation and coronation banquet in Edward Hall’s chronicle…

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  • Katherine of Aragon

    6 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    Katherine of Aragon was born into the royal Spanish household on 16th December 1485, at the Archbishop’s Palace of Alcalá de Henares. She was the daughter of King Ferdinand II of Aragon and his illustrious wife, Isabella I of Castile. Katherine’s parents were the Catholic powerhouses of Western Europe during the late fifteenth century, therefore during her youth, the young Spanish princess would have envisioned the grand future that awaited her, with an ambitious marriage into an equally powerful European royal household.

    At aged just three, her parents were in negotiations with the English king, Henry VII, for a suitable marriage to his son, Arthur. The Tudors had recently taken the throne after defeating the Yorkist Richard III at Bosworth in 1485, although their Lancastrian claimant to the throne was still vulnerable to usurpation. England required international support to ensure the legitimacy and security of their house. An Anglo-Spanish alliance would be vitally important for the country’s prosperity and position in European politics.

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  • Katharine of Aragon Festival 2016 – 28-31st January

    8 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
    4 Comments

    Every year, Peterborough Cathedral, the resting place of Catherine of Aragon, first wife of Henry VIII, put on a programme of events around the anniversary of her burial (29th January) known as the Katharine of Aragon Festival to commemorate her life.

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  • The Pregnancies of Katherine of Aragon by Sarah Bryson

    8 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
    19 Comments

    Sadly, on this day in history, on the 9th of November 1518, Katherine of Aragon, first wife of King Henry VIII, gave birth to a stillborn girl.

    There are very few surviving details of Katherine’s pregnancy but Venetian Ambassador Sebastian Giustinian wrote that “This night the Queen was delivered of a daughter, to the vexation of as many as know it;—the entire nation looked for a prince.” A later report in the Venetian archives stated that: “The Queen had been delivered in her eighth month of a stillborn daughter, to the great sorrow of the nation at large”.

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  • Catherine Parr by Sarah Bryson

    8 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
    2 Comments

    Catherine was born in 1512, most likely in London or Buckinghamshire. Her parents were Sir Thomas Parr, a favourite of King Henry VIII during his early reign, and Maud Parr, who served as a lady-in-waiting to Henry VIII’s first wife Katherine of Aragon. It is believed that Catherine was named after the Queen. Catherine had a younger brother named William, born in 1513 and a younger sister named Anne born in 1515.

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