16 December – The death of George Grey, 2nd Earl of Kent, and the birth of Catherine of Aragon

On this day in Tudor history, 16th (or possibly the 18th) December 1503, George Grey, 2nd Earl of Kent, died at Ampthill, Bedfordshire.

Grey served as a soldier under Henry VII, was on the king’s council, and served him as Constable of Northampton Castle and as a judge at the trial of Edward, Earl of Warwick in 1499.

He was also married to a sister of Elizabeth Woodville.

Grey also managed to retain royal favour on Henry VII's accession even though he'd been rewarded by Richard III.

Find out more about George Grey in this talk...

Also on this day in Tudor history, 16th December 1485, Catherine of Aragon, first wife of Henry VIII was born.

Find out about her background, and early life, and how she ended up leaving her homeland of Spain and eventually becoming queen consort to Henry VIII in this video...