In today's "on this day in Tudor history" video, I read an excerpt from my book about a sad event affecting King Henry VIII and Queen Catherine of Aragon on this day in 1510.
Also on this day in history:
- 1547 – Thomas Wriothesley announced the death of Henry VIII to Parliament and Edward VI was proclaimed King.
- 1597 – Burial of Sir Hugh Cholmondeley, soldier, member of Parliament and Vice-President of the Council in the Marches of Wales, at Malpas Parish Church.
- 1606 – Executions of Gunpowder Plot conspirators Thomas Winter, Ambrose Rookwood, Robert Keyes, and Guy Fawkes at the Old Palace Yard, Westminster. All eight plotters had been found guilty of high treason in a trial at Westminster Hall on 27th January, and four of them had been executed on 30th January at St Paul's.
How mortified she just have been to have to write that letter to her father. Not only that, but to have to live in that court with all the rumors flying about her ability to carry a child. It’s a sad and lonely life, really, that she had. When women were exalted as only breeders, and nothing more.
Aaahhh!! I just discovered the documentary section!!!! Thank you!
Enjoy!
Poor Katherine. She may have had an infection in the womb making her swell up after her miscarriage which made her look and believe she was still with child. She must also have felt very embarrassed and inadequate as well as distressed when she saw she was not still pregnant. I don’t believe as one documentary claimed that she deceived anyone, just held on to a forlorn hope. After all her doctor had said she was carrying twins and her ladies, although they knew she was not still pregnant, pretended that she was. Henry must have been as devastated as his new Queen and they soon found new hope.
Henry, Duke of Cornwall was born on New Years Day 1511 amidst much rejoicing and celebrations, apparently healthy, dying 52_days later from what sounds like a cot death as there was no evidence of any illness. He had shallow breathing and then just died. He is buried close to the Royal Chapel of Henry’s parents in Westminster Abbey but I think his burial place has been lost with time.
Katherine, like any dynastic wife, was meant to have as many healthy children, preferably boys as possible. Certainly it could be a lonely life but Henry was a devoted husband and he adored Katherine. She was his partner as much as his wife and Queen and for many years she helped him and he served and courted her as his Lady. Even when Mary was their only living child, Henry doted on his beloved daughter. It was only a few years after he realised that Katherine would have no more children that he questioned his marriage and sought an annulment.
Catherine’s reproductive history is so very sad. I just don’t know how she coped with having her hopes dashed so many times, the grief and the pressure.