If anyone wants to send me their recycled diamonds, emeralds, rubies and pearls, please do!! Such drama. No wonder we can't get enough!! Thanks again for your hard work and diligent scholarship here!!
Forgive me for being such a misogynist, but I thought it was a given that men (not just kings) had the next one lined up. Men can’t be alone for along.
Me too. Her parents raised her to believe that her destiny was to be queen of England. I always thought that she would have been better off going back to Spain.
But to what end? She was a princess. Her only role was to make a diplomatic marriage for the benefit of her country. If not England, elsewhere. No one wanted to be in Anne of Cleves's position, an old maid at their brother's court. No wonder she lived on happily in England after being divorced by Henry, as a woman of independent means, living her own life! 👑
Can you imagine the shock of going from the Alahambra (spelling?) Palace to the climate of England? Her life went from warm and attentive to cold and unloved. I know Henry and Catherine did have some happy years, but I imagine the fear that constantly haunted her.
@@TheTam0613 She had so many bad omens...too bad for her she didn't heed them. There was a very deadly storm when she sailed., Arthur died 3 months into the marriage...it was her pride in not wanting to return to Spain unmarried which hurt her.
A doomed relationship from the very begining. Perhaps if Catherine had been more financially independent, she wouldn't have married Henry in the first place.
@@wendychavez5348 I agree. Claire's pets are royals in their own right. I would like a line up in tudor hats. Perhaps for a Christmas edition? Cats rarely bond with more than one person.
Henry may have been influenced by his father before his death, but I'm almost certain that when he passed away Henry felt untouchable being he was young and handsome and not to mention a king. So my thought is that he may have wanted to marry Catherine all along, but maybe his father gave him a few more years to think on the matter by him repudiating when he was 14! Plus knowing what we know of Henry I think he wanted to marry on his own terms. And also he probably felt as if taking her out of poverty and making things right made him her knight in shining armor!! N Henry probably enjoyed a good fairy tale love story, especially if he was the knight and savior of the princess!! So of course, that's exactly what he did! Save the princess!! N I think at 1st he was happy with her, but he never knew that things would go the way they went until much later, and of course he had to have his beloved son, so for him she had to be replaced! Such a sad ending! Sigh!!!
Hi Claire! Good video, as usual. While I was listening to you, I was browsing around on Etsy, looking for decorating ideas for my apartment, and I happened to find something that reminded me of you. It's a coffee mug that reads Eat, Sleep, Tudor, Repeat. That's you, Claire, and me and a bunch of other people! Cheers!
I agree with Christine Darrock: she saw his true colors! She should've run screaming into the hills! The father and son were of the same ilk; what a cheeseball Henry was: recycled gifts! for Catherine??? That poor girl/woman never had an easy time in England - troubles at every turn and not of her making. Her worries were never over. Wretched Man!
My understanding is that this was SOP for European royalty of the period. They received a lot of gifts, but they were also expected to give a lot of gifts. So "regifting" was a way to do this without breaking the bank. www.uscatholic.org/articles/201812/christmas-regift-good-conscience-31582 Also, where do you think the jewelry Catherine was giving Henry came from? She barely had money to feed her household and wasn't managing clothing them too well. So buying diamond rings was a bit unlikely. Most likely it was a gift she'd previously received herself. The garter... maybe not, since giving a prince hand-me-down clothing seems a bit lèse-majesté. Though she may have used some leftover material from dressmaking and a re-purposed buckle.
Hello! 13??? Do we blame Henry for everyone's miseries from the time he slept in the cradle? Henry Vll was every bit the absolute monarch Henry became, wasn't he?
Women had so few options and basically no choice or say in their lives back then. They were completely at the mercy of the men who controlled them. They were property, to be traded, bought and sold like horses. Her father, King Ferdinand, was just as big of a jerk as both Henry VII & VIII. It’s my understanding that he did not want her back in Spain and he did nothing to assist her in the years between Arthur's death and her marriage to Henry. At least she had reasonably content years during her 20+ year marriage. By the standards of the day anyways.
snowpony001 Agreed. They were treating her a an attachment to the trading of luxury goods. Pretty disgusting when you think of it. Also, regarding the “recycled” jewels and gifts I am not surprised. His father was quite parsimonious and would not have countenanced Henry spending money on her, given the dowry dispute.
I love finding out more details that I didn’t really know about. I knew Catherine had years of worry about her finances and her place in the English court, but I didn’t know some of the finer details. I do feel sorry for Catherine and wonder if she would have had a better life in Spain *edit* I didn’t realise that Catherine’s father didn’t want her back in Spain, so she didn’t have a choice but to stay in England as she had no money or means to travel elsewhere. And it’s definitely easier to use a dying man’s wish as an apology as to why you didn’t marry Margaret of Austria’s niece! I wonder how different things would have been if Henry VIII had married Eleanor instead of Catherine. Thanks again for another great video!
I've been looking forward to this installment all day as it's my birthday - I'm so glad it wasn't an execution! Thank you Clair for another interesting This day in Tudor history - poor Catherine, she did seem to have a very uncertain time before her marriage to Henry.
I have always, since being at school ( a very long time ago). Love “on this day.” which gives information in little snippets. Plus love the odd cameo of your cats!
I really wish that Catherine would have had some other options open to her. It would have been nice if her parents had recalled her to Spain after she became widowed. It would have been nice is Catherine would have been able to be with her mother at her time of death and mourned with her family. Unfortunately, she was left almost a beggar in the English Court waiting for her fate to be decided. Henry was capricious as ever when it came to his commitments to his finance's and wives. Poor Catherine!
Loved it all, and especially the tidbits about Henry VIII and the recycled gifts between him and Catherine. Classic re-gifter (Seinfeld reference). The things I'm learning through these videos. Thank you!
Hello, Claire! Another great and informative video as usual! I was wondering if you could talk more about Anne Boleyn’s childhood while growing up at Hever castle and her days in the French court. Any effort would be much appreciated!
Poor Katherine 😢 she came to England to marry Arthur and become a widow at age 26 years. Then had to waited for years to marry Henry. During that time she had to sell her own stuff to buy food, robe and other needs. Marry Henry deal with stillborn and death of her children. But what makes her so amazing she never lost faith and always keep calling herself his true wife and queen of England.
🇭🇲🦘 The uncertainty for Catherine's future must have been unbearable, yet she kept strong. She always kept her word, whereas Henry changed his mind, often. These early years between Catherine and Henry, so well explained in this video. "Thank you" Claire 👑👍
@@annwilliams6438 I agree with you. History told truthfully backed by fact driven research is what I'm after. Quite frankly she's a good writer of fairy stories and that's that. I would never take anything of hers as being a good source of historical facts.
Wow! Getting engaged back then was a reality show! My Husband and me on April 2, 1991--- Ian---on one knee: "Will you marry me?" Me--sitting and surprised: "YES!" Boring...I know... LOL
The fate of Catherine must have served as a lesson to Anne of Cleeves. She made out well after she agreed to the divorce. In Catherine’s defense though, she had Mary to consider.
I’m so glad that you talked about Prince Henry & Princess Catherine’s break-up..as I just watched ‘The Spanish Princess’ (purely for entertainment purposes) So it was fresh on my mind. I know that those series (The White Queen, The White Princess etc) are very historically inaccurate & altered. BUT it’s still fun to watch a new cast play all of my fave..& least fave (Margret Beaufort🤬) Tudors. In this particular series Prince Henry is away when his father King Henry the VII dies & he decides to marry Catherine all on his own and for love..very much against his Lady Grandmother’s wishes (that woman was a real piece of work!) & also against Elizabeth Of York’s dying prophecy that there would not be any male heirs from Princess Catherine. Elizabeth of York & her Mum Elizabeth Woodville are made out to be quite witchy in those series. Henry makes his decision to marry Catherine after hooking up w/ her sister Queen Juana while she’s “stranded” in England.😂 It’s quite the Tudor soap opera indeed! But then again The Tudors Dynasty & Henry the VIII particularly did give ppl so much actual drama to work with🤷🏼♀️ Before you began these daily videos I was always on the hunt for new videos & books. Now I have a video for every day & I can’t believe my luck! You & Lucy Worsley are my 2 fave Tudor historians. Likely my 2 fave Brits (save for The Duke Of Sussex bc..he’s just wonderful) Thank you for taking the time to find the most interesting facts Claire. And thanks for never sparing the details-I simply adore the details regarding ppl’s appearance, their reputations & of course the details about their clothing & jewelry. In case you can’t tell, I enjoy your videos tremendously! ... Btw, due to this latest tv series I find myself far more interested in King Henry VIII’s older sister Princess Margaret/Queen of Scotland & her life-esp after leaving England for Scotland. Any documentaries &/or books you would recommend about her life & marriage? Maybe I’m wrong but it seems as if her family married her off & never had much thought for her again. A lot like Catherine Of Aragon’s family did to her. I mean..just Wow! Women-even royal, wealthy, strong willed, powerful women-truly were only but pawns in the lives & schemes of their male relatives & peers. SMH It’s no surprise to me that QEI never married. If you take even a short look at the marriages in her family-it would make any lady think twice regarding marriage (if given the chance & the choice that is..) Thanks again Claire-& please keep the videos coming! With love & admiration from Shannon in the humid, deep South of Atlanta, Georgia-United States Of America
All of my childhood, I grew up admiring Catherine of Aragon and Mary Queen of Scott's. The Catholic side of those stories, with beautifully illustrated stories of their lives. With Henry the VIII as a monster and Ann Boleyn as a Witch. I went to private Catholic church schools, for 12 years. I was always fascinated by Catherine of Aragon and Mary Queen of Scott's.😳 as an adult, having left the Catholic church, my perspective has changed. Though, as a woman and a psychiatric nurse, I still see Henry the VIII as a severely mentally ill ASPD/NPD monster, I have much more respect and kindness for his wives.
That's funny. I'm descended from the Stuart clan, but never had any sympathy for Mary, Queen of Scots. She made some very bad decisions. As to Catherine, I do have more sympathy for her since she was a victim of circumstance.and Henry's narcissism, but I don't regret what resulted in the long term for England and eventually the rest of Europe. I won't get into an argument about religion, but I'm glad Elizabeth I was born for so many reasons.
I am watching "The Spanish Princess" on U.S. cable TV, which plays VERY fast and loose with historical fact in many places. But it is interesting that a chapter did just illustrate this episode (although Henry and Catherine are shown as both grown). Henry becomes engaged to 12 yr old Eleanor and Catherine pulls every string she can to make her position more tenable. Henry VII is shown as basically following the plans and schemes of his mother, Margaret Beaufort. But the recycled gifts weren't mentioned, LOL!! How tacky.
@Patricia Pickett- I am also watching "The Spanish Princess" from here in America, and while I'm enjoying it, I have to agree with you about their shoddy treatment of historical fact. I don't know if you've also seen "The White Queen" and "The White Princess," as I have, but with no concrete proof to back it up, all three shows have portrayed Margaret Beaufort as the worst villain of the period, who was personally responsible for the murders of the princes in the tower. While recent historians have been questioning if Richard III was really the one responsible for this heinous act, some good points have been made as to why he was innocent, but none of them involve Margaret being the culprit. The fact that all 3 of these shows have gone with this narrative with no proof is really annoying, but I have to admit I've enjoyed them anyways. I really enjoy Claire's daily videos also, and it's nice to know we can count on them being historically accurate.
@@dmgib5239 Yep, I've watched all three in the series and enjoy the Beaufort twist - at least the two women who have played Margaret are among my favorite British character actresses and I love their portrayals. I first became aware of alternate scenarios for the deaths of the Princes in the Tower when I read "The Daughter Of Time" (as in, TRUTH will be revealed, in time) by Josephine Tey. It was a mid-century mystery that caused some historical consternation.
@@patriciapickett836 More power to you if you can watch that schlock. I watched bits and pieces of all three series (the "White" shows and "The Spanish Princess"), but just couldn't tolerate their portrayals of historical characters and events. In particular, to make the future Henry VIII a full grown teenager/young man when Catherine of Aragon shows up instead of a 10 y.o. boy up raised my hackles from the start.
Today's video offers a lot more information about the marriage of H8 and Catherine of A. I had figured that it was considered advantageous to maintain the alliance with Spain after Henry's brother Arthur died, but it wasn't quite that simple, which is mostly the case in Tudor History. Meow to Maj, and I'll take re-gifted royal jewels any time :)
Sounds to me like Henry VII was craftily covering all the bases, as usual. Does sonny want to marry her when he comes to the throne? Got it! Does he want to repudiate her later on? Go for it! Henry VII didn't get to BE Henry VII without plenty of back-up plans. We Tudorites here all know that! 👍👎
🇺🇸wish we could go back in time to warn her. Then again women didn’t have much say in the matter at that time.🇬🇧🇪🇸. Where exactly did Katherine live during this time?
Thank you Claire, for another one from the early Tudor period. I would bet everything I own that this "break-up" was decided by Henry's father alone. I'm sorry, but 13 year old boys aren't in the habit of breaking up with attractive (by all accounts the young Catherine was very beautiful) 19 year old girls, especially if they haven't been together yet. Also, speaking as someone who was once a 13 year old boy, I know that if my parents had forbidden or tried to stop me from being with any girl when I was that age, it just would have made me want her that much more, and I am just a regular person. Imagine how royal Henry felt as a young teenager when his father ended his betrothal to a woman he both loved and lusted for. Judging by Henry VIII's actions when many tried to stop his pursuit of Anne Boleyn, I think it's safe to say that his fathers actions only made him want Catherine more.
It's so wonderful to hear from a male on this. It's always about poor Princess', they have NO SAY in their own lives, females.... Of course that's true. But non-the-less, can we explore the findings from a Tudors perspective?
I don’t understand the whole dowery give back idea. To my mind when she married Arthur she did her part. Why should her dowery be forfeited when it was Arthur who died?
Henry VII cut off her dower income because he'd never actually been paid her full dowry by her parents. They had only paid half what was agreed by the time that Arthur died. She did her part, but her parents hadn't paid up so Henry VII didn't want to carry on supporting her and her household.
I'd say that the Spanish guy who thought that Henry was just "... deciding for himself", was saying so, because he wasn't seeing a line at Catherine's door. In other words, a bird in hand is better than three in the sky.....if I can steal a little from Ray.
I am a romantic, and those with greater knowledge than I have may correct me, but...after Henry ended his betrothal to Catherine of Aragon, she acted with such grace and dignity, sending gifts, waiting demurely...her actions seem to have won the approval of the future King. She was an attractive lady, appealing to Henry's sense of aesthetics, but also possessing the qualities he seemed to truly value. When his father died, Henry could have chosen to marry anyone the pleased. It pleased him to marry Catherine. She was more mature, more of an equal partner, and at the time of his coronation, Henry had already decided to share his day with Catherine by having her crowned Queen...I can't help but feel that, at that time, Henry was in love with her--as much as he was able to love anyone.
NIBS very well said! Some don't believe it, but her patience and being a lady paid off for her at that moment in time. If she only would have had a living son.... history would have been very different, but then we wouldn't have gotten to know the other 5 wives. And being that we talk about him over 500 yrs later... I'd say Henry made his mark on the world, and so did his wives! Love them or hate them they're just so interesting!!
Henry was only a child when he met the beautiful teenage Catherine of Aragon. He barely had time to form a connection with his sister-in-law, he was just a kid. Obviously as he grew into a teenager, it’s recorded that Catherine and him would spend time together, to the point that Henry VII noticed and tore them apart from each other even though they resided in the same castle. I think Henry grew a crush on the older Catherine in his childhood, and she was one of the few women he had access to in his teen years, as Henry vii sheltered him after Arthur died. I don’t think he had this unrequited great love for her, he was still a teenager and most likely had his mind on other things. Catherine, on the other hand, tried everything in order to charm him (as evidenced in her letters to Ferdinand) and it was almost to no luck because Henry VII didn’t want his son and Catherine near each other at all. I think Henry had a crush on Catherine as a young teen, but it eventually faded as his marriage prospects grew larger as he grew older. If I recall correctly, he most likely hadn’t seen Catherine in years prior to his father’s death. He probably got hit by the thunderbolt once he saw Catherine again and decided to marry her.
And people tend to forget that Henry was 17/18 when he married Catherine of Aragon. Once he became king, he entered a world where he was sheltered from and had access to LOTS of women that he was hidden away from during his childhood/teenage years. I think this angle is really important when talking about Henry and catherine’s marriage, as Henry grew older his boyish love for her faded away, especially compared to his grand love for Anne Boleyn.
Books I read years ago went into a lot of detail about Henry VII not wanting to send Katherine home to Spain because more dowry money was due or something. The idea I got was that Katherine became less politically important but Henry VII hoped to wring more money out of Spain for her upkeep. He did not want to lose the possible income but he did not know what to do with Katherine otherwise. I am not claiming I know anything but that could be an interesting subject in which to delve deeper.
How was she able to live in England? If her desirability deminished and left her with no financial support, not at court, wouldn't she send a servant to sell jewelry as opposed to sending to the Prince?
I found this episode just GREAT! I never understood why Catherine didn't get more support from Spain when she was in such dire straits with Henry. I guess she didn't have as much money, if any of her own. I had also understood that Catherine and Arthur had been married after the King's death, and that Henry and Catherine married right after Arthur's death. So much was cleared up for me. A note to anyone to whom this may pertain, I do find that it's not uncommon, when someone is telling a historical story, there is much information that is assumed to be known by the listener.
@@anneboleynfiles that's beautiful... Did you get it after your resent visit to her home & going through the books of hours? The Time Will Come, I Anne Boleyn... Correct?
@@anneboleynfiles so, here's a good example, I don't read French, I'm from America where we believe EVERYONE should speak ENGLISH...(sad) so, what does your tattoo say in English, if you don't mind.
That Henry was something. Recycling jewelry and then putting the marriage right. How could anyone trust Henry? Perhaps it was fear that kept people in line.
Given that Henry was a very young man and his father a terrific miser, I don't know how fair it is to criticize his resourcefulness in re-gifting. Just thinkin'!
Claire, is there any truth in the rumour that Henry the 7th wanted to marry Catherine after his wife died? Sorry, but I got this from The Spanish Princess series!!
Katherine was treated badly before and after she married Henry viii. I wish we could transport her to our time and hear her story. She would, no doubt, kick him to the curb.
@@maiotm She blamed Queen Anne for the failure of her marriage, I expect. And she died longing to see him once more. The fact is that they had been a successful couple for many years which probably explains Katherine's reluctance to accept his attachment to Anne.
I heard Henry vii wanted to marry her older sister Juana la loca/ Joanna the mad! But who knows he still wanted to have that spare so maaybe he did think of Catherine too. He thought he was still young enough and Henry was his only male heir left so he tried to find a wife to hurry and make a spare with, but I think I heard somewhere that he himself wasn't a much sought after man at this time because his age and looks and because he was such a tightwad with money. I wonder if that's why he had Henry repudiate his proposal so he could have her....now you've got me thinking!!? Lol!
No Henry VII expressed an interest in marrying Catherine's older sister Juana when she was widowed. Being Catherine's father-in -law would be too close a relationship under Chuch law
Recycled gifts 😁 . Gotta love it. The start of the white elephant Christmas gift!! Q: If Catherine was in such a precarious position why didn't she go opt to go back to Castile where the rest of he family was. At least she would have been around people that would have had her best interests at heart.
I don't think Henry felt an instant connection with Catherine. As cruel as that sounds. Henry wanted Catherine because Arthur had married Catherine. However I don't think he could replicate that same relationship. Henry was showing what he was like. I think he was more in love with the idea of love for example being chivalrous and going through the motions of courtly love. Recycled!Is that the going rate for the woman you really love? One of my late grandmothers worked in the fur trade for the aristocracy. My grandmother wryly noted that the mistress of men got gorgeous good quality furs. The wives got a cheaper cut.
I wonder what would have happened to Catherine if Henry hadn’t of married her. Would she have been sent back to Spain? Unfortunately for Catherine I think her best bet was to marry Henry. If she had a living son she would not have had any problems....but it didn’t work out that way. Thank you Claire!
I think I read somewhere that Catherine was at the end of her endurance and ready to return to Spain and become a nun, but then Henry VII died and Henry VIII repudiated his repudiation, and the wedding was on again. At the time, I'm sure that poor Catherine saw it as an answer to her prayers.
Yes, but the Spanish monarchs were known, and are still known, as the Reyes Catolicos because of their work for the Catholic Church , i.e. their actions against the Jews and Moors.
Catholic meant Christian. In Western Europe there was no distinction between types of Christianity as yet, and plenty of Christian monarchs were honoured as Defenders of the Faith.
Had Catherine returned to Spain she may have been better off because all but one of her children with henry died. Only one lived. On the other side even thought she claimed that she had not known Arthur in the physical sence there are those who would have questioned it. She may ha e been though of damaged goods???????
Catherine's was blamed for not producing a son for Henry, it was not her fault, at that time in history nothing was known about blood types not being comparable.
Catherine was 10 years older then henry so when they did marry it technically it didn't allow much time for catherine to fulfill her role as royal baby maker... at 28 she was an old bride and many princesses would have been married by 14.
It's always about money. Her family left the poor abandoned young widow poverty stricken. Queen Catherine has become much more interesting and sympathetic thru your videos. I really like her. The cat rules! So we have Oreo and which one is this beauty?
So regifting started in the Tudor period 😂😂😂😂😂😂, I’m sure lots did it, but a cool fact. Feel bad for Katherine, feeling like she’s on a bloody tight rope waiting for a man to decide if she was worthy enough......she in her own right had ateller blood lines.....thanks again for a tudortastic vid lady claire🇬🇧🥰🇬🇧🥰🇬🇧🥰🇬🇧
Catherine was an irrational optimist. And Henry turned into a monster. Or maybe he was always a monster. He was definitely a re-gifter.
If anyone wants to send me their recycled diamonds, emeralds, rubies and pearls, please do!! Such drama. No wonder we can't get enough!! Thanks again for your hard work and diligent scholarship here!!
If someone shows you who they are....believe them the first time!
He hid it well for awhile.
A Narcissists' love bombing always turn into hate bombing.
Henry a man ahead of his time? Absolutely! He always had the next wife picked out before he'd even finished with (or off!) the present one! 😳
😀😀😀
H. Calvert that is so hilarious!
Typical scenario of a narcissistic personal disorder.
Forgive me for being such a misogynist, but I thought it was a given that men (not just kings) had the next one lined up. Men can’t be alone for along.
@@sandranorman5469
That's not misogynistic, just a fact. 😋
I so wish Catherine could have returned to Spain far from Henry. Thank you, Claire!
Me too. Her parents raised her to believe that her destiny was to be queen of England. I always thought that she would have been better off going back to Spain.
But to what end? She was a princess. Her only role was to make a diplomatic marriage for the benefit of her country. If not England, elsewhere. No one wanted to be in Anne of Cleves's position, an old maid at their brother's court. No wonder she lived on happily in England after being divorced by Henry, as a woman of independent means, living her own life! 👑
@@CoffeeLover-mz7bk Too bad they didn't even make sure she spoke English before she went there...her father appears to have abandoned her as well.
Can you imagine the shock of going from the Alahambra (spelling?) Palace to the climate of England? Her life went from warm and attentive to cold and unloved. I know Henry and Catherine did have some happy years, but I imagine the fear that constantly haunted her.
@@TheTam0613 She had so many bad omens...too bad for her she didn't heed them. There was a very deadly storm when she sailed., Arthur died 3 months into the marriage...it was her pride in not wanting to return to Spain unmarried which hurt her.
A doomed relationship from the very begining. Perhaps if Catherine had been more financially independent, she wouldn't have married Henry in the first place.
I believe Henry VII was in complete control of the break up. When he passed, Henry VIII could do as he chooses.
I agree. He would be responsible for the jewels as well - he was, notoriously tight fisted.
My cats have no respect either 😅😅
Oh, Maj was respectful enough, once Claire gave her some attention! She is, after all, the monarch in today's video.
@@wendychavez5348 I agree. Claire's pets are royals in their own right. I would like a line up in tudor hats. Perhaps for a Christmas edition? Cats rarely bond with more than one person.
Laura Montague I hold that cats simply never forgot that they used to be worshiped as deities. 😅
Henry may have been influenced by his father before his death, but I'm almost certain that when he passed away Henry felt untouchable being he was young and handsome and not to mention a king. So my thought is that he may have wanted to marry Catherine all along, but maybe his father gave him a few more years to think on the matter by him repudiating when he was 14! Plus knowing what we know of Henry I think he wanted to marry on his own terms. And also he probably felt as if taking her out of poverty and making things right made him her knight in shining armor!! N Henry probably enjoyed a good fairy tale love story, especially if he was the knight and savior of the princess!! So of course, that's exactly what he did! Save the princess!! N I think at 1st he was happy with her, but he never knew that things would go the way they went until much later, and of course he had to have his beloved son, so for him she had to be replaced! Such a sad ending! Sigh!!!
Those years took their toll on Catherine; her poverty, despair and fervent praying could age anyone. Poor woman.
Hi Claire! Good video, as usual. While I was listening to you, I was browsing around on Etsy, looking for decorating ideas for my apartment, and I happened to find something that reminded me of you. It's a coffee mug that reads Eat, Sleep, Tudor, Repeat. That's you, Claire, and me and a bunch of other people! Cheers!
Oooh, I love the sounds of that mug!
I agree with Christine Darrock: she saw his true colors! She should've run screaming into the hills! The father and son were of the same ilk; what a cheeseball Henry was: recycled gifts! for Catherine??? That poor girl/woman never had an easy time in England - troubles at every turn and not of her making. Her worries were never over. Wretched Man!
Um yeah. I've thought of that many times. The father and the son were of the same ilk.
My understanding is that this was SOP for European royalty of the period. They received a lot of gifts, but they were also expected to give a lot of gifts. So "regifting" was a way to do this without breaking the bank.
www.uscatholic.org/articles/201812/christmas-regift-good-conscience-31582
Also, where do you think the jewelry Catherine was giving Henry came from? She barely had money to feed her household and wasn't managing clothing them too well. So buying diamond rings was a bit unlikely. Most likely it was a gift she'd previously received herself. The garter... maybe not, since giving a prince hand-me-down clothing seems a bit lèse-majesté. Though she may have used some leftover material from dressmaking and a re-purposed buckle.
Hello! 13??? Do we blame Henry for everyone's miseries from the time he slept in the cradle? Henry Vll was every bit the absolute monarch Henry became, wasn't he?
Women had so few options and basically no choice or say in their lives back then. They were completely at the mercy of the men who controlled them. They were property, to be traded, bought and sold like horses. Her father, King Ferdinand, was just as big of a jerk as both Henry VII & VIII. It’s my understanding that he did not want her back in Spain and he did nothing to assist her in the years between Arthur's death and her marriage to Henry. At least she had reasonably content years during her 20+ year marriage. By the standards of the day anyways.
snowpony001 Agreed. They were treating her a an attachment to the trading of luxury goods. Pretty disgusting when you think of it. Also, regarding the “recycled” jewels and gifts I am not surprised. His father was quite parsimonious and would not have countenanced Henry spending money on her, given the dowry dispute.
Thank you so much for your daily history!
I love finding out more details that I didn’t really know about. I knew Catherine had years of worry about her finances and her place in the English court, but I didn’t know some of the finer details. I do feel sorry for Catherine and wonder if she would have had a better life in Spain *edit* I didn’t realise that Catherine’s father didn’t want her back in Spain, so she didn’t have a choice but to stay in England as she had no money or means to travel elsewhere. And it’s definitely easier to use a dying man’s wish as an apology as to why you didn’t marry Margaret of Austria’s niece! I wonder how different things would have been if Henry VIII had married Eleanor instead of Catherine.
Thanks again for another great video!
Love your videos, love love love the cat walking across the screen!!!
NEVER....NEVER EVER apologize for a cat.
Yep I wish Catherine could of went back to Spain. But the didnt want to give the Dowery back. Thanks Clair. I love Tudor History.
I doubt Prince Henry had any say in the matter.
Catherine likely had as much or less to say about the matter.
I've been looking forward to this installment all day as it's my birthday - I'm so glad it wasn't an execution! Thank you Clair for another interesting This day in Tudor history - poor Catherine, she did seem to have a very uncertain time before her marriage to Henry.
Happy birthday!
🎉 🎈 🎁 🎈 🎂 🎈 🍨 🎈 🎊
Happy birthday!
I have always, since being at school ( a very long time ago). Love “on this day.” which gives information in little snippets. Plus love the odd cameo of your cats!
I found your website first - and have been a TH-cam fan for just about a year - I really enjoy your content -
Always enjoy your videos
I really wish that Catherine would have had some other options open to her. It would have been nice if her parents had recalled her to Spain after she became widowed. It would have been nice is Catherine would have been able to be with her mother at her time of death and mourned with her family. Unfortunately, she was left almost a beggar in the English Court waiting for her fate to be decided. Henry was capricious as ever when it came to his commitments to his finance's and wives. Poor Catherine!
I agree! Why let her live in limbo for Years?
The doubters weren't wrong. His conscience did bother him. Just. Not. Yet. ⏳
Touche!
i never knew about the break-up, so thanks for enlightening me on that. Cheers Claire!
Loved it all, and especially the tidbits about Henry VIII and the recycled gifts between him and Catherine. Classic re-gifter (Seinfeld reference). The things I'm learning through these videos. Thank you!
Love your cat taking a cameo appearance during your videos.
Hello, Claire!
Another great and informative video as usual!
I was wondering if you could talk more about Anne Boleyn’s childhood while growing up at Hever castle and her days in the French court.
Any effort would be much appreciated!
Poor Katherine 😢 she came to England to marry Arthur and become a widow at age 26 years. Then had to waited for years to marry Henry. During that time she had to sell her own stuff to buy food, robe and other needs. Marry Henry deal with stillborn and death of her children. But what makes her so amazing she never lost faith and always keep calling herself his true wife and queen of England.
She became a widow at 16,not 26.
Excellent episode
Good to know your a “Cat” Lady🥰. Really enjoy your channel. My sister and I are obsessed with Tudor history.
Love the kitty cameos! Cats and history are my passion! Xx
Thank you.
🇭🇲🦘 The uncertainty for Catherine's future must have been unbearable, yet she kept strong. She always kept her word, whereas Henry changed his mind, often.
These early years between Catherine and Henry, so well explained in this video. "Thank you" Claire 👑👍
Watching again, thanks for the link back, they are really useful. Poor old Catherine. Destined for the rocky road through life.
jean plaidy has written some very good books about Catherine of Aragon. Historical fiction, but still worth reading
Thanks! I love historical Tudor-related fiction. I have also enjoyed Phillipa Gregory's books.
@@Ancient_Pollyanna Yes, Phillipa's books are good too, ALL of them, not just her Tudor stuff
Gregory's books just have way too many inaccuracies, wishful thinking and outright weird thinking for me be able to enjoy them....
@@annwilliams6438 I agree with you. History told truthfully backed by fact driven research is what I'm after. Quite frankly she's a good writer of fairy stories and that's that. I would never take anything of hers as being a good source of historical facts.
Wow! Getting engaged back then was a reality show!
My Husband and me on April 2, 1991---
Ian---on one knee: "Will you marry me?"
Me--sitting and surprised: "YES!"
Boring...I know... LOL
Aw! Not boring at all!
The fate of Catherine must have served as a lesson to Anne of Cleeves. She made out well after she agreed to the divorce. In Catherine’s defense though, she had Mary to consider.
The bells ring, Claire gives good information and Maj photobombs us. A great video Life is good.
Ha! Yes!
Another excellent video Claire! Thank you! The cats are a little crazy lately huh? LOL cat mother here
Ha! Yes, they seem to want attention whenever I video!
@@anneboleynfiles cats wants to be the focus of their owners' attention. I bet they do so even when you read or write🤣
I’m so glad that you talked about Prince Henry & Princess Catherine’s break-up..as I just watched ‘The Spanish Princess’ (purely for entertainment purposes) So it was fresh on my mind.
I know that those series (The White Queen, The White Princess etc) are very historically inaccurate & altered. BUT it’s still fun to watch a new cast play all of my fave..& least fave (Margret Beaufort🤬) Tudors.
In this particular series Prince Henry is away when his father King Henry the VII dies & he decides to marry Catherine all on his own and for love..very much against his Lady Grandmother’s wishes (that woman was a real piece of work!) & also against Elizabeth Of York’s dying prophecy that there would not be any male heirs from Princess Catherine. Elizabeth of York & her Mum Elizabeth Woodville are made out to be quite witchy in those series. Henry makes his decision to marry Catherine after hooking up w/ her sister Queen Juana while she’s “stranded” in England.😂 It’s quite the Tudor soap opera indeed! But then again The Tudors Dynasty & Henry the VIII particularly did give ppl so much actual drama to work with🤷🏼♀️
Before you began these daily videos I was always on the hunt for new videos & books. Now I have a video for every day & I can’t believe my luck! You & Lucy Worsley are my 2 fave Tudor historians. Likely my 2 fave Brits (save for The Duke Of Sussex bc..he’s just wonderful) Thank you for taking the time to find the most interesting facts Claire. And thanks for never sparing the details-I simply adore the details regarding ppl’s appearance, their reputations & of course the details about their clothing & jewelry. In case you can’t tell, I enjoy your videos tremendously!
...
Btw, due to this latest tv series I find myself far more interested in King Henry VIII’s older sister Princess Margaret/Queen of Scotland & her life-esp after leaving England for Scotland. Any documentaries &/or books you would recommend about her life & marriage? Maybe I’m wrong but it seems as if her family married her off & never had much thought for her again. A lot like Catherine Of Aragon’s family did to her.
I mean..just Wow! Women-even royal, wealthy, strong willed, powerful women-truly were only but pawns in the lives & schemes of their male relatives & peers. SMH
It’s no surprise to me that QEI never married. If you take even a short look at the marriages in her family-it would make any lady think twice regarding marriage (if given the chance & the choice that is..)
Thanks again Claire-& please keep the videos coming!
With love & admiration from Shannon in the humid, deep South of Atlanta, Georgia-United States Of America
Love the kitty cameo! 😅😅😹😹😻😻
Love the cat photobombs!!! 😁
All of my childhood, I grew up admiring Catherine of Aragon and Mary Queen of Scott's. The Catholic side of those stories, with beautifully illustrated stories of their lives. With Henry the VIII as a monster and Ann Boleyn as a Witch. I went to private Catholic church schools, for 12 years. I was always fascinated by Catherine of Aragon and Mary Queen of Scott's.😳 as an adult, having left the Catholic church, my perspective has changed. Though, as a woman and a psychiatric nurse, I still see Henry the VIII as a severely mentally ill ASPD/NPD monster, I have much more respect and kindness for his wives.
That's funny. I'm descended from the Stuart clan, but never had any sympathy for Mary, Queen of Scots. She made some very bad decisions. As to Catherine, I do have more sympathy for her since she was a victim of circumstance.and Henry's narcissism, but I don't regret what resulted in the long term for England and eventually the rest of Europe. I won't get into an argument about religion, but I'm glad Elizabeth I was born for so many reasons.
I just love the way your pets photo bomb your videos. Haha!
It is called "re-gifting", not "recycling"....
I am watching "The Spanish Princess" on U.S. cable TV, which plays VERY fast and loose with historical fact in many places. But it is interesting that a chapter did just illustrate this episode (although Henry and Catherine are shown as both grown). Henry becomes engaged to 12 yr old Eleanor and Catherine pulls every string she can to make her position more tenable. Henry VII is shown as basically following the plans and schemes of his mother, Margaret Beaufort. But the recycled gifts weren't mentioned, LOL!! How tacky.
@Patricia Pickett- I am also watching "The Spanish Princess" from here in America, and while I'm enjoying it, I have to agree with you about their shoddy treatment of historical fact. I don't know if you've also seen "The White Queen" and "The White Princess," as I have, but with no concrete proof to back it up, all three shows have portrayed Margaret Beaufort as the worst villain of the period, who was personally responsible for the murders of the princes in the tower. While recent historians have been questioning if Richard III was really the one responsible for this heinous act, some good points have been made as to why he was innocent, but none of them involve Margaret being the culprit. The fact that all 3 of these shows have gone with this narrative with no proof is really annoying, but I have to admit I've enjoyed them anyways. I really enjoy Claire's daily videos also, and it's nice to know we can count on them being historically accurate.
@@dmgib5239 Yep, I've watched all three in the series and enjoy the Beaufort twist - at least the two women who have played Margaret are among my favorite British character actresses and I love their portrayals. I first became aware of alternate scenarios for the deaths of the Princes in the Tower when I read "The Daughter Of Time" (as in, TRUTH will be revealed, in time) by Josephine Tey. It was a mid-century mystery that caused some historical consternation.
@@patriciapickett836 More power to you if you can watch that schlock. I watched bits and pieces of all three series (the "White" shows and "The Spanish Princess"), but just couldn't tolerate their portrayals of historical characters and events. In particular, to make the future Henry VIII a full grown teenager/young man when Catherine of Aragon shows up instead of a 10 y.o. boy up raised my hackles from the start.
Thank you, Claire!! To this day, a part of my heart still mourns for Catherine.
I cant wait for the next season of "Tge Spanish Princess!"!
Today's video offers a lot more information about the marriage of H8 and Catherine of A. I had figured that it was considered advantageous to maintain the alliance with Spain after Henry's brother Arthur died, but it wasn't quite that simple, which is mostly the case in Tudor History. Meow to Maj, and I'll take re-gifted royal jewels any time :)
Sounds to me like Henry VII was craftily covering all the bases, as usual. Does sonny want to marry her when he comes to the throne? Got it! Does he want to repudiate her later on? Go for it! Henry VII didn't get to BE Henry VII without plenty of back-up plans. We Tudorites here all know that! 👍👎
You live in those times and keep a throne. Treachery at every turn.
Henry VII was a wise king. He didn't survive the Wars of the Roses by doing nothing.
Thumbs up just on the cat alone :)
Must have been such a struggle full of uncertainty for her. In limbo between a rock and a hard place.
I just love the way your cats meander in, make themselves known, and meander out again.
Hey, whatcha doin? Oh, boring people stuff. Bye ..🤣
God Henry started way back then. He was destined to go down in history really remembered for the wrong reasons.
Very true!
🇺🇸wish we could go back in time to warn her. Then again women didn’t have much say in the matter at that time.🇬🇧🇪🇸. Where exactly did Katherine live during this time?
She seems to have spent quite a lot of it with her own household at Richmond.
I love it when your animals make their presence known.
Sometimes I wait for a few days of good videos to stack up and watch them all at once. This was a good set mostly having to do with King Henry.
Cat cameo!
Your cat is ham! Thank you, Claire! 🌻🙂🌻😻🌻
When discussing royalty, a cat can’t be far away. Noblesse oblige?
Ablessing by the Tudor cat ! I’m honored
I'm not fond of Henry. But your beautiful 🐈 cheers me up!
Thank you Claire, for another one from the early Tudor period. I would bet everything I own that this "break-up" was decided by Henry's father alone. I'm sorry, but 13 year old boys aren't in the habit of breaking up with attractive (by all accounts the young Catherine was very beautiful) 19 year old girls, especially if they haven't been together yet. Also, speaking as someone who was once a 13 year old boy, I know that if my parents had forbidden or tried to stop me from being with any girl when I was that age, it just would have made me want her that much more, and I am just a regular person. Imagine how royal Henry felt as a young teenager when his father ended his betrothal to a woman he both loved and lusted for. Judging by Henry VIII's actions when many tried to stop his pursuit of Anne Boleyn, I think it's safe to say that his fathers actions only made him want Catherine more.
It's so wonderful to hear from a male on this. It's always about poor Princess', they have NO SAY in their own lives, females.... Of course that's true. But non-the-less, can we explore the findings from a Tudors perspective?
I don’t understand the whole dowery give back idea. To my mind when she married Arthur she did her part. Why should her dowery be forfeited when it was Arthur who died?
Henry VII cut off her dower income because he'd never actually been paid her full dowry by her parents. They had only paid half what was agreed by the time that Arthur died. She did her part, but her parents hadn't paid up so Henry VII didn't want to carry on supporting her and her household.
Henry knew a thing or two about up cycling when it came to jewels, I’ll give ya that
I'd say that the Spanish guy who thought that Henry was just "... deciding for himself", was saying so, because he wasn't seeing a line at Catherine's door. In other words, a bird in hand is better than three in the sky.....if I can steal a little from Ray.
Maj disapproves 😆
I am a romantic, and those with greater knowledge than I have may correct me, but...after Henry ended his betrothal to Catherine of Aragon, she acted with such grace and dignity, sending gifts, waiting demurely...her actions seem to have won the approval of the future King. She was an attractive lady, appealing to Henry's sense of aesthetics, but also possessing the qualities he seemed to truly value. When his father died, Henry could have chosen to marry anyone the pleased. It pleased him to marry Catherine. She was more mature, more of an equal partner, and at the time of his coronation, Henry had already decided to share his day with Catherine by having her crowned Queen...I can't help but feel that, at that time, Henry was in love with her--as much as he was able to love anyone.
NIBS very well said! Some don't believe it, but her patience and being a lady paid off for her at that moment in time. If she only would have had a living son.... history would have been very different, but then we wouldn't have gotten to know the other 5 wives. And being that we talk about him over 500 yrs later... I'd say Henry made his mark on the world, and so did his wives! Love them or hate them they're just so interesting!!
I believe Henry was deeply in love with Catherine. He trusted and respected her and they enjoyed a charmed life except for not producing a son.
Henry was only a child when he met the beautiful teenage Catherine of Aragon. He barely had time to form a connection with his sister-in-law, he was just a kid.
Obviously as he grew into a teenager, it’s recorded that Catherine and him would spend time together, to the point that Henry VII noticed and tore them apart from each other even though they resided in the same castle.
I think Henry grew a crush on the older Catherine in his childhood, and she was one of the few women he had access to in his teen years, as Henry vii sheltered him after Arthur died. I don’t think he had this unrequited great love for her, he was still a teenager and most likely had his mind on other things. Catherine, on the other hand, tried everything in order to charm him (as evidenced in her letters to Ferdinand) and it was almost to no luck because Henry VII didn’t want his son and Catherine near each other at all.
I think Henry had a crush on Catherine as a young teen, but it eventually faded as his marriage prospects grew larger as he grew older. If I recall correctly, he most likely hadn’t seen Catherine in years prior to his father’s death. He probably got hit by the thunderbolt once he saw Catherine again and decided to marry her.
And people tend to forget that Henry was 17/18 when he married Catherine of Aragon. Once he became king, he entered a world where he was sheltered from and had access to LOTS of women that he was hidden away from during his childhood/teenage years. I think this angle is really important when talking about Henry and catherine’s marriage, as Henry grew older his boyish love for her faded away, especially compared to his grand love for Anne Boleyn.
Well we now know where regifting started lol.
Books I read years ago went into a lot of detail about Henry VII not wanting to send Katherine home to Spain because more dowry money was due or something. The idea I got was that Katherine became less politically important but Henry VII hoped to wring more money out of Spain for her upkeep. He did not want to lose the possible income but he did not know what to do with Katherine otherwise.
I am not claiming I know anything but that could be an interesting subject in which to delve deeper.
How was she able to live in England? If her desirability deminished and left her with no financial support, not at court, wouldn't she send a servant to sell jewelry as opposed to sending to the Prince?
She was supported financially for her time, but that was taken away later.
I found this episode just GREAT! I never understood why Catherine didn't get more support from Spain when she was in such dire straits with Henry. I guess she didn't have as much money, if any of her own.
I had also understood that Catherine and Arthur had been married after the King's death, and that Henry and Catherine married right after Arthur's death. So much was cleared up for me.
A note to anyone to whom this may pertain, I do find that it's not uncommon, when someone is telling a historical story, there is much information that is assumed to be known by the listener.
I'm sure you have been asked many times, but what is your tattoo on the inside of your left arm? Love your videos
It's the inscription from one of Anne Boleyn's book of hours: "Le temps viendra, Je Anne Boleyn". Thank you!
@@anneboleynfiles that's beautiful... Did you get it after your resent visit to her home & going through the books of hours? The Time Will Come, I Anne Boleyn... Correct?
Thanks for asking for me...lol
@@anneboleynfiles so, here's a good example, I don't read French, I'm from America where we believe EVERYONE should speak ENGLISH...(sad) so, what does your tattoo say in English, if you don't mind.
What's your kittle moggy's name?
All of Henry VI’s wheedling over Catherine’s dowry after the death of Arthur was quite awful.
More cats, please.
I love david starkey!!!
That Henry was something. Recycling jewelry and then putting the marriage right. How could anyone trust Henry? Perhaps it was fear that kept people in line.
Given that Henry was a very young man and his father a terrific miser, I don't know how fair it is to criticize his resourcefulness in re-gifting. Just thinkin'!
Recycling indeed.....lol! 😄
Certainly a very difficult time for Catherine.
I thought it was a bit of a romance between H & K. I thought there was a bit of infatuation on Henry's part. ;(
Claire, is there any truth in the rumour that Henry the 7th wanted to marry Catherine after his wife died? Sorry, but I got this from The Spanish Princess series!!
Katherine was treated badly before and after she married Henry viii. I wish we could transport her to our time and hear her story. She would, no doubt, kick him to the curb.
@@maiotm
No. She loved him. And her heart was true. 😔
@@maiotm She blamed Queen Anne for the failure of her marriage, I expect. And she died longing to see him once more. The fact is that they had been a successful couple for many years which probably explains Katherine's reluctance to accept his attachment to Anne.
I heard Henry vii wanted to marry her older sister Juana la loca/ Joanna the mad! But who knows he still wanted to have that spare so maaybe he did think of Catherine too. He thought he was still young enough and Henry was his only male heir left so he tried to find a wife to hurry and make a spare with, but I think I heard somewhere that he himself wasn't a much sought after man at this time because his age and looks and because he was such a tightwad with money. I wonder if that's why he had Henry repudiate his proposal so he could have her....now you've got me thinking!!? Lol!
No Henry VII expressed an interest in marrying Catherine's older sister Juana when she was widowed. Being Catherine's father-in -law would be too close a relationship under Chuch law
Recycled gifts 😁 . Gotta love it. The start of the white elephant Christmas gift!!
Q: If Catherine was in such a precarious position why didn't she go opt to go back to Castile where the rest of he family was. At least she would have been around people that would have had her best interests at heart.
I don't think Henry felt an instant connection with Catherine. As cruel as that sounds. Henry wanted Catherine because Arthur had married Catherine. However I don't think he could replicate that same relationship. Henry was showing what he was like. I think he was more in love with the idea of love for example being chivalrous and going through the motions of courtly love. Recycled!Is that the going rate for the woman you really love? One of my late grandmothers worked in the fur trade for the aristocracy. My grandmother wryly noted that the mistress of men got gorgeous good quality furs. The wives got a cheaper cut.
I wonder what would have happened to Catherine if Henry hadn’t of married her. Would she have been sent back to Spain? Unfortunately for Catherine I think her best bet was to marry Henry. If she had a living son she would not have had any problems....but it didn’t work out that way. Thank you Claire!
Therese Catalano I think she was absolutely determined to become Queen of England no matter what.
I think I read somewhere that Catherine was at the end of her endurance and ready to return to Spain and become a nun, but then Henry VII died and Henry VIII repudiated his repudiation, and the wedding was on again. At the time, I'm sure that poor Catherine saw it as an answer to her prayers.
mary baker I a agree. I think Catherine was someone who was determined to be someone!!!
Astrin Ymris I wonder if that’s
What would have ended up happening...she would become a nun.
Kitteh involved is always good!
Henry VII and every other European monarch were also Catholic at this time.
Yes, but the Spanish monarchs were known, and are still known, as the Reyes Catolicos because of their work for the Catholic Church , i.e. their actions against the Jews and Moors.
Catholic meant Christian. In Western Europe there was no distinction between types of Christianity as yet, and plenty of Christian monarchs were honoured as Defenders of the Faith.
I know! I'm not sure what you're trying to say.
Had Catherine returned to Spain she may have been better off because all but one of her children with henry died. Only one lived. On the other side even thought she claimed that she had not known Arthur in the physical sence there are those who would have questioned it. She may ha e been though of damaged goods???????
Congrats to Maj!! Two full body shots for 200 points, plus a speaking role! I think the Key words here are " THIRTEEN" and "BOY", need I say more?
Catherine's was blamed for not producing a son for Henry, it was not her fault, at that time in history nothing was known about blood types not being comparable.
Good point! I’d love to see you do a video on whether you believe that HenryVIIIHad Kells disease? Thank you Claire and happy holidays!🎄👌❤️❤️💚😻😽
Catherine was 10 years older then henry so when they did marry it technically it didn't allow much time for catherine to fulfill her role as royal baby maker... at 28 she was an old bride and many princesses would have been married by 14.
She was 5 years henry's senior
It's always about money. Her family left the poor abandoned young widow poverty stricken. Queen Catherine has become much more interesting and sympathetic thru your videos. I really like her. The cat rules! So we have Oreo and which one is this beauty?
Today's kitty photo bomb is courtesy of Maj (which, as I recall from a previous vid in which Claire introduced her fur babies, is short for Majesty).
So regifting started in the Tudor period 😂😂😂😂😂😂, I’m sure lots did it, but a cool fact. Feel bad for Katherine, feeling like she’s on a bloody tight rope waiting for a man to decide if she was worthy enough......she in her own right had ateller blood lines.....thanks again for a tudortastic vid lady claire🇬🇧🥰🇬🇧🥰🇬🇧🥰🇬🇧