What do you think of the current memorial to Catherine, put in place by the Victorians? Let me know below and check out: BUY MY BOOK (Find Your Irish Ancestors Online): amzn.to/3Z2ChnG Website (with 2 FREE DOWNLOADS): www.historycallingofficial.com/ Patreon: www.patreon.com/historycalling Amazon storefront: www.amazon.com/shop/historycalling Instagram: instagram.com/historycalling/
I came across it a few years back when I visited Peterborough. I was surprised because I didn't know she was buried there. I thought it was very elegant.
Since the Victorians were seemingly digging up dead peoples graves I think it would have been nice to remove Mary and put her with her mother like she wanted.
Her last letter to Henry was so sad. She stayed loyal and forgiving to him to the very end and her last words to him, "I make this vow, that mine eyes desire you above all things", just really tugs at my heart. This poor lady, like many of his wives, was too good for him. Thank you so much for the excellent video, as always.
@@areiaaphrodite Or you could believe it was romantic I see it is someone that’s just trying to survive. Remember she didn’t even get to choose who she married was married to one son then passed off to the next one just so they wouldn’t have to give a dowry back I don’t see how that’s love
@@christyleduc6132 Wrong again. She didn't get a choice with Arthur but after he died, Henry VII wasn't going to marry Katherine to Henry VIII. He wanted to marry him to Katherine's niece, daughter of her sister Joana. Katherine wanted to marry Henry and he wanted to marry her, which is common knowledge. After Henry VII died and his son became King, Henry VIII could have very much went ahead and married Katherine's niece (kept Katherine's dowry and maybe even received a little more) but he didn't, he chose Katherine even though others were against it and yet the initial years of their marriage was happy and almost like a love match.
I live near Peterborough and regularly visit Peterborough Cathedral. I always visit Catherine’s tomb and each time I do there are pomegranates and other tributes placed there. It’s very moving that she is still honoured in this way.
I too had cause to visit Peterborough on a few occasions and was genuinely surprised at the atmosphere around her grave and found it a moving experience.
It’s so touching that all those centuries later, compassion blossomed spontaneously in a young girl’s heart leading to posthumous honour for Queen Catherine. From her last letter to Henry can be seen her own compassion for her daughter and her servants, on whose behalf she petitions the king. It is courageous of her to remind him of his ethical duty. Her forbearance and her concern for his moral character, show what a deeply principled, humble and magnanimous woman she was.
I have so much respect for Catherine. She maintained her dignity and strength after everything Henry put her and Mary through. She wanted to forgive him probably so she could pass peacefully. She was most certainly too good for Henry and I believe that Mary's life would have been a happier one if he didn't treat her too so terribly. Love this channel and thanks!
You're very welcome. I'm glad you like the videos. Yes, I think Henry did a lot of damage to Mary. It's interesting to speculate how she might have turned out if he hadn't ruined her in the way he did.
@@HistoryCalling I would imagine that she would still be very religious but if Henry were to treat her and her mother well, she might not have followed her grandparent’s actions during the Spanish Inquisition.
@@KL-ki8db I am not so sure. She probably would have continued previous policies that both Henry IV and Henry VIII used on religious opponents. She may not have become known as “Bloody Mary” because she drove Protestants in England into extinction or underground like Henry IV did to Lollards.
Katherine of Aragon is my favourite of Henry's wives. She was a beautiful soul. Kind, loving, intelligent, pious and everything a Queen of her time period should have been. She dedicated her life to serving the people of England and really loved her daughter and (despite him not deserving it) Henry. She deserved way better than what she got ❤ RIP to a true Queen 👑
She was everything a queen should have been except a breeding cow. She could not produce a male heir. But Henry would not even after all the women he had and the turning his back on his church to be able to marry and divorce have a male heir for England in the Tudor line. He produced Elizabeth and by forfeit gave England the greatest regent of all time.
@@suzanneribas3746 Katherine could have very much given Henry an heir and she did; he just died after some weeks. It was more Henry's fault about the gender of his children since it's the sperm that determines the gender of a baby. He and all of the other men of the age just unjustly blamed women for the gender of babies simply because women gave birth to them. I'm not trying to be rude to you or anything but I just feel a certain way when people say Katherine couldn't give him a son. There's a difference between "couldn't" and "didn't", people 😅
Of all the Queens she was definitely the real deal. Born and raised a princess and very educated by a Mother who herself was pretty hardcore even with her kids.
She always loved Henry until her death. I agree she was a strong queen and very educated for a woman back then. She was groomed to be the Queen of England from seven years old. Henry didn't deserve her.
@@rondaevans8514 - You are absolutely right! Henry VIII did not deserve her. I have always thought that Ann Boleyn got just what she deserved regardless of whether she committed adultery, incest, and consequently treason.
Queen Mary (1867 - 1953), wife of King George V (and grandmother of Queen Elizabeth II) was the one who arranged for Katherine’s tomb to be upgraded by banners being hung, as well as the marker “KATHARINE QVEEN OF ENGLAND” to be placed there.
@@francescaderimini4422I know this comment is 4 months late, but I have read it was because she was in a similar situation. She was betrothed to Albert Victor prince of Wales, older brother of King George V. Although she never married the prince of Wales unlike Catalina she then married the younger brother of the prince of Wales just like Katherine of Aragon, because the prince of Wales died before they could be married.
@@mareniquevanniekerk7864 I know this comment is 6 months old but unfortunately Prince Albert Victoria didn't live long enough to become prince of wales during his entire life time his father prince Albert Edward(future Edward VII) was prince of wales. After death of Queen victoria when Albert Edward ascended the throne he made his son prince George prince of wales. So Mary was also princess of wales just like Catherine of Aragon.
@@krishnavyas313 That is true! I have no idea how I made such a mistake saying Prince Albert Victor was the Prince of Wales while I very well know he was not! Thanks for pointing that out!
I’ve always loved Queen Katherine of Aragon. She was treated so cruelly by Henry and Anne, sent off to die and not even allowed to see her only child. Her defense of herself at Blackfriars is eloquent as is her last letter to Henry.
The moment you said she had rallied one last time,my heart told me it was cancer. The same happened with my dad. He was very ill and 24 hours before he passed, he rallied and seemed to be doing better. She was such a fine and Nobel queen but also woman. She , along with Anne of Cleves, have been the 2 I have always admired.
I'm so sorry about your Dad. I know that must have been an awful time for you and your whole family. Yes, Catherine was an incredible person. She had more strength than I think Henry ever did.
My condolences on the death of your father. Your story reminded me of the mother of a childhood friend. She had brain cancer and the day before she died, she rallied and was able to speak and laugh and enjoy her family. Perhaps this is one last gift, to be able to see people the way the should be remember.
@@BruinPhD2009 that's exactly it! We are given the gift of remembering our loved ones as they were instead of from how they died. Thank you so much for your kind words.
That rallying, sadly, happens with many dying slowly. My father did not have cancer but did the same, and it is a cruel thing that gives us a moment of hope.
Catherine of Aragon was the most beautiful, intelligent and brave of Henry VIII's wives. She could have well accepted Henry's offer to retire, accept a settlement, house, etc. and disappear but Catherine chose to remain true to herself, her religion and the future of her daughter and openly fight. She was the only wife of Henry that openly defied him. It's sad her strong connections to Spain, Rome, etc. ultimately didn't help her. She remained a thorn in Henry's side for the rest of his life.
She was definitely a fighter. Personally, I like the fact that her grave is so much better marked than his. She deserves to be remembered more I think.
+Louis Lamonte. Actually she wasn't the only wife of his that openly defied him. Anne Boleyn did too. Her death acutally heralded the beginning of the end for Anne Boleyn and the fact that Katherine fought him is what ultimately led to Anne's execution. He couldn't have another ex wife hanging around being a thorn in his side as Katherine was, therefore Anne had to be more than just gone, she had to be dead.
I love how life has worked out for her in the end. Catherine arguably set the standard of how women are lovers and fighters in their own right. I’m happy she’s remembered in a better light than her lowly joke of a husband. Her parents would’ve been proud of her tenacity for her crown.
She proved herself the daughter of the great Queen Isabella of Castile, who along with her husband King Ferdinand of Aragon drove the last of the Moors from Spain and sponsored Columbus while also unifying Spain.
@@brianmccarthy5557 - Yes, and they also sponsored the Spanish Inquisition too. 🙄 LMAO So let's not get ahead of ourselves, fawning all over these people. Most monarchs are monsters quite frankly. Monarchy should have been abolished eons ago....
If only Catherine had accepted to step asaide, who knows how she would have treated, given how Anne of Cleves was treated after divorce, just because she wisely chose to be obedient...
Catherine was an experienced and successful general. Henry was afraid that if she and her daughter were together, they would have raised an army and overthrown him, so Mary could be Queen. Mary did just that when the Protestant nobility tried to bypass her claim to the throne after her brother's death.
I love that Queen Katherine is celebrated every 29th January, & Henry doesn’t get the same love at his grave. I also find it interesting that so soon after Katherine’s death he turned against Anne.
@@HistoryCalling Anne didn't realise that Katherine living was protecting her, as Henry would not have been able to rid himself of Anne without being expected to return to Katherine. It was only after Katherine's death that he could dispose of Anne and be legitimately free to choose another wife.
Henry Viii waited 3 months after Queen Katherine 's death to send Anne to the scaffold. 3 months is the amount of time that is acceptable for a husband to grieve for his wife before he can remarry. He married Jayne Seymour.
Henry was just a heartless man. To be married to someone for as long as he was to Catharine, to love them and have children together and then toss them in the ditch the way he did is unthinkable. Misogyny is so scary.
I'm actually relieved because when you mentioned Cromwell's army moving in, I was braced for some Catherine Parr level desecration, so I'm pleasantly surprised by history for once. It's nice that in death Catherine of Aragon got the ultimate victory, recognition, and kudos that she so richly deserved in life. The young Catherine story touched my heart so much. You're never too little to make a difference after all. On a darker note when you think about it, Henry's capacity for rewriting history is chilling, almost Stalinist in its revision, as if his own wife of 20+ years could be discarded, who couldn't he discard? Wonderful work as always!
Thank you. Yes, thank goodness she wasn't subjected to the same treatment as Catherine Parr. I guess history's written by the winners as they say, or at least the winners try to write it.
Henry did what men still do...Marginalize women. I am a strong intelligent strong woman. A nurse for 46 yrs so far...Happily married to my bff have kids & grandkids. As a military spouse for 15 yrs & now both sons serve & my daughter double majored in college and works with handicapped fams. etc. My mother was just the opposite of me. I could never have been like Catherine. Henry was horrible & his actions spoke to his lack of anything decent toward anyone. Kings & queens along with some rich ppl politicians etc. think they are above others & the law. Kings decreed & chose how they wanted history to remember them. Very few accurate accounts of their behaviours are found. Catherine writing letters etc. was done not only to try to persuade Henry but to give history her version of events. It helped us to see what was happening on both sides. Their is a lesson we can all take away when from that experience . When you are in a relationship that demeans&abuses you in any way it is time to end it and walk away. Catherine due to religion did not do that and it cost her so much. She lost much of Mary's life & being able to be her mother. While things then were controlled by power, it remains true today as well. Catherine suffered in every way possible. I know she did not have the same options we do today. I think if she had agreed to the divorce her life would have been much better for herself and her child. Thank you for putting so much time & effort creating this & sharing it with us. You are appreciated.
I love the story of the "little Katherine" who wanted a proper burial place and due respect for Queen Katherine. I think that is quite wonderful. Thanks for adding that on.
It’s a great story of a child coming up with the idea of a fundraiser and finding a way to get it started (long before Blue Peter). I really like the idea of getting girls and women called Katherine (spellings various) to donate towards the tomb of a queen who shared their name. But maybe I’m biased because I’m a Katherine. 😉
It always strikes me when someone with so many gifts ends up living a terribly sad, tragic life and in her case, all out of her control. Her story breaks my heart.
I know. If someone with her intelligence and strength was alive in Europe today, the world would be her oyster. She was just born in the wrong century, when women weren't treated as equals (I mean there are still problems with that today, but generally it's much better, in Europe at least).
Queen Katharine's grave is very beautiful. I visited it in summer time and local people had left posies and pomegranates on her tomb. She was Henry VIII's true wife and true Queen of England. May she rest in peace.
Thank you for such a wonderful tribute to Catalina de Aragón, Queen of England. As a man, I can’t imagine going through what she went through nor do I believe that I could have been as strong as she was. Queen Isabel I de Castilla and King Fernando de Aragón raised her well. As for little Katherine, what a beautiful little angel she was. My thanks to all the Katherines of their era who helped restore Queen Catalina’s final resting place. 💜
What an amazing woman she was, her letter to Henry was so moving - he didn't deserve her. Thanks for another fabulous video. Hope your feeling better soon.
What a great pity that she was treated so badly. She shows her loving nature in her last letter to the man who was responsible for her demise, expressing such simple requests and her continued love for him.
Thank you for this wonderful video. Katherine is a woman I admire greatly. She always did her duty and did it well as a mother, wife, queen and in regard to religion. One of my favorite stories is how she was still making Henry's shirts even after he took up with Anne. So forgiving! Another is a letter she wrote to her daughter Mary telling her to be obedient to her father even though Mary was understandably miffed about everything going on. Katherine was also a Third Order Franciscan. There is a group of people hoping to have her canonized but her cause has not been taken up. Too bad!
Katherine Aragon was a good pious woman and was too good for Henry VIII. I am glad her life is now celebrated and that a child called Katherine ( her namesake), of the Victorian era, started a fundraiser to honour Katherine of Aragon, Queen of England's memory. Amazing what children can do and teach us. I may visit Katherine's grave in the near future. RIP sweet lady. Su.xx Thankyou for this you tube video on Queen Katherine's life. I wanted to add, Queen Katherine did stand up to Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, to defend herself, right till the end. I admire her for that.
Catherine's final letter to Henry is an exemplar of true Christianity: expressing heartfelt forgiveness and continuing adherence to her marriage vows despite the depths of rejection meeted out by Henry. Text of her letter is quite arresting, heard with "modern ears". Great video. Thank you so much. G Ire
Catherine came from a very prestigious family. She had much more royal blood than Henry, including some Plantagenet blood but in the end she had to bend to her husbands will. Her own sisterJuana, the rightful heir to Castile had been sidelined by her own husband, then father, then son. All this goes to show that while such women may have had prestige, making them very marriageable, they actually had no power and their own male relatives were quite happy to take advantage of them. If Catherine could see the pomegranates left on her memorial today, she would know that at least she had respect.
Yes, I think it would be a comfort to her to know she's generally better regarded nowadays than her husband is, though I'm sure she be heartbroken at how poor Mary's reputation is.
It is ironic that pomegranates are a symbol of this queen. Pomegranates are also a long time symbol of Judaism, whose people were horribly abused, slain, and evicted from their lands and owning, if any, by Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand, her parents.
@@belleplummer2924 we need to learn to see history with a different approach; we should be mere observers; not judges of history; observe and learn from these people to be better and not judge their actions and the reasons and motives that led to them; it was a different time period; a different context; a totally different world than today actually; judging with 21 century set of mind does not do justice to anyone involved: these are historical figures for that reason; it’s history; we should limit ourselves only to study it; to remember it; to learn from it; too keep a record of it; to use as references for the history of humanity; how can we know when something makes history or breaks a new historical new milestone; we can use it as reference for any passed precedent if any; to make new precedents; we cant change history however; even rewriting history to fit a certain narrative is already bad enough; we need truth; facts; as inconvenient as they can be; history is not to judged and condemned; if thats what people look at history for; then i suggests finding a different subject of interest; where people should leave their feelings at the door; and be less emotional about it; its totally valid to question the motives these people had for what they did; nothing wrong with theorizing; speculate what ultimately led to their actions; and yes! why not? scrutinized a little; but when we; ourselves become the judges of these people; thinking ourselves to be so good and self righteous to cast judgment of their souls and character; who is to say that 500 years from now a different generation might come and judge us so harshly they might end up erasing us from history completely because it their eyes we were simply too evil to remember us and have a memory of us; yet we considered ourselves too good no generation could possibly do that to us; just my 2 cents
Catherine, in my mind, has always been so fierce. That letter was beautiful and heartfelt and tragic and, I think, truly sincere, BUT she NEVER gave in to Henry - and that letter proves it. Whilst expressing her love, it was chiding and almost demeaning, but with a purpose - Hey, Henry! You're a bit of a mess! But I still love you and 'desire you above all things.' I think Henry knew, in his heart of hearts, he could never touch her, and that's why he never did. She went to her grave as the Queen of England - and rightfully so. I love your videos so much - I get so excited for Fridays! I hope you are on the mend!
Thank you. I'll all better now. Yes, she was very tough and though I kind of doubt it, I hope Henry felt guilt when he read that letter. She really was too good for him.
I live in Peterborough and found this extremely interesting. I visit the Cathedral and Catherine's burial place regularly. The Catherine of Aragon festival each January is one of the highlights of the year. I often imagine the funeral procession and how it would have been viewed by the locals. One interesting fact is the story of 'Ols Scarlet' the sexton who lived to be 94 and buried both Catherine and Mary Queen of Scotts. He is often thought to have been the inspiration for the grave digger in Hamlet. He is also buried in the Cathedral.
Hi Eleanor, thank you for watching and sharing the story about 'Ols Scarlet' which I was unaware of, but which is really interesting. I'd love to get to Peterborough some day (I mean I was briefly there once, but I was only catching a connecting train, so I don't think that counts!) and see the Cathedral and Catherine's burial place.
The sweet concern and jester of the little Katherine was so touching. The grave is more fit for a queen thanks to all the Katherines of England. Thank you.
I live in Peterborough and have visited the cathedral many times , i always stop and pause at her tomb. Henry did not deserve her . Katherine was completely loyal to Henry and the fact she never gave up on him is a true testament to the love she had for him.
What an honorable gesture all the Katherine's did for Queen Katherine of England. To me it's poetic justice - she has a more distinguish resting place & is memorialized every year while King Henry is not.
The young victorian girl's appeal is so touching. And very fitting. Katherine of Aragon was one dignified woman, reputed to have been much loved by the population during her days.
I have a question regarding Henry VIII’s first wife, during her lifetime was her English name spelled “Catherine” or Katherine? Which is the version that was used? I also know that her birth name was Catalina before she came to England.
@@FrankBlaise09I believe both may have been used. Spellings were not standardized at the time. I think there's even evidence that Anne Boleyn spelled her own last name differently throughout her life.
I looked into this a little more coz I was curious - Katherine and those who knew her in England spelled her name quite a few different ways (Katherine/a Katharine/a, Kateryn, Katerine), but seemingly always with a K. Henry wrote their initials as H&K. Of course, she was born Catalina (or Catharina - also not standardized) with a C, but native Spanish words/names never use Ks. It's weird to me that, despite the consistency of the K in her own various signatures and in writing by Arthur, Henry, and Mary, modern historians seem to have chosen Catherine as the standard spelling.
My fascination with Queen Catherine is still relatively new, but I do have a great deal of respect for her. It does warm my heart that she's been properly memorialized by so many who cared enough about a shamed and discarded queen. Rest well, fair queen, you've left your mark well.
Thank you. Very satisfying to learn that at least in death, Catherine's honour was restored in response to the simple but heartfelt request of a child centuries later. I found this little girls expression of hope that "all the Catherines of England" could rally to help to be very evocative and moving.
Henry may have wanted to pretend Catherine was never queen, but history will remember her as such. And a fine, gracious, courageous, strong and beautiful Queen she was. Catherine is remembered fondly; Henry not so much. What a tender heart that sweet, young Katharine in the 1880s must have had - to suggest and start a fund to mark Queen Catherine's grave in a manner she so deserved. I am so enjoying your videos - I'm really developing a fascination with this period of time!
Yes, even though he annulled 4 of his marriages, I like that all Henry's wives are remembered as Queens and that he's remembered more for them than for anything else (ok, the Reformation comes a close second, I admit it).
@@HistoryCalling He didn't 'annul' his marriages as such. He killed 2 of them. Jane died in childbirth and Katherine Parr survived him. He only annulled his marriage to his first queen.
I visited the grave of Queen Katharine many years ago. It was silent and solemn, handsome and elegant. I could not resist kneeling and saying a prayer for her.
Gif bless you for your prayer. The Eternal Father heard your prayer as though you were there at the very moment of her death. Requiem aerernam Katherine.
Aw little Catherine stepped up. There really isn’t much to like about Henry is there? Imagine being glad to hear of the death of someone you had been married to for twenty years, and who supported you for all of them. It’s a struggle to find any redeeming qualities with this king.
I must say that as an Australian who adores all things Royal (esp the Tudor dynasty) that your videos are extremely knowledgable and wonderful to watch! Thank you!
@@timhazeltine3256it does. I used to love Anne but then I saw how she treated Katharine and Mary appallingly. I blame Anne more than henry for what happened to Katharine
What an amazing amount of detail you provide us with. First I thank You for this very special story of Queen Catherine. A Beautiful Lady. It took one little 12 year old girl to make a difference and give her a much improved and deserved place of rest. You final words that King Henry V111, I was aware that his resting place was not what one would expect for a King, what a shame!!!!! That’s because, in part there was no money to pay for it. I am pleased that no yearly Mass is said in his honour, But so happy that Catherine the Queen of England does. Life has a way of rewarding the “Good” in the end. 👸👏💗🇦🇺
You're welcome :-) I loved the story of the Catherines coming together as well. Yes, Henry wanted a much better tomb than what he got, but it serves him right.
Glad you're feeling better, HC. Rest assured your ailment didn't lessen the strength of your delivery. Excellent video as always; I'm always blown away by the many details you bring to light. The generosity shown in Catherine's last letter to Henry was so impressive considering his mistreatment of her. You indeed left the best for last with the monument story. Already looking forward to next week! Be well and stay safe.
I wonder if the desecration of her grave by Cromwell's soldiers may have also been motivated by the fact she was a devoted Catholic and remained so until her death. After all, Puritans were not exactly known for their tolerance of Catholics. That letter to the Dean of Peterborough was adorable tho and kinda made up for all the tragedy in this story. Katherine really deserved so so much more than she ended up with at her death. I'm glad that now she has some measure of justice and is honoured as a queen should be.
Oh yes, I think it did have something to do with that, as well as the general dislike for royalty at that time. Of course what happened to Catherine's tomb is nothing compared to what was done to Cromwell's body...
It brings me joy that in the end, her grave is more respected than Henry's. Considering how badly he treated her at the end of her life. And even though she could have gotten a better burial just on the grounds of being Henry's sister-in-law, Henry still decided to be petty.
I know. Not putting her in front of the altar was a needless slap in the face for instance. She deserved that just on the basis of her birth and her marriage to Arthur.
Yes, it is nice. Anne Boleyn's grave is marked with flowers each year on the anniversary of her death too, which is a nice gesture (she was far from perfect of course, but I don't think she deserved the death she got).
Speaking as a Kathryn, I so happy to hear that another Katherine started a refurbishment campaign of Queen Katharine’s final resting place. Sadly, her daughter did not right the wrong done to her mother when she was on the throne. On the up side, Henry did not get the elaborate grave he designed, but one that he has is still good for the horrible man.
Yes, I think in Mary's case this is a good example of why, when you want something done, you should do it yourself. She had over 5 years to move her mother's remains. I don't know why she didn't do it. Same goes for Henry really. He should have had he and Jane Seymour's grave sorted out before he died.
I’ve always had such a soft spot for her and considered her my favorite of the wives, her life ended so sadly and in a lot of things she’s easily relatable. the ending def gives me some faith in humanity that’s so kind!💜💜
Thank God for that little Catherine,from small things bigger things can happen,it took a 12 year old child to honour a woman who was treated terribly and yet still loved her husband to the end. Thanks once again great video, I hope you're feeling better👍🙋
I love everything about this channel. The content. The media. The narration. Definitely one of the top 3 History channels that I get excited every time there’s a new upload
As historical queens go, I have a soft spot for Katherine - she was treated badly by Henry VII (and her father) after Arthur died and then later on in her marriage to Henry VIII she was treated badly, yet she remained loyal to Henry!
Very interesting! I’ve admired her ever since learning about her and what she went through. She was a woman to be reckoned with, though fate did not care to cut her many breaks. I’m glad they restored her chapel so I may visit it when the world becomes sane again.
Given that Katherine herself was at the time demonstrating a capacity to lead at war, engage in current affairs and clearly invested in the plausibility of a female being a reigning monarch I think she’d be rather pleased that her memorial was the brain child of a young Catherine rather than men in suits. I always feel desperately sorry for Katherine and Mary, keeping them apart was the cruelest action of Henry to his former wife and no doubt led to a lot of Mary’s issues. Had he been kinder Mary most likely would have been able to marry when she was younger and potentially have her own family.
Thank you for this wonderful video even though you’re not feeling well. It’s a lovely testament to a remarkable woman and queen. Bless that dear little Catherine for rallying all Catherine’s to build a memorial that fits her status. She was true royalty as was Anne of Cleves. Funnily enough Anne would have made him a good wife if only he tried. Stupid man. G-D bless Catherine, queen of England. I would love to visit her tomb but the video you show is lovely 🙏🙏🙏🙏👵👵👵👵🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺
Thank you. I'd love to visit her tomb as well (all of them actually - I've been to the Chapel of St Peter Ad Vincula, but haven't seen the other wives' graves, though I don't know how I missed Anne of Cleves during my multiple trips to Westminster Abbey).
Considering all of the heartbreak she went through in her life and what she was reduced to, I find her passing of heart cancer (a rare kind) quite ironic
This was so interesting. I thank you for this share. Queen Catherine was a good woman & deserved so much more than she received. I especially liked the story of the Cathrines paying for the memorial. Such a wonderful story that I did not know. Poetic justice for sure! Henry the 8th was such a dishonorable man & I never liked anything about him. This certainly made me feel a lot better about it all✨
As an American im so jealous that ppl in Britain can actually get inches from old queens and kings.. its crazy to think you could stand mere inches of Queen Katherine. Its almost like meeting her even if it is just her skeleton. In a way they feel like fairytale characters and not real ppl so being able to stand where they stood and see what they saw is like stepping back into a fairytale... Hopefully im making sense lol i love history so much and to think there are buildings in Britain older than the country i live in is just amazing. I think the oldest building ive ever touched was 200 years old when there are buildings 10 xs older over the pond. And dnt get me started on Egypt and their tombs and pyramids.... fascinating. To stand where literal kings stood, kings and queens whose actions and choices have dictated our entire existence... its just crazy
Oh you should definitely visit Britain and if you think the pyramids are good, come to Ireland and visit Newgrange. The passage tombs there are older than the pyramids (as are some other tombs in Ireland). I've never understood why they aren't more famous, but I suppose they don't look as impressive.
I always try to keep an open mind on all matters, but I'm convinced that Henry VIII was an evil psychopath. I loved the twist at the end of this video. Thanks to Katherine Waller. And thanks for a great video.
Thank you for another fascinating video about the sad ending after the shameful treatment that Catherine suffered as a result of Henry VIII's vindictiveness. That said, I've often wondered how the history of England would have been, had Catherine consented to divorcing Henry VIII...
Yes, that is a fascinating question. No break with Rome and perhaps Anne would have had time to produce a boy. Maybe the Tudor dynasty would still exist! Who knows?
very glad to hear Katherine got to rest in peace undisturbed - it is unforgivable how Henry treated her and Mary and may explain some of the Karma well meted out to his corpse
Oh, I'm not sure. I don't see anything in the 'Held for review' comments. It doesn't allow swear language, so if there was anything like that in your post, that might explain it. Honestly though, I think sometimes things just get lost in the aether. Occasionally I've had other people complain that their comments disappear and I myself just typed up a comment in response to someone and it refused to post!
@@HistoryCalling - I spend enough time on a different account calling out trolls elsewhere - it was YT I'm sure - I used some key words that were explosive shall we say and the robot is too dumb to get the real context - ty for wrapping that story together well - I had only scattered details of it and you put it all together nicely - 🛸
Great video and so much more information than I ever knew... I'm a local boy and have visited the cathedral many times over the years...it's a beautiful building and rather surprising considering there's not a lot of history left in the city centre (a 17th century guildhall and a medieval church 'St John's' ) as anything else was demolished back in the late 1970's for a shopping centre. The grave is definitely tucked away but is noticeable.... By the way, Ely is pronounced Eellee !!! That's another impressive cathedral... Henry VIII was a horrid person in my view......what a legacy he had....
I visited the site last year and there were children's drawings and poems on Catherine's grave, along with small posies of flowers so she has not been forgotten.
Bless this poor Queen that came to England to save The Monarchy that was broke and needed her to fill their coffers, she was mistreated from the start and led a bit of a miserable life yet she was devout loyal and kind to all even HenryIII. The best part of her story was indeed the Blessing of young Katherine Waller, who at such a young age had more respect, common sense, empathy and solidarity towards a Queen who had the same name, bless all the other Katherine's also for doing such a good deed and all involved. May Queen of England Catherine of Aragon be at peace. May the 'Catherines' be at peace also. Another great video thank you.
I love learning these many things of Ancient English culture and there people and traditions and the way some of their burials are done. Please continue teaching us about our ancestors and the history regarding them! I loved this about Catherine of Aragon.
That was such a beautiful gesture by the little Catherine. I had little idea this happened until this video. Queen Katherine has always been a person in history that has intrigued me. I'm glad she managed to have her final resting place elaborately adorned because her husband quite frankly didn't deserve to get away with his actions forever. And she deserves to be remembered.
Hope you feel better soon. ♥️ I’m always struck by just how cruel Cromwells troops were to the dead royals. I know they were in a tense time where they’d grown frustrated with Charles, but it seems so… beneath people to attack the dead.I’m just glad she finally got the respect she deserved.
I suspect that same would've happened in the 13 colonies if they'd been under centuries of royal oppression. Hate and rage tends to build up for years, then explodes into rage against the "establishment". Emotions cloud rational thinking no matter what the topic.
@@LuvBorderCollies yeah very true. Nothing beats the feeling of oppression, real or self-perceived to make you really want to erase every aspect of something.
Karma, karma. Anne ended up beheaded and the Tudor dinasty did not last long. His only fragile son, for whom Henry commited so many crimes died very young. And at the end, his living daughters at the time carried, childless, the Tudor dymasty to its end.
What disturbs me is how cruel Henry could be to those he professed to love (current or past)...for example, forbidding Mary & Catherine from seeing each other
I think the memorial is well done. She was given the recognition Henry refused her at the end of her life and at her funeral. I think it's nice they have a yearly service for her. She is recognized as a Queen by the Victorians.
Your voice is perfect as it is every week! Thank you for the details and back-stories of Catherine's passing...and yes the ending is moving and does show there is good within womankind.
I'm jealous. I've never been myself, but would love to see the grave in person as it was hard to really get a sense of its location and size within the Cathedral just from looking at photographs.
@@HistoryCalling I have a picture of my granddaughter standing by Queen Katherine's tomb, taken last year. The tomb is relatively small and I can confirm the pomegranates. My granddaughter attends Queen Katherine Academy in Peterborough, a recent addition in the late Queen's memory.
I would consider myself an expert audio book listener. Having listen to your video I am convinced you should do audio books. Your voice is exceptional for reading and inacting scenes from a book. 🤗🤗🤗
Waited for years to learn more of Catherine. I thank you over and over. I personally feel she should be canonized a saint for everything she put up with.
Katherine is still referred to as 'the true queen' by some in Peterborough. We visit often, living in Spalding; Peterborough is a lovely city. By the way, Ely in Cambridgeshire is pronounced Eelee, not Eelye. I did very much enjoy this timely video, and I hope your throat is better soon.
Oops! Sorry about the pronunciation. It's not something I hear said very often. Thank you for the heads up. It's typical that I'm usually so distracted by the fact that I'm probably mispronouncing the foreign words, that the odd English word slips through the net!
@@HistoryCalling I had to learn it too, and found it easier once I understood that before the Fens were drained in the 17th century, it was sufficiently marshy that eel fishers could work easily - hence the Isle of Ely was the dry island in the eel-filled Fens.
No worries, he and Philip the Fair, Catherines sister Joannas husband were ironically very good pals when Philip landed in England. And I dislike them both as if they stole my lunch money. I think many tudor fans feel similar passions of resentment to a long dead king lol. Like Luna Lovegood said, you're just as sane as I am :D
Hi. Thank you for your videos. I find them to be interesting, entertaining and very informative. Well researched. Katherine seems to finally have a fitting grave for a lady of a stature and more importantly, her courage. The story of the Katherines of the world uniting behind a 12 year old Katherine to honor Queen Katherine is truly uplifting. Your comment about Queen Elizabeth not finding either the time or "reason" to better recognize her mother by re-entering her in a more fitting grave. I think, is on-point and something that I had never considered. Keep those videos coming and get better soon.
Wouldnt that be Queen Mary? She did infact desire to have her Mother interred alongside of her but Queen Elizabeth (Catherine's niece) did not see a need for thus honoring Queen Catherine or to fullfill her sister, Queen Mary's, death bed request.
She did not have the benefit of hindsight obviously, but in a way, by deciding to fight the divorce from Henry, she changed course of human history. Had she decided not to fight the divorce, Henry might not have felt the need for the break with Rome and Protestantism might have remained a minority in England. And the knock on effects of that could have been colossal - it's hard to imagine British Empire growing the way it did, the Industrial Revolution happening when and how it did, or Australia, Canada, and the United States taking the shape they did if the English Reformation had been strangled in the cradle. I have to wonder if she had the benefit of hindsight, would it have changed her mind? It's breathtaking how something as personal as one couple's divorce changed the world.
I've heard that theory: the more she fought, the more she actually brought the Protestant movement into England. I think she, being descended from A-List Royalty, had difficulty comprehending her change in status. And part of Anne Boleyn's insecurity was that, compared to Catherine's pedigree, she brought nothing to the English monarchy.
Yes, that's a good point. It would probably have broken her heart to think she might have inadvertently damaged Catholicism in England though, so I'm glad she was unaware of how things would unfold.
@@samertaim That's true. It's also true that the Holy Roman Emperor, who happened to be Catherine's nephew, was pressuring him not to grant the annulment. Had she not resisted the annulment, he probably wouldn't have pressured the pope on her behalf and the pope might have been inclined to do a favor for his "Defender of the Faith". It's also true there are no guarantees. The pope might have had some other reason not to grant the annulment. The Reformation may have happened in England in some other way. Nothing was inevitable though, and it's worth acknowledging Catherine's agency in this whole thing. She very well could have derailed the English Reformation in a single decision.
Heart cancer occurs when diseased cells grow out of control on or near the heart. These cells form a tumor. Cancer that begins in the heart is primary heart cancer. This form of heart cancer is EXTREMELY RARE. I worked at the premier cancer hospital in the Southeast US and NEVER saw a case of cardiac cancer. The percentage of primary cardiac cancer diagnoses is 1 quarter of one percent. Heart cancer more commonly occurs when cancer cells spread to the heart from cancer in a nearby organ or the blood. Catherine’s lungs were normal upon autopsy. How ironic that Anne’s execution occurred just 5 months later. Hopefully both ladies found eternal peace.
I have been a subscriber for a while now and have watched and rewatched most of your videos- So, it’s long overdue that I comment- Besides being a Huge Lover of History, Especially the history of your country, and all things Tudor, your videos have made something that I Love So Much Even Better! Not only because of the Brilliant Content that you provide, but just your voice honestly makes it even more enjoyable to me because I find it relaxing as well as engaging- Lastly, I Love the little song that starts all of your videos! As soon as it starts, it immediately just puts a smile on my face!! Well, Many Blessings to you and yours and Please Keep up the Great Work!!
Hi Stefanie, thank you so much. I don't always see comments on older videos, but I'm very glad I caught yours as it made me smile too :-) I hope you continue to enjoy the videos and blessings to you and yours too.
Thanks to ad placement, I just got this, "She had been opened eight hours after death, quote, 'What if you could make a living online?!'" Katherine's final tomb is beautiful but it's a pity Mary couldn't have been buried with her, they would have obviously liked that. Katherine was a good woman, I like the fact that she has fans who leave flowers on her grave to this day.
All very interesting, but the 'fact' was that she was 'only' the Dowager Princess of Wales (as Prince Arthur's widow), not Queen, by the time of her death (even if she discounted this). Though her marriage to Henry had been annulled (morally/legally, or not) she was still legally the widow of Prince Arthur (Prince of Wales at his death), who would have been King instead of Henry if he had survived. I understand that Henry (perhaps cynically) still referred to her as 'Sister', though given her presence as a continuing reminder of his shaky legal position, this is perhaps not surprising. She did get a series of Masses (in a by now on the way to 'Protestant' country), and was buried in the nearest large Cathedral, with due honours, though her tomb was indeed later destroyed as a result of the Civil War, as so many were in cathedrals and churches throughout England and Wales. Considering that the listing of the contents of her funerary chapel (and I question your statement that her tomb's position not far from the altar in an important cathedral was somehow less respectful than Anne Boleyn's in what is essentially a prison?) took place during the 'dissolution of the monasteries' it is perhaps surprising that so much was still in place? Henry, meanwhile, is buried in a vault at Windsor, along with his third wife, Jane Seymour, mother of Edward VI (his son). The vault also holds his executed successor Charles I and one of Queen Anne's infant children, so hardly exclusive. His resting place is only marked with a slab placed by William IV as late as 1847. Yes, Henry was buried with all due pomp and circumstance, but his intended magnificent funerary sarcophagus (confiscated from Cardinal Wolsey) ended up being used for Admiral Nelson at St Paul's, and the recently rediscovered decorative angels which were to have topped it are now in the V&A. Compare and contrast with his own father's monument (Henry VII) in Westminster Abbey. So perhaps 'justice' was served? You can always plan your funeral, but there is no guarantee your wishes will be followed!
Just to put things into perspective, despite Catalina being a devout and outspoken Catholic (being the daughter of the Catholic Monarchs of Spain)... Protestant leaders like Martin Luther and William Tyndale advocated on behalf of her. That's how *clear cut* Henry's "great matter" was.
I haven't read up on Luther and Tyndale's comments on the annulment, but I'll assume you're correct that they didn't support it. I suppose from their point of view, married is married and they didn't like people like the Pope dissolving valid marriages. Also, despite breaking from Rome Henry was still a Catholic himself in pretty much all other respects, so they wouldn't have liked that about him anyway.
@@HistoryCalling A Pope cannot dissolve a VALID marriage. An annulment is a declaration that a marriage was not valid in the first place because of an impediment eg force or lack of FREE consent. I have been very fortunate to have been able to visit and pray at Catherine's grave on several visits to England,the last time,2018, being able to show some Spanish tourists where she was buried. Gordon Carter. Adelaide. South Australia.
What do you think of the current memorial to Catherine, put in place by the Victorians? Let me know below and check out:
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I think it's lovely, and what a lovely idea, out of the mouths of babes...I might go and have a look this year, and take some flowers for the lady.
It is really nice. I was glad I could finish up the video on something more positive.
I like it a lot. It's also fitting and nice that she is remembered each year.
I came across it a few years back when I visited Peterborough. I was surprised because I didn't know she was buried there. I thought it was very elegant.
Since the Victorians were seemingly digging up dead peoples graves I think it would have been nice to remove Mary and put her with her mother like she wanted.
Her last letter to Henry was so sad. She stayed loyal and forgiving to him to the very end and her last words to him, "I make this vow, that mine eyes desire you above all things", just really tugs at my heart. This poor lady, like many of his wives, was too good for him. Thank you so much for the excellent video, as always.
I know. That letter was just the height of generosity and forgiveness. As you say, she was too good for him.
Sounds like she was just telling Henry what he wants to hear and what she is expected to say
@@christyleduc6132 Not really, she never stopped declaring her love for him up until her dying breath
@@areiaaphrodite Or you could believe it was romantic I see it is someone that’s just trying to survive. Remember she didn’t even get to choose who she married was married to one son then passed off to the next one just so they wouldn’t have to give a dowry back I don’t see how that’s love
@@christyleduc6132 Wrong again. She didn't get a choice with Arthur but after he died, Henry VII wasn't going to marry Katherine to Henry VIII. He wanted to marry him to Katherine's niece, daughter of her sister Joana. Katherine wanted to marry Henry and he wanted to marry her, which is common knowledge. After Henry VII died and his son became King, Henry VIII could have very much went ahead and married Katherine's niece (kept Katherine's dowry and maybe even received a little more) but he didn't, he chose Katherine even though others were against it and yet the initial years of their marriage was happy and almost like a love match.
I live near Peterborough and regularly visit Peterborough Cathedral. I always visit Catherine’s tomb and each time I do there are pomegranates and other tributes placed there. It’s very moving that she is still honoured in this way.
That sounds lovely. I've never been, but it's on my list :-)
I too had cause to visit Peterborough on a few occasions and was genuinely surprised at the atmosphere around her grave and found it a moving experience.
Pomegranates are a symbol of Spain…
Is that gesture from British citizens or Spanish, do you know?
@@cmarq817 both I believe
@@debbieddaley : that is a beautiful gesture…
Thank you for your kind reply
It’s so touching that all those centuries later, compassion blossomed spontaneously in a young girl’s heart leading to posthumous honour for Queen Catherine. From her last letter to Henry can be seen her own compassion for her daughter and her servants, on whose behalf she petitions the king. It is courageous of her to remind him of his ethical duty. Her forbearance and her concern for his moral character, show what a deeply principled, humble and magnanimous woman she was.
Yes, she really was very forgiving and tolerant of him. He really wasn't good enough for her.
Harriet Lyall Katherine was the Dowager Princess of Wales
A great Queen she was . A great woman , a life for all to emulate .. Very well researched text and we'll narrated too . Thanks.
@@HistoryCalling H8 wasn't fit to lick the boots of any of them!Not that they would wear boots, except for riding maybe.
@@susanmccormick6022
Very True lol 😂
I have so much respect for Catherine. She maintained her dignity and strength after everything Henry put her and Mary through. She wanted to forgive him probably so she could pass peacefully. She was most certainly too good for Henry and I believe that Mary's life would have been a happier one if he didn't treat her too so terribly. Love this channel and thanks!
You're very welcome. I'm glad you like the videos. Yes, I think Henry did a lot of damage to Mary. It's interesting to speculate how she might have turned out if he hadn't ruined her in the way he did.
@@HistoryCalling I would imagine that she would still be very religious but if Henry were to treat her and her mother well, she might not have followed her grandparent’s actions during the Spanish Inquisition.
@@KL-ki8db I am not so sure. She probably would have continued previous policies that both Henry IV and Henry VIII used on religious opponents. She may not have become known as “Bloody Mary” because she drove Protestants in England into extinction or underground like Henry IV did to Lollards.
She also suffered at the hands of Henry VII.
Katherine of Aragon is my favourite of Henry's wives. She was a beautiful soul. Kind, loving, intelligent, pious and everything a Queen of her time period should have been. She dedicated her life to serving the people of England and really loved her daughter and (despite him not deserving it) Henry.
She deserved way better than what she got ❤ RIP to a true Queen 👑
She did indeed deserve much better (but then they all did really). Henry wasn't really good enough for any of them in my book.
@@HistoryCalling A very accurate statement indeed 👏
amen amen amen!
She was everything a queen should have been except a breeding cow. She could not produce a male heir. But Henry would not even after all the women he had and the turning his back on his church to be able to marry and divorce have a male heir for England in the Tudor line. He produced Elizabeth and by forfeit gave England the greatest regent of all time.
@@suzanneribas3746 Katherine could have very much given Henry an heir and she did; he just died after some weeks. It was more Henry's fault about the gender of his children since it's the sperm that determines the gender of a baby. He and all of the other men of the age just unjustly blamed women for the gender of babies simply because women gave birth to them.
I'm not trying to be rude to you or anything but I just feel a certain way when people say Katherine couldn't give him a son. There's a difference between "couldn't" and "didn't", people 😅
Of all the Queens she was definitely the real deal. Born and raised a princess and very educated by a Mother who herself was pretty hardcore even with her kids.
Oh yeah, Isabella of Castile was not to be messed with. You wouldn't get away with backchatting her :-)
Poor Jauna x.x
She always loved Henry until her death. I agree she was a strong queen and very educated for a woman back then. She was groomed to be the Queen of England from seven years old. Henry didn't deserve her.
@@rondaevans8514 - You are absolutely right! Henry VIII did not deserve her. I have always thought that Ann Boleyn got just what she deserved regardless of whether she committed adultery, incest, and consequently treason.
Queen Mary (1867 - 1953), wife of King George V (and grandmother of Queen Elizabeth II) was the one who arranged for Katherine’s tomb to be upgraded by banners being hung, as well as the marker “KATHARINE QVEEN OF ENGLAND” to be placed there.
She did indeed. :-)
I wonder what motivated her to?
@@francescaderimini4422I know this comment is 4 months late, but I have read it was because she was in a similar situation. She was betrothed to Albert Victor prince of Wales, older brother of King George V. Although she never married the prince of Wales unlike Catalina she then married the younger brother of the prince of Wales just like Katherine of Aragon, because the prince of Wales died before they could be married.
@@mareniquevanniekerk7864 I know this comment is 6 months old but unfortunately Prince Albert Victoria didn't live long enough to become prince of wales during his entire life time his father prince Albert Edward(future Edward VII) was prince of wales.
After death of Queen victoria when Albert Edward ascended the throne he made his son prince George prince of wales. So Mary was also princess of wales just like Catherine of Aragon.
@@krishnavyas313 That is true! I have no idea how I made such a mistake saying Prince Albert Victor was the Prince of Wales while I very well know he was not! Thanks for pointing that out!
I’ve always loved Queen Katherine of Aragon. She was treated so cruelly by Henry and Anne, sent off to die and not even allowed to see her only child. Her defense of herself at Blackfriars is eloquent as is her last letter to Henry.
The moment you said she had rallied one last time,my heart told me it was cancer. The same happened with my dad. He was very ill and 24 hours before he passed, he rallied and seemed to be doing better. She was such a fine and Nobel queen but also woman. She , along with Anne of Cleves, have been the 2 I have always admired.
I'm so sorry about your Dad. I know that must have been an awful time for you and your whole family. Yes, Catherine was an incredible person. She had more strength than I think Henry ever did.
It is my understanding that Catherine died of heart cancer.
My condolences on the death of your father. Your story reminded me of the mother of a childhood friend. She had brain cancer and the day before she died, she rallied and was able to speak and laugh and enjoy her family. Perhaps this is one last gift, to be able to see people the way the should be remember.
@@BruinPhD2009 that's exactly it! We are given the gift of remembering our loved ones as they were instead of from how they died. Thank you so much for your kind words.
That rallying, sadly, happens with many dying slowly. My father did not have cancer but did the same, and it is a cruel thing that gives us a moment of hope.
Catherine of Aragon was the most beautiful, intelligent and brave of Henry VIII's wives. She could have well accepted Henry's offer to retire, accept a settlement, house, etc. and disappear but Catherine chose to remain true to herself, her religion and the future of her daughter and openly fight. She was the only wife of Henry that openly defied him. It's sad her strong connections to Spain, Rome, etc. ultimately didn't help her. She remained a thorn in Henry's side for the rest of his life.
She was definitely a fighter. Personally, I like the fact that her grave is so much better marked than his. She deserves to be remembered more I think.
She was a woman. Didn't matter if she was a Queen. Which is sad.
Considering how Mary turned out, maybe it would have been better if she hadn't.
+Louis Lamonte. Actually she wasn't the only wife of his that openly defied him. Anne Boleyn did too. Her death acutally heralded the beginning of the end for Anne Boleyn and the fact that Katherine fought him is what ultimately led to Anne's execution. He couldn't have another ex wife hanging around being a thorn in his side as Katherine was, therefore Anne had to be more than just gone, she had to be dead.
She was lucky with her strong political connections to Spain as they probably saved her from a trumped up charge of treason and having a headectomy!
I love how life has worked out for her in the end. Catherine arguably set the standard of how women are lovers and fighters in their own right. I’m happy she’s remembered in a better light than her lowly joke of a husband. Her parents would’ve been proud of her tenacity for her crown.
Yes, I think they definitely would have been proud of her. She certainly had their strength and fighting spirit. Henry really underestimated her.
She proved herself the daughter of the great Queen Isabella of Castile, who along with her husband King Ferdinand of Aragon drove the last of the Moors from Spain and sponsored Columbus while also unifying Spain.
@@brianmccarthy5557 - Yes, and they also sponsored the Spanish Inquisition too. 🙄 LMAO So let's not get ahead of ourselves, fawning all over these people. Most monarchs are monsters quite frankly. Monarchy should have been abolished eons ago....
@@KabbalahSherry How are they different from a lot of politicians people willfully vote into power today?
@@Elly3981 - well, so far, we haven’t had an inquisition.
Henry was a revolting and cruel monster! Poor Catherine. Depriving her of her only child was particularly evil.
Yes, I think that's perhaps the worst thing he did to her and I'm sure it scarred Mary for life.
@@HistoryCalling most definitely. Then Anne B and Elizabeth treated her poorly.
Henry was a mysoginist, he wanted what he wanted and don't even think to deny him or it will be worse for you
If only Catherine had accepted to step asaide, who knows how she would have treated, given how Anne of Cleves was treated after divorce, just because she wisely chose to be obedient...
Catherine was an experienced and successful general. Henry was afraid that if she and her daughter were together, they would have raised an army and overthrown him, so Mary could be Queen. Mary did just that when the Protestant nobility tried to bypass her claim to the throne after her brother's death.
I love that Queen Katherine is celebrated every 29th January, & Henry doesn’t get the same love at his grave. I also find it interesting that so soon after Katherine’s death he turned against Anne.
Yes, I wonder what Anne thought about how fast she was discarded once Catherine was out of the way as well...
@@HistoryCalling Anne didn't realise that Katherine living was protecting her, as Henry would not have been able to rid himself of Anne without being expected to return to Katherine. It was only after Katherine's death that he could dispose of Anne and be legitimately free to choose another wife.
Does anyone bother with Henry's grave?
HE WAS A PSYCHOPATH. AND HE DID NOT LIKE NOR RESPECT WOMEN,
HE WAS A MONSTER.
Henry Viii waited 3 months after Queen Katherine 's death to send Anne to the scaffold. 3 months is the amount of time that is acceptable for a husband to grieve for his wife before he can remarry. He married Jayne Seymour.
Aww her worrying about her staff in her letter is actually very sweet.
Yes, she had a good heart.
It shows what type of person she was. I'm glad I paid a visit to her tomb.
Henry was just a heartless man. To be married to someone for as long as he was to Catharine, to love them and have children together and then toss them in the ditch the way he did is unthinkable. Misogyny is so scary.
Feminism is by far worse
Yes, I don't know how he could do it either. Perhaps his treatment of Catherine should have been a warning sign to Anne Boleyn.
@@leejamesmccarthy You obviously don’t know the definition of the word
@History Calling...exactly so! How he treats one, he will treat another.
Misandry is also scary
I'm actually relieved because when you mentioned Cromwell's army moving in, I was braced for some Catherine Parr level desecration, so I'm pleasantly surprised by history for once. It's nice that in death Catherine of Aragon got the ultimate victory, recognition, and kudos that she so richly deserved in life. The young Catherine story touched my heart so much. You're never too little to make a difference after all. On a darker note when you think about it, Henry's capacity for rewriting history is chilling, almost Stalinist in its revision, as if his own wife of 20+ years could be discarded, who couldn't he discard? Wonderful work as always!
Thank you. Yes, thank goodness she wasn't subjected to the same treatment as Catherine Parr. I guess history's written by the winners as they say, or at least the winners try to write it.
Henry did what men still do...Marginalize women. I am a strong intelligent strong woman. A nurse for 46 yrs so far...Happily married to my bff have kids & grandkids. As a military spouse for 15 yrs & now both sons serve & my daughter double majored in college and works with handicapped fams. etc. My mother was just the opposite of me. I could never have been like Catherine. Henry was horrible & his actions spoke to his lack of anything decent toward anyone. Kings & queens along with some rich ppl politicians etc. think they are above others & the law. Kings decreed & chose how they wanted history to remember them. Very few accurate accounts of their behaviours are found. Catherine writing letters etc. was done not only to try to persuade Henry but to give history her version of events. It helped us to see what was happening on both sides. Their is a lesson we can all take away when from that experience . When you are in a relationship that demeans&abuses you in any way it is time to end it and walk away. Catherine due to religion did not do that and it cost her so much. She lost much of Mary's life & being able to be her mother. While things then were controlled by power, it remains true today as well. Catherine suffered in every way possible. I know she did not have the same options we do today. I think if she had agreed to the divorce her life would have been much better for herself and her child. Thank you for putting so much time & effort creating this & sharing it with us. You are appreciated.
I love the story of the "little Katherine" who wanted a proper burial place and due respect for Queen Katherine. I think that is quite wonderful. Thanks for adding that on.
It’s a great story of a child coming up with the idea of a fundraiser and finding a way to get it started (long before Blue Peter).
I really like the idea of getting girls and women called Katherine (spellings various) to donate towards the tomb of a queen who shared their name. But maybe I’m biased because I’m a Katherine. 😉
It always strikes me when someone with so many gifts ends up living a terribly sad, tragic life and in her case, all out of her control. Her story breaks my heart.
I know. If someone with her intelligence and strength was alive in Europe today, the world would be her oyster. She was just born in the wrong century, when women weren't treated as equals (I mean there are still problems with that today, but generally it's much better, in Europe at least).
Queen Katharine's grave is very beautiful. I visited it in summer time and local people had left posies and pomegranates on her tomb. She was Henry VIII's true wife and true Queen of England. May she rest in peace.
I'd love to see it myself. It was hard to really grasp its size and location in the Cathedral just from the pictures I looked up.
Thank you for such a wonderful tribute to Catalina de Aragón, Queen of England. As a man, I can’t imagine going through what she went through nor do I believe that I could have been as strong as she was. Queen Isabel I de Castilla and King Fernando de Aragón raised her well.
As for little Katherine, what a beautiful little angel she was. My thanks to all the Katherines of their era who helped restore Queen Catalina’s final resting place. 💜
What an amazing woman she was, her letter to Henry was so moving - he didn't deserve her. Thanks for another fabulous video. Hope your feeling better soon.
Well said.
Thank you and yes, all better now :-)
Henry was a callous, narcissistic Ole bastard!
What a great pity that she was treated so badly. She shows her loving nature in her last letter to the man who was responsible for her demise, expressing such simple requests and her continued love for him.
Thank you for this wonderful video. Katherine is a woman I admire greatly. She always did her duty and did it well as a mother, wife, queen and in regard to religion. One of my favorite stories is how she was still making Henry's shirts even after he took up with Anne. So forgiving! Another is a letter she wrote to her daughter Mary telling her to be obedient to her father even though Mary was understandably miffed about everything going on. Katherine was also a Third Order Franciscan. There is a group of people hoping to have her canonized but her cause has not been taken up. Too bad!
You're welcome. Yes, apparently the shirts really annoyed Anne Boleyn, but Henry was so clueless he couldn't see the problem. Typical!
Katherine Aragon was a good pious woman and was too good for Henry VIII. I am glad her life is now celebrated and that a child called Katherine ( her namesake), of the Victorian era, started a fundraiser to honour Katherine of Aragon, Queen of England's memory. Amazing what children can do and teach us. I may visit Katherine's grave in the near future. RIP sweet lady. Su.xx
Thankyou for this you tube video on Queen Katherine's life. I wanted to add, Queen Katherine did stand up to Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, to defend herself, right till the end. I admire her for that.
Thanks Su. I admire her strength and conviction as well. Henry certainly underestimated her as an opponent.
Catherine's final letter to Henry is an exemplar of true Christianity: expressing heartfelt forgiveness and continuing adherence to her marriage vows despite the depths of rejection meeted out by Henry. Text of her letter is quite arresting, heard with "modern ears".
Great video. Thank you so much. G Ire
Catherine came from a very prestigious family. She had much more royal blood than Henry, including some Plantagenet blood but in the end she had to bend to her husbands will. Her own sisterJuana, the rightful heir to Castile had been sidelined by her own husband, then father, then son. All this goes to show that while such women may have had prestige, making them very marriageable, they actually had no power and their own male relatives were quite happy to take advantage of them.
If Catherine could see the pomegranates left on her memorial today, she would know that at least she had respect.
Yes, I think it would be a comfort to her to know she's generally better regarded nowadays than her husband is, though I'm sure she be heartbroken at how poor Mary's reputation is.
Gracias, desde Madrid.
It is ironic that pomegranates are a symbol of this queen. Pomegranates are also a long time symbol of Judaism, whose people were horribly abused, slain, and evicted from their lands and owning, if any, by Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand, her parents.
@@belleplummer2924 we need to learn to see history with a different approach; we should be mere observers; not judges of history; observe and learn from these people to be better and not judge their actions and the reasons and motives that led to them; it was a different time period; a different context; a totally different world than today actually; judging with 21 century set of mind does not do justice to anyone involved: these are historical figures for that reason; it’s history; we should limit ourselves only to study it; to remember it; to learn from it; too keep a record of it; to use as references for the history of humanity; how can we know when something makes history or breaks a new historical new milestone; we can use it as reference for any passed precedent if any; to make new precedents; we cant change history however; even rewriting history to fit a certain narrative is already bad enough; we need truth; facts; as inconvenient as they can be; history is not to judged and condemned; if thats what people look at history for; then i suggests finding a different subject of interest; where people should leave their feelings at the door; and be less emotional about it; its totally valid to question the motives these people had for what they did; nothing wrong with theorizing; speculate what ultimately led to their actions; and yes! why not? scrutinized a little; but when we; ourselves become the judges of these people; thinking ourselves to be so good and self righteous to cast judgment of their souls and character; who is to say that 500 years from now a different generation might come and judge us so harshly they might end up erasing us from history completely because it their eyes we were simply too evil to remember us and have a memory of us; yet we considered ourselves too good no generation could possibly do that to us; just my 2 cents
@@joelas87 Tell that to a conservative Jew, whose life is built around victimised mentality ……. 😆
Catherine, in my mind, has always been so fierce. That letter was beautiful and heartfelt and tragic and, I think, truly sincere, BUT she NEVER gave in to Henry - and that letter proves it. Whilst expressing her love, it was chiding and almost demeaning, but with a purpose - Hey, Henry! You're a bit of a mess! But I still love you and 'desire you above all things.' I think Henry knew, in his heart of hearts, he could never touch her, and that's why he never did. She went to her grave as the Queen of England - and rightfully so. I love your videos so much - I get so excited for Fridays! I hope you are on the mend!
Thank you. I'll all better now. Yes, she was very tough and though I kind of doubt it, I hope Henry felt guilt when he read that letter. She really was too good for him.
I live in Peterborough and found this extremely interesting. I visit the Cathedral and Catherine's burial place regularly. The Catherine of Aragon festival each January is one of the highlights of the year.
I often imagine the funeral procession and how it would have been viewed by the locals.
One interesting fact is the story of 'Ols Scarlet' the sexton who lived to be 94 and buried both Catherine and Mary Queen of Scotts. He is often thought to have been the inspiration for the grave digger in Hamlet. He is also buried in the Cathedral.
Hi Eleanor, thank you for watching and sharing the story about 'Ols Scarlet' which I was unaware of, but which is really interesting. I'd love to get to Peterborough some day (I mean I was briefly there once, but I was only catching a connecting train, so I don't think that counts!) and see the Cathedral and Catherine's burial place.
The sweet concern and jester of the little Katherine was so touching. The grave is more fit for a queen thanks to all the Katherines of England. Thank you.
You're welcome :-) Glad you enjoyed it.
I live in Peterborough and have visited the cathedral many times , i always stop and pause at her tomb. Henry did not deserve her . Katherine was completely loyal to Henry and the fact she never gave up on him is a true testament to the love she had for him.
What an honorable gesture all the Katherine's did for Queen Katherine of England. To me it's poetic justice - she has a more distinguish resting place & is memorialized every year while King Henry is not.
Yes, I like that she is better memorialised too, though I suppose we have to admit that St George's Chapel is swankier than Peterborough Cathedral.
The young victorian girl's appeal is so touching. And very fitting. Katherine of Aragon was one dignified woman, reputed to have been much loved by the population during her days.
I have a question regarding Henry VIII’s first wife, during her lifetime was her English name spelled “Catherine” or Katherine?
Which is the version that was used? I also know that her birth name was Catalina before she came to England.
@@FrankBlaise09I believe both may have been used. Spellings were not standardized at the time. I think there's even evidence that Anne Boleyn spelled her own last name differently throughout her life.
I looked into this a little more coz I was curious - Katherine and those who knew her in England spelled her name quite a few different ways (Katherine/a Katharine/a, Kateryn, Katerine), but seemingly always with a K. Henry wrote their initials as H&K. Of course, she was born Catalina (or Catharina - also not standardized) with a C, but native Spanish words/names never use Ks. It's weird to me that, despite the consistency of the K in her own various signatures and in writing by Arthur, Henry, and Mary, modern historians seem to have chosen Catherine as the standard spelling.
Am I a little biased because my mom was a Katherine with a K? Yes absolutely lol
The little girl had a good heart. Sad to see how Henry treated her. She didn't deserve it. Her last letter was very heart touching.
Yes, Henry didn't deserve her (or any of his wives really).
My fascination with Queen Catherine is still relatively new, but I do have a great deal of respect for her. It does warm my heart that she's been properly memorialized by so many who cared enough about a shamed and discarded queen. Rest well, fair queen, you've left your mark well.
Thank you. Very satisfying to learn that at least in death, Catherine's honour was restored in response to the simple but heartfelt request of a child centuries later. I found this little girls expression of hope that "all the Catherines of England" could rally to help to be very evocative and moving.
Catherine never lost her honor, and I believe she knew it.
Henry may have wanted to pretend Catherine was never queen, but history will remember her as such. And a fine, gracious, courageous, strong and beautiful Queen she was. Catherine is remembered fondly; Henry not so much. What a tender heart that sweet, young Katharine in the 1880s must have had - to suggest and start a fund to mark Queen Catherine's grave in a manner she so deserved. I am so enjoying your videos - I'm really developing a fascination with this period of time!
Yes, even though he annulled 4 of his marriages, I like that all Henry's wives are remembered as Queens and that he's remembered more for them than for anything else (ok, the Reformation comes a close second, I admit it).
@@HistoryCalling He didn't 'annul' his marriages as such. He killed 2 of them. Jane died in childbirth and Katherine Parr survived him. He only annulled his marriage to his first queen.
I visited the grave of Queen Katharine many years ago. It was silent and solemn, handsome and elegant. I could not resist kneeling and saying a prayer for her.
Gif bless you for your prayer. The Eternal Father heard your prayer as though you were there at the very moment of her death. Requiem aerernam Katherine.
Aw little Catherine stepped up. There really isn’t much to like about Henry is there? Imagine being glad to hear of the death of someone you had been married to for twenty years, and who supported you for all of them. It’s a struggle to find any redeeming qualities with this king.
I know. I will say that he was a better person when he was younger, but from 1536 on in particular, I really struggle to find the good as well.
@@HistoryCalling Indeed. Talk about going downhill.
I’m thinking his jousting injury affected his personality. He was just awful in the latter years.
I must say that as an Australian who adores all things Royal (esp the Tudor dynasty) that your videos are extremely knowledgable and wonderful to watch! Thank you!
These videos are truly amazing -agree. Thank you!!
22 days after Catherine passed, Anne Boleyn lost a 3 1/2 month old male fetus. That was the beginning of the end for her.
God bless both ladies.
Queen Katherine was a lady...the other not. Anne's response to Katherine's death says more than enough about her character.
@@timhazeltine3256it does. I used to love Anne but then I saw how she treated Katharine and Mary appallingly. I blame Anne more than henry for what happened to Katharine
What an amazing amount of detail you provide us with. First I thank You for this very special story of Queen Catherine. A Beautiful Lady. It took one little 12 year old girl to make a difference and give her a much improved and deserved place of rest. You final words that King Henry V111, I was aware that his resting place was not what one would expect for a King, what a shame!!!!! That’s because, in part there was no money to pay for it. I am pleased that no yearly Mass is said in his honour, But so happy that Catherine the Queen of England does. Life has a way of rewarding the “Good” in the end. 👸👏💗🇦🇺
You're welcome :-) I loved the story of the Catherines coming together as well. Yes, Henry wanted a much better tomb than what he got, but it serves him right.
Glad you're feeling better, HC. Rest assured your ailment didn't lessen the strength of your delivery. Excellent video as always; I'm always blown away by the many details you bring to light. The generosity shown in Catherine's last letter to Henry was so impressive considering his mistreatment of her. You indeed left the best for last with the monument story. Already looking forward to next week! Be well and stay safe.
Thanks Stephen. Yes, I love the story of so many Katherines coming together for her as well. It made for a nice end to the video :-)
I wonder if the desecration of her grave by Cromwell's soldiers may have also been motivated by the fact she was a devoted Catholic and remained so until her death. After all, Puritans were not exactly known for their tolerance of Catholics. That letter to the Dean of Peterborough was adorable tho and kinda made up for all the tragedy in this story. Katherine really deserved so so much more than she ended up with at her death. I'm glad that now she has some measure of justice and is honoured as a queen should be.
Oh yes, I think it did have something to do with that, as well as the general dislike for royalty at that time. Of course what happened to Catherine's tomb is nothing compared to what was done to Cromwell's body...
It brings me joy that in the end, her grave is more respected than Henry's. Considering how badly he treated her at the end of her life. And even though she could have gotten a better burial just on the grounds of being Henry's sister-in-law, Henry still decided to be petty.
I know. Not putting her in front of the altar was a needless slap in the face for instance. She deserved that just on the basis of her birth and her marriage to Arthur.
Katherine Waller sounds like an absolute sweetheart, and I really hope she had a good life.
Me too :-)
It does give me hope that she is still fondly remembered centuries after her death.
Yes, it is nice. Anne Boleyn's grave is marked with flowers each year on the anniversary of her death too, which is a nice gesture (she was far from perfect of course, but I don't think she deserved the death she got).
Speaking as a Kathryn, I so happy to hear that another Katherine started a refurbishment campaign of Queen Katharine’s final resting place. Sadly, her daughter did not right the wrong done to her mother when she was on the throne. On the up side, Henry did not get the elaborate grave he designed, but one that he has is still good for the horrible man.
Yes, I think in Mary's case this is a good example of why, when you want something done, you should do it yourself. She had over 5 years to move her mother's remains. I don't know why she didn't do it. Same goes for Henry really. He should have had he and Jane Seymour's grave sorted out before he died.
Peterborough is the nearest cathedral to me and I remember seeing her tombstone as a child. Thank you giving me the story!
You're very welcome :-)
@@HistoryCalling I always wondered why there wasn't really anything there for a former queen.
I’ve always had such a soft spot for her and considered her my favorite of the wives, her life ended so sadly and in a lot of things she’s easily relatable. the ending def gives me some faith in humanity that’s so kind!💜💜
Yes, the little story about all the Katherines coming together was lovely. It made me happy when I read it :-)
@@HistoryCalling me too!! love it!
Thank God for that little Catherine,from small things bigger things can happen,it took a 12 year old child to honour a woman who was treated terribly and yet still loved her husband to the end. Thanks once again great video, I hope you're feeling better👍🙋
Yes, that made for a nice ending to the story. Thanks for watching and I'm all better now :-)
I love everything about this channel. The content. The media. The narration. Definitely one of the top 3 History channels that I get excited every time there’s a new upload
Aww, thank you so much :-)
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I like the memorial and the fact that her title of queen was restored.
Yes, I think she more than deserved it.
As historical queens go, I have a soft spot for Katherine - she was treated badly by Henry VII (and her father) after Arthur died and then later on in her marriage to Henry VIII she was treated badly, yet she remained loyal to Henry!
Very interesting! I’ve admired her ever since learning about her and what she went through. She was a woman to be reckoned with, though fate did not care to cut her many breaks. I’m glad they restored her chapel so I may visit it when the world becomes sane again.
Very good & thorough. One of your best, I think. God rest ye, Katherine. And the little Katherine who restored her. ❤
Thank you :-)
After all that Catherine went through it took a 12 year old girl to put some of it to right. Thank you enjoyed this.
I know. It at least made for a more upbeat ending to the video. :-)
Given that Katherine herself was at the time demonstrating a capacity to lead at war, engage in current affairs and clearly invested in the plausibility of a female being a reigning monarch I think she’d be rather pleased that her memorial was the brain child of a young Catherine rather than men in suits. I always feel desperately sorry for Katherine and Mary, keeping them apart was the cruelest action of Henry to his former wife and no doubt led to a lot of Mary’s issues. Had he been kinder Mary most likely would have been able to marry when she was younger and potentially have her own family.
I never heard the story of “Little Katherine” but what an inspiration! Great way to end this amazing video.
Thank you so much :-)
Thank you for this wonderful video even though you’re not feeling well. It’s a lovely testament to a remarkable woman and queen. Bless that dear little Catherine for rallying all Catherine’s to build a memorial that fits her status. She was true royalty as was Anne of Cleves. Funnily enough Anne would have made him a good wife if only he tried. Stupid man. G-D bless Catherine, queen of England. I would love to visit her tomb but the video you show is lovely 🙏🙏🙏🙏👵👵👵👵🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺
Thank you. I'd love to visit her tomb as well (all of them actually - I've been to the Chapel of St Peter Ad Vincula, but haven't seen the other wives' graves, though I don't know how I missed Anne of Cleves during my multiple trips to Westminster Abbey).
Considering all of the heartbreak she went through in her life and what she was reduced to, I find her passing of heart cancer (a rare kind) quite ironic
I know. She literally died of a broken heart 😢
This was so interesting. I thank you for this share. Queen Catherine was a good woman & deserved so much more than she received. I especially liked the story of the Cathrines paying for the memorial. Such a wonderful story that I did not know. Poetic justice for sure! Henry the 8th was such a dishonorable man & I never liked anything about him. This certainly made me feel a lot better about it all✨
I don't know which I enjoy more, the content of your well-researched videos or your beautiful voice narrating them. Thank-you for each and every one.
Thanks Anne :-)
Girl, I don’t do this with anything else but I can re-watch and re-watch your videos over and over again.
As an American im so jealous that ppl in Britain can actually get inches from old queens and kings.. its crazy to think you could stand mere inches of Queen Katherine. Its almost like meeting her even if it is just her skeleton. In a way they feel like fairytale characters and not real ppl so being able to stand where they stood and see what they saw is like stepping back into a fairytale... Hopefully im making sense lol i love history so much and to think there are buildings in Britain older than the country i live in is just amazing. I think the oldest building ive ever touched was 200 years old when there are buildings 10 xs older over the pond. And dnt get me started on Egypt and their tombs and pyramids.... fascinating. To stand where literal kings stood, kings and queens whose actions and choices have dictated our entire existence... its just crazy
Nom De Plume: My bro in law made me laugh recently,referring to his old 🏠.Which was built in the 1930s if I remember right.God Bless America.
Oh you should definitely visit Britain and if you think the pyramids are good, come to Ireland and visit Newgrange. The passage tombs there are older than the pyramids (as are some other tombs in Ireland). I've never understood why they aren't more famous, but I suppose they don't look as impressive.
We have our own history in US too
A great Queen she was , A great woman , a life for all to emulate. A very well researched text and very well narrated . Thanks.
You're very welcome :-)
Absolutely love this channel!! Great content, and I love how you explain everything. Very underrated.
Thanks Heather. I'm glad you liked it :-)
I always try to keep an open mind on all matters, but I'm convinced that Henry VIII was an evil psychopath. I loved the twist at the end of this video. Thanks to Katherine Waller. And thanks for a great video.
I loved little Katherine's 19th century GoFundMe for Catherine of Aragon too. It was so sweet.
Thank you for another fascinating video about the sad ending after the shameful treatment that Catherine suffered as a result of Henry VIII's vindictiveness. That said, I've often wondered how the history of England would have been, had Catherine consented to divorcing Henry VIII...
Yes, that is a fascinating question. No break with Rome and perhaps Anne would have had time to produce a boy. Maybe the Tudor dynasty would still exist! Who knows?
very glad to hear Katherine got to rest in peace undisturbed - it is unforgivable how Henry treated her and Mary and may explain some of the Karma well meted out to his corpse
Yes, it's hard to feel sorry for anything bad that happened to Henry when you see how poorly he treated people such as Catherine.
@@HistoryCalling - I think TH-cam censored what I just said about Henry - well he deserved it - Happy 2022
Oh, I'm not sure. I don't see anything in the 'Held for review' comments. It doesn't allow swear language, so if there was anything like that in your post, that might explain it. Honestly though, I think sometimes things just get lost in the aether. Occasionally I've had other people complain that their comments disappear and I myself just typed up a comment in response to someone and it refused to post!
@@HistoryCalling - I spend enough time on a different account calling out trolls elsewhere - it was YT I'm sure - I used some key words that were explosive shall we say and the robot is too dumb to get the real context - ty for wrapping that story together well - I had only scattered details of it and you put it all together nicely - 🛸
Great video and so much more information than I ever knew...
I'm a local boy and have visited the cathedral many times over the years...it's a beautiful building and rather surprising considering there's not a lot of history left in the city centre (a 17th century guildhall and a medieval church 'St John's' ) as anything else was demolished back in the late 1970's for a shopping centre.
The grave is definitely tucked away but is noticeable....
By the way, Ely is pronounced Eellee !!! That's another impressive cathedral...
Henry VIII was a horrid person in my view......what a legacy he had....
I visited the site last year and there were children's drawings and poems on Catherine's grave, along with small posies of flowers so she has not been forgotten.
That sounds lovely. Hopefully she would have appreciated that.
And Queen Catherine would have loved these honors above all else.
Henry the VIII has a lot to answer for. I always felt she was a good Queen, a trusted wife, and in the end treated so so nasty.
Absolutely :-(
Bless this poor Queen that came to England to save The Monarchy that was broke and needed her to fill their coffers, she was mistreated from the start and led a bit of a miserable life yet she was devout loyal and kind to all even HenryIII. The best part of her story was indeed the Blessing of young Katherine Waller, who at such a young age had more respect, common sense, empathy and solidarity towards a Queen who had the same name, bless all the other Katherine's also for doing such a good deed and all involved. May Queen of England Catherine of Aragon be at peace. May the 'Catherines' be at peace also. Another great video thank you.
I love learning these many things of Ancient English culture and there people and traditions and the way some of their burials are done. Please continue teaching us about our ancestors and the history regarding them! I loved this about Catherine of Aragon.
"Mine eyes desire you above all things." Makes me cry every time. That letter is so sad and beautiful.
That was such a beautiful gesture by the little Catherine. I had little idea this happened until this video. Queen Katherine has always been a person in history that has intrigued me. I'm glad she managed to have her final resting place elaborately adorned because her husband quite frankly didn't deserve to get away with his actions forever. And she deserves to be remembered.
Hope you feel better soon. ♥️
I’m always struck by just how cruel Cromwells troops were to the dead royals. I know they were in a tense time where they’d grown frustrated with Charles, but it seems so… beneath people to attack the dead.I’m just glad she finally got the respect she deserved.
I suspect that same would've happened in the 13 colonies if they'd been under centuries of royal oppression. Hate and rage tends to build up for years, then explodes into rage against the "establishment". Emotions cloud rational thinking no matter what the topic.
@@LuvBorderCollies yeah very true. Nothing beats the feeling of oppression, real or self-perceived to make you really want to erase every aspect of something.
Karma, karma.
Anne ended up beheaded and the Tudor dinasty did not last long. His only fragile son, for whom Henry commited so many crimes died very young. And at the end, his living daughters at the time carried, childless, the Tudor dymasty to its end.
What disturbs me is how cruel Henry could be to those he professed to love (current or past)...for example, forbidding Mary & Catherine from seeing each other
I think the memorial is well done. She was given the recognition Henry refused her at the end of her life and at her funeral. I think it's nice they have a yearly service for her. She is recognized as a Queen by the Victorians.
Your voice is perfect as it is every week! Thank you for the details and back-stories of Catherine's passing...and yes the ending is moving and does show there is good within womankind.
Thanks Joe. All better now. :-)
I live in Peterborough and am lucky enough to visit her whenever. I’ve been many times.
I'm jealous. I've never been myself, but would love to see the grave in person as it was hard to really get a sense of its location and size within the Cathedral just from looking at photographs.
@@HistoryCalling I have a picture of my granddaughter standing by Queen Katherine's tomb, taken last year. The tomb is relatively small and I can confirm the pomegranates. My granddaughter attends Queen Katherine Academy in Peterborough, a recent addition in the late Queen's memory.
Nice to find out more of the first QUEEN as she was so badly treated and forgotten thank u for the info
I would consider myself an expert audio book listener. Having listen to your video I am convinced you should do audio books. Your voice is exceptional for reading and inacting scenes from a book. 🤗🤗🤗
Waited for years to learn more of Catherine. I thank you over and over. I personally feel she should be canonized a saint for everything she put up with.
Katherine is still referred to as 'the true queen' by some in Peterborough. We visit often, living in Spalding; Peterborough is a lovely city. By the way, Ely in Cambridgeshire is pronounced Eelee, not Eelye. I did very much enjoy this timely video, and I hope your throat is better soon.
Oops! Sorry about the pronunciation. It's not something I hear said very often. Thank you for the heads up. It's typical that I'm usually so distracted by the fact that I'm probably mispronouncing the foreign words, that the odd English word slips through the net!
@@HistoryCalling I had to learn it too, and found it easier once I understood that before the Fens were drained in the 17th century, it was sufficiently marshy that eel fishers could work easily - hence the Isle of Ely was the dry island in the eel-filled Fens.
Hope your sore throat is getting better,she was a queen and deserves to have this beautiful monument to her, thank you as always HC till next week. 😊👍
All better thank you. That audio was a few weeks ago now. Til next time! :-)
@@HistoryCalling glad to hear it's all better now,your welcome HC. 😊
Is it strange that I am personally pissed off at Henry the 8th ??? On behalf of the true and rightful Queen Catherine, I loathe him.
I think a lot of people feel the same way :-)
Henry is certainly right near the bottom of my list of unpopular Kings.
@@HistoryCalling thank god, I thought I might look crazy
No worries, he and Philip the Fair, Catherines sister Joannas husband were ironically very good pals when Philip landed in England. And I dislike them both as if they stole my lunch money. I think many tudor fans feel similar passions of resentment to a long dead king lol. Like Luna Lovegood said, you're just as sane as I am :D
Hi. Thank you for your videos. I find them to be interesting, entertaining and very informative. Well researched. Katherine seems to finally have a fitting grave for a lady of a stature and more importantly, her courage. The story of the Katherines of the world uniting behind a 12 year old Katherine to honor Queen Katherine is truly uplifting. Your comment about Queen Elizabeth not finding either the time or "reason" to better recognize her mother by re-entering her in a more fitting grave. I think, is on-point and something that I had never considered. Keep those videos coming and get better soon.
Wouldnt that be Queen Mary? She did infact desire to have her Mother interred alongside of her but Queen Elizabeth (Catherine's niece) did not see a need for thus honoring Queen Catherine or to fullfill her sister, Queen Mary's, death bed request.
What a beautiful memorial to a mistreated woman. Thank you for this sweet story. I hope your throat continues to improve!
Thank you. All better now :-)
Beautiful memorial funded by a wonderfully kind and thoughtful Katherine.
She did not have the benefit of hindsight obviously, but in a way, by deciding to fight the divorce from Henry, she changed course of human history. Had she decided not to fight the divorce, Henry might not have felt the need for the break with Rome and Protestantism might have remained a minority in England. And the knock on effects of that could have been colossal - it's hard to imagine British Empire growing the way it did, the Industrial Revolution happening when and how it did, or Australia, Canada, and the United States taking the shape they did if the English Reformation had been strangled in the cradle. I have to wonder if she had the benefit of hindsight, would it have changed her mind? It's breathtaking how something as personal as one couple's divorce changed the world.
I've heard that theory: the more she fought, the more she actually brought the Protestant movement into England. I think she, being descended from A-List Royalty, had difficulty comprehending her change in status. And part of Anne Boleyn's insecurity was that, compared to Catherine's pedigree, she brought nothing to the English monarchy.
Yes, that's a good point. It would probably have broken her heart to think she might have inadvertently damaged Catholicism in England though, so I'm glad she was unaware of how things would unfold.
Just remember that he Pope did not allow the divorce or annulment.
@@samertaim That's true. It's also true that the Holy Roman Emperor, who happened to be Catherine's nephew, was pressuring him not to grant the annulment. Had she not resisted the annulment, he probably wouldn't have pressured the pope on her behalf and the pope might have been inclined to do a favor for his "Defender of the Faith".
It's also true there are no guarantees. The pope might have had some other reason not to grant the annulment. The Reformation may have happened in England in some other way. Nothing was inevitable though, and it's worth acknowledging Catherine's agency in this whole thing. She very well could have derailed the English Reformation in a single decision.
Verissimo
Wow! The bit at the end with little Catherine was heartwarming.
Heart cancer occurs when diseased cells grow out of control on or near the heart. These cells form a tumor. Cancer that begins in the heart is primary heart cancer. This form of heart cancer is EXTREMELY RARE.
I worked at the premier cancer hospital in the Southeast US and NEVER saw a case of cardiac cancer. The percentage of primary cardiac cancer diagnoses is 1 quarter of one percent.
Heart cancer more commonly occurs when cancer cells spread to the heart from cancer in a nearby organ or the blood. Catherine’s lungs were normal upon autopsy.
How ironic that Anne’s execution occurred just 5 months later. Hopefully both ladies found eternal peace.
I have been a subscriber for a while now and have watched and rewatched most of your videos- So, it’s long overdue that I comment- Besides being a Huge Lover of History, Especially the history of your country, and all things Tudor, your videos have made something that I Love So Much Even Better! Not only because of the Brilliant Content that you provide, but just your voice honestly makes it even more enjoyable to me because I find it relaxing as well as engaging- Lastly, I Love the little song that starts all of your videos! As soon as it starts, it immediately just puts a smile on my face!! Well, Many Blessings to you and yours and Please Keep up the Great Work!!
Hi Stefanie, thank you so much. I don't always see comments on older videos, but I'm very glad I caught yours as it made me smile too :-) I hope you continue to enjoy the videos and blessings to you and yours too.
Thanks to ad placement, I just got this, "She had been opened eight hours after death, quote, 'What if you could make a living online?!'"
Katherine's final tomb is beautiful but it's a pity Mary couldn't have been buried with her, they would have obviously liked that. Katherine was a good woman, I like the fact that she has fans who leave flowers on her grave to this day.
Yes, I was surprised that Mary didn't make moving her mother's body more of a priority. She must have known Elizabeth wouldn't care enough to do it.
Thank You, beautifully and lovingly told.
All very interesting, but the 'fact' was that she was 'only' the Dowager Princess of Wales (as Prince Arthur's widow), not Queen, by the time of her death (even if she discounted this).
Though her marriage to Henry had been annulled (morally/legally, or not) she was still legally the widow of Prince Arthur (Prince of Wales at his death), who would have been King instead of Henry if he had survived. I understand that Henry (perhaps cynically) still referred to her as 'Sister', though given her presence as a continuing reminder of his shaky legal position, this is perhaps not surprising. She did get a series of Masses (in a by now on the way to 'Protestant' country), and was buried in the nearest large Cathedral, with due honours, though her tomb was indeed later destroyed as a result of the Civil War, as so many were in cathedrals and churches throughout England and Wales.
Considering that the listing of the contents of her funerary chapel (and I question your statement that her tomb's position not far from the altar in an important cathedral was somehow less respectful than Anne Boleyn's in what is essentially a prison?) took place during the 'dissolution of the monasteries' it is perhaps surprising that so much was still in place?
Henry, meanwhile, is buried in a vault at Windsor, along with his third wife, Jane Seymour, mother of Edward VI (his son). The vault also holds his executed successor Charles I and one of Queen Anne's infant children, so hardly exclusive. His resting place is only marked with a slab placed by William IV as late as 1847. Yes, Henry was buried with all due pomp and circumstance, but his intended magnificent funerary sarcophagus (confiscated from Cardinal Wolsey) ended up being used for Admiral Nelson at St Paul's, and the recently rediscovered decorative angels which were to have topped it are now in the V&A. Compare and contrast with his own father's monument (Henry VII) in Westminster Abbey. So perhaps 'justice' was served?
You can always plan your funeral, but there is no guarantee your wishes will be followed!
Excellent, learnt something new today. Beautifully narrated thank you 💐
Just to put things into perspective, despite Catalina being a devout and outspoken Catholic (being the daughter of the Catholic Monarchs of Spain)... Protestant leaders like Martin Luther and William Tyndale advocated on behalf of her. That's how *clear cut* Henry's "great matter" was.
I haven't read up on Luther and Tyndale's comments on the annulment, but I'll assume you're correct that they didn't support it. I suppose from their point of view, married is married and they didn't like people like the Pope dissolving valid marriages. Also, despite breaking from Rome Henry was still a Catholic himself in pretty much all other respects, so they wouldn't have liked that about him anyway.
@@HistoryCalling A Pope cannot dissolve a VALID marriage. An annulment is a declaration that a marriage was not valid in the first place because of an impediment eg force or lack of FREE consent. I have been very fortunate to have been able to visit and pray at Catherine's grave on several visits to England,the last time,2018, being able to show some Spanish tourists where she was buried. Gordon Carter. Adelaide. South Australia.