Hey, StoryGnatter 👋
I know these stories of mine very often delve into history (recent or not-so-recent), but this week I’m really letting my history nerd out in force.
Please forgive me.
I think this incredible lady is worth it.
Catalina - or Catherine
You’ll know her as Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of Henry VIII who he divorced in favour of the much younger Anne Boleyn.
But there is so, SO much more to her than that. I think she’s fascinating, and while there’s no way I can cover everything here today, I can tease you with five highlights in the hope that you’ll go off and find out more. Or at least remember her as more than the spurned wife.
ONE - Her upbringing
She was the youngest daughter of a formidable queen – Queen Isabella of Castile who, with her husband King Ferdinand of Aragon, united the regions we now know as Spain into one country, becoming the first monarchs of Spain as we understand it today. Growing up, she was known as Catalina and, like her sisters, she was educated and raised to be an impressive queen. She travelled the country with her parents and witnessed huge change while she was still a child.
TWO - Relocation relocation relocation
Aged 15, she sailed for England where she would marry Arthur, heir to the throne – and she never saw her parents again. You may remember that Arthur died shortly after the marriage, leading her to be betrothed to his brother (and the new heir), Henry.
THREE - A female first
There were several years between Arthur’s death and Catherine’s marriage to Henry. For some of that time, she was ambassador of the Aragonese crown to England – the first known female ambassador in European history.
FOUR - A long(er) marriage (than you might have been led to believe)
Catherine became Queen of England aged just 23 when she married Henry VIII in 1509. Despite the fact that we remember her for the divorce that was forced on her, they were married – much of it apparently happily – for 24 years. Their marriage ended in 1533, with five wives following in relatively quick succession over the remaining 14 years of Henry’s life.
FIVE - Warrior Queen
In the early years at least, Henry trusted Catherine and recognised her education, skill and judgement. In 1513, he was away in France, leaving Catherine as regent of England for six months in his absence. During that time, she saw off a Scottish invasion at the Battle of Flodden, inspiring the English army into battle just as her mother had done in Spain.
So, you see…? So much more than a wronged woman who was pushed aside for a younger model.
You can find out more about this wonderful woman here:
What do you think? Did you learn something new?
I’ll be back next week, same time, same place,
Meg
I did learn something new, by the way! I had no idea he was married to Catherine for so long and that his last 5 marriages were just in the last 14 years. Also, good for her, being the first female ambassador! That's impressive. Like mother, like daughter in the sense of being powerful, intelligent, successful women.
Can I just mention, though, that Los Reyes Católicos (as Isabella and Ferdinand were referred to) may have been responsible for "uniting Spain" but they also committed mass genocide on the Muslim peoples there. They were ruthless and bloody. I've stood in a church where dozens of bodies were buried under the alter by their men. I know this article is about their daughter: I just wanted to acknowledge this piece as it was referenced.
A more fun fact: In the statue of Isabella, at rest in death, present where she is buried, her head is sunk further into the stone pillow than her husband's. This is because she was acknowledged as being the true brains behind their reign. She was the strategist and he was the sword.