On 4 November 1501, a fifteen-year-old girl arrived in England to marry the fifteen-year-old prince of that kingdom. Their parents, especially the boy’s, hoped that the marriage would secure the future of their family on the throne. Much excitement surrounded the safe arrival of Katharine of Aragon from Spain to England. She and her husband-to-be, Arthur Tudor, were engaged years before and spent their time exchanging letters in Latin, the only common language they shared.Katharine of Aragon has of course always been a fascinating historical figure as the first wife of the infamous Henry VIII. This book provides a new perspective on Katharine because it includes far more background on her Spanish upbringing and her Spanish culture, and how that continued to define her in England. Heather Darsie uses rich primary sources, such as the anonymous Receyt of Ladie Kateryne, which have been infrequently referenced in other biographies. In this, Heather’s multilingual abilities – especially her fluent Spanish – are put to good use.No one, for example, has considered the rippling impact of terminating Katharine’s marriage on the Trastamara and Habsburg dynasties in Europe. Katherine was as important abroad as she was in England. Her mother Isabella was a usurper and so was Henry VII; their attempts to ‘legitimise’ each other are examined here for the first time.How relevant to the history of England is Katherine’s Spanish background? Her daughter is Mary I.
Write a Review
Write a Review
Katharine of Aragon, Spanish Princess 9781398109711 Hardback
There are no reviews for this product yet - be the first
- Authors:
- Darsie, Heather R.
- Year Published:
- 2025
- Country of Publication:
- United Kingdom
- Format:
- Hardback
- Illustrations Note:
- 8 Plates, color
- ISBN:
- 9781398109711
- Number of Pages:
- 320
- Publication Date:
- 15/05/2025
- Publisher:
- Amberley Publishing
- Language:
- English
- Place of Publication:
- Chalford
- Imprint:
- Amberley Publishing
- SKU:
- 9781398109711