History!

Recently, I have been completely enthralled with a history book! I normally stay far away from non-fiction unless I want to fall asleep faster at night, but with Alison Weir's look at the Tudor court under Henry VIII, I can't put it down! I have always had a fascination with Henry VIII and his family but with Weir's book I have decided to dive a little bit further, and read the book cover to cover.

Henry's six wives have always been one of the most intriguing parts of his life to me. This book is helping me get a more well-rounded view of them. Rather than pawns being pushed around by a mighty (and moody) king, the queens had a great deal of influence.

The first of Henry's wives with Katherine of Aragon. What most people know about her is that she was ousted by Anne Boleyn, who became Henry's second wife. This is true, but here are some lesser known facts about Katherine:

• She had been married to Henry's older brother, Arthur, who would have become king if he hadn't died at a very young age. It was said that the marriage was never consummated, which made it possible for Henry to marry his own brother's wife.
• Katherine was six years older than Henry.
• Katherine and Henry actually had a very loving and happy relationship for many years.
• Katherine's only surviving child was Mary, who ended up becoming queen, but she actually had 4 other children, none of whom survived longer than a month.
• Henry thought that his lack of a male heir could be a judgement of God for marrying his brother's wife, although there had been special dispensation given for their marriage. Many people think he just wanted to marry Anne Boleyn, and while that's certainly true, he also doubted the legitimacy of his first marriage on religious principle.
• Henry and Katherine were not actually divorced; their marriage was annulled.

Poor Katherine was loved by the people of England, and a devoted wife who never acknowledge the annulment of her marriage to the day she died. There's a quick look at some of the fascinating things I'm reading, but be sure I will post more!