Lady Margaret Beaufort, Parts One, Two, Three, and Four

Click to download parts one, two, three, and four. Or listen on YouTube parts one, two, three, and four.

Transcript:

Margaret Beaufort:

Part One:

Phillip: this should be about 40 pages, I only need the first ten looked at today. I’m putting the split in for you. I haven’t finished writing the last five pages though. 

Hello, before I start this episode I’m going to give a rare trigger warning, I’ll be discussing suicide, so, if this is a topic that you’re not comfortable hearing about this episode might not be for you. I will tell you within the episode what minute to skip if you want to listen to the rest of the episode. I don’t usually add trigger warnings because history should make us all a little uncomfortable, but I feel strongly about this. If you are struggling with these feelings please reach out to a trusted source for help. I will be including a list of websites to start with in the description. 

Before I even start this episode I want everyone listening to think back to any portrayal you’ve ever seen of Lady Margaret Beaufort you’ve seen in historical fiction, and then I want you to throw is aside completely. First, no, she had nothing to do with the deaths of the sons of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville, Edward V and Richard of York, this is likely and 21st century fiction. Second, she and her daughter-in-law appear to have had a great relationship, including sharing jokes publicly with each other. Finally, while she was a deeply pious and spiritual woman she was also a lavish and fashionable member of the upperclass who wore her worth on her body, literally. Oh, and she didn’t appear to barely put up with her final two husbands. Described by historian Neville Williams as ‘Henry VII’s devout and rather awesome mother’ she was nothing short of a force, driven to make her place in a world that was not built for powerful women. Much like her eight times great grandmother, Matilda, she would be proud to see her son become king, unlike Matilda though, she had the political awareness not to try to claim the throne for herself. With that, I would like to show you all of these things through her episode, so let’s go. 

For this episode I’ll be using Nicola Tallis’ Uncrowned Queen: The Fateful Life of Margaret Beaufort Tudor Monarch, and Nathan Amin’s The House of Beaufort: The Bastard Line That Captured the Crown. If you’re interested in the near environment in any way I highly recommend Nicola Tallis’ work in general. She has an amazing way of describing the things around her subjects that point at their wealth, influence, and power. Her descriptions of buildings, furnishings, fabrics, and jewels is first rate and takes me right back to some of my favourite uni lectures. I just want to acknowledge the amount of sources available for this subject and the next. I think back to the women covered in the second mini-series and how they were usually tiny mentions in the biographies of the men who surrounded them. I have no doubt those women lived full and interesting lives that we know almost nothing about for the simple reason that they were born the ‘wrong’ sex. The increase in sources is almost overwhelming, and while it makes my job so much easier in many ways it also makes it harder. I have to pick things to cut out. So, if I miss your favourite story or anecdote about these subjects please let me know, and I’ll see if I can make a comic or shoehorn it into a later episode. 

A quick note, I will refer to Lady Margaret Beaufort as Margaret or Margaret Beaufort throughout most of these episodes because her full name is a lot to say contantly, but there is another Margaret Beaufort. Unsurprisingly this Margaret was her cousin through her uncle, Edmund Beaufort, who was approximately four years younger than this episode’s star. So remember that when you’re looking them up (the Beaufort family seemed to have only four male names, John, Henry, Edmund, and Thomas, and two female name, Margaret and Joan. Am I joking? Mostly, but take a look at their family tree). 

Lady Margaret Beaufort was the only legitimate child of John Beaufort, the 1st Duke of Somerset and his wife, Margaret Beauchamp. You may remember John Beaufort’s brother, Edmund Beaufort, the 2nd Duke of Somerset, and careful listeners will remember me discussing John Beaufort’s death in that episode. Margaret Beauchamp (whom I’ll refer to using her title, Duchess of Somerset from here on out to avoid confusion) on the other hand was distantly related to Thomas de Beauchamp of the Lords Appellant fame. While Margaret was her father’s only legitimate child she was her mother’s eighth child, what’s even more impressive, her mother would have a ninth child seven years later, and all nine children would survive to adulthood. In fact, Margaret Beaufort’s nieces and nephews include the husband of Margaret Pole, George of Clarence’s daughter, the great-grandparents of Lady Jane Boleyn, Countess Rochford, the wife of George Boleyn, brother to Anne, and the husband to Cecily of York, the next subject’s younger sister. Margaret was born on the 31st of May 1443 at Bletsoe Castle. 

Before I get into more of Margaret’s life I need to have a quick legal chat. You’ll all remember from John of Gaunt’s episode that his Beaufort children were born out of wedlock to Kathryn Swynford during Gaunt’s marriage to Constance of Castile. Nathan Amin details this all very clearly in his book and I recommend looking there for further details, but the basic outline is this. They were declared legitimate by the pope and English parliament in 1397. This legitimation made them eligible for all ‘honours, dignities, pre-eminences, estates, degrees, and offices.’ Richard II was actually close to his Beaufort cousins (though, they also got along well with their half-brother) and was seemingly happy to do this for his uncle and cousins. A decade after this occurred John Beaufort, Margaret’s grandfather (really, they only used four names), petitioned his half brother, Henry IV for reconfirm his and his sibling’s legitimacy. Now, there had been a big change in England since the original act had occurred. Richard II had no children, and liked switching up his stated heir regularly. Henry IV though did not lack for heirs. He had four sons and two daughters. In 1407 the king’s oldest son was only 21 and his youngest was 17, they had plenty of time to have children of their own (I think someone might have forgotten to tell them though). Henry wouldn’t want any threats to their claim. So, he confirmed his half-siblings legitimacy but added the phrase ‘exepta dignitate regali’ which means ‘except for the royal dignity’. It’s important to note that this variation on the original text was not passed through parliament. As we should know by now, parliament does have the right to pass these laws and statutes. Legally, this phrase does not hold water, but it appears that Henry IV was hoping it would never become and issue. For those who are curious, at the time in England, it’s likely that Henry IV half brothers would each follow his sons in line of succession, as we describe it today. This is because brothers outrank sisters, and their claim was through their shared father. So at the time of Henry IV’s ascension in 1399, in order, after Henry IV’s four sons and two daughters would be John Beaufort, and Thomas Beaufort, their brother Henry was a Bishop and this would have likely ruled him out, though he could have renounced his religious vows. He would come before his brother Thomas if he did. Following them would be Philippa of Lancaster, Queen of Portugal and her progeny, then Elizabeth of Lancaster, Duchess of Exeter and her progeny, then Catherine of Lancaster, Queen of Spain and her progeny, and finally, Joan Beaufort. However, it’s questionable if parliament would ever accept a foreign king. As you will all remember from the Richard Duke of York episodes nothing goes the way Henry IV planned it. His sons and daughters manage to have only two legitimate children between the six of them, the future Henry VI and Rupert of Palatine, though to be fair his daughters died in the effort to have children. So, I guess a little question for you all is, would Henry IV’s changes have held up had the War of the Roses never happened? I mean, for all we know, Edward of Westminster could have had as many children as Edward III had he survived, or he really could have been it. Just a little alternate history thought for you all. Back to Margaret. By the time she was born only one of Henry IV’s sons, Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, was living, and Henry IV’s only English grandson was childless, so, using that list above, Margaret was third in line after Gloucester and her father. 

Margaret’s life should have been easy, but the Hundred Years’ War wasn’t easy for anyone. Her father, John Beaufort, was a cousin of the king, Henry VI, and his uncle, Henry Beaufort, was a powerful member of council. However, John Beaufort’s life didn’t seem to go as planned. During the reign of Henry IV, his father, also named, John, died when he was only six and his mother was scandalously, quickly, married to his half-cousin Thomas, Duke of Clarence, the second son of Henry IV. In defence of Henry IV, he did delay this wedding until the widow had served her full mourning period. He was actually concerned about the potential for half-sibling rivalry, since the children of Thomas would be in line to the throne. Henry IV, sadly, had nothing to worry about. Henry V would become king in 1413. John Beaufort became the Earl of Somerset when his older brother, Henry, died in 1418 during the Siege of Rouen (patrons, this siege is discussed in the Henry V special episode), John was only 14. In 1421, his step-father, Thomas of Clarence, would take John and his two younger brothers, Thomas and Edmund, to France with him as part of Henry V’s ongoing push to take France. On the 22nd of March that year Thomas of Clarence would die (without legitimate progeny) at the Battle of Bauge. John Beaufort and his younger brother, Thomas, were taken. Edmund actually avoided capture, which was a blessing. John was held in French custody for 17 years, Thomas was actually released in 1430, as a younger son he was a less valuable hostage than his older brother. Thankfully, it does appear his mother was a competent administrator and cared for his estates well. In the end he would have to pay his own ransom. Once he returned he was treated well by his family, by this point Henry VI was king. 

John was married to Margaret Beauchamp sometime between 1439 and 1442. While he was a well-regarded military leader, his last command did not go well. In 1443 John was created Duke of Somerset. In August of 1443, he was charged to march to Gascony and somehow ended up in Brittany (these two places are not close by standards of the day). In his defence, he was unwell, both physically, and possibly, mentally. He returned to England, probably rather embarrassed. He was banished from court and awaiting a charge of treason due to his performance in France. In May 1444 he died. And this is the bit you’ll want to skip if the trigger warning applies to you, please skip ahead XX seconds (I’ll actually time it and put blank space around). While today, in many cases, suicide is seen as a missed chance to have helped someone and rightly sad, at the time it was seen as both a personal failing and a sin. Just the suggestion of it can stain a family, and that is what happened in John Beaufort’s case. While the two sources that covered his death disagree to the cause, even the suggestion is enough to cause embarrassment. I hope that today we’d be more forgiving, at the time that wasn’t an option. (End trigger warning). At the time of her father’s death, Margaret’s mother was pregnant, sadly she would either loose the child or they would die not long after birth. 

Because Margaret was not a boy, her father’s earldom passed to his surviving brother, Edmund Beaufort. His dukedom was recreated for his brother, though Edmund is still referred to as the 2nd Duke of Somerset. While Margaret wouldn’t get her father’s title she would inherit his substantial wealth, and in a brilliant move on John’s part, her custody and marriage rights had been previously promised to her mother. This promise lasted all of four days. Margaret was the senior Beaufort claimant with her father’s death, regardless of any royal claims. Henry VI, by now an active 22 year old king decided to offer her wardship to his leading magnate William de la Pole, the Earl of Suffolk. You should remember him, or at least his banishment. De la Pole had one son, John, by his wife Alice Chaucer, yes, the writer with the same surname was her grandfather. John would be betrothed to Anne Beauchamp in 1446, but she would die in 1449. While Margaret was De la Pole’s ward he didn’t have possession of her, she actually remained in her mother’s household. Due to being raised with her half-siblings, including, surprisingly, her father’s illegitimate daughter (Tacyn who was born during his captivity in France), she was close to all her siblings. Those illustrious marriages I mentioned for their children were due, greatly, to Margaret’s influence. Her maternal older siblings, the St Johns (really quick aside for my non-British listeners, if you’re searching for the family name search for St John), were a large part of her childhood, there were seven of them after all. Nicola Tallis even shares that Margaret embroidered a St John family tree, which is very period appropriate and I think shows a young girl who cared for her older brothers and sisters even though they didn’t share a father. Margaret’s mother made sure her daughter was well educated, not just in classic tasks expected of a woman, such as needlework and estate management (remember, men die in war and women have to take care of what’s left in many cases), but also instilled in her a love for reading, music, and language. This household full of love and learning was also filled with music and luxury. The Duchess of Somerset was a great patron of performers, and Margaret would continue this in her later royal life. Their castle was also well-appointed, which is something Margaret will also favour as she ages. 

While her upbringing was luxurious it was also pious, one of her sisters even became a nun. Religion wasn’t just something that people participated in occasionally, it was a huge part of life. Prayers were heard daily, and sleeping in on Sunday did not happen. Margaret’s religious devotion is well documented and it likely started at a young age.

Due to growing up in her mother’s house Margaret would have been present for her mother’s third marriage. At some point after mid-April 1447 (when the license was granted) the Duchess of Somerset became Baroness Welles as the second wife of Lionel de Welles. While this might have been seen as a step down it was at least by all accounts a love match. This marriage would bring with it five step-siblings and in 1450 Margaret’s youngest brother, John. 1450 was a big year for Margaret, and for everyone in England. Her guardian, de la Pole was struggling politically, and decided to protect his son, John’s, interests. To do this he wed John to Margaret. Don’t worry, this marriage wasn’t consummated at the time, Margaret was six and John was seven. Even though they were married the couple, obviously, couldn’t consent, so the marriage wouldn’t be valid until they reach to canonical ages of 12 and 14 respectively. Margaret would never consider this marriage valid, and it would be dissolved in 1453 through an annulment. John would eventually marry Elizabeth of York, no, not that one, this one was the daughter of Richard 3rd Duke of York, hmmm, I’m sure this will all end well. You’ll all hopefully remember what happened to Margaret’s father-in-law less than five months after her marriage. For those who forgot, he had the shortest exile ever, involving being captured by pirates while sailing for Calais, followed by a swift show trial and execution by beheading at sea. Interestingly Margaret and John’s paper dispensation would arrive after his father’s death. The young couple’s mothers had made sure it was applied for after realising the were related (yes, everyone is related). How they missed it before the wedding is beyond me, Alice Chaucer was the granddaughter of Philippa Roet, Kathryn Synwford’s sister, who was Margaret’s great-grandmother, making them related in the fourth and fifth degree. 

You’ll remember that 1450 was the year of Jack Cade’s rebellion in southern England, followed by Richard 3rd Duke of York’s confrontation with Henry VI. And then the year was capped off with the arrest of Margaret’s uncle, Edmund Beaufort, the Duke of Somerset. While Somerset would be released it would have been unsettling to Margaret and her family. Over the next few years relations between the crown (including their supporter Edmund Beaufort) on one side and York on the other would continue to degrade. If you want more on that from the inside, check out Richard, 3rd Duke of York’s four episodes. Margaret though was safe from this for the moment, her step-father was serving the king in Calais, and her mother had her well protected in their properties. And in February 1453 Margaret would be presented to the king. Her mother had been ordered to bring attend court and to bring Margaret with her. Margaret was getting divorced, well, the king was dissolving her unconsummated marriage that was only in word. It’s good to note here that Margaret never considered this marriage to be a true marriage. She in fact, lists her future husbands in her wills and papers, but not this first one. Since the marriage was unconsummated the church and legal minds would probably agree with her. Henry VI had a new husband in mind for his young cousin, his half-brother, Edmund Tudor. Quickly, decades after the fact Margaret shared with her confessor, John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester (yes, he will later be executed by Henry VIII), that her betrothal to Edmund Tudor was precipitated on a vision she had after extensive prayer. Fisher would imply that the, then nine year old, was able to chose her own husband. Nicola Tallis is pretty confident that the king had already chosen for her, but shares that the story does show an early example of Margaret’s piety, which should never be ignored. Regardless of Margaret’s visions Henry VI assigned her wardship to his half-brother, Edmund and Jasper. This would have been lucrative for the young men who were 23 to 25 and 21 respectively. Henry VI, Edmund, and Jasper were maternal half-brothers through their shared mother, Katherine of Valois. Edmund and Jasper’s father though was a welsh squire, Owen Tudor. While he himself wasn’t illustrious, his family line can be traced back to some illustrious members of the Welsh aristocracy. Owen and Katherine had four or five children together, it’s actually unclear if they were ever married or just cohabitating, but it appears their children were all treated as legitimate. Owen had been imprisoned  in 1438 and 1439 due to his relationship with Katherine after her death in 1438. He was released by his step-son, Henry VI, who seemed to take a liking to the father-figure who had no claim to his throne. Henry even made sure his brothers were referred to as princes and looked after their education, hence, the close relationship between the brothers. In order of precedents his brothers would only rank below dukes, and ahead of all earls. 

While Margaret’s next husband was chosen, she was still a child, and it appears the plan was for her to remain in her mother’s household until she was old enough to be married. I’ve discussed it many times before, while the canonical age for marriage was 12 for girls, very few marriages were consummated at that age. Remember, being physically able to give birth is not something 12 year olds are usually ready for. While the scientific knowledge of the 15th century pales compared to ours mothers and midwifes would have known that allowing girls to have children too early was dangerous. Childbirth was dangerous in the best circumstances, and being a young mother is not the best circumstance. But for Margaret events outside of anyone’s control would not give her the best chance at a safe motherhood. In August of 1453 Henry VI had his first mental break, when he fell into a stupor and was unable to communicate with those around him.  In October of that year Queen Margaret gave birth to last week’s subject, hers and Henry VI’s only child, Edward of Westminster. With the king incapacitated Queen Margaret must have felt both so alone and so afraid, rumours were circulating that the child wasn’t the king’s and he couldn’t put a stop to it by acknowledging his son. For Margaret Beaufort this meant that the court quickly sorted itself into factions, Queen Margaret and Edmund Beaufort on one side and Richard Duke of York, his brother-in-law Richard Neville, Earl of Salisbury, and Neville’s son, Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick  on the other. Again, please listen to the last five episodes to get a firm grasp of the politics at the time. But, in March 1454 Richard of York was appointed protector of England (and the church) by Parliament. Margaret’s uncle, Edmund Beaufort, was again held in the Tower awaiting trial. The Queen was sent away from court and any power Margaret’s relatives wielded was gone while York was in control. Margaret’s guardians though, Edmund and Jasper Tudor, were reformers. While they were completely loyal to the person of their half-brother they saw that Richard of York wasn’t wrong and that the kingdom’s finances and military situation needed reformed. From a practical stand point this makes a lot of sense. By correcting problems within the kingdom Edmund and Jasper could protect their brother’s rule and safeguard their nephew, Edward’s, inheritance. But, we know this reform movement did not last, at Christmas 1454 Henry VI began to recover. This was great for his son and wife, it temporarily put a stop to the rumours of the Princes’ parentage, but it was a disaster in every other way. By May the following year Margaret’s uncle, Edmund Beaufort would be dead, the king would be under York’s control, and the royalist faction would be, at least temporarily, utterly devastated. Margaret’s betrothed, Edmund Tudor, was not present at the First Battle of St. Albans, he apparently was dealing with ill-health throughout this period. His brother Jasper was though and was injured in the fighting.

While Margaret, of course, wasn’t at the fighting, she would have known the outcome. Her uncle was succeeded by his son, her cousin, Henry Beaufort (really four names). Henry Beaufort had been injured in the fighting, but would recover. Less than a fortnight after the battle Margaret turned 12. As I mentioned earlier, it was unlikely that she was originally planned to live with her husband so early, it’s likely their wedding had been planned, but their consummation would have likely been delayed. The events at the end of May changed this. While Margaret was the legal age to marry, she was still, according to all accounts, a child. She actually looked very young, and childlike. She would have gone through puberty, but she hadn’t finished growing by any stretch of the imagination. Still, health concerns and social custom took a back seat to politics. From a political perspective this marriage was amazing. After the king’s son, Margaret was theoretically next in line to the throne of England. Edmund had a claim to the French throne through his and Henry VI’s shared mother, Catherine of Valois, though this claim was weak. There is not date for their marriage recorded, but it would have happened by September of 1455, papal dispensation had actually been received in 1450, they were related through the seventh degree on both sides through Philip III of France. Margaret became the Countess of Richmond upon marrying Edmund. Edmund, as you probably know already, decided to consummate the marriage not long after the actual wedding. There are a few royal examples of young brides, Isabella of France, mother to Edward III, Mary de Bohun, mother to Henry V, and Eleanor of Castile, mother to Edward II. All were 12 or 13 at the time of their marriage. Evidence shows the first two delayed consummation until they were closer to 16 or even 18, and there was a significant age gap between bride and groom in the first example, Isabella was at least 11 years younger than her husband. The third, though, consummated her marriage not long after the wedding, Eleanor of Castile and her husband, Edward I were actually rather enamoured with each other from their first meeting, thankfully, they were very close in age. Eleanor would give birth to a stillborn child less than a year after their wedding. After this the couple were kept apart, at least in private, until she was deemed old enough to safely carry a child. None of these scenarios were what happened to Margaret. Her groom was significantly older than her and he needed her to give birth to his child for his hold on her wealth to continue should she die. She actually fell pregnant not long after their wedding, especially in September 1455 is taken as the date. Every time I read or write about this I’m completely appalled by Edmund’s decision, and I’m not alone. Those alive at the time were horrified, and historians since had been equally scathing. Oddly though, while Margaret was physically injured by this experience (more on that in a moment), and likely psychologically scarred, she did link herself to Edmund throughout her life. He asked that his arms be incorporated on her tomb, and she had masses said for his soul regularly. Nicola Tallis suggests that this might be due to her linking her son to his father and the dynasty they created more than a love for her second husband. 

Margaret and Edmund would move to his lands in Wales in the autumn of 1455. While Wales had theoretically been English since the Conquest of Wales by Edward I in late 13th century, it’s was not a stable hold. As you’ll remember back in the Mortimer episodes Wales had rebelled during the reigns of Henry IV and V under the leadership of the last Welsh prince of Wales Owain Glyndwr. Again, please forgive my Welsh pronunciations. While Glyndwr had likely been dead for 50 years at this point (or was secretly still alive at 101 years old), there was still tension in Wales between the English nobility and the Welsh nobility. It’s easy to think the Edmund would fall into the latter, but he had been raised by the English king and had been a member of English court. He may have had a Welsh name and father, but he was the king’s man. His rival in the area of Wales he held was Gruffudd ap Nicholas. While Margaret was realising she was pregnant, her husband was preparing for war with Gruffudd ap Nicholas. In August of 1456 Edmund took Carmarthen Castle from Gruffudd ap Nicholas. There was just one problem with taking this castle, it’s constable, Richard of York. In unsurprising news York raised forces to take the castle back. While it would be expected that York would ransom Edmund this doesn’t appear to be the case. Remember, he had always worked well with the Tudor brothers, and likely just wanted to protect his holdings. Instead, Edmund was released, but didn’t go home. It appears he contracted the plague at some point during his captivity, or not long after his release. He died on the 1st or 3rd of November, 1456. Margaret was 13, pregnant, and now a widow, living in a castle in Wales, far away from her family and supporters. Oh, and the plague was running amok through Wales. Do remember that pregnant women are often more at risk for catching disease due to their pregnancies, as someone who spent the most recent pandemic pregnant this is a scary fact that wouldn’t have been unknown or unnoticed at the time. 

I’m going to stop this episode here. There will be three more episodes, so don’t worry, we will hear her full story. I need to keep these consistent in length or else there will be one huge episode.  Thank you again for you support, please get your questions in for the end of the not-so-mini-series review. If I time it correctly this should also fall around the one year anniversary of this show! So, it’ll be a combined end-of-series and Q and A episode. I’m really looking forward to this. See you next week.

Part Two:

While we don’t know how Margaret felt with the death of her husband, fear would have probably been at the forefront as opposed to grief, there was one person who was devastated with Edmund Tudor’s passing. His brother, Jasper. I’m sure Henry VI was upset as well, at least, if he was in the state of mind to understand, but Jasper was heartbroken. Jasper though, had an important task, he needed to get to his young sister-in-law. He reached her quickly and transported her to his stronghold, Pembroke Castle, which was thankfully only two miles away from her late husband’s property. Other than Jasper, his servants, and her servants who had accompanied them she would be alone there. This would have been a terrifying condition to give birth in, her mother and older sisters wouldn’t be there to comfort her or help her through the rough parts. It does appear a midwife was at least called for, which is lucky, and probably the only reason Margaret survived this ordeal. On the 28th of January she gave birth to her only child, Henry of Richmond, known to us as Henry Tudor or Henry VII once he became king. As I mentioned in an earlier episode, almost no one took note. This young Henry, likely named for his royal uncle, was just the son of a deceased nobleman and his distantly royal widow. While he was theoretically close to the throne he had been born into the middle of a civil war that was anything by civil. 

Margaret may have only been a child herself, but she was fierce in the protection of her only child. Due to noble birth and the political situation, Henry Tudor would not spend much of his early life with his mother, but the two formed a strong bond that would last to the end of both their lives. There is a tale, written down well after his birth, that Henry was originally named Owen, after his grandfather, but that Margaret insisted he be called Henry. While I don’t know if this is true and Nicola Tallis couldn’t find any further sources, it’s not out of the question that Margaret would get what she wanted due to her strong will as we’ll see throughout the next few episodes. 

While Margaret had just gone through what was likely the most physically traumatic event of her life and survived she was still at risk. She was a wealthy widow, and ask Rex Factor fans know, this can make a woman a deed title. Any man who could posses her could in theory marry her, and then hold her property. Yes, she was under the protection of her brother-in-law, who despite suggestions in historical fiction appears to have never been a love interest of hers, but he couldn’t always be there, he was a soldier after all and under command of the king. To the king, while also her brother-in-law, she was a pawn who could be used to make alliances, plus, Henry didn’t really have control even when he did. Instead of waiting for someone to kidnap her Margaret took matters into her own hands. With the help of Jasper she picked her next husband. Yes, this was a rare occurrence in this time period, a noble woman who was as young as Margaret often had her marriages arranged. But, her brother-in-law being her protector awarded her some control. Jasper did, of course, handle the initial pleasantries, he made contact with his fellow Lancastrian, Humphrey Stafford, Duke of Buckingham. Humphrey was the son of Anne of Gloucester, the only surviving child of Thomas of Woodstock, the youngest son of Edward III. This made him distantly royal, but a loyal Lancastrian. Now, remember how I mentioned that Lady Margaret Beaufort has a cousin who shares the same name, well, she’s about to come up. Humphrey's oldest son, who was also Humphrey was already married to the cousin of Lady Margaret Beaufort who shared her name, but his second son, Henry Stafford was unmarried. I’ll refer to Henry as Stafford, his father as Humphrey and his brother as Earl Stafford, since his courtesy title was the Earl of Stafford. In addition to being descended through Edward III via his youngest son Humphrey’s sons were also descended through John of Gaunt via his daughter Joan Beaufort. Her daughter, Anne Neville was Humphrey’s wife and Henry’s mother. Yes, everyone is related, and in this case they all have the same names. Margaret left Wales as soon as she was churched, that forty day wait after birth that women took in this era. She arrived at Humphrey’s property with Jasper and negotiations began. 

Henry Stafford was approximately 31, and apparently suffered from ill health, which points to why he wasn’t married. But, he had two things Margaret needed, a powerful family and loyalty to Lancaster and Henry VI. Nicola Tallis also theorises that Margaret may had decided not to have any further children, understandable with the trauma of her first birth, and marrying an older, by the standards of the day, man who was a second son could be ideal. He may have also suffered from leprosy, which would preclude having children or even marital relations. Dispensation for the marriage was approved on the 6th of April 1457, remember they were related in the fourth and third degree on both sides. The couple would wait until Margaret’s year-long mourning period was complete before marrying in early January 1458, Margaret was 14. While there was a large age gap between the couple and it was a business arrangement more than a love match it appears that Stafford was able to make his wife happy, and the couple cared for each other greatly. 

With her marriage though Margaret lost something she cared for more than anything else, her son. His wardship was given to his uncle, Jasper Tudor, though this may have been agreed to prior to her wedding. He would be safer at Jasper seat of Pembroke than in England, so it was a wise choice. Henry Tudor would spend much of his life before he became king in his uncle’s care.

Less than three years after her third wedding Margaret’s world was completely changed. In July of 1460 her father-in-law, Humphrey, was killed at the Battle of Northampton, his oldest son had predeceased him, so Stafford’s nephew succeeded to the dukedom. As you should all remember in late October 1460 the Act of Accord was reached. With this Richard of York was declared Henry VI’s heir, disinheriting Edward of Westminster, Prince of Wales, and putting York’s line next in the line of succession. York was also appointed Protector of England yet again. In addition to destroying the royal state in England, it also moved Margaret and her son significantly down in the line of succession. They were now behind Richard of York and his four sons and three daughters. Queen Margaret was enraged by this, as one would expect. Of course, York’s hold on power didn’t last long. He and his son, Edmund of Rutland, would be killed on the 30th of December 1460, with York’s brother-in-law, Salisbury, being executed not much later. 

 It would have appeared that the Yorkist cause was lost, but York’s heir and oldest son, Edward of March, now Duke of York didn’t give up the fight. On the 2nd of February he faced off against Lancastrian forces at the Battle of Mortimer’s Cross. The Lancastrian forces included Owen and Jasper Tudor. Yorkist forced won and in a move that shocked most alive at the time and the victim most of all Owen Tudor was executed after his capture. Remember, ransom was the usual way these things were done, but Edward of March was not going to take prisoners. Owen Tudor was actually recorded saying, ‘that head shall lie on the stock that was wont to lie on Queen Catherine’s lap’ just prior to his death. Jasper was able to escape, which is great for the rest of the story. However, with his father dead and him on the run Margaret’s son, Henry was left without a guardian, oh, and he was in Wales. Of course 15 days later the Lancastrian forces defeated the Yorkist at the Second Battle of St Albans. Even with this win their cause was lost. Edward of March would be acclaimed king in early April. Margaret could not have been pleased with this result, but she would be please that Henry VI, Queen Margaret, and their son were still at large. At the Battle of Towton at the end of March Edward, now Edward IV soundly defeated the Lancastrian forces. King Henry, Queen Margaret, their son, and their supporters would flee to Scotland and Wales. Margaret’s husband, Stafford had fought on the Lancastrian side during the battle, and this meant he, and Margaret were in danger. Margaret’s life was likely never at risk, women were rarely killed, but her property could be forfeit and her husband could be executed. 

Margaret was lucky though, granted this was her husband’s doing. You’ll remember that his mother was Anne Neville, she happened to be the oldest sister of Cecily Neville, Edward’s mother. Stafford was hist first cousin. Stafford was pardoned on the 25th of June 1461. This also protected Margaret’s property. With this pardon though there was a price, Stafford and his younger brother, switched sides, to York. Just to be really clear, at this point Margaret was only 18. But, it wasn’t all less than bad news, there was some actual horrible news coming Margaret’s way. Her brother-in-law, Jasper Tudor, was declared a rebel on the 10th of August and Edward IV sent men to take possession of Jasper’s property, including Pembroke, where Margaret’s son was living. At the same time, the property of Stafford’s nephew, Henry, the young 2nd Duke of Buckingham, who was six, was taken control of by the new king’s men. The safety that Margaret had carefully negotiated for was basically gone. Margaret’s late step-father, Lord Welles, was attained along with at least 150 loyal Lancastrians at Edward’s first Parliament in November. Remember, an attainder is there to basically stop the next generation from receiving the property they would have from the attained individual. In this case it would impact Margaret’s oldest step-brother and may have impacted her younger half brother. Margaret and her mother were lucky though, Parliament protected their lands, at least for the time being. Her son, though, became a ward of the king once Pembroke was secured. It appears Henry was able to stay at Pembroke until his guardian was named. In February 1461 his wardship was granted to Sir William Herbert. Herbert paid more than 600,000 pounds in today’s money for this. With his wardship assigned Henry moved to Herbert’s stronghold, Raglan Castle. Herbert had actually been York’s commander, and had taken Carmarthen from Margaret’s second husband, Edmund. Yes, her son had just been granted to the man who was somewhat responsible for his father’s death. Luckily for Margaret and Henry, Herbert and his wife were kind and judicious guardians and Henry was rather fond of both of them, but especially Herbert’s wife. Herbert would eventually be named Earl of Pembroke, the title was considered forfeit by Jasper Tudor. This would make him a powerful Welsh landholder and magnate. 

Both Margaret and Stafford were able to write to Henry regularly, and it appears that Stafford took an interest in his step-son’s upbringing. Margaret, of course, was very concerned that her son was being raised well. She, being a lover of learning, didn’t have much to worry about in that area. Young Henry was well educated and the Herbert’s really treated him as though he were their own child. Henry was apparently and excellent student, though this may be flattery, but he showed himself to be learned when he became king. But, in September of 1462 he was stripped of his title, which was transferred to the king’s brother, George, Duke of Clarence. And this gives us a great moment to talk about Henry’s name. While today we call him Henry VII or Henry Tudor, this isn’t what he would have been called during his lifetime. Until he was stripped of his earldom he would have been Henry of Richmond or Lord Richmond, which Margaret would call him until he became king. In an interesting note, his guardian, Herbert, also called him Lord Richmond. The same way we call the competing houses in the Wars of the Roses Lancaster and York, their titles, when they were legally both Plantagenet hyphen Lancaster or York. I will stick to calling young Lord Richmond Henry Tudor, because that’s how most today know him.

While Margaret’s future seemed secure for the moment a family member was about to put it at risk. Her cousin, Henry Beaufort, the son of Edmund Beaufort, defected from the Lancastrian cause and begged Edward IV’s forgiveness. He and his widowed mother were pardoned and he was brought into the fold in March of 1463 and restored to his titles by the end of April. But this defection was not complete, less than a year later he switched sides again. After making his escape from a stronghold he rose against Edward’s forces and was defeated by Warwick’s brother, Montague, at the Battle of Hexham in May 1464. He was captured and beheaded following the loss. This could have been terrible news for the Lancastrians who had remained in England and submitted to Edward. Beaufort’s mother was imprisoned in rather deplorable conditions, but those who hadn’t rose against the king were safe, he didn’t feel the need to go after those who hadn’t committed treason. Plus, in September that year Edward had more important things to take care of. 

Yes, in September of 1464 the kingdom received what would normally be joyous news, the king had gotten married. The problem was he had married a commoner, who was English, a widow, and a Lancastrian, oh, and she had children from that earlier marriage. While I think Edward IV’s marriage to Elizabeth Woodville was a rather brilliant move in some ways, he’d married someone who had proven she could have children and therefore his line wouldn’t be at risk (don’t worry, Edward knew he could have children), he hadn’t done it for that reason. He had married her because she was beautiful and he wanted her, it’s really that basic. While a totally normal reason for most people to get married this was not how a king acted, at least not for a first marriage. Royal marriages were for prestige and statecraft. As many of you may know Edward’s closest advisor and military leader, his cousin Warwick, was enraged. He had been working for months to secure a French marriage and Edward had basically just messed up the bed. Thankfully for Edward he and Warwick made up, at least temporarily, but the Lancastrian cause was about to be dealt its greatest blow.

In July of 1465 Henry VI, fugitive king, was apprehended by Warwick. Unlike King Henry’s grandfather, Henry IV, Edward was not ready to kill the previous king to secure his throne, at least not at first. But, he managed to further alienate Warwick, and this will set up the Lancastrian cause for one last attempt to regain control. Throughout this period Margaret and her husband were doing what they could to show themselves to be loyal to Edward and the Yorkist cause and to live normal lives.

Nicola Tallis shares reports of Margaret and Stafford’s mutual love of hunting and hawking, and that their property at Woking was well appointed and sumptuous. Now, I’ve mentioned a few times that Margaret was a lover of luxury and this is so important to discuss. Nicola Tallis, has documented her extensive jewellery collection and likes to contrast that with Margaret’s image in most people’s mind as this conservatively dressed, matronly woman. All evidence is to the contrary. She dressed well, had an extensive wine selection, and throughout her life wore expensive jewels. In the most scandalous bit of history, Margaret was even known to gamble and play cards. Yes, she was as religiously devout as normally presented, but there were many facets to her character. While her husband wasn’t a great man in the kingdom (possibly by choice) he was still a member in good standing and the couple would travel to London regularly. The couple spent time with both of their extended families, and were close to Stafford’s brother and nephew, as well as Margaret’s mother and siblings. Margaret’s mother would actually live to be approximately 72, and impressive age for the day. Stafford, unlike his wife, didn’t seem to have any political ambition.

Margaret’s religious devotion was both outwardly visible and privately sincere. She was generous with her donations to religious houses and was admitted to the confraternity of the Order of the Holy Trinity of Knaresborough along with her husband and son. This was a way to bind the three of them through a religious cause. Confraternities, like this, were a way for laypeople to publicly express their devotion to the church and religious causes, charity was a foundational aspect of this. With the change in government there would be long gaps between the moments Margaret got to see her son. One of those recorded was in September of 1467. This meeting would be there last for a long time, due mainly to the machinations of her Lancastrian family and their allies. 

In July of 1468 Jasper Tudor began raiding the coastline of Wales, near his dispossessed holding of Pembroke. He captured Denbigh Castle and held court in his brother’s name. King Edward had to respond and sent Henry’s guardian, Herbert, to capture a second Lancastrian castle in Wales, Harlech. The castle surrendered on the 14th of August and Jasper decided it was time to get out of Wales. Henry Tudor accompanied his guardian on this mission. Herbert was created, Earl of Pembroke, Jasper’s forfeit title. With her former brother-in-law’s incursion the king wanted to make sure Margaret and her husband were as loyal as they claimed to be. He visited their home at Woking in December 1468. The couple welcomed him with all the pomp that would be expected for a royal visit and the king was momentarily assured of their loyalty. Margaret though, had only one concern in life, her son, and his needs would soon make Edward again question the couple.

The reason for this questioning wasn’t completely Margaret’s fault. In July 1469 Warwick and George of Clarence rebelled against Edward. They returned to England and on the 26th of July defeated a small force lead by Henry Tudor’s guardian at the Battle of Edgecote. Henry was present for this battle. His guardian was executed after being taken prisoner. Henry, though, escaped. Margaret received news that her son’s guardian was dead, but no news about her son for days, I can only image her distress. Warwick and Clarence were able to capture the king and keep him at Warwick stronghold while Warwick attempted to rule on his behalf and they both attempted to have George declared king in his brother’s stead. While Warwick and Clarence were in control Margaret attempted to entreat Clarence to return her son’s title, Richmond, to him. This attempt would give Edward pause when he was released and returned to rule in early September. While Edward’s actions didn’t hurt Margaret or Stafford they didn’t help, Edward actually elevated Stafford’s younger brother, John, to the Earl of Wiltshire in January of 1470. Margaret’s older step-brother, also made things difficult for her. Despite Edward removing the attainder that had been passed on his father, Richard Welles had allied himself with Warwick and Clarence. In March 1470 he rose up against Edward and was defeated at the Battle of Losecoat Field (it becomes pretty clear why this is called the WarS of the Roses). He was executed along with his son, Robert, they were, of course attained. Stafford had actually ridden out with Edward and was the one who broke the news to Margaret’s mother that her step-son and step-grandson were dead. There were rumours that she was involved, but Edward chose to ignore those and pardon her. There were no suggestions that Margaret had anything to do with her step-brother’s rebellion. 

While the king, Warwick, and Clarence had been making nice publicly it appears that all wasn’t well between the three. The Battle of Losecoat Field brought this out into the open. Documents were found that proved Warwick and Clarence’s involvement and would lead to them fleeing the country. Landing in Normandy, Warwick eventually formed an alliance with Margaret of Anjou. I cover this in more detail in Edward of Westminster’s episode, so make sure to listen to that. When Warwick returned and Edward fled for the continent Margaret’s world was transformed. Warwick place Henry VI on the throne as his puppet king. Jasper Tudor returned, and Margaret was able to see her son again. She was no longer a suspected Lancastrian sympathiser, she was the sister-in-law of the king, the mother to his only nephew. 

Henry Tudor was ordered to the king’s presence. On the 27th of October 1470 Henry Tudor met the man he was named for. The story that Henry VI prophesied that his nephew would one day rule England is probably a bit made up, if true it points to the state of Henry VI’s mind more than divine prophesy, remember, Henry VI had his own son to rule after him. At least until April the following year. Henry Tudor’s wardship was returned to Jasper Tudor and he would remain in his mother’s company for a time. He returned to Woking with his mother and step-father at the end of October. His mother was seemingly excited and proud to show him around her vast estates and the surrounding towns. Henry was 13 and Margaret would have been only 26. When Henry left on the 11th of November this would be the last time Margaret saw him for more than 14 years. 

Jasper Tudor’s attainder had been reversed, can’t have the king’s brother be treated so poorly. Margaret was again hopeful her son’s title and lands would be returned, but Clarence was not willing to hand this over. While Warwick was in control with Henry as his puppet plans were being made overseas for two royal parties to return to England. One from France, led my Margaret of Anjou, Henry VI’s wife, and their son, Edward of Westminster. The second from Flanders, led by Edward IV and his loyal brother, Richard, Duke of Gloucester. 

The Yorkist party would win the race to England by a month and Clarence defected to his brother’s side. Warwick was defeated and killed on the 14th of April, 1471 at the Battle of Barnet. Margaret of Anjou and her forces landed on the 14th of April 1471, bad timing. Margaret’s husband had joined Edward for the battle, despite an attempt by Margaret’s cousin, Edmund Beaufort, to convince him to join the Lancastrian cause weeks before the battle. Stafford though stayed loyal to Edward, and would join him for Barnet. While Stafford didn’t die in battle he was injured and much like her son just a few years earlier it would be a long time before she received word of her husband’s condition. She actually had to travel to London, which wasn’t exactly a safe journey at that moment, to get word to him before she found out he was injured. Her headstrong nature is impressive even to this day. She had him brought home to Woking to be cared for. His wounds would eventually kill in on the 4th of October 1471. Once again, at 28, Margaret was a widow. Stafford was generous to Margaret and his step-son in his will, leaving Henry Tudor horse-related items. He addressed Margaret in this final document as his best-beloved wife. Interestingly Stafford’s crest does not feature on Margaret’s tomb, which she had a great deal of say over. It does though include the Stafford knot, it’s best described as a pretzel shaped knot with the large arc at the top, I’ll include a picture on social media. Other than bequeaths to his loyal servants he left the remainder of his worldly goods to his wife, she was also the executor of his will. One of the more important, at least for our story, mentions in his will was for his servant Reginald Bray, just remember his name. The couple had been married for approximately 13 years.  

With the defeat of Henry VI’s wife and son and the death of the latter at the Battle of Tewkesbury on the 4th of May, along with the death of her cousin Edmund and his brother John at the same battle, Margaret may have realised something that was unthinkable just days earlier. She was the heir to the Lancastrian royal cause. Furthermore, when Henry VI was killed on the 21st of May 1471 Margaret became the senior Lancastrian claimant to the throne of England and son was her heir. Jasper had originally fled to Wales with her son and then after being unable to join forces with Queen Margaret. He had fled to the continent with Henry after her defeat, apparently urged on by Margaret, in fear of her son’s life. The pair originally sailed for France, but due to the weather landed in Brittany. The duke of Brittany Francis, offered them protection. This meant that he and Henry were safe, but Margaret may be in danger herself. 

Her first steps were to return to her mother. She needed time to plan her next steps wisely. And her next step was marriage. Margaret appears to have been a woman deeply aware of the benefits that a well-planned marriage could bring. Think about her experience. Her first marriage had been made in an attempt to protect her first husband, her second as almost a reward to her second from his brother, and her third instigated of her own choosing to protect herself. She was a shrewd and aware woman. While her third marriage had been someone who could have picked either side in the ongoing civil struggle her fourth needed to be a loyal Yorkist, or at least appear to be so. It was very clear at this point that Edward IV was a stable and powerful king and the throne would not be taken again while he ruled. Her research led her to Thomas Stanley. Stanley was the oldest son of the same named Baron Stanley, King of Mann. I’m not joking about that second title. The Isle of Man is an island between England and Ireland, today it’s a Crown Dependency, which makes it a bit of a tax heaven. The Stanley family had been titular kings of Mann since 1406, I’d like to emphasise  here that while called kings they were really lords with a fancy title, you’ll notice that ‘King of Mann’ follows the lower-ranking tile ‘Baron Stanley’, when normally a royal is referred to by their superior title first, for example, King Charles III’s full title before his ascension and prior to the death of his father, was Prince Charles, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall (if in England)/Duke of Rothesay (if in Scotland), Earl of Carrick, Baron of Renfrew, Lord of the Isles, and Prince and Great Steward of Scotland. Obviously the Stanley family wasn’t going to claim that they were actual kings, hence it being stated after their baronial title. The family would actually change their King of Mann title to Lord of Mann at the very end of Henry VII reign, which was probably a good call when we think about Henry VII’s successor. Today King Charles III is the Lord of Mann (there’s a reason I didn’t go for his current full title, it’s long). Now that were done with that fun little aside, back to Margaret, or at least her fourth husband. 

The younger Thomas Stanley was only about eight years older than Margaret. He had been married previously to Eleanor Neville, one of Warwick’s six sisters (his father, Salisbury, had 12 children). Stanley and Eleanor had between them eleven children, though three survived to adulthood. In an interesting historic note, the current holder of the Stanley family’s later titles is married to a woman from the House of Neville. He had been a member of Henry VI’s court, but had seen which side would win and defected to Edward IV. He had avoided fighting for anyone in 1471, and Edward IV had been unimpressed, but Stanley had been forgiven and was a member of the king’s household. Stanley could best be described as a pragmatic man who would change allegiances but could still keep both sides happy, he probably would have made a great lawyer (no insult to lawyers, it’s actually a compliment). Marrying Margaret could have hurt Stanley, but her wealth would make his life much easier. For Margaret it would bring her closer to the throne and help show that she wasn’t a threat to Edward’s reign. The king would have been aware of these plans early on and may have encouraged or helped arrange them. Margaret’s leading servant though, was in charge of negotiations. Like her earlier marriage to Stafford, it appeared that Margaret was set on not having any children with Stanley. While like her previous marriages this wasn’t a love match, Margaret and Stanley were generally content in their marriage. The couple were married in July 1472, prior to the customary mourning period for Stafford was over. This points to how precarious Margaret’s situation was. 

Due to Stanley’s position at court Margaret and he spent a great deal of time there. It appears that the king was comfortable with her being present. Stanley was sent to France in 1474 as part of a delegation to negotiate peace between England and France. Edward IV had taken his only chance at invading France in July that year, but was persuaded to look to peace. The French king, Louis XI basically bribed Edward well for peace and part of their seven year truce included the betrothal of Edward’s oldest daughter, Elizabeth, the Louis’ son Charles, the dauphin. I’ll be covering this more in Elizabeth’s episodes. Edward sent agents to Brittany to attempt to convince the duke to turn over Henry Tudor and his uncle Jasper. Edward promised Henry a safe return and possibly marriage to one of his daughters. Margaret warned her son and former brother-in-law not to listen and for the time being the pair stayed in Brittany. 

Margaret was active in the parts of court that a woman should be involved in. She was assigned to wait upon the queen and her daughters during their procession to rebury Richard, 3rd Duke of York, Edward’s beloved father, and Edmund of Rutland, his younger brother in Fotheringhay. The remains of the father and brother of the king were translated at the end of July 1476.

That same year Duke Francis agreed to hand over Henry Tudor to Edward, after the English king promised he’d be well treated. Henry, realising he might not be safe, possibly warned by his mother, fled the English envoys sent to bring him home. After seeking protection in a church in St Malo he was protected by the local populous, and Francis ended up changing his mind. 1476 wasn’t done being a busy year, in December George of Clarence’s wife died, likely due to complications in childbirth. While this was common for the time Clarence’s grief overtook him and he began to appear unstable. He was constantly at odds with his older brother and was eventually found guilty of treason. He was executed in 1478. For Edward this was devastating, for Margaret though it was pretty good news. Her sons title was now something she might be able to get back. She did decide to wait a little longer before asking the king. 

Margaret likely would have celebrated with her husband in 1482 when her step-son George Stanley, married Joan le Strange, 9th Baroness Strange. Joan was the daughter of the 8th Baron Strange, John, and his wife Jaquetta Woodville, one of Elizabeth Woodville’s sisters. This gives the Stanley family a personal link with the Woodville family that will become important in just a few years. Remember, Margaret’s husband is playing 3D chess while everyone else is play checkers.

In 1482 Margaret was finally ready to approach this king regarding her sons title. Her mother had died at some point that year, she was buried next to Margaret’s father. Her mother’s death may have spurned her on, she would have missed her son deeply and having him returned must have been her greatest wish.  Edward agreed that Henry could receive his share of his grandmother’s estate in June of 1482, if he returned to England. This was a huge sum of money, approximately 276,000 pounds in 2019. Edward even drafted a royal pardon for Henry. But it was not to be. At the start of the following year Louis XI renounced his truce with Edward by signing a treaty with the Holy Roman Emperor and Edward declared war. Part of the treaty did include betrothing the dauphin, Edward’s daughter’s fiancé, to the Emperor’s daughter. In the end, none of this would matter, because on the 9th of April 1483 Edward IV died of illness at only 40 years of age. This really was keeping with the late-Plantagenet streak of kings dying rather young. 

And with the king’s death I’ll be stopping for this week. I hope you’ll join me next week and thank you again for putting up with my scratchy voice, hopefully I’ll be well next week. See you then. 

Part Three:

Welcome back to part three of Lady Margaret Beaufort’s story. The king is dead, long live the king. And long live Margaret. At the end of the last episode Edward IV had died, he was rather young, but he had two sons to succeed him. Over his reign Margaret had ingratiated herself to the royal family, her position seemed secure. Once the new king was crowned there was always a chance that she would get to bring her son home, but this isn’t a fairy tale and her son would only come home with force. On to this week’s episode.  

The king had two young sons, so by all accounts his line was secure and his oldest son, Edward V could look forward to a long rule. Since I’ll be covering what happens next in great detail during Elizabeth of York’s episodes I’m going to gloss over bits. I’m doing this mainly because Margaret had rather little to do with what happens now, let me say that again, Margaret Beaufort did not have a hand in the misplacing of the royal princes. I just don’t want to ignore the political happenings because they’re rather crucial to the rest of her story. Her husband though does play a small part in what happens next.

Following Edward IV’s death his oldest son, now Edward V was called to England from Ludlow by his mother. He was escorted by his uncle, Anthony Woodville, Earl Rivers, and his older half-brother Sir Richard Grey. Elizabeth Woodville, though, failed to inform her brother-in-law, Richard of Gloucester, of the king’s death. Richard was informed by his companion William Hastings, 1st Baron Hastings, who sent word that Richard should meet his nephew on his way. Richard caught up with the young kings party close to Stony Stratford on the 29th of April and was met by Earl Rivers and Sir Grey. The three men were cordial and Rivers and Grey seemed to have suspected nothing. In the morning they were locked into the Inns they were staying in and then take to Pontifract Castle of Richard’s order. Richard then met with his nephew and informed him that Rivers and Grey were evil counsellors who had been plotting to kill Richard. The young king then allowed his uncle to escort him to London. 

Once back in London council, which included Stanley, agreed that the prince should be held in the Tower. This was Edward IV’s favourite residence and was well appointed. It was also secure, I know it sounds sinister now, but the tower was a royal residence at the time. While it had cells, it wasn’t a prison. During the Edward V and RIchard’s march south Elizabeth Woodville, her two other sons, Thomas and the younger Richard, and her daughters sought sanctuary in Westminster Abbey. This was the family’s second long-term visit. She would learn of the deaths of her second son and brother, at Gloucester’s order, while in the Abbey. 

Richard of Gloucester started making moves to have himself declared king. While Lord Hastings had assisted Richard he wasn’t willing to see the young king usurped. This would be his death. At a meeting of council, at the Tower, on 13th of June Lord Hastings was accused of planning the death of Richard, this was likely false. Stanley may have known this was going to happen and tired to warn Hastings, but this wanting wouldn’t help. Hastings was executed that day, in the Tower, near its chapel. Stanley may have been injured during fighting that occurred prior to Hasting’s arrest, and he may have been briefly imprisoned, but he was released quickly. As I mentioned earlier Stanley had children from his first marriage, including his oldest son, George, who was a talented soldier and military leader. Richard may have worried that George would come to his father’s aid if Stanley was held for too long. After seeing the Richard meant business Stanley declared for him. 

As you’ll all know, Richard was able to convince his sister-in-law to turn over her younger son, who was even named after him and his father. The younger Richard joined his brother in the Tower  on the 16th of June. Sometime during the summer of 1483 the princes were, well, misplaced. There is great debate as to what happened to them, and you’ll have to wait a few more episodes to find out what I think, but I know Margaret had nothing to do with it. Richard had himself crowned as Richard III on the 6th of July 1483. Margaret and Stanley were present at Richard’s coronation, they both played important roles. Richard’s legitimate son, Edward of Middleham would be created Prince of Wales in September. Richard had his nephews and nieces were declared illegitimate in January of 1484. In April that year, Richard’s son, Edward, would die, he was either seven or ten. 

With Richard’s rise Margaret likely realised that England was not safe for her son. Richard had a single child, Edward of Middleham (who will not be getting his own episode, mainly because there is almost nothing written about him), and while his sisters had plenty of children, there was still a risk from Henry Tudor. While Richard may not have been active in misplacing his nephews he was active in executing their uncle and brother as well as his friend Hastings. This made his court a rather worrisome place for a woman with a claim on his throne and more so for her son. Stanley was appointed Richard’s steward, which sounds like an insulting role, but it’s actually a rather prestigious appointment. 

Richard left London on the 22nd of July for his first royal progress. He was joined by Stanley, in addition to countless other people. Margaret was left in London and may have become involved in the plot to release Edward V and Richard of York from the Tower. The plot was a failure, the princes remained in the Tower, to be misplaced. It doesn’t appear that Richard III was made aware of Margaret’s involvement. He did though increase the guard and confined the princes deeper into the Tower. Rumours began to spread that the princes had been killed, what’s known is that there is no further record of them being sighted. 

With the misplacement of Edward IV’s heirs and the unpopularity that this cause Richard, Margaret may have realised her son could have the chance to come home to her. Possibly as the king. Now, I don’t subscribe to the idea that Margaret knew from a young age that her son would be king. He had a rather distant claim at best in his younger years and even at this point Richard III had his son, Edward, and four nephews through his older sister. This is not even counting his vast number of nieces through his two oldest sisters. There was no shortage of York heirs. But, but, but Margaret really wanted her son to return. There were also other heirs available, these were more distant than any York or pseudo-Lancastrian, but with valid claims. One was Elizabeth Woodville’s brother-in-law and Margaret’s former nephew-in-law/cousin, Henry Stafford, 2nd Duke of Buckingham. Buckingham is often raised as a person responsible for the fate of Edward V and Richard of York. He was great-great grandson of Edward III’s youngest son, Thomas of Woodstock. He was also a great grandson of John of Gaunt through Gaunt’s youngest daughter, Joan Beaufort and his son John Beaufort. Yeah, everyone’s related and he’s a bit extra related to himself. All of these claims were in junior lines, but he may have thought it wouldn’t matter, or possibly, he was just rather easy to influence. This next bit includes a bit of speculation, but remember, until this point Buckingham had been a loyal supporter of Richard III. Buckingham had John Morton, the Bishop of Ely in his custody. Morton had been a Lancastrian supporter, but had grown to be trusted by Edward IV. Richard III had him arrested not long after his power grab started. While in Buckingham’s custody it’s possible Morton flattered the duke into thinking the throne should be his. Like all oldest sons in his family the duke was a proud man. (really, it will cost his son his own head, and this little anecdote does not end well for Buckingham) Now, what does a scheming duke, and a bishop have to do with Margaret? Well, Margaret’s loyal servant, for at least a two decades, Reginald Bray had made Morton’s acquaintance and with Buckingham’s permission was brought to meet with the two men to act as an intermediary for Margaret, speculation ends here. While Buckingham was being flattered and biding his time Margaret was making contact with a second person who could help her bring her son home, Elizabeth Woodville. 

The dowager queen was still in sanctuary, which would not have been comfortable. She had likely been told that her sons were dead and knew she needed to protect her daughters. While her marriage had been declared invalid and her children bastards she must have held out hope that a miracle would see her from this horrific change in fortune. Her doctor would act as an intermediary between herself and Margaret. Margaret’s plan was simple, Elizabeth contact her supporters, both Woodville and Yorkist who didn’t support Richard, and Margaret contact her son and brother-in-law, along with enlisting her husband and his supporters. This group rise up and overthrow Richard III and which point Henry Tudor and Elizabeth of York, the oldest daughter of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville, wed. Elizabeth Woodville agreed, enthusiastically, which to this humble history educator indicates just one thing, she was certain her sons were dead, not just misplaced. One important note, Margaret’s husband, Stanley, was with Richard on progress over this entire period. Talk about some plausible deniability. Do I think for a moment he was clueless? No, Stanley was an on the ball man and he appears to have known his wife well. I have no doubt he knew of her plans some way and he figured out how to make sure they’d have an out if something went wrong.

While Buckingham may not have been informed of the full nature of plot, he agreed to it. Margaret’s plan was for their combined forces to launch an uprising on the 18th of October. Anyone reading ahead will know that Buckingham’s Rebellion, as this plot is known, actually started a bit earlier than that. Henry and Jasper Tudor were not ready to sail until the 2nd of October, while it can be a quick trip between Brittany and England, it can also be a long trip, this was plenty of wiggle room for the 18th, but they didn’t have that long. Richard III became aware that Buckingham was plotting against him on the 11th of October. The Woodville faction, located in Kent, in the the southeast of England, rose up too early, possibly as early as the 8th. They were quickly suppressed. Buckingham, in Wales couldn’t cross the River Severn, this is a bit of a repeat of Jasper Tudor’s attempt to reach Margaret of Anjou prior to Tewksbury. His army deserted, and the reward offered for his capture was enough for his tenants to hand him over to the king. He was beheaded on the 2nd of November. Henry and Jasper couldn’t even set sail until the 18th, remember how I said it could be difficult to cross? They almost landed near Dorset, but something seemed off and they turned back, which was lucky. Richard III discovered Margaret’s involvement quickly. She was lucky though, treason is treason and Richard could have executed her, but he needed her husband’s support. And Stanley had been with the king the whole time, he had no idea what his villainous wife was planning. No, I don’t think the couple conspired, but I think Stanley was prepared for this outcome. Margaret was instead in under her husbands care under house arrest. She was stripped of her property, which was granted to her husband. The reason I think Stanley might have had more knowledge of the plot than he would ever let on, even though she was completely under his control she was still able to get letters to her son. That wasn’t going to happen without him knowing. He was a man who knew how to cheat when gambling. 

While Margaret was being punish her son was winning supporters. He was joined in Brittany by Elizabeth Woodville’s son, Thomas Grey, Marquess of Dorset, Dorset from here on and his uncle Richard, Lionel and Edward, Margaret’s half brother, John Welles, and Bishop Morton. While the uprising had failed it had given those disaffected with Richard III an outlet. They didn’t need to replace the king they didn’t like with his son or one of his nephews, and they could even get the beloved daughter of their late-York king included in the deal. Henry also saw the value in marrying Elizabeth of York and I will cover this more in her episode. In England, though, Henry and his uncle were attained, I wonder if there’s a punchcard for those because this was Jasper Tudor’s third time, this may actually be a record, I can’t check though. In addition to Henry and Jasper, Elizabeth Woodville’s oldest son, Dorset, Morton, and Margaret’s half-brother, John Welles, were all attained. 

Henry and Jasper were betrayed by Francis of Brittany’s senior servant while Francis was incapacitated due to ill health. They were able to seek shelter in the French court. Louis XI’s son, Charles VIII was under the care of his regent, his older sister Anne of France. I know I’ve mention, in France women could never be queen regnant, but that didn’t stop them from ruling when needed. Anne was no exception to this, her nickname was Madame le Grande, the Great Lady. While the chroniclers of the time give young Charles’ credit for supporting Henry Tudor it is without a doubt the king’s sister and brother-in-law who were responsible for following through, Charles was only about 13 at the time. Charles granted Henry assistance in his plans to defeat Richard. 

In England Elizabeth Woodville and her daughters had been convinced to leave sanctuary and the older daughters were brought to court. This is again a part I’ll cover more in her episodes, so I’ll just say, no, Elizabeth of York did not seem to have plans to marry her uncle (the Hapsburgs called, they want their playbook back). It appears that Richard III was using his niece as a pawn to embarrass Henry Tudor, since he had promised to marry her. I’ll share much more of my thoughts on this in her episodes, so don’t worry. Due to Richard’s behaviour he was slowly loosing supporters who were either openly moving to Henry’s cause or secretly giving support. Henry, in Brittany, had about 3,000 men under his banner. Remember, his two times great uncle, Henry IV, had landed in England with a much smaller force on his path to take back his title and lands from Richard II. 

This whole time Margaret was stuck under house arrest, but able to write to her son. Their plan was ambitious, and every time I get to this point I start to wonder if it will work. I know that’s silly because history has already happened, but I always wonder if this time it’s changed. It never has, of course. She was helped by someone who had managed to stay out of these machinations thus far, her husband. Yes, Stanley had finally decided it was time to gamble on the step-son he had never met, don’t worry, he was planning on stacking the deck. I can only imagine Margaret’s nerves knowing her son would be returning to England. 

On the 1st of August 1485 Henry Tudor, his uncle Jasper, their supporters, and 3,000 French troops of questionable skill and legal position left from Harfleur. They landed on the 7th in Wales and were joined by Jasper’s illegitimate half-brother, David Owen. They began to march east, Richard III became aware of their landing on the 11th. On the 15th they were joined by Rhys ap Thomas and his 500-2,000 men. Rhys’ family had long been Lancastrian supporters, but he had submitted to Edward IV. During Buckingham’s rebellion he refused to join the pseudo-Lancastrian cause, but now that Henry Tudor was in the country he proudly lent his support. Rhys had been requested to surrender his son to Richard III as surety on his appointment in Wales, but had declined, which was lucky for all involved. The larger combined force entered England on the 15th or 16th. 

Margaret’s husband had left the capital, probably between the 1st and the 6th of August, before Henry’s landing. He had been forced to leave his oldest son, George, as hostage. This meant he didn’t openly declare for his step-son. Margaret was at one of Stanley’s Lincolnshire properties, he joined her there. When Richard became aware of Henry’s presence he ordered Stanley to return, but he was [cough, cough] sick, or at least that was his story. His son George did try to escape, but was stopped. George then let a cat out of the bag and told Richard that his uncle, William Stanley, and another noble were in league with Henry. He seemingly forgot to mention that his father was too, but keeping one’s head is a good idea. It may have been an excellent plan on George and Stanley’s part, by stating that William was on Henry’s side, it wouldn’t put Stanley under immediate suspicion if some of his men went to Henry’s side, since they may have been supporting his brother. The Stanley brothers were willie. 

Stanley left Margaret on the 15th and began to march towards her son, quick recovery. He reached his step-son with 5,000 men on the 20th. He still hadn’t openly declared for Henry, and his men were kept away from his meeting with Henry. They were joined by Stanley’s brother and it was clear whose side they were on. The three discussed their battle tactics, and prepared for what was to come. While they were having a family reunion Richard III was marching from Nottingham to Leicester to meet up with the Duke of Norfolk (yes, and ancestor to the most senior non-royal lord in England). 

Now, I’m confident everyone listening knows what happens next, but, I’m actually going to cover this battle, so strap in. Oh, and there were no eye-witness accounts at the Battle, all that follows is from the tellings of men who were there after the battle, someone forgot to invite the chroniclers. The two forces met outside of Market Bosworth, a market town that really does look to be in the literal middle of England. Richard had between 7,000 and 12,000 men to Henry’s 5,000-8,000. Richard and his commanders held position on a low hill, to the north east of Henry’s position. Henry’s leading commander wasn’t himself (that wouldn’t have gone well), nor his uncle (who isn’t mentioned in any sources), it was instead a noble I have failed to mention thus far, John de Vere, Earl of Oxford. De Vere had been a loyal Lancastrian who had fought against Edward IV. He escaped after the defeat at the Battle of Barnet. He was later attained and imprisoned before scaling a wall in a failed escape attempt in Calais. He had been ordered returned to England under Richard III, but had convinced the captain of the ship transporting him to defect to Her Tudor’s cause. Yeah, and he was a pirate, sorry, privateer. At the battle Henry allowed De Vere to take point. Stanley was not on side for the start of the battle. Richard had actually sent him a message to join his side or he’d kill George. In expected fashion Stanley replied he had other son (yes, I have no doubt the chroniclers were copying earlier members of their craft). Richard actually ordered George beheaded, but his guards suggested they wait until the end of the battle. Stanley did delay declaring for Henry still, but he would fight for his step-son in the end. 

De Vere chose an unorthodox formation, keeping his men together in a single battle and not in three seperate battles (that would be the vanguard, centre, and rearguard). Men were to stay within three metres of their banner, the flag that symbolised the feudal leader they were fighting under. So, say, while men were fighting for Stanley they wouldn’t fight under his standard, some would fight under the standards of his retainers, those were the people they needed to stay near. De Vere’s formation was well planned strategy, it prevented any single group of Henry’s army from being surrounded by Richard’s troops. Oh, and Richard had cannons. I know it sounds scary, but artillery in this period was still a hit-or-miss tool. Twenty five years earlier Margaret’s cousin, James II of Scotland had died when a cannon he was standing next to during a demonstration exploded. 

Richard may have had the advantage of numbers on his side, but he may have had a traitor in his ranks. Henry Percy, the 4th Earl of Northumberland, was in his reserve, but never brought his men to battle. If you remember all the way back the Percy’s were wavering Lancastrians at the best of times and had fought against Edward IV at Towton. This Percy though was a cousin of Richard III, however, it appears he wasn’t running to his cousin’s defence. While Richard was being ignored by Percy, he saw that Henry was separated and behind the main force. He and his personal knights or household, who could have ranged from a few dozen to a thousand rode towards Henry. Richard was able to kill Henry’s standard barer and injure his own brother’s former standard barer. Now, I joked about how bad it would be if Henry led the charge earlier, but this is actually the truth, he was not a solider. In his defence, he really hadn’t had many chances. He was a perfectly skilled swordsman, but a practice fight is not the same a battle. Seeing Richard’s charge he dismounted and put himself in the middle of his French mercenary forces. I honestly don’t blame him for this. If he dies the battle is over. His bodyguard did an excellent job of protecting him. At this moment his step-uncle launched his attack. William Stanley joined battle and pushed Richard and his guard back from Henry. Richard’s men were picked off around him until he was fighting on his own. He was likely killed by Rhys ap Thomas. Exhumation of his body showed 11 wounds, including nine head wounds. I’ll give Richard one thing, he was not a coward, and he knew how to fight. With Richard’s death his supporters surrendered or fled. Norfolk was killed in single combat on the field and Henry Percy fled north. 

While Henry Tudor, now Henry VII, could claim the throne through descent he didn’t, and this is important for our next subject, his wife. He claimed it through the same means his nine-time great-grandfather William had, conquest. This was brilliant politically, but will sometimes make his life difficult. Margaret diligently recorded her son’s victory in her book of hours ‘this day King Henry the VIIth won the field where was slain King Richard the third’. Henry actually sent his mother Richard III’s book of hours. Margaret erased his name and added her own. If you’re curious I’ll make a This Too Shall Passed explaining a book of hours soon. 

Now that England had been won Margaret would need to help her son rule. This was not going to be an easy task. While Henry had many supporters there were still plenty of Yorkist left in England and more overseas. Margaret would not see her son until early September, but her joy would have been overwhelming. The pair and their supporters arrived in London to be greeted by Anne Herbert, the widow of Henry’s former guardian. They were also met by Elizabeth of York and Edward Plantagenet, Earl of Warwick, the son of George of Clarence. The young Edward was only ten and was given to Margaret for both his protection and Henry’s. Elizabeth and her mother, would move into Margaret’s residence not long after their arrival. This was to begin the planning for her wedding to Henry Tudor and to protect her from becoming a rallying point for Yorkist rebels. Margaret moved into a luxurious residence. She looked after her devoted supporter and servant Bray, he was given fancy new windows in his quarters. Margaret was also joined by Elizabeth’s sisters and possible her cousin, Margaret Plantagenet, Edward’s sister. She had spent a great deal of time around this group of girls and by all accounts was fond of them. Elizabeth’s sister Cecily would be the closest to Margaret. 

Henry was crowned on the 30th of October 1485. Jasper, newly ennobled as the Duke of Bedford, carried the king’s crown. It was placed on his head by Thomas Bourchier, yes, he’s still around. Henry is in fact the third and last king he’ll crown. Margaret is recorded as having wept at his crowning. I can only imagine these were tears of joy and relief. Her son was safe, and home, and they would never have to spend 15 years apart again.

Margaret’s title after her son’s victory was My Lady, the King’s Mother, a person would address her as this first at each occasion of meeting her before addressing her as ‘My Lady’ subsequently. Henry had his mother’s lands restored to her and her house arrest receded. She was declared feme sole, which means she was not under the coverture or hold of her husband. While she and Stanley were still married, he didn’t have the customary power a husband would normally have over his wife, she was an independent woman. They were no longer legally one person, but two seperate people who happened to be married. To most of us this sounds rather normal, but it was not the case in this time. Interestingly Stanley didn’t seem bothered by his wife independent status and they continued to work together as a couple. He even had her arms added to his windows with the words ‘Our Lady, the King’s Mother’ inscribed.

After her son’s crowning Henry started rewarding supporters. This is obviously important after such a huge change in government. Even today governments do this, just without the battle (at least hopefully). Many of these supporters were Margaret’s men, Bishop Morton was named chancellor (he would eventually become the Archbishop of Canterbury), Reginald Bray was given substantial financial rewards, in addition to his fancy windows, among others. Elizabeth Woodville’s doctor, who had helped Margaret arrange the planned marriage between Henry and Elizabeth of York was made Margaret’s own physician. William Stanley was made the king’s Chamberlin. And finally Henry Stanley, Margaret’s husband was made Constable of England and Chief Steward of the Duchy of Lancaster, these were lucrative positions. At parliament on the 7th of November the act that had declared the children of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville illegitimate was repealed and all copies were ordered destroyed (yes, someone missed a few, we do know what this document said). Parliament also reconfirmed the act passed by Richard II confirming the legitimacy of John of Gaunt’s Beaufort children. While Henry VII wasn’t claiming the throne through descent he didn’t want that stain on his legacy. After Henry was done telling Parliament what he wanted done they told him what they needed, him to marry Elizabeth of York. 

Parliament wasn’t being silly with this, they had good reason. First, Henry had sworn and oath to do so, it’s not a good look for a king to go back on those. Second, he needed children, it is one of the more important jobs for a medieval monarch, to reproduce. And finally, it would secure his throne. While his claim was through conquest anyone with any awareness knew this claim needed support and Elizabeth provided it. Papal dispensation was received on the 16th of January 1486 and the couple married on the 18th, Bourchier presided. It would be his last major state activity, he died on the 30th of May that year, at the age of 82. The marriage was recorded in Margaret’s book of hours ‘this day Harry VIIth wedded the queen Elizabeth’. 

Margaret and her daughter-in-law appeared to get along well. They were both pious and charitable. While some have portrayed them as not getting along, it’s based on a single statement made in 1498 by a Spanish ambassador. Having read through one of Elizabeth of York’s biographies before even reading Margaret’s I’m going to have to say this is untrue. They apparently shared inside jokes and had a similar senes of humour. They also both wanted Henry’s marriage to succeed. I sometimes think he may have been the last to know about his marital plans. I’ll cover this again in Elizabeth’s episode, but I can imagine the only matter of contention would have been that Margaret’s quarters were next to Henry’s. But since Henry and Elizabeth had seven children together, I don’t think it bothered them too much. I think it’s really important to express how close Margaret, Henry, and Elizabeth actually were. For the early part of Henry’s reign they were almost a small team running the country. Margaret would eventually spend less time at court as she aged and as Henry confirmed his control of his kingdom, but in the beginning they needed each other. Maybe by 1498 Elizabeth didn’t want Margaret around as much as before, but it’s more likely a rumour with no support.

In spring of 1486 Henry went on his first progress, he left Margaret and Elizabeth in London. A small rebellion fizzled out quickly, with only one rebel executed, but one managed to escape, Francis Lovell. 

Margaret would become a grandmother on the 19th of September, 1486 when Elizabeth gave birth to her first child, Arthur, in Winchester. Yes, those who are good at math will have noticed this is not nine months. It is in fact eight months and two days, or in the way pregnancies are normally calculated 35 weeks. Unlike Elizabeth’s father this oddity wouldn’t cause rumours of infidelity, because the couple had been in close proximity prior to their wedding. There are two options, either Arthur was early and had also been conceived on his parents’ wedding night, which based on Elizabeth’s paternal grandmother and mother might have been a possibility or the couple didn’t wait until they were married to begin sexual relations. In the long run it doesn’t matter, Arthur was born after his parents’ wedding and therefore legitimate, plus no one doubted his paternity. Oddly, Margaret didn’t attend Arthur’s christening. 

A note for those interested in the lives of women. Years after Arthur’s birth, Margaret would actually lay out the proper process for royal confinements and birth practices. This included the length of confinement, the time before a woman gave birth, the timing of a churching, when a woman returned to society, and other parts of the birth process. 

Fourteen eighty seven would be the most eventful year for the royal family since Bosworth. The year prior Lambert Simnel came to the attention of a few remaining Yorkist, including Francis Lovell, and John de la Pole, the son of Margaret’s first husband, yes, that one she had been married to while a very young child. De la Pole’s involvement wasn’t know immediately, he had actually been at Arthur’s christening. These rebels were claiming that Lambert was Edward Plantagenet, the Earl of Warwick. This was factually not true, Edward was in the tower. Henry let the young man out to have him paraded through the streets to assure the crowds that the young man now in Ireland was not in fact George of Clarence’s only son. At the same time de la Pole fled to Flanders. His father, Margaret’s first husband, though, stayed loyal to Henry. Now, de la Pole was the senior York claimant from a sister of Edward IV and Richard III. He was welcomed into the court of his aunt, Margaret of York, Duchess of Burgundy, the widow of Charles the Bold (yes, there was some symmetry in Burgundian soubriquets, they started and ended bold). 

De la Pole, Simnel and their forces landed in England on the 4th of June 1487. They were met by Henry, his step-father, de Vere, and Suffolk, de la Pole’s father, along with their forces on the 16th of June at the Battle of Stoke Field. Henry’s side was victorious and this was the last battle of the Wars of the Roses. While Henry was fighting Margaret and Elizabeth were guarded for their safety in Kenilworth Castle. De la Pole was killed in action, Simnel was captured, and Lovell, well, he escaped and may have run for Scotland, but there’s no record of him after his last sighting at this battle. He just disappeared, maybe he was misplaced. While this was the last battle of the Wars of the Roses it was Henry’s first as king and he had proven himself. He was cheered in the streets on his return to London. Oh, and young Simnel, who was only about ten, was taken back to London with the king and given position in the royal household. He would live to almost sixty and appears to have remained in the employ of the king. He was fully pardoned, being the most innocent puppet. Now, I know there’s another Pretender uprising in Henry’s reign, but I’m not going to get into it in Margaret’s episode because I think it’s more fitting to share it in Elizabeth’s episode. I hope you will all forgive me. 

With that I’ll be ending this episode for the week. I hope you’ll join me for the conclusion next week. 

Part Four:

Welcome back for the conclusion of Lady Margaret Beaufort’s story. Last week she was assisting her son in his handling of the uprising of Lambert Simnel, an uprising I will cover more in Elizabeth of York’s episodes due to Simnel’s claims. While Margaret wasn’t leading men into battle her influence on her son and her power within court would help him remain secure on his throne. 

After this uprising Margaret likely encouraged her son to take further steps to secure his throne. Remember, while he had married Elizabeth of York, she still had sisters and a cousin who could be used in future plots if they weren’t safely married off. Two were of marriageable age, Elizabeth’s sister Cecily and Margaret Plantagenet, their cousin through George of Clarence. Margaret was rather fond of Cecily, there are multiple reports of the care they showed each other. Margaret had the perfect husband for Cecily, her younger half-brother, John Welles. While he wasn’t a prince or even a duke, he was loyal to the Lancastrian cause and apparently made a kind husband. Cecily had been married previously, but that union had been dissolved, it was made in haste at Richard III urging prior to Bosworth. John Welles had actually been a supporter of Edward IV, but stood against Richard III. He was 20 years older than his bride, but Cecily was 17 or 18 at the time of her marriage, so while a large age gap she wasn’t a child. This is a common theme in the marriage matches Margaret makes. She, being personally aware of how dangerous early pregnancy was, did her best to make sure that none of her wards or family members were married off too early. Margaret was 18 the year she married, and Margaret encouraged Henry to betroth her to Richard Pole, Henry’s first cousin. He was the son of Margaret’s older sister Edith. He was eleven years older than his bride. Cecily was married first, in late 1487 or early 1488. Margaret Plantagenet was married in 1491.

With Margaret’s guidance and organisation Elizabeth of York was finally crowned on the 25th of November 1487, almost two years after her wedding. While Margaret attended to Elizabeth prior to her coronation she’s not recorded being at the event. Jasper Tudor again carried the crown. Thomas Bourchier wasn’t there to crown her though, that honour fell to the new Archbishop of Canterbury, John Morton, a man who deserved his moment for all he had done to make this day possible. He was in his sixties at this point, but would remain in this post until 1500. The day after her daughter-in-law’s coronation, Margaret, along with the royal couple joined the court for a Thanksgiving mass. 

Margaret was made a lady of the Order of the Garter in April 1488. She would be joining Elizabeth of York, who had been appointed to the Order during her father’s reign. Margaret would divide her time between court with her son and daughter-in-law and her own properties or her husband’s properties. While she was legally free, she and Stanley were together at court regularly. 

A year and a half after her induction to the Order Margaret was at court for the creation of Arthur as Prince of Wales on the 21st of November 1489. The month wasn’t done with joy, Margaret also welcomed her second grandchild. This time a granddaughter, Margaret, named for her, born on the 28th of November 1489. While her younger grandson would get all the headline this granddaughter would be the one who saw to the future of Margaret’s family line.

Less than a year later Henry and his council would meet at Margaret’s primary residence, Woking to begin negotiations for what would become the Treaty of Medina del Campo. This treaty, signed two years later would see peace between England and Spain and betroth Arthur to Catherine of Aragon, the youngest child of the dual monarchs Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon. I’ll be keeping further stories about this betrothal for Elizabeth of York’s episodes.

In June 1491 Margaret was present, along with Elizabeth Woodville for the birth of Elizabeth and Henry’s third child, a second son, Henry. His birth was hardly noticed by chroniclers. Henry would be raised with his sister, Margaret, in the royal nursery at Eltham. A little more than a year later little Henry and Margaret were joined by a sister, Elizabeth. 

Arthur would be moved to Ludlow in 1493, Margaret would visit him when possible. Her nephew, Richard Pole was appointed Arthur’s Chamberlain. According to her accounts Margaret regularly purchased gifts for her grandchildren. While Arthur took preeminence, she seemed to dote on all of them. Her husband was equally generous.  

In an impressive historical fact, despite her regular charitable donations, church offerings, and vast collection of jewellery, fine furnishings, and households Margaret never fell into debt. I wasn’t joking when I said Henry made sure she would want for nothing. Her account from 1489 to 1500 are actually available for researchers to examine. These show she spent vast sums, in a way that is in stark contrast to her portraits, which show her dressed plaining as a widow. She was generous to her servants, as her accounts show. 

In 1494 Margaret met someone who would have a great influence on both her life and out understanding of her as a person, John Fisher. I’ve mentioned him in one of her earlier episodes because many of his stories about her life are where we get more personal information about her. Accounts and records can only tell us so much, the notes of ambassadors and the clergy though often provide the colour of an individual and in Margaret’s case, Fisher would do a great deal of that for us. Her influence would see him rise high, he had joined the priesthood at 22, in 1491, he actually needed papal dispensation since he was too young (yes, dispensation, not just for marrying your cousins). He would become Margaret’s personal chaplain in the year they met and eventually the Bishop of Rochester in 1504, at Henry VII express request, no doubt Margaret discussed this with her son. In what is actually heartbreaking in light of his end, he was the tutor to Margaret’s grandson, Henry. 

Margaret was present when her younger grandson, the afore mentioned Henry, was created Duke of York at the end of October 1494. Henry VII may have not been planning to elevate his younger son this early. His hand was forced by the second pretender of his reign. He was also forced, to arrest his step-uncle, William Stanley in January 1495, due to William supporting this pretender. Henry was heartbroken that his step-uncle had betrayed him. Margaret and her husband would have been devastated, both due to the betrayal and because William had been a large part of their lives. William may not have done anything more than write to those who were plotting, but that was enough he was executed on the 16th of February. Henry actually paid for his burial. 

While Margaret and her husband were mourning his brother and still confused by his betrayal they were honoured with a royal visit to their properties in July of the same year. The two couples apparently got along well and enjoyed their time. Sadly, a few months after the royal couple returned they lost their youngest child, in September Princess Elizabeth died at the age of three. Before the year was through it had one more tragedy for the family. In December, either before or right after Christmas, Jasper Tudor passed away, he was approximately 64. He had been Margaret and her son’s protector for decades and had been crucial to Henry becoming king. After the Tudor win at Bosworth he had been rewarded fully for the years he spent keeping Henry safe from, well, everyone. He was survived by Catherine Woodville, a younger sister of the dowager queen. The couple had been married for ten years, but had no children. 

The next year brought joy to the royal family and Margaret. In March, Mary Tudor was born. A letter Margaret wrote around the time share her joy and further, show her love for her family. She even shared how thankful she was that her daughter-in-law had recovered from an illness. In the same letter she made a joke at the dowager Duchess of Burgundy’s expense, she was a woman who despite all her struggles still had the ability to laugh. Margaret joined her son and daughter-in-law on their progress in the summer of 1496. She was able to visit her estates during this. 

By the summer of 1497 Margaret was 54 years old when Cornish citizens rose up against Henry’s heavy taxes. She was in London and her residence, Coldharbour. The queen and young Henry of York (it really is weird thinking of Henry VIII ever being a child) joined her there while awaiting news. We can confirm that the queen and Henry were moved to the Tower when the rebels advanced on London, it’s likely Margaret joined them. Thankfully de Vere was able to end the uprising. In September the second and final great pretender of Henry’s reign would arrive on English shores, Perkin Warbeck. His attempt to take the country and bring men to his cause went poorly and he surrendered on October 5th. I do promise you’ll get his full story in purported sister’s episode. At Christmastime that year the main royal residence at Sheen burnt, in a fire that was sometimes, fallaciously, blamed on Warbeck. No one died, which is actually amazing for that time period, remember, no fire suppression systems or alarms. 

In further evidence of Margaret and her daughter-in-law’s strong relationship the two of them took charge of the arrangements for Arthur’s betrothed, Kathryn of Aragon, to come to England. They made sure the Spanish ambassador shared that Kathryn must practice French because queen Elizabeth didn’t speak Latin or Spanish and that the princess should accustom herself to drinking wine because the water wasn’t that great. It appears that both women were excited for Kathryn’s arrival and proud that Arthur would be making such a prestigious match. Margaret, was as always, an organiser, and she prepared for their new family member by organising the princess’ household and staff. The only thing seemingly standing in the way of Kathryn’s arrival was Warbeck. 

While the Scottish king, James IV originally supported Warbeck, even marrying his cousin to the young man, he had tired of his presence. By 1498 he was ready to make peace with England. As part of this Henry VII betrothed his oldest daughter, Margaret, then 9 to James. James was 25 at the time. The Scottish king may well have wanted his young bride sent to him immediately, but there was one person who would never let that happen, Margaret. She knew how wrong things could go and she was not going to allow this arrangement to happen to her beloved granddaughter. Henry was convinced to make the Scottish king wait. 

Throughout my reading about Margaret I’m thoroughly impressed with her piety, expected at the time, charity, and devotion to learning. While she spent considerably on her clothing, jewellery, furnishings, and buildings she spent just a considerably on charity. Much of this was focused on the church and religious orders, but there are also notes in her accounts of just random donations to the impoverished. If she had been alive these days she would have been holding charity events and fund raisers regularly, plus adopting pets from the local humane society, all while wearing the most fashionable clothes and jewels. Plus, she would have probably endowed a library or two (seeing as that she patronised the earliest printing press, run by William Caxton, in England, this one wouldn’t be surprising, I have a story about this press in the final episode of this not-so-mini-series). 

Margret’s pious devotion was displayed in full in 1499 when she took a perpetual vow of chastity. Interestingly, though feme sole in every other way she needed her husband’s permission for this since it was a religious vow. Stanley, approved, it was unlikely this was something he had ever worried about within their marriage. Margaret would lose her younger half-brother in early 1499. He and his wife, Cecily of York, had two daughters, one who died young and a second who died around the time of her father’s passing. May that year brought good news though, Margaret’s grandson was married, by proxy, to Katherine of Aragon. This marriage though came with strings attached. The Spanish royal couple were not willing to send their daughter to England until Henry VII’s throne was truly secure. While they didn’t directly order the king to get rid of his pretenders, they strongly implied it would be a good idea. The king took the decision to have Warbeck tried for his crimes, but in further shocking news, also decided to have his cousin-in-law, Edward Plantagenet, tried for the crime of treason. Edward was described by many as simple, he may have suffered from some mental disability that wasn’t understood at the time. Both the young men were found guilty. Warbeck was executed on the 23rd of November and Edward on the 28th. The king did see to it that Edward was buried at Bisham Abbey, his grandfather, the King Maker, is buried there as well. 

In September 1500 Margaret would lose one of the last remaining early supporters she had, Archbishop Morton. He was 79 or 80, an impressive age, even if his predecessor had been slightly older. His trust in her had seen him rise and her trust in him had seen her son rule. Around this time Margaret began spending less and less time in court. She had been granted Collyweston not long after her son’s victory at Bosworth. She had expanded to palace and brought it up to her standards. This is where she chose to spend much of her time. Sadly, this palace was dismantled in the 1640s, so you can’t visit it. She employed between two and four hundred staff at this location. Further proof of Margaret’s character comes from her household, she was loved, due to her generosity, humour, and kindness. Her staff respected her and she treated them well. In addition to expressing her piety through her buildings she would bring entertainers to her property during festive seasons. Margaret also acted as her son’s agent for this area. She was trusted and he knew she could handle it. Apparently there was a jail and a counting house within the palace grounds. She didn’t just manage things for her son, she acted as his judge in local cases.

Margaret’s future granddaughter-in-law arrived in England on the 2nd of October 1501. Katherine was the third Princess of Wales, the first of course was Joan, the Fair Maid of Kent, the Black Prince’s wife and the second is the sometimes overlooked Anne Neville, wife of Edward of Westminster. Their wouldn’t be another Princess of Wales for more than 200 years after her. Margaret likely met Kathryn in person for the first time on the 12th of November. The young couple, Arthur was 15, Kathryn 16, were married on the 14th. Margaret watched the wedding from a private room with her son and daughter-in-law, making sure the royal couple didn’t distract from the young couple. While marriages at this level were conducted as part of state craft Kathryn was a beautiful and well-educated bride, and it’s likely she and her grandmother-in-law would have shared interests in music, reading, and religion. Katheryn was, of course, family even before she married Arthur, she was John of Gaunt’s great-greatgrandaughter through his only child with his second wife. Yes, everyone is related, don’t worry papal dispensation had been received. 

Margaret, at her Coldharbour residence, and her husband, at his London resident, Derby House, entertained the new couple and court as part of the days long moving festivities that celebrated their wedding. 

With the young couple headed to Wales, it was time for further marriage arrangements. By 1502 Margaret’s oldest granddaughter, Margaret, was almost 12, still far too young for marriage according to both the King’s mother and his wife (it really does sound like these two kept Henry in check). The king decided it was time to formalise her betrothal and a ceremony was held in January. A proxy marriage would occur in January the following year. Even with these there wasn’t a rush to send princess Margaret, now technically Queen Margaret of Scotland, north to live with her husband. Margaret though wouldn’t be in England for her granddaughter’s betrothal ceremony, granted, the groom wasn’t their either. Instead she was in Calais pursuing Louis XII for a debt owed to her family by the French crown dating back decades. She wasn’t successful and returned to England, she would sign the debt over to her son two years later. Not long after her return the course of history was set in a way no one could have expected. 

1502, which had started out so well was not a kind year for anyone in the royal family. On the 2nd of April Prince Arthur died of either tuberculosis or the sweating sickness, he was 15. The family had now lost three children, Arthur, Elizabeth, and a young boy, Edmund. While there were three surviving children there was only one boy. Queen Elizabeth and King Henry were completely devastated, it was shocking news. The reports of their attempts to comfort each other are heartbreaking to read. As I’ve mentioned once a child reached their early to-mid-teens they usually had a rather good chance of living into adulthood. In addition so much had been focused on Arthur as the future of this family. Arthur’s wife, Kathryn, of course survived. Kingdoms would be torn apart trying to discover if their marriage had been consummated, here’s my opinion, it didn’t matter not one bit. Papal dispensation was received for either the case of it being or not being consummated. If a couple could marry within the forbidden degrees of separation with dispensation then it was good enough to dispense with the same familiarity created by a consummated marriage. Kathryn could be the spiritual and legal wife of both Arthur and his younger brother because the pope said it was okay. Oddly, there aren’t records of Margaret’s response to the news, though Margaret did record the event in her book of hours.  

In February Elizabeth of York gave birth to her last child, a daughter named Katherine, on the 2nd of February. Nine days later, the 11th of February, her 37th birthday, Elizabeth of York died due to a fever caused by childbirth. Her daughter would follow her a week later. I am unsure of Margaret’s whereabouts, while she had attended the previous royal births at this point she was spending more time away from court. Due to the baby coming early, she may have not arrived in time. Margaret’s piety may have helped her through this period. Her organisational skills would see her outline court procedures for royal funerals. As many of you will know, Henry did consider remarrying, even at one point considering his former daughter-in-law, but this never came about. He would remain a widower until his death. 

With her daughter-in-law’s death Margaret became the highest ranked woman as court. She continued to advise her son and played a role in the lives of her grandchildren. While everyone was mourning her oldest granddaughter’s marriage needed to be looked after. Leaving on the 27th of July Margaret and her father began to travel north. It was a proper royal process, and took 41 days. At Margaret’s property of Collyweston they were greeted by Margaret on the 5th of July. From here Margaret would continue on to Scotland, crossing the border on the 1st of August. She would meet her husband for the first time at this point. Based on the frequency of Queen Margaret’s pregnancies it’s unlikely the marriage was consummated immediately, she was still only 14. Her first child was born in February 1507, four years after her marriage. From that point on Queen Margaret was pregnant yearly or every second year until her husband’s death in 1513, she even had his posthumous son seven months after his death. They would have six children in six years, though only one son would survive to adulthood. 

While she would write to her granddaughter regularly, the two Margarets would not see each other again. At this point Margaret was 60, and slowly but surely those around her would begin to pass. While her daughter-in-law had been taken too young, many of these had been a large part of her life before her son became king. Her loyal servant Reginald Bray died in London on the 5th of August, just days after the king and princess had arrived at her property. While Bray had been a commoner he was instrumental in the running of Henry VII government and one of Margaret’s favourites. He had been in her service for approximately 40 years. A little less than a year later Margaret’s husband, Thomas Stanley, would die at the age of 69. They had been married for more than 30 years, and while it wasn’t a traditional marriage they did respect and support each other. She may not have been heartbroken, but I have no doubt she would have been sad. While the couple didn’t live together they did work closely. 

Kathryn of Aragon was still a concern for the royal court. While she was Arthur’s widow Henry VII still wanted the prestige of a Spanish match and plans were made for her to marry Henry of York, who was quickly elevated to Prince of Wales. This was all put into doubt when her mother, Isabella, died in November 1504. Because Kathryn’s parents’ throne was a personal union, to become an actual union in the next generation, her mother’s death actually lowered her value on the marriage market since her older sister, Juana or Johanna, inherited the larger kingdom of Castile. Kathryn’s father was still in control of Aragon, but it was a weaker and smaller kingdom. Henry and Kathryn would eventually wed, but only once he became king. While Kathryn was awaiting her fate she was made to live in circumstances that were near-poverty at times. It’s likely that Margaret felt for her, but also needed to follow royal and social protocols, as an unmarried widow, Kathryn couldn’t easily live in the same residence as her betrothed. 

Margaret’s patronage of religious institutions had been constant throughout her life, but as she aged she also began a greater patronage of educational institutions. Remember, she was wealthy, and could do all of this while still living lavishly. She would have felt this was her obligation as someone who had benefited so much. In 1504 a license was granted to her to, as the patron, for the founding of Christ’s College in Cambridge. Christ’s College had originally been called God’s House, but the name was changed when Margaret became the patron. Her coat of arms, which is honestly an amazing visual, is placed throughout the buildings of the college. I’ll include these in the notes and throughout the show’s social media pages, they’re beautiful. This wasn’t the only educational benefice of her’s, there are too many to list here, but her support of educational causes shows a woman who wanted to make sure the next generation had access to the learning she had benefitted from. Remember, while women could not attend university, the men that did were often employed as tutors to the daughter’s of the aristocracy. Educating teachers is something the world should remember to do well. 

Margaret was, of course, getting older. In 1505 she began spending less time at her vast property of Collyweston. Instead, she stayed closer to London, at Hatfield, owned by her step-son James Stanley, the Bishop of Ely, and as Croydon, held by the Archbishop of Canterbury, at this point William Warham. This may be due to the struggle of travelling so far to visit London, which she still did regularly. 

Her close proximity to London would make things easier for her son in 1506 when he had a surprise royal guest. Now, royal visits are often carefully planned, with months of negotiations through ambassadors and preparations to display the splendour to the reigning monarch. This one however was completely unexpected. In January that year, Juana, Queen of Castile, sister to Kathryn of Aragon, and her consort Philip of Castile, were blown off course while sailing to Spain. Philip sometimes called Philip the Handsome (this might be a bit of flattery, there are portraits that would suggest this) had, much like his father-in-law, married up and in doing so would found the Hapsburg dynasty that would rule huge swaths of Europe through the next centuries. While the visit was unplanned Henry VII and Margaret took full advantage of it. She was the leading woman at English court since her son was unmarried and her only granddaughter in the country was rather young. In addition to agree to avoid war with each other, Henry VII and Margaret, without a doubt, wanted one thing, the brothers of John de la Pole, Edmund and Richard. Both the younger de la Poles had risen up against Henry with their brother. It was rather lucky for Henry that this ship blew off course, because the de la Pole brothers had been guests of Philip’s. The two kings agreed to a treaty that included the return of the de la Poles and the marriage of Henry’s youngest daughter, Mary, the Philip and Juana’s heir, Charles. Margaret’s role in this was to act as hostess and to prepare her young granddaughter to meet the royal couple. 

Things looked good for England, Henry VII’s treaty saw the older de la Pole brother returned to England in March 1506, where he would be housed in the Tower until 1513, when Henry VIII decided he didn’t want this pretender around. Sadly, the following year things began to go downhill for Margaret’s family in 1507 Henry VII became seriously unwell. He had been having health problems for at least three years at this point. Margaret would move into Richmond Palace to look after him through this illness, she was 64 and he was only 51, but in this period those were near ancient ages. Henry would recover and in June the whole family celebrated young Henry’s first joust. The future larger-than-life king was 16. Margaret had bought him the saddle he used, I said she could be a bit fun. In December the following year, the young Mary Tudor was married, by proxy, to Charles, Juana and Philip’s son, who was now the Duke of Burgundy following the death of his father in 1506. Mary was 11 and Charles six, they were also in different countries. This marriage would be dissolved in the reign of Mary’s brother, Henry VIII. 

Mary’s wedding would be the last family celebration to be had before the greatest disaster of Margaret’s life occurred. In February of 1509 Henry VII because unwell again and this time he wouldn’t recover. He would die on the 21st of April at only 52, his death was likely caused by tuberculosis. He would, of course, be succeeded by his son Henry, as Henry VII. Henry VII’s will is as one would expect for a wealthy king, generous. What’s interesting though are who he named as executors. The first wasn’t one of the many religious leaders a king would traditionally select, no, instead it was his mother. Yes, until the end of his life the person he trusted the most was Margaret. He knew she would see his final wishes carried out. She was assisted by the Archbishop of York, Christopher Bainbridge, and Bishop Fisher. 

Margaret’s beloved son was now gone, but her grandson would rule for a very long time. She was unwell herself though. Her grandson’s rule started out with acclaim, he was a popular young king. He’s often compared to his grandfather, Edward IV, handsome, tall, dashing. He, like this same grandfather, was also young when his rule began. Edward IV had only been 18 when he was acclaimed king, Henry was 17. While he wouldn’t need an official regent, and probably wouldn’t have put up with one, he didn’t seem to mind having an unofficial one, Margaret. Throughout the first months of his reign she assisted him as needed. The loyalty she had built up with the powerful lay and churchmen in the kingdom was slowly transferred to her grandson, and these men, including Bishop Fisher, would become influential in Henry VIII’s early reign. At Henry’s first council his father’s hated tax collectors were ordered arrested. Margaret may have encouraged this and encouraged Henry to have the men executed. While horrific it was brilliant political theatre and made the men perfect scape goats for any of Henry VII’s unpopular taxes. 

While some of the projects that Henry VII requested in his will wouldn’t be started until after her death, Margaret focused her last months of secure her grandson’s throne and following through on her son’s last requests. She was near the end though. Had Henry VII lived longer maybe Margaret would have as well, his passing would have saddened her beyond words. Margaret did have a bit more energy left. She was granted Woking as her own holding by her grandson on the 19th of May 1509. On the 11th of June Henry VIII married Kathryn of Aragon, Margaret may have been present, she had been in the area. And then on the 24th of June Margaret watch her grandson and his wife’s joint coronation from behind a screen in Westminster Abbey. This was her last hurrah, on the 29th of June, one day after Henry VIII’s 18th birthday, she would die at 66. 

In her will Margaret referred to herself as Princess Margaret, and I think that is more than fair. Bishop Fisher was her chief executor and would also lead her funeral service. His great respect for her is shown in not just the words he shared, but in his actions. He worked tirelessly to see to it that her final requests were met and looked after the requests of her son that she hadn’t had time to complete. I think the behaviours of those around her stand testament to the awesome woman she was. 

Analysis:

I strongly believe history should make those studying it feel, deeply. And Margaret’s story does that for me. I’m nervous when things go wrong for her, I’m excited when they go well, I can feel her pain missing her child, and her joy when he succeeds. It helps that there are plentiful sources for her life and for that I’m grateful. 

So, the question, would Margaret Beaufort be a better ruler than the one who ruled instead? Well, she lived through part of the reigns of six kings, Henry VI, Edward IV, Edward V, Richard III, Henry VII, and Henry VIII, which should I answer for? I’ll take them in order, Henry VI, yes, Edward IV, probably equal all things considered, Edward V, yes, but he was a child and didn’t actually rule, Richard III, yes, her son, Henry VII, equal, but because she ruled with him, and finally, her grandson, yes because well, he was Henry VIII (now I’m scared Tudor fans are going to come after me). But, looking at the king whose reign really matters in Margaret’s story, Henry VII, I think it didn’t matter in most ways which of them ruled. They were a team, as you’ll see in the next few episodes this team included Margaret’s adored daughter-in-law Elizabeth of York. This team stabilised England after years of warfare. They weren’t perfect, but they were overall good. The two women looked out for the interests of the younger ladies in the family and didn’t let them be treated a tools for ambitious men. Henry VII was the face the world saw and an active king, but he couldn’t have held it together without his mother or his wife. He’s an often overlooked king, missed because his son is so intense, but I’ve always enjoyed reading his story. His mother’s love and support from afar are the things any exile would dream of. She made sure he survived, she financially supported him, and she planned his eventual win. And he rewarded her with her own agency and wealth. He made sure she would wish for nothing, and more importantly, he listened to her because he knew all she had done for him.

In Margaret’s story it’s important to remember how treacherous this time was. Her own husbands could have turned on her at various points. Her son had been promised a safe return on multiple occasions only for one of them to realise he wouldn’t be safe. She seemed to have trusted Jasper Tudor completely with her son’s life, but that was about it. Everyone else she was just hoping wouldn’t turn on them. It is unimaginable for most of us today. Without her he would have had little guidance at the start of his kingship. While English by birth he had spent little time there, most of his life was spent abroad. He had to learn how government worked in England and his mother was there to guide him. 

An often overlooked or maligned character in Margaret’s story is her final husband, Stanley. The more I look into him the more impressed I am. He really saw the way to land on the right side of history. I think it’s unfair to hold his planning against him, he was careful with how he moved through life. It’s important to remember that while Margaret was his wife he also had his children to look after and protect. He risked his oldest son’s life to support Margaret’s son. 

Because everyone will be curious I will provide my answer to the question ‘what happened the Edward V and Richard of York?’ in my anniversary episode in mid-May. This episode should also fall at the end of this not-so-mini-series, so I’ll use it to conclude this undertaking. I do look forward to reading and answering your questions so get them in!