Friday, August 7, 2015

Henry Tudor Prepares to Claim England's Crown

With my book release quickly approaching - 11 days to go! I am busily preparing for the big day and frantically fitting in my regular freelance work. However, I couldn't let August 7th pass without giving a shout out to one of the main characters of Plantagenet Princess, Tudor Queen: Henry Tudor.

Henry Tudor lands at Milford Haven
(Photo credit: richardiii.net)
On this day in 1485, Henry landed with his relatively small number of troops at Milford Haven and praised God for bringing him to that point. Henry's faith is one of the key elements that I believe drew Elizabeth of York to him. As he landed on the shore of Wales, they had not yet met, though they were betrothed. Henry was likely asking God for blessings on the marriage he would be expected to make as well as his plans to conquer the armies of Richard III.

Henry was begging God to bless his cause, but what was Elizabeth thinking? She, along with several sisters and cousins, had been sent to safety in the north with little idea that they had seen Richard for the last time. Did Elizabeth plot against her uncle and welcome Henry with open arms? Or did she support her uncle, trusting him as her father always had despite some of the actions he had taken?

Who Elizabeth was cheering for, or more likely praying for, in August of 1485, we cannot know. She kept her innermost thoughts deeply hidden, as any good princess would. What we do know is that when Henry proved victorious, she was a devoted wife to him. Exploring their relationship and the effects of the turbulent times that this royal couple lived through has been a joy.

For more information on Henry landing with his troops, see this Henry Tudor Society post.
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2 comments:

  1. Historygirl85August 9, 2015 at 12:14 PM

    Henry is an intriguing figure. He won the throne against all odds, he held onto it despite several near misses. He was basically a good king. He married a beautiful princess who was incredibly devoted to him. I love what you said about his faith because I feel the same way- that it drew he and Elizabeth together. They were both so devout, it was a major part of their lives. As a raised Catholic, I've always noticed that the faith of these monarchs is often not explored enough in historical fictions. Richard III as well. As for Elizabeth's feelings in August, 1485, as she waited in the North for news, I imagine they were mixed. Henry had promised to make her Queen and would restore her family, yet he was a stranger (although she'd have to marry a stranger most likely no matter what). Richard was her Uncle and had been devoted to her father but she would always be illegitimate under his reign. ill preorder your book today, I am interested in your interpretation, it sounds like it will be a fresh perspective than the typical!

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    1. Samantha WilcoxsonAugust 9, 2015 at 1:15 PM

      Thank you, Historygirl! I believe that it would be impossible to write about Elizabeth of York without featuring her faith as a key motivation and comfort. I agree that many modern writers downplay the faith of our ancestors to suit today's readers, but I have tried to create a picture of Elizabeth that, I hope, could be true.

      Thank you for preordering my book! I do hope that you enjoy it and look forward to hearing your thoughts.

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