The Extraordinary Life of Margaret Beaufort: Mother of the Tudors

Margaret Beaufort was a remarkable woman who lived through one of the most turbulent periods in English history. She was the mother of King Henry VII, the founder of the Tudor dynasty, and played a pivotal role in his rise to power. Her life was full of intrigue, danger, and triumph, and she is remembered as one of the most influential women in English history.

Uncrowned Queen: The Life of Margaret Beaufort, Mother of the Tudors

by Nicola Tallis

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4392 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	334 pages

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Early Life

Margaret Beaufort was born on May 31, 1443, at Bletsoe Castle in Bedfordshire, England. She was the only child of John Beaufort, 1st Duke of Somerset, and Margaret Beauchamp of Bletsoe. Her father was a prominent Lancastrian nobleman, and her mother was the daughter of the Earl of Warwick. Margaret was a descendant of King Edward III through her father, and she had a strong claim to the English throne.

Margaret's childhood was marked by tragedy. Her father was killed at the First Battle of St. Albans in 1455, when she was just 12 years old. Her mother remarried soon after, and Margaret was sent to live with her grandmother, Cecily Neville, Duchess of York. Cecily was a strong Yorkist supporter, and Margaret was raised in a household that was hostile to the Lancastrian cause.

Marriage

In 1455, Margaret was married to Edmund Tudor, Earl of Richmond. Edmund was the only surviving son of King Henry VI, and he was the heir to the Lancastrian throne. The marriage was arranged by Cecily Neville, who hoped to use it to strengthen the Yorkist cause. However, the marriage was not a happy one. Edmund was a weak and sickly man, and he died in 1456, just six months after the wedding.

Margaret was devastated by Edmund's death, but she was determined to secure the Lancastrian throne for her son, Henry. She became a close advisor to her son, and she played a key role in his rise to power. She helped to arrange his marriage to Elizabeth of York, the daughter of King Edward IV, and she supported him during the War of the Roses, which ended with Henry's victory at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485.

Later Life

After Henry VII's victory, Margaret Beaufort was given the title of Countess of Richmond and Derby. She became one of the most powerful women in England, and she used her influence to promote education and religion. She founded several schools and colleges, including Christ's College, Cambridge, and St. John's College, Oxford. She also supported the work of William Caxton, the first English printer.

Margaret Beaufort died on June 29, 1509, at the age of 66. She was buried in Westminster Abbey, next to her son. She is remembered as a remarkable woman who played a pivotal role in the history of England.

Legacy

Margaret Beaufort was a complex and fascinating figure. She was a strong and determined woman who overcame many obstacles to achieve her goals. She was a loving mother and a loyal friend, and she was a devout Christian. She is remembered as one of the most influential women in English history, and her legacy continues to inspire people today.

Bibliography

• David Starkey, Margaret Beaufort: Mother of Henry VII (2003)
• Alison Weir, The Wars of the Roses: England's Civil Wars, 1455-1485 (2008)
• John Ashdown-Hill, Margaret Beaufort: The Mother of the Tudors (2012)

Uncrowned Queen: The Life of Margaret Beaufort, Mother of the Tudors

by Nicola Tallis

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4392 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	334 pages

FREE