Medical Downfall of the Tudors: Sex, Reproduction & Succession

Book Synopsis: The Tudor dynasty died out because there was no heir of Elizabeth I’s body to succeed her. Henry VIII, despite his six marriages, had produced no legitimate son who would live into old age. Three of the reigning Tudors (Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I) died without heirs apparent, the most tragic case being that of Mary Tudor, who went through two recorded cases of phantom pregnancy. If it were not for physical frailty and the lack of reproductive health among the Tudors, the course of history might have been different.

This book concentrates on the medical downfall of the Tudors, examining their gynaecological history and medical records.

Did you know that an archival source suggests that Henry VIII may have suffered from venereal disease or a urinary tract infection?

Did you know that overlooked pictorial evidence suggests that Katharine of Aragon may have suffered from prognathism, a trait that ran through her family?

It is generally assumed that Katharine of Aragon went through menopause by 1524, but primary sources tell a different tale.

Did Katharine of Aragon really die in the arms of her lady-in-waiting, Maria de Salinas, Lady Willoughby?

Did you know that Jane Seymour’s coronation in 1537 was postponed and later cancelled because of the plague? She was originally to be crowned on 29 September 1536.

Was Katherine Howard ever pregnant by Henry VIII?

Did you know that available evidence suggests Mary I Tudor suffered from severe depression?

Did you know that one of the maids of honour at the Tudor court had a C-section?

How many pregnancies did Anne Boleyn have?

Did you know that there is a hint in the primary sources that in 1534 Anne Boleyn had a stillbirth?

Did you know that Henry VII didn't die in his bed?

Was Katharine of Aragon's marriage to Prince Arthur consummated?

How did Edward VI die?