1000 Tudor People
Monarchs and magicians, politicians and philosophers, kings, criminals, musicians, and gardeners: learn about one thousand men and women from all walks of life who flourished during the Tudor period.
The King’s Pearl
Mary Tudor has always been known as ‘Bloody Mary’, the name given to her by later Protestant chroniclers who vilified her for attempting to re-impose Roman Catholicism in England. Recently, more nuanced accounts of Mary's life have been written, but many now portray her as 'tragic' Mary, which is not necessarily a complete picture either.
Synopsis
Although a more nuanced picture of the first queen regnant has since emerged, she is still stereotyped, depicted as a tragic and lonely figure, personally and politically isolated after the annulment of her parents’ marriage and rescued from obscurity only through the good offices of Katherine Parr. The King's Pearl examines Mary's relationship with her father, Henry VIII, and demonstrates that it was a relationship of some complexity.
Henry doted on Mary as a child and called her his ‘pearl of the world’, but her determination to side with her mother over the annulment both hurt him as a father and damaged perceptions of him as a monarch commanding unhesitating obedience. However, once Mary had finally been pressured into compliance, Henry reverted to being a loving father and Mary played an important role in court life.
Reviews
This scholarly and highly engaging book offers a genuinely fresh perspective on Mary Tudor, presenting her as far more than the tragic and ‘Bloody’ queen of legend. By exploring Mary through the lens of her relationship with her father, Henry VIII, the author provides a compelling new portrait of this much-misunderstood woman which is at once more sympathetic and believable than many established accounts. A stunning achievement.
—Dr Tracy Borman, Joint Chief Curator of Historic Royal Palaces and author of numerous books
A wonderful début. Melita Thomas brilliantly explores the early life of Mary Tudor against a European backdrop. She traces the young princess’s relationship with her father Henry VIII, and convincingly argues that Mary was very much her father’s daughter – not just the pious girl but also the political animal. A powerful narrative filled with new insights.
—Dominic Pearce, Author of Henrietta Maria
Mary Tudor's relationship with Henry VIII, his 'pearl of the world', was an important and often fraught one. This excellent biography looks in detail at the relationship between both, concluding that in spite of differences between them caused by the annulment of her parents' marriage, it ended harmoniously. The author paints a vivid picture of the Tudor court and of the early life of the woman long reviled as 'Bloody Mary'. Mention must also be made of the first-class timeline, genealogical table and appendices.
—The BookBag
Read full review from The BookBagMelita Thomas’ research is impeccable, her arguments and theories are backed up by primary sources, including memoirs, letters and treaties. The focus is entirely on Mary, her relationships with her family and courtiers and the way her father’s policies and marriages affected her life.
It examines every aspect of Mary’s life in impeccable detail; her education, court life, her relationships, health and daily routine. It is a sad tale, of a father who demanded absolute obedience, and never considered the consequences of his actions on the mental well-being of his children
—Sharon Bennett Connolly
Read full review from Sharon Bennett ConnollyAll Melita’s Books
The King’s Pearl
Henry VIII and his Daughter Mary
Mary Tudor has always been known as ‘Bloody Mary’, the name given to her by later Protestant chroniclers who vilified her for attempting to re-impose Roman Catholicism in England. Recently, more nuanced accounts of Mary's life have been written, but many now portray her as 'tragic' Mary, which is not necessarily a complete picture either.
The House of Grey
Friends & Foes of Kings
The Grey family was one of mediaeval England’s most important dynasties, serving the kings of England as sheriffs, barons and military leaders from the reign of William the Conqueror.