Cunning Facts About Mary Tudor, The Rebel Queen
The House of Tudor had more than its fair share of scandalous figures, from Henry VIII’s many marriages to the intrigue and plots of the court of Elizabeth I. But few remember the twisted tale of Mary Tudor—the English princess who briefly became Queen of France. From her secret marriage to her bitter rivalry with Anne Boleyn, Mary packed a lot into her short life.
Mary Tudor Facts
1. Her Family Was Power-Hungry
Mary Tudor was born in an auspicious time for the House of Tudor. When her father, Henry VII, wed her mother, Elizabeth of York, the marriage finally brought together the bitter factions of the Wars of the Roses. Yet with great power comes great screw-ups. Henry VII sought to marry off all his well-bred children to influential ruling families....with disastrous results.
2. She Was Daddy’s Little Girl
Mary's parents had many children over the years, but she was one of only four to survive infancy—and as the baby of the small, precarious family, Mary's father spoiled her absolutely rotten.
Even though King Henry was in huge financial trouble after years of constant battle, he showered Mary with gifts...to an almost extreme extent.
3. She Was a Literal Girl Boss
When she was just six years old, Henry VII gave his little princess her own household, including a staff that comprised a number of gentlewomen, a teacher, and a doctor. Imagine having a six-year-old as your boss? No thanks. Yet even as Henry VII was doing everything to give Mary a glorious childhood, heartbreak was lurking just around the corner.
