Catherine of Aragon

Catherine was engaged to Arthur, Prince of Wales, heir to the English throne, since childhood. They were eventually married on November 14, 1501 at Old St. Paul's Cathedral

Following their marriage, Arthur was sent on a commission to the border of Wales, presiding over the Council of Wales and the Marches. Catherine accompanied him on the trip. However, the two fell seriously ill which resulted in the death of Arthur.

To avoid returning the dowry, Henry VII proposed marriage of Catherine and his second son, Henry, Duke of York. The marriage was, however, delayed for the groom to reach a suitable age. During this time, Catherine lived as a virtual prisoner at Durham House in London.

Catherine of Aragon was born on December 16, 1485 to King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile at the Archbishop's Palace in Alcalá de Henares near Madrid.

Young Catherine attained formal education from Alessandro Geraldini who taught her varied subjects. She was a multi-linguist, trained in Spanish, Latin, French and Greek. Additionally, she even learned basic domestic skills such as cooking, sewing, spinning and so on.

From an early age, Catherine developed a religious bent of mind which laid the foundation for the future course of life.

Catherine married Arthur, Prince of Wales, apparent heir to the throne in 1501. After, the untimely death of Arthur in 1502, she married his younger brother, Henry. in 1509, after he had taken over the throne as King Henry VIII.

Highly intelligent, Catherine was appointed as the Regent or Governor of England on June 11, 1513, during King Henry VIII’s absence as he went to France on a military campaign.

With Scots invading England, she ordered Thomas Lovell to raise an army in the midland counties. Dressed in armour, she rode northside and addressed the troops. Inspired by her words, the troop won the Battle of Flodden Field.

Overwhelmed by the victory at the Battle of Flodden Field, she sent her husband, King Henry VIII, bloodied coat of King James IV of Scotland, who died in the battle, to use the same as a banner at the siege of Tournai

Catherine was drawn towards spiritualism and divinity. Furthermore, her interest over academics augmented deeply. She not just aimed at broadening her knowledge but that of her daughter too. It was mostly due to Catherine’s influence that education amongst women became prevalent. For the same, she donated large sum of money to colleges.

Interestingly, there is hardly a time that her tomb in Peterborough Cathedral is not decorated with flowers or pomegranates, her heraldic symbol.