Son of Prophecy: The Rise of Henry Tudor

by Nathen Amin

As England’s most celebrated royal dynasty, it’s often overlooked that the Tudors have their origins in rural Wales, far from the urban centres of English power where they dared to become great. When Henry Tudor won the English crown by defeating Richard III in battle, he was a stranger to the people he now ruled, an ‘unknown Welshman’ in the words of his defeated foe. In his native Wales, however, Henry had long been championed as the Son of Prophecy, a foretold national messiah who would free his oppressed people from their lengthy misery. How had this remarkable situation come about?

In this lucid and riveting account, Nathen Amin deftly explores how one redoubtable Welsh family thrived during lean years of political chaos, national instability, and inter-generational bloodshed to leave behind a complex legacy that changed the face of England and Wales forever. It is a passionately told tale of treachery, cunning, love, and heartbreak. From Penmynydd to Bosworth, this is the enthralling, action-packed story of the Tudors, but not as you know it.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Tudor Period, Biography

384 pages, Hardcover

First published July 15, 2024

About the author

Nathen Amin is an author from Carmarthenshire, West Wales, who focuses on the 15th Century and the reign of Henry VII. He wrote 'Tudor Wales' in 2014 and 'York Pubs' in 2016, followed by the first full-length biography of the Beaufort family, 'The House of Beaufort' in 2017, an Amazon #1 Bestseller in three historical categories (Wars of the Roses, Norman England, and The Plantagenets & Medieval History). His fourth book, 'Henry VII and the Tudor Pretenders; Simnel, Warbeck and Warwick', is due for release in 2021

Nathen is an experienced public speaker, presenting talks on the Beauforts, Wars of the Roses, and Henry VII, for several societies and book festivals, including the BBC History Weekend, Essex Book Festival, HistFest, Gloucester History Festival, Oundle Festival of Literature, Lancaster Historical Writing Festival, Bosworth Medieval Festival, Barnet Medieval Festival, Richard III Society, and as guest expert for Alison Weir Talks. He has also featured on BBC radio and television, as well as in print and online media across the UK @NathenAmin

Reviews

[Catherine T · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating look at the often glossed over Tudor king, Henry VII, and the long road to rulership via his Welsh ancestry.

[Monica Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

4+. Fantastic story of Welsh history and the rise of Henry VII. Learned a lot more about the War of the Roses, Henry VI, and French and British history of the time. Nathen is a wonderful writer.

[Gavin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve followed Nathen from first encountering him on Gone Medieval podcast with Matt Lewis, and he’s always been active on social media which I personally enjoy when an historian and or author interacts with me/other followers.

I purchased one of Nathen’s books (Henry VII and the Tudor Pretenders) in England, and ordered this one from a small independent English bookshop online. (Fox Lane Books!) I finally sat down and started this, as I gave the choice to my wife, a Tudor history fan, and I read it aloud for us both.

It was superb. Well researched, very well written and flowing well. It also ended up providing so much more extra contextual information about the history of Wales and the descendants of Ednyfed Fychan, granddaddy of the Tudor line, and many other lines of Welsh prominence.

I quite enjoyed how it showed so much of what the “Son of Prophecy” legend was, tied into King Arthur, Brutus of Troy, and how others seemed to maybe fit that (Owain Glyn Dwr). Too many biographies focus on the person and not the larger context in which they arrived, lived, inherited. This book did such a good job at setting the stage for Henry, that almost the first half takes place before Henry’s birth.

I had always leaned slightly towards Richard III in the debate, but seeing everything Henry went through and accomplished, I came away with a huge wealth of knowledge and admiration for him. Before I think I knew only he was the guy who won and defeated Richard at Bosworth, now I can say I feel like a mini expert!
I also only knew the paranoid Henry of his elder years, post Arthur death, and as the father of Henry VIII. This book has completely transformed my view on Henry.

The real heroes of this book for me are Jasper Tudor (the oft forgotten uncle of Henry, half brother of Henry VI) and Owen, grandfather to Henry, both men who’s extraordinary lives deserve books of their own. (And Nathen would be a great choice to write).

Cannot recommend this book enough. 5 stars fully deserved.

[Abbi Debelack · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The people who existed several centuries ago remain largely elusive characters, of whom we can only draw tantalizing glimpses through often frustratingly vague or compromised historical records." Yet despite this, Nathen Amin delivers such a fascinating history of Henry VII. I love learning about this time and these people, and with the 540th anniversary of Bosworth Field coming up next year (!!!) this was a really fitting and exciting read.

[Heidi Malagisi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The date is August 22, 1485, and a young man stands in the middle of a battlefield. He has done what seemed nigh impossible, he defeated the last Plantagenet king Richard III to become the new King of England. His heritage makes this man unique and qualified to start a new dynasty. His mother’s family the Beauforts have been explored quite heavily by historians and authors alike. They see this victory as a change in English history whereas his father’s family sees it as a sign of something deeper. To the Tudors and Henry’s fellow Welshmen, it is the fulfillment of a centuries-old prophecy. So who were Henry Tudor’s ancestors and what did it mean for Henry to be the titular Son of Prophecy? Nathen Amin tells the remarkable story of the Tudors and how their struggles and triumphs led to Henry Tudor taking the throne in his latest book, “ Son of Prophecy: The Rise of Henry Tudor.”

I want to thank Amberley Publishing for sending me a copy of this book. I have enjoyed Amin’s previous books, “The House of Beaufort: The Bastard Line that Captured the Crown” and “Henry VII and the Tudor Pretenders: Simnel, Warbeck, and Warwick,” When I heard that he was writing a book about the origins of the Tudors from the Welsh perspective, I knew I had to read it. I don’t know much about Welsh history, so I was looking forward to learning more.

Amin begins by explaining that while those who study the life of Henry Tudor know that he was Welsh, they don’t highlight his Welshness as a unique aspect of his life. However, as Amin argues, it is the king’s Welsh heritage that makes his story so fascinating as the Tudor story in Wales spans eight generations and it is the story of warriors and diplomats. We begin with the warrior Ednyfed Fychan, who served Lylwelyn ab Iorwerth Prince of Ewynedd during the Welsh War of Independence. Now, for those who are paying attention, you will notice that his surname is not Tudor, but Amin takes the time to explain the origins of the Tudor name as well as how English and Welsh relationships changed over time, starting at the time of the Saxons to the start of the Tudor dynasty.

What I found fascinating is how the family that would later be known as the Tudors in English history were not afraid to get their hands dirty and be at the forefront of change for Wales. They fought tooth and nail for their Welsh rights and those who considered themselves the Prince of Wales, even if it meant putting their lives at risk. It was the stories of these men who created the foundation for Owen ap Maredudd ap Tudur (Owen Tudor) to leave his native Wales for England, work under Walter Hungerford, fall in love and marry the Dowager Queen Katherine of Valois, and have his sons Edmund and Jasper Tudor. This is the point that most people know as the “origins of the Tudors,” but by going back, Amin is showing his audience the depth of Henry’s Welsh roots and it would be on that battlefield on that August day where that Welsh loyalty would become a defining factor between victory or defeat.

I was enthralled by this book and the copious amounts of notes that I took while reading. It was so much fun learning about historical events and figures that were unfamiliar to me in the context of the Tudor story. This book will revolutionize how you view the Tudors and how Henry Tudor gained the throne. If you are a Tudor nerd who wants to learn more about the Welsh connections to this dynasty, “Son of Prophecy: The Rise of Henry Tudor” by Nathen Amin is an absolute must-read.

[Jonathan Crain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Few figures in British history have traveled as improbable a path to power as Henry Tudor. From a childhood shadowed by civil war to fourteen years of exile, his journey to becoming Henry VII seems almost too dramatic to be true. In "Son of Prophecy," Nathen Amin unravels this remarkable story, offering a fresh and illuminating perspective on one of British history's most pivotal figures. Drawing from his expertise in 15th-century history and Welsh background, Nathan Amin presents a portrait that goes beyond the traditional narrative of Henry VII as merely a calculating political operator who ended the Wars of the Roses.

The biography excels in two key aspects. Firstly, it delves deeply into Henry Tudor's Welsh identity and heritage. Amin intertwines the political and cultural influences that shaped Tudor's early years, emphasizing the role of Welsh bards and their prophecies in bolstering his claim to the throne. This exploration sheds light on how Tudor's Welsh roots contributed to his rise and underscores the intricate expectations and hopes his fellow countrymen vested in him. The book truly breaks new ground by analyzing the "Son of Prophecy" narrative, demonstrating how Welsh cultural traditions and political aspirations converged to forge a potent mythology around Tudor's kingship. Amin examines how Tudor navigated and utilized these cultural narratives to his advantage. Secondly, Amin offers a detailed examination of Tudor's formative years and his period of exile—segments often overlooked in other narratives. By drawing on contemporary sources and Welsh genealogical records, Amin reconstructs Tudor's journey from a precarious childhood in Wales to his exile in Brittany. This analysis reveals how these early experiences profoundly influenced his approach to kingship. The portrayal of Tudor's relationship with his uncle, Jasper Tudor, and the intricate family dynamics that shaped his ascent to power is particularly compelling.

Amin's approach to historical methodology is commendable. He navigates the challenges of limited primary sources with transparency, acknowledging gaps in the historical record while judiciously using available evidence. Amin’s balance of scholarly rigor with engaging storytelling makes this biography accessible to academic and general readers, though he never sacrifices historical accuracy for narrative appeal.

The biography's chronological structure, occasionally interspersed with thematic explorations, serves the narrative well. However, readers unfamiliar with the Wars of the Roses may need to consult additional sources for a broader context. Amin's prose is clear and engaging, making complex historical events and relationships accessible without oversimplification.

"Son of Prophecy" offers valuable insights into Henry VII's journey and the broader cultural and political landscape of 15th-century Britain. By emphasizing Tudor's Welsh connections and the role of prophecy and cultural identity in his rise to power, Amin has produced a biography that enriches our understanding of this crucial figure in British history.

[Amy McElroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember a few years ago seeing a post on Facebook offering a signed copy of a book titled The House of Beaufort and thinking ooooh that looks good! Of course I ordered myself a copy and that was my introduction to Nathen Amin. So I'll give myself a pat on the back for making the decision to order a copy.

Since then Nathen's work has continued to be some of the best I've read, with the publication of Henry VII and the Tudor Pretenders in 2022, and now Son of Prophecy.

Son of Prophecy is not just for Tudor fans. Yes it covers the story of the rise of Henry Tudor, but it also tells the tale of the name 'Tudor'.
Henry VII is definitely overlooked in favour of his children and grandchildren but Amin provides a whole host of reasons in Son of Prophecy to show why Henry VII had just as much, or in fact, a much more interesting life story. I was hooked from the first chapter as Amin begins with a paragraph that makes you second guess you are reading nonfiction. His way of telling a story is exceptional!

Not only have I learned about the rise of Henry to kingship but also much more about his Welsh origins than I ever knew. The family tree and maps are an excellent addition to assist the reader in understanding Henry's family line and life events.

This is not just a book about Henry VII, it's a masterpiece in history that should be on the shelves of any history fan; academic or not.
Amin writes 'The Tudors' relationship with their native Wales has sadly not always generated the level of mainstream discussion that the subject deserves' and whilst true I would say this book will go a long way in changing that, or at least I hope so. Through meticulous research and an extremely engaging writing style, Amin has placed Henry Tudor firmly back in the spotlight, no longer overshadowed by his son and grandchildren.

I recently had the pleasure of chatting to Nathen and he mentioned that writing books improves with practice and now having read Amin's three books I can certainly agree. House of Beaufort and Henry VII and the Tudor Pretenders are brilliant but Son of Prophecy is in a class of its own. If you're after something which is incredibly detailed whilst remaining engaging, this should be your next book! I cannot recommend Son of Prophecy highly enough, it is definitely in my top 3 books read in 2024.

[Helene Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a much needed and brilliant book! I always think you can’t really understand yourself without understanding your own history and experiences. It’s the same with other people, although this is much harder with people who lived 500 years ago. This book fills in the gaps I had in my understanding of Henry VII.
I knew Henry VII had been born when his mother was aged 12 and widowed, and there was a suggestion Henry VI had effectively declared Henry Tudor would be king, though the source for that is a bit iffy, and that he fled with his uncle Jasper after the Battle of Tewkesbury to the continent, then returned to claim the English throne. But other than that, details were quite sketchy for me. Understanding Henry’s Welsh background and the legacy of that country can help to understand where his support came from when he returned to England and how his sense of self may have been formed.

Amin has a brilliant way of explaining quite complex connections and concepts, though I did have to reread sections of the early chapters which is the period I was least familiar with, in order to get things straight in my head as I was reading. The book highlights the Tudor Welsh connections as no book before has done. It also goes through the events of the Wars of the Roses through Tudor eyes, those of Owen, Edmund, Jasper, and Henry Tudor, as well as Margaret Beaufort and others linked to the Tudors.

There is a helpful family tree and a couple of maps at the beginning which I really appreciated. The image plates were also well-chosen, largely featuring different places that Henry Tudor would have known, but also tombs and documents. The references and bibliography are extensive, meaning that it is easy to follow Amin’s research back to its source, to read for yourself, which is always helpful.

What I really love about Nathen Amin’s book is that it breaks new ground and offers valuable insight into Henry Tudor and his origins before he became king. It also examines the make-up of Wales at the time and how that impacted English politics and could have a stake in who sat on the throne. For Henry Tudor, Wales was a pivotal part of his life.

[Tony Riches · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in Nathen Amin's Henry VII trilogy shines a spotlight on the (often ignored) Welsh lineage of Henry Tudor, going back into the lives of his ancestors for eight generations.

Described by historians as 'ground breaking', this comprehensive book is now the definitive account of the people and events which led up to the founding of the Tudor dynasty.

Nathen Amin shows how this context is so important for understanding our history. I was aware of how the Welsh used referred to Henry Tudor as the 'Son of Prophecy' of the title, but have never thought about how deeply rooted this idea was in Welsh culture - or quite how long they had been waiting to see the prophecy fulfilled.

I have stood on the shingle beach at Mill Bay, close to my home in West Wales, where Henry and his small army made landfall, and recommend this book to anyone who wants a richer understanding of why he took such a great risk - and succeeded.

Tony Riches

[Jake Newitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was easily one of my most anticipated books of the year and I am glad to say it did not disappoint. In this book Nathen touches on a subject very rarely looked into which is the early life of England’s first Tudor monarch, Henry VII from growing up in the court of his family’s enemy to being forced to flee his home, fearing that if he did not he and his uncle Jasper would be killed resulting in fourteen long and dangerous years in exile to finally becoming a central part in plots to remove the infamous Richard III from his recently usurped throne, which Henry himself would do on 22 August 1485.

Just like in his previous work, Nathen gives the reader a great amount of context, taking a look at some of Henry’s notable Welsh ancestors, yet another topic rarely delved into. From the tough warrior and intelligent diplomat Ednyfed Fychan to the first Tudor king’s grandfather Owen, who rose from a Welsh squire with his veins pumping with the blood of ancient monarchs to becoming the husband of a French princess and father in law to the English king.

The author tells the story of how the Tudors, a family of Welsh rebels became kings of England in a brilliant narrative style up their very best, making this book a true page turner. Nathen’s meticulous research and passion for the subject is evident on every page.

I’d recommend this book to anyone with an interest in Tudor, Welsh, British, Medieval and Wars of the Roses history and is in my opinion the definitive account on the young life of a man who would go onto found Britain’s most infamous dynasty.

[Carol Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really excellent read. As much as I’ve read about English history and the early Plantagenet kings, I knew very little about Welsh history. Learning the history from the Welsh perspective was fascinating. Likewise, learning more about Henry’s background and life. Most accounts of the Wars of the Roses don’t really focus on him until he becomes a serious threat to Richard. I was also fascinated to learn more about Jasper Tudor who always seems to be a secondary/background character. And I’ll add that the descriptions of Richard III and his motives seemed fact-based and balanced and I never felt I was being persuaded towards any particular conclusion. This is a well-researched, well-written book that tells a story that’s long been ignored!

[Shaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Masterful writing and research. Reading this book leaves me stumped about how much Tudor historians have brushed aside the rich Welsh Tudor heritage. The impression was that Owen Tudor married the dowager queen and all dweller in relative obscurity until Bosworth. But seeing the close relationship of Henry VI and the Tudor brothers hit me with force because far from being unobjectionable and unknown, they were the kings half brothers, after all, and by necessity major players in the Wars of the Rose.

The sweep of Welsh history that was the author presented was meticulous, well-written and must always be considered a vital part of Tudor history.

[Juliet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thoughtful and insightful book about the origins of a King who is frequently overlooked in favour of the more infamous monarchs on either side of his reign. Nathen Amin writes in an enjoyable and accessible style which kept me eagerly turning the pages. Definitely a book I’d recommend.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read. Nathen has researched this book brilliantly. As a Ricardian Henry VII is not a natural subject matter for me but thoroughly enjoyed it and learnt so much about Welsh history as well as the life of Henry VII

[Orlando · Rating 5 out of 5]

i wish i wrote this

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Accessible account of the origins of the Tudor Dynasty, told from the Welsh perspective and filling in many of the gaps of a well known period.