Power Couples of the Tudor Era: Influential Duos that Shaped the History of their Time

by Jo Romero

Reveals how influential duos shaped English history through love, power, and political intrigue.

Step into the dazzling yet perilous world of Tudor England, where power was often a shared endeavour, and the most influential players were not always those who stood alone. In Power Couples of the Tudor Age, Jo Romero uncovers the remarkable stories of the dynamic duos whose partnerships shaped the course of English history.

From the legendary marriage of Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon, which set the stage for England's religious transformation, to the political machinations of Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley, these couples navigated the treacherous waters of court intrigue, international diplomacy, and personal ambition. Some stood together against the rising tides of reform, while others united to end wars and forge new dynasties.

These couples wielded their influence in ways that changed not only their own lives but the future of the realm. Their stories reveal the intricate dance of love, power, and survival. Power Couples of the Tudor Age brings to light the incredible contributions of these figures, offering a fresh perspective on the partnerships that forged a nation.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

224 pages, Hardcover

Published August 30, 2025

Reviews

[Juliew. · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is little new to the Tudor world in this work.It is however well written and researched and I enjoyed reading it.It reminded me of taking a magnifying glass to each power couple and spying out their contributions to Tudor society as a whole.Some couples I very much agreed with their places on the list others I was a bit more undecided on.More seasoned Tudor fans may want to skip this one but new readers may find it beneficial.

Much thanks to Netgalley for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest review

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very informative book all about the powerful couples of the Tudor period in England.

This book details the lives and infamy of some of the most famous power couples from the Tudor era. Some are very well known, such as Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon, and some are not as well known, such as Katherine Willoughby, Duchess of Suffolk and Richard Bertie. The book delves into the details of why they were power couples, while also providing information about the individuals themselves, their passions, and what they had in common. It was lovely to read about them as people, rather than just as famous Tudors.

This will be perfect for individuals who love history, particularly those with a passion for Tudor and English history, as well as those who appreciate high-quality reference books.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is quite a fascinating book about power couples in an age when most women were still valued purely for the housekeeping and baby making. There are the obvious ones like Henry VII and Elizabeth of York. It was only their marriage that brought the two warring sides together from the War of the Roses. What could have been a marriage of convenience turned into one filled love and respect. Too bad their son did not learn the lessons. Although initially he did have a spouse with whom the author argues, he had his power mate. Katherine may have been swept aside with Catholicism but the two of them were dynamic together and even when they were apart in their thoughts and feelings, they still had a profound effect on future occurrences.

Henry VIII and his three children each in their time and way were the backdrop to all the other power couples from those who supported either one religion or the other or who cozied up to the Crown whomever was wearing it and tried to manipulate their power from the source. The Seymours clearly had their heyday with Jane and Edward but overplayed their hand. That is a fairly common theme. They dared fly too close to the sun and often ended up in dire straights because of it. All the way from the first courtiers to the final ones who managed to keep Mary Queen of Scots safely ensconced but couldn’t stand the stresses and split. But not before one final machination turned into Arabella Stuart who would plague both Elizabeth and Charles I.

The book covers their rises and falls and all the fun and shenanigans in between. Tudor times were interesting but for so many of these couples it was also be careful what you wish for. Five purrs and two paws up.

[MoonlightCupOfCocoa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Pen and Sword and Netgalley for the advance copy! As always all thoughts shared here are 100% my own.

I must confess, I am pretty newbie to anything and everything Tudor. While I have dipped my toes here and there in medieval history, I only know the bare minimum when it comes to Medieval English history specifically.

This book found me at exactly the right time as I started reading more about the Tudor era and, in my opinion, it was the best introduction I could ask for when it comes to some of the major figures and how they connect with one another.

The nine couples explored by the book are by no means the only influential couples from the era. Some weren't even long-term successful (I know, it's not a shocker when Henry VIII is on the list), while others may not have necessarily been romantically connected. But they all certainly left a mark, be it politically, religiously or culturally.

One of the things I especially appreciated is the author explored the couples from a holistic standpoint without shying away from their pitfalls. At the same time, the spotlight wasn't just on the more popular figure. The influences, accomplishments and the legacy of both figures are presented to the reader. Not only that, but the book does a great job debunking some of the common myths about some of the figures or the couple together.

Overall, as a newbie, I enjoyed this book and learned a ton! Whether you're curious about the couples, or you're being introduced to them like me, this is a valuable read.

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting to see the Tudor period through the lens of power couples, some of which are well known and some that are not as well known but all of whom did have an influence on history. That is not to say that all the couples were loves matches, many would have been arranged for the best political and monetary values of the families. And some ended disastrously, namely King Henry and Katherine of Aragon.

I was most surprised about the depiction of Queen Mary and Phillip of Spain. So often the stereotype is Phillip couldn't wait to get away from Mary and she was hopelessly in love with him. But this showed they actually worked together to strengthen Britain, through joint proclamation and particularly through the suggestions Phillip had about Britain's navy which turned out to be a huge deal later when Phillip tried to invade with the Spanish Armada.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Nicola Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Power couples is the Tudor era? Yes please. What a great focus for a book and one that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Today’s news is all the ‘power couples’ of modern day, but the power couples of Tudor times paved the way for more than just drama and gossip, they could shape history!

The research the author put into this book was plain to see and made reading this book super enjoyable and easily immersible.

I absolutely love reading about this period of history and reading from a new angle and perspective is one I always welcome. And from the fresh vantage point of power relationships, from kings and queens, to advisors and more, I definitely felt I came away all the richer in learning about this. A fantastic read!

Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for an advanced copy!

The political is personal, and Romero makes that very clear in this book, documenting the lives of couples, from the beginning to the end of the Tudor dynasty, and shows how their personal actions, both separately and together, had a profound impact on the age.

Some are well know, such as Henry VII and Elizabeth of York, and how well they used power together and separately to bring about the end of the Wars of the Roses and start the new age. While others have gotten less of the spotlight, such as Katherine Willoughby and her second husband Richard Bertie, but she shows how much of an impact they had on the Protestant Reformation.

Romero tries to take a fresh look at all evidence, such as when she argues that Philip of Spain had more of impact on England than once thought, showing how he worked to make the English Navy stronger, genuinely wanting to be active in his wife's reign, like a proto-Prince Albert.

Many of the couples had their hand in high level political machinations, such as Edward Seymour and Anne Stanhope working together to secure power over the boy king, or Bess of Hardwick and George Talbot hosting / imprisoning Mary Queen of Scotland.

And, of course, we have Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley, the ultimate power couple, despite a lack of marriage. Romero points out that, besides the whole will-they-won't-they, they were incredibly busy together and apart creating the Elizabethan Golden Age.

An intimate look at the Tudor period in detail that also covers a lot of ground of the age as a whole.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clearly, Romero is knowledgeable and did the research to present an informative, to the point, and nicely written work about the Tudor era.

There isn't a lot of new information if you are already well-versed in the subject matter, but it does have something to offer if you are wanting a single book focused on power couples or an introduction to the history of the time period.

Thank You netgalley and the publisher for the dARC of this work in exchange for my honest review.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting read.
I found it a new way of looking at the tudor period some of the couples I read about were familiar others I had only seen mentions of their characters so was enthralled to read about them.
The author has worked hard to research and the book came across very well.
I have got her next book Forgotten women of the wars of the roses lined up on my kindle to read next.
Thanks to Netgalley for my arc copy

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fascinating and fun-to-read book explores the untold stories of the partnerships that shaped Tudor England and its destiny through a complex interplay of love, power, and political maneuvering. Well-researched, and with an eye toward inclusivity, it digs beyond the surface to show that a couple may be more powerful than the sum of its parts.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Georgi_Lvs_Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘For a power couple to survive, it was necessary to deploy resilience, tenacity and tact’.

Power couples from Henry VII and Elizabeth of York to Mary I and Philip of Spain.

An interesting read and a must for any history and Tudor lover.