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Henry VIII's Controversial Aunt, Honor Lisle: Her Life, Letters and influence on The Tudor Court
The life of Honor, Lady Lisle, follows a dizzying narrative arc. Born into a West Country family, her second marriage propelled her into Anne Boleyn's court, as the new step-aunt to Henry VIII.
Her husband, Arthur, was the illegitimate son of Edward IV, bearing the dangerous surname Plantagenet, one of a few survivors of the old regime. At his side, Honor witnessed tumultuous change in England, before heading out to run the Tudor enclave of Calais. Her surviving letters speak of a happy family, domestic arrangements, clothes and food, as well as including snippets of news about Henry's love life and the unfolding Reformation. A devout Catholic, Honor found herself in a difficult position when instructions arrived to carry through religious reforms in a reluctant, rebellious town.
As the pressure increased upon the couple, and one by one, the giants of the Tudor court fell, did Honor ever fear that she may suffer the same fate? What exactly caused accusations to be made against Honor and Arthur? What role did Honor's faith play? Just how close did she come to dishonour?
This is the first complete biography of Honor, presenting the story of a significant Tudor woman against the backdrop of immense political change.
Her husband, Arthur, was the illegitimate son of Edward IV, bearing the dangerous surname Plantagenet, one of a few survivors of the old regime. At his side, Honor witnessed tumultuous change in England, before heading out to run the Tudor enclave of Calais. Her surviving letters speak of a happy family, domestic arrangements, clothes and food, as well as including snippets of news about Henry's love life and the unfolding Reformation. A devout Catholic, Honor found herself in a difficult position when instructions arrived to carry through religious reforms in a reluctant, rebellious town.
As the pressure increased upon the couple, and one by one, the giants of the Tudor court fell, did Honor ever fear that she may suffer the same fate? What exactly caused accusations to be made against Honor and Arthur? What role did Honor's faith play? Just how close did she come to dishonour?
This is the first complete biography of Honor, presenting the story of a significant Tudor woman against the backdrop of immense political change.
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
240 pages, Hardcover
Published November 15, 2025
About the author
Amy Licence
40 books327 followersMedieval and Tudor historian, with a particular interest in women's lives and experiences, also dabble in Modernism. I write fiction and non-fiction, also journalism for The Guardian, BBC History website, The New Statesman, The Huffington Post, The English Review and The London Magazine. I appeared in TV documentaries "The Real White Queen and her Rivals" and "The Private Lives of the Tudors." Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 31, 2025
Admittedly, details of the life of Honor Lisle seemed to have passed me by in all of my Tudor readings and education so far, so this book was a gem!
The author sets the scene by introducing us to the Tudor era, with how the times were starting to change in Honor’s youth to the changing of kings and queens and to her subsequent position in Calais. Through her experiences and correspondences, we see how the Tudor Court changed, what life was like for her and gained further insight into the period.
The storytelling was great in this and I had absolutely no problem getting hooked. Which for a non-fiction read, I always appreciate!
The research that must have gone into this, I could imagine was immense. It certainly payed off for how all encompassing and well written this was and I really enjoyed reading it. Kudos to Amy License for giving Honor her well deserved space in the pages and to bring her to literary light. I really enjoyed!
Thank you to the author and publisher, Pen & Sword for this book in return for my honest thoughts and review.
The author sets the scene by introducing us to the Tudor era, with how the times were starting to change in Honor’s youth to the changing of kings and queens and to her subsequent position in Calais. Through her experiences and correspondences, we see how the Tudor Court changed, what life was like for her and gained further insight into the period.
The storytelling was great in this and I had absolutely no problem getting hooked. Which for a non-fiction read, I always appreciate!
The research that must have gone into this, I could imagine was immense. It certainly payed off for how all encompassing and well written this was and I really enjoyed reading it. Kudos to Amy License for giving Honor her well deserved space in the pages and to bring her to literary light. I really enjoyed!
Thank you to the author and publisher, Pen & Sword for this book in return for my honest thoughts and review.
November 25, 2025
I did not no much about Honor Lisle but I definitely do now this is such a good read ❤️
March 26, 2026
In her book Henry VIII’s Controversial Aunt, Honor Lisle, author and historian Amy Licence unravels the complex life of Honor Grenville, Viscountess Lisle, a noblewoman on the edge of the Henrician sphere and reevaluates her legacy as a controversial outlier in a world centered on the Tudor king.
The glittering 16th-century English court under King Henry VIII belied a much grimmer reality: the paranoia and capriciousness of an often narcissistic and volatile monarch. Those at the center of it all often paid with their lives: Sir Thomas More, Thomas Cromwell, Anne Boleyn, Katherine Howard, and so many more. Henry's penchant for violence and punishment extended to those on the periphery as well, including his family members. Through her second husband, Arthur Plantagenet, Honor assumed the position of Henry's aunt.
Honor Grenville (c. 1493-1566) came from a modest background. She descended from a respectable and gentile Cornish family and married her first husband, Sir John Bassett of Umberleigh, in 1515. In 1529, Honor married Arthur, Lord Lisle, and illegitimate son of King Edward IV, and this second partnership thrust her into the glamorous but treacherous Tudor court.
The noblewoman proved an adept hostess and intermediary, often exchanging gifts and correspondence with her peers within and without England. But her contemporaries found much about Honor with which to disagree. In particular, her religion and her alleged influence over Arthur, especially when he assumed the title of Lord Deputy of Calais in 1532, strained relationships between Honor and her peers.
In 1540, a plot to return Calais to French custody led to the arrest of several members of the Lisle household, among them Arthur. Honor and her daughters remained under house arrest. Their separation lasted until 1542 when Arthur died, the result of a heart attack when informed of his pending release from the Tower of London. Honor lived another two decades, dying at Tehidy on April 30, 1566.
Drawing from Honor’s expansive extant correspondence, records, and accounts, Amy chronicles her life from youth to her death in 1566. Of considerable importance are the Lisle letters, a collection of Plantagenet correspondence dating from January 1, 1533 to December 31, 1540. Key among them are letters with John Husee, a London merchant and the Lisles’ business agent. Those letters - along with the other sources - reveal the inner day-to-day workings of a noble house uniquely positioned between English and Continental interests. That the Lisle Letters survived remains a small primary source miracle for researchers!
Amy’s meticulous research bears fruit to a deeply-realized portrayal of a gracious, charming, and pious woman who enjoyed life’s comforts and her place in society. She recognizes Honor’s flaws and perceived failings and grounds them in the trying times in which the viscountess lived. I appreciated Amy’s pragmatic yet sympathetic opinion of this great lady:
“The forces that brought the Lisles down were bigger than any gown Honor bought, or any pilgrimage she undertook. She might have been a little wiser, perhaps, a little more frugal, but then so might we all.”
This tone underlies much of the narrative, and Amy doesn’t engage in what I might consider historical pandering. That is, where one considers their subject infallible, and their writing borders on obsequious and unctuous. Amy’s approach balances empathy and the historical reality.
Henry VIII’s Controversial Aunt adds significantly to Tudor historiography the neglected story of a woman who occupied a unique place in Tudor England. Honor, Lady Lisle, rose beyond her gentle origins to witness the glory and chaos of Henry’s reign, even as his paranoia threatened to engulf her and Arthur. In her conclusion, Amy refers to Honor as “one of the great Tudor survivors”; I wholeheartedly agree with her. Few could claim that “honor” (pun only minorly intended), and Amy illuminates one of them in an accessible and academically rigorous way. Any lover of Tudor history would do well to add this book to their collection.
Thank you to Amy, Pen & Sword History, and NetGalley for providing me with a digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts!
The glittering 16th-century English court under King Henry VIII belied a much grimmer reality: the paranoia and capriciousness of an often narcissistic and volatile monarch. Those at the center of it all often paid with their lives: Sir Thomas More, Thomas Cromwell, Anne Boleyn, Katherine Howard, and so many more. Henry's penchant for violence and punishment extended to those on the periphery as well, including his family members. Through her second husband, Arthur Plantagenet, Honor assumed the position of Henry's aunt.
Honor Grenville (c. 1493-1566) came from a modest background. She descended from a respectable and gentile Cornish family and married her first husband, Sir John Bassett of Umberleigh, in 1515. In 1529, Honor married Arthur, Lord Lisle, and illegitimate son of King Edward IV, and this second partnership thrust her into the glamorous but treacherous Tudor court.
The noblewoman proved an adept hostess and intermediary, often exchanging gifts and correspondence with her peers within and without England. But her contemporaries found much about Honor with which to disagree. In particular, her religion and her alleged influence over Arthur, especially when he assumed the title of Lord Deputy of Calais in 1532, strained relationships between Honor and her peers.
In 1540, a plot to return Calais to French custody led to the arrest of several members of the Lisle household, among them Arthur. Honor and her daughters remained under house arrest. Their separation lasted until 1542 when Arthur died, the result of a heart attack when informed of his pending release from the Tower of London. Honor lived another two decades, dying at Tehidy on April 30, 1566.
Drawing from Honor’s expansive extant correspondence, records, and accounts, Amy chronicles her life from youth to her death in 1566. Of considerable importance are the Lisle letters, a collection of Plantagenet correspondence dating from January 1, 1533 to December 31, 1540. Key among them are letters with John Husee, a London merchant and the Lisles’ business agent. Those letters - along with the other sources - reveal the inner day-to-day workings of a noble house uniquely positioned between English and Continental interests. That the Lisle Letters survived remains a small primary source miracle for researchers!
Amy’s meticulous research bears fruit to a deeply-realized portrayal of a gracious, charming, and pious woman who enjoyed life’s comforts and her place in society. She recognizes Honor’s flaws and perceived failings and grounds them in the trying times in which the viscountess lived. I appreciated Amy’s pragmatic yet sympathetic opinion of this great lady:
“The forces that brought the Lisles down were bigger than any gown Honor bought, or any pilgrimage she undertook. She might have been a little wiser, perhaps, a little more frugal, but then so might we all.”
This tone underlies much of the narrative, and Amy doesn’t engage in what I might consider historical pandering. That is, where one considers their subject infallible, and their writing borders on obsequious and unctuous. Amy’s approach balances empathy and the historical reality.
Henry VIII’s Controversial Aunt adds significantly to Tudor historiography the neglected story of a woman who occupied a unique place in Tudor England. Honor, Lady Lisle, rose beyond her gentle origins to witness the glory and chaos of Henry’s reign, even as his paranoia threatened to engulf her and Arthur. In her conclusion, Amy refers to Honor as “one of the great Tudor survivors”; I wholeheartedly agree with her. Few could claim that “honor” (pun only minorly intended), and Amy illuminates one of them in an accessible and academically rigorous way. Any lover of Tudor history would do well to add this book to their collection.
Thank you to Amy, Pen & Sword History, and NetGalley for providing me with a digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts!
August 23, 2025
Marrying into the royal family is not all sunshine and rainbows. Of course, we tend to think about those who marry the king, the queen, the prince, or the princess. But we also need to consider the aunts and the uncles of the royals as part of the family. Take, for example, Arthur Plantagenet, the illegitimate son of Edward IV and the uncle of Henry VIII. His second wife, Honor Lisle, would help him rule Calais; however, she is best known for her letters and her devout Catholic faith during the Reformation in England. So why is Honor Lisle considered a controversial figure, and what was the cause of the fall of Honor and Arthur from the royal good graces? Amy Licence explores the life of Henry VIII’s step-aunt in the first full biography dedicated to Honor Lisle, which is entitled “Henry VIII’s Controversial Aunt, Honor Lisle: Her Life, Letters, and Influence on the Tudor Court.”
I would like to thank Pen & Sword Books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. I have heard of Honor Lisle and her letters, but I did not know much about her life before this book. I did know that she was married to Arthur Plantagenet, but I had assumed that he was her first husband, so I didn’t know about her life before Arthur. When I saw that Amy Licence was writing a biography about Honor Lisle, I knew I wanted to read it.
Licence begins with the birth of Honor Grenville, Lady Basset, Lady Lisle Plantagenet. She was born in 1493 to Thomas and Isabel Grenville in the small town of Bideford, Devon. Her father served the first Tudor king, Henry VII, as Esquire of the Body, so Honor’s family did have some connection before Honor’s marriage to Arthur. Honor’s mother died a year after she was born, but her father did not die until 1513. In 1515, Honor would marry her first husband, Sir John Basset, and they would have between 7 and 8 children before his death in January 1528.
A year later was a monumental year for England as it was the start of the divorce between Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, which would be known as the Great Matter. It was also the year that Honor married Arthur Plantagenet. The couple would move to Calais, where Arthur would rule for his nephew. This is where we get to see the Lisle letters, Honor’s dictated correspondence to prominent figures in Tudor England. Honor and Arthur would go into debt, dealing with the constant threat of war, balance their faith and be loyal to the King, and handle a plot by Reginald Pole that would try to remove Henry VIII from the throne.
I found it so interesting to see Honor’s perspective on the big issues of the Tudor court while staying in France, as well as how life in Calais was different from it was in London during this time. Honor Lisle’s life and letters give us great insight into the reign of Henry VIII from the perspective of someone who was outside of England during the major events of his reign. Licence’s research, combined with an easy-to-follow writing style, makes this a very well-written biography. If you want a biography about a lesser-known Tudor woman and her famous letters, I highly recommend you read “Henry VIII’s Controversial Aunt, Honor Lisle: Her Life, Letters and Influence on the Tudor Court” by Amy Licence.
I would like to thank Pen & Sword Books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. I have heard of Honor Lisle and her letters, but I did not know much about her life before this book. I did know that she was married to Arthur Plantagenet, but I had assumed that he was her first husband, so I didn’t know about her life before Arthur. When I saw that Amy Licence was writing a biography about Honor Lisle, I knew I wanted to read it.
Licence begins with the birth of Honor Grenville, Lady Basset, Lady Lisle Plantagenet. She was born in 1493 to Thomas and Isabel Grenville in the small town of Bideford, Devon. Her father served the first Tudor king, Henry VII, as Esquire of the Body, so Honor’s family did have some connection before Honor’s marriage to Arthur. Honor’s mother died a year after she was born, but her father did not die until 1513. In 1515, Honor would marry her first husband, Sir John Basset, and they would have between 7 and 8 children before his death in January 1528.
A year later was a monumental year for England as it was the start of the divorce between Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, which would be known as the Great Matter. It was also the year that Honor married Arthur Plantagenet. The couple would move to Calais, where Arthur would rule for his nephew. This is where we get to see the Lisle letters, Honor’s dictated correspondence to prominent figures in Tudor England. Honor and Arthur would go into debt, dealing with the constant threat of war, balance their faith and be loyal to the King, and handle a plot by Reginald Pole that would try to remove Henry VIII from the throne.
I found it so interesting to see Honor’s perspective on the big issues of the Tudor court while staying in France, as well as how life in Calais was different from it was in London during this time. Honor Lisle’s life and letters give us great insight into the reign of Henry VIII from the perspective of someone who was outside of England during the major events of his reign. Licence’s research, combined with an easy-to-follow writing style, makes this a very well-written biography. If you want a biography about a lesser-known Tudor woman and her famous letters, I highly recommend you read “Henry VIII’s Controversial Aunt, Honor Lisle: Her Life, Letters and Influence on the Tudor Court” by Amy Licence.
August 8, 2025
I requested and received an eARC of
Henry VIII's Controversial Aunt, Honor Lisle: Her Life, Letters and influence on The Tudor Court
by Amy License via NetGalley. I've previously enjoyed Amy License's work, so I was eager to check this out. Although I recognize the name Honor Lisle by sight, I couldn't offer a single fact about the woman. She is perhaps best known for being Henry VIII's aunt by marriage after marrying her second husband Arthur, the illegitimate son of Edward IV. Honor witnessed tumultuous times in England, her surviving letters documented everyday domestic life and rapid cultural change. Arthur was appointed Lord Deputy of Calais and was tasked with enforcing religious reform, which put the devout Catholic Honor in a rather awkward position.
Henry VIII’s Controversial Aunt offers a unique opportunity to view the Tudor through a different lens, providing a well-defined side view of major events. Prior to reading this book, I couldn’t have told you who on earth Honor Grenville was, but as it turns out her contribution to history through the Lisle Papers is remarkable. Reading the first several chapters, I found myself wondering what the early years of her first marriage may been like, becoming a stepmother to children nearly her own age and then having a brood of her own. License constructs a brief picture using available facts but isn’t until after her second marriage that her life appears to become more regularly documented. I particularly enjoyed reading about the “religious turmoil” in Calais, the suspicions that surrounded Honor, and the accusations that brought down her husband, Arthur Plantagenet.
Honor was a devout Catholic who lived in before pre- and post-Reformation England. In the text, License explores her faith and its complex interplay with the rapidly evolving world around her. What emerges from this attention to nuance is a portrait of a complex and fascinating woman, who was full of human follies, but driven by her convictions. No matter where your judgment of Honor falls, Henry VIII’s Controversial Aunt, is the story of a Tudor survivor who fell victim to political forces during a time that for many this was a fatal consequence. License provides an accessible, informative, and entertaining account of her life that is sure to be of interest to those with a passion for Tudor-era history.
Henry VIII’s Controversial Aunt offers a unique opportunity to view the Tudor through a different lens, providing a well-defined side view of major events. Prior to reading this book, I couldn’t have told you who on earth Honor Grenville was, but as it turns out her contribution to history through the Lisle Papers is remarkable. Reading the first several chapters, I found myself wondering what the early years of her first marriage may been like, becoming a stepmother to children nearly her own age and then having a brood of her own. License constructs a brief picture using available facts but isn’t until after her second marriage that her life appears to become more regularly documented. I particularly enjoyed reading about the “religious turmoil” in Calais, the suspicions that surrounded Honor, and the accusations that brought down her husband, Arthur Plantagenet.
Honor was a devout Catholic who lived in before pre- and post-Reformation England. In the text, License explores her faith and its complex interplay with the rapidly evolving world around her. What emerges from this attention to nuance is a portrait of a complex and fascinating woman, who was full of human follies, but driven by her convictions. No matter where your judgment of Honor falls, Henry VIII’s Controversial Aunt, is the story of a Tudor survivor who fell victim to political forces during a time that for many this was a fatal consequence. License provides an accessible, informative, and entertaining account of her life that is sure to be of interest to those with a passion for Tudor-era history.
October 4, 2025
Honor Grenville, Viscountess Lisle, was born around 1493 in Bideford, Devon, to Thomas Grenville and Isabella Gilbert. Her father served Henry VII as Esquire of the Body. Honor's life was marked by two significant marriages.
*Marriages and Children*
- *First Marriage (1515-1528)*: Honor married John Basset, with whom she had 7-8 children, including John, James, George, Mary, Anne, Philippa, and Katherine. After John's death in 1528, Honor married Arthur Plantagenet, 1st Viscount Lisle, illegitimate son of Edward IV and uncle of Henry VIII.
- *Second Marriage (1529-1542)*: As Lady Lisle, Honor accompanied her husband to Calais when he was appointed Lord Deputy. Her letters provide valuable insights into 16th-century court life.
*Achievements and Losses*
- *Influence and Correspondence*: Honor's letters, known as the Lisle Papers, showcase her forceful personality and influence over her husband. She maintained connections with the Tudor court and promoted her children's careers.
- *Calais Life*: Honor managed the household and participated in social and diplomatic events in Calais, entertaining royalty and foreign dignitaries.
- *Downfall*: Arthur was arrested in 1540 on suspicion of treason and died in the Tower of London in 1542 of natural causes just before he was due to be released since there was no evidence of wrongdoing. Honor was under house arrest and later released.
*Enemies and Controversy*
- *Rumors and Accusations*: Honor faced accusations of treason due to her Catholic sympathies and alleged plans to marry her daughter to a French Catholic. She was blamed for her husband's downfall. She was a victim of political and religious forces determined to seek out enemies.
- *John Foxe's Criticism*: Foxe, a Protestant martyrologist, criticized Honor for her Catholicism, calling her an "utter enemy to God's honour".
*Legacy*
- *Insight into Tudor Life*: Honor's letters offer a unique perspective on the Tudor court and Reformation era.
- *Resilience*: Despite facing challenges and controversy, Honor navigated the complexities of court life and maintained her family's interests. Although she retired into obscurity, she was ultimately a survivor.
*Marriages and Children*
- *First Marriage (1515-1528)*: Honor married John Basset, with whom she had 7-8 children, including John, James, George, Mary, Anne, Philippa, and Katherine. After John's death in 1528, Honor married Arthur Plantagenet, 1st Viscount Lisle, illegitimate son of Edward IV and uncle of Henry VIII.
- *Second Marriage (1529-1542)*: As Lady Lisle, Honor accompanied her husband to Calais when he was appointed Lord Deputy. Her letters provide valuable insights into 16th-century court life.
*Achievements and Losses*
- *Influence and Correspondence*: Honor's letters, known as the Lisle Papers, showcase her forceful personality and influence over her husband. She maintained connections with the Tudor court and promoted her children's careers.
- *Calais Life*: Honor managed the household and participated in social and diplomatic events in Calais, entertaining royalty and foreign dignitaries.
- *Downfall*: Arthur was arrested in 1540 on suspicion of treason and died in the Tower of London in 1542 of natural causes just before he was due to be released since there was no evidence of wrongdoing. Honor was under house arrest and later released.
*Enemies and Controversy*
- *Rumors and Accusations*: Honor faced accusations of treason due to her Catholic sympathies and alleged plans to marry her daughter to a French Catholic. She was blamed for her husband's downfall. She was a victim of political and religious forces determined to seek out enemies.
- *John Foxe's Criticism*: Foxe, a Protestant martyrologist, criticized Honor for her Catholicism, calling her an "utter enemy to God's honour".
*Legacy*
- *Insight into Tudor Life*: Honor's letters offer a unique perspective on the Tudor court and Reformation era.
- *Resilience*: Despite facing challenges and controversy, Honor navigated the complexities of court life and maintained her family's interests. Although she retired into obscurity, she was ultimately a survivor.
January 3, 2026
I rated this 4.5 out of 5.
I really enjoyed this book. As a fan of Tudor history, I am aware of the Lisle family and the importance of their letters as a source for the period. However, I have never read a book specifically focusing on the family or a biography of Arthur Plantagenet or Honor.
I will say that the start of this book was a bit slow for me. However, once I got past Honor's childhood, I became engrossed in her story. Not only did she live a long life that spanned the reigns of some of the most significant Tudor events, but she was also directly involved with them.
The wealth of sources that Licence was able to draw upon paints a nuanced and colorful image of Honor as a woman, mother, and wife. I particularly enjoyed learning about her tastes in material goods, such as clothing style and color, and household items. Licence's work really lets Honor shine through.
Besides the biographical snippets that Licence included from the primary sources about Honor's life and personality, my favorite part of this book was the examination of Honor's relationships with the other women at court. Particularly Anne Boleyn. Given the upheaval the rise of Anne Boleyn caused, I'm always interested to learn how the people at court reacted. From Licence's work, it appears that they may not have been best friends, but Anne and Honor had a positive regard for one another at least.
If you are a fan of Tudor history, I would highly recommend this book. Honor might not be as well-known in popular culture, but she was a highly influential figure during the period. Licence's work beautifully captures the woman and the triumphs and tragedies of her life.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
CONTENT WARNINGS
Graphic: Child death, Death, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Classism
Moderate: Violence, War, Pandemic/Epidemic
Minor: Infidelity
I really enjoyed this book. As a fan of Tudor history, I am aware of the Lisle family and the importance of their letters as a source for the period. However, I have never read a book specifically focusing on the family or a biography of Arthur Plantagenet or Honor.
I will say that the start of this book was a bit slow for me. However, once I got past Honor's childhood, I became engrossed in her story. Not only did she live a long life that spanned the reigns of some of the most significant Tudor events, but she was also directly involved with them.
The wealth of sources that Licence was able to draw upon paints a nuanced and colorful image of Honor as a woman, mother, and wife. I particularly enjoyed learning about her tastes in material goods, such as clothing style and color, and household items. Licence's work really lets Honor shine through.
Besides the biographical snippets that Licence included from the primary sources about Honor's life and personality, my favorite part of this book was the examination of Honor's relationships with the other women at court. Particularly Anne Boleyn. Given the upheaval the rise of Anne Boleyn caused, I'm always interested to learn how the people at court reacted. From Licence's work, it appears that they may not have been best friends, but Anne and Honor had a positive regard for one another at least.
If you are a fan of Tudor history, I would highly recommend this book. Honor might not be as well-known in popular culture, but she was a highly influential figure during the period. Licence's work beautifully captures the woman and the triumphs and tragedies of her life.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
CONTENT WARNINGS
Graphic: Child death, Death, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Classism
Moderate: Violence, War, Pandemic/Epidemic
Minor: Infidelity
October 2, 2025
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Henry VIII's Controversial Aunt, Honor Lisle is a well written monograph on Honor Lisle, prolific letter writer and diarist, by Tudor historian Amy Licence. Released 31st Aug 2025 in the UK and due out 15th Nov 2025 elsewhere, it's 240 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats.
This is a fascinating book, full of background information medieval and current on the machinations and political positioning and influence of Henry VIII's aunt Honor Lisle, her family, and her communications. It includes solid annotations with references, as well as illustrations and facsimiles (in the back of the book) and a good cross referenced index.
This could've been a dry-as-dust recitation, but it's anything but, being infused with the author's warmth and clear -interest- in the period and in her subjects. There are anecdotes and history from early medieval times to relatively recent. Although it's rigorously annotated (and the chapter notes alone are likely worth the price of the book), it's layman accessible and illuminating.
Four stars. Engaging. This would be a very good choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, or for gift giving purposes for folks interested in the time period and the Tudors.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Henry VIII's Controversial Aunt, Honor Lisle is a well written monograph on Honor Lisle, prolific letter writer and diarist, by Tudor historian Amy Licence. Released 31st Aug 2025 in the UK and due out 15th Nov 2025 elsewhere, it's 240 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats.
This is a fascinating book, full of background information medieval and current on the machinations and political positioning and influence of Henry VIII's aunt Honor Lisle, her family, and her communications. It includes solid annotations with references, as well as illustrations and facsimiles (in the back of the book) and a good cross referenced index.
This could've been a dry-as-dust recitation, but it's anything but, being infused with the author's warmth and clear -interest- in the period and in her subjects. There are anecdotes and history from early medieval times to relatively recent. Although it's rigorously annotated (and the chapter notes alone are likely worth the price of the book), it's layman accessible and illuminating.
Four stars. Engaging. This would be a very good choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, or for gift giving purposes for folks interested in the time period and the Tudors.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
December 12, 2025
In this fascinating and first complete biography of Honor, Lady Lisle, Amy License brings this forgotten Tudor woman to life. Married to Edward IV’s illegitimate son Arthur Plantagenet and thus a step-aunt of Henry VIII, Honor witnessed the rise of the Tudor dynasty and the Reformation from Calais and England. As a Catholic living under the new Church of England, Honor’s life is packed with risky situations as both a member of the old Plantagenet dynasty by marriage and as a religious rebel, and License brings these fascinating circumstances to life through her exploration of Honor’s surviving letters and other documents from her lifetime. A unique and fascinating window into the tumult of the Tudor dynasty, this book adds fantastic complexity to the period in this story of a forgotten yet remarkable woman. Brilliantly written and packed with detail, License has really brought Honor to life and has done a fantastic job working through the limited records and documents which surrounded and impacted Honor’s life. A perfect read for fans of Tudor England looking for another book about a fascinating woman and a brilliant addition to the historical canon, this is an absolute must-read for English and royal history lovers of all kinds.
Thanks to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for the advance copy.
September 7, 2025
Born to minor gentry in the West Country, Honor Bassett was destined to make a marriage and live a quiet life near the rest of her wider family. However, after the death of her first husband, Honor married Arthur Plantagenet, illegitimate uncle of Henry VIII and was propelled to life in society. After attending the King, Honor's husband was created Viscount Lisle and given the role of overseeing English interests in Calais, the remaining possession in France. As politics in England moved along, the Lisle's lived their life but Catholic sympathies and financial overstretching meant tragedy was to follow.
This is a terrific biography of an almost forgotten character. Even though Honor was actually only the step-aunt of Henry, her story is incredibly interesting. Based on the vast correspondence from Honor to her family and interests in England, the book gives a really detailed portrait of the life of an expatriate family in the 16th Century. Combined with the role the Lisle's played on the margins of court life during the key moments from the rise of Anne Boleyn to the death of Catherine Howard it gives another perspective to the events.
This is a terrific biography of an almost forgotten character. Even though Honor was actually only the step-aunt of Henry, her story is incredibly interesting. Based on the vast correspondence from Honor to her family and interests in England, the book gives a really detailed portrait of the life of an expatriate family in the 16th Century. Combined with the role the Lisle's played on the margins of court life during the key moments from the rise of Anne Boleyn to the death of Catherine Howard it gives another perspective to the events.
November 18, 2025
Honor Lisle is certainly not a well known figure in English history, but quite a few people are at least vaguely familiar with the seemingly bloodthirsty and crazy King Henry VIII and his many wives. The drama of his marriages and the ways his friends and family died tend to dominate to an extent that makes it harder to imagine what life looked like for people outside that drama at that time. This book, focused on a woman and her husband connected by blood to the king, but not too closely, shows life in an upper middle class official's household. i found this slice-of-life history rather interesting, especially since so many of the families who could afford to move to the colonies in the 1600s would have been living similarly to the Lisle family; many of the ancestors of American families like mine would have experienced lifestyles like this before they left for the colonies. This book is readable and interesting, not too bogged down with jargon or footnotes. I'd have loved to see lots of pictures in a book like this, something notably absent in this arc, but the text is interesting enough anyway without them.
March 30, 2026
While Honor Lisle may not be a familiar name to us today but, as this biography shows, she was an interesting woman in her own time; a strong willed woman, determined to stray true to her beliefs as she lived through one of the most turmoilous periods of English history.
The book starts off slow as the author gives (much needed) background information to young Honor and her family life, but from the moment she marries her second husband, Arthur Plantagenet, Viscount Lisle and becomes aunt to Henry VIII, she is thrust into the outer circles of court life; giving the reader a new perspective to the turbulent events of the later years of the Kings' reign.
There are not many biographies on the women at Tudor court, simply because the contemporary source material is simply non-existent but luckily, both Lisle were prolific letter writers and it is thanks to these letters that the author is able to bring Honor's story back to life in an engaging and informative manner.
Thank you to Netgalley and Pen & Sword for providing me with an advanced review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all opinions are my own.
The book starts off slow as the author gives (much needed) background information to young Honor and her family life, but from the moment she marries her second husband, Arthur Plantagenet, Viscount Lisle and becomes aunt to Henry VIII, she is thrust into the outer circles of court life; giving the reader a new perspective to the turbulent events of the later years of the Kings' reign.
There are not many biographies on the women at Tudor court, simply because the contemporary source material is simply non-existent but luckily, both Lisle were prolific letter writers and it is thanks to these letters that the author is able to bring Honor's story back to life in an engaging and informative manner.
Thank you to Netgalley and Pen & Sword for providing me with an advanced review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all opinions are my own.
August 7, 2025
thank you to netgalley and pen and sword for providing me with this arc of amy licence’s henry viii’s controversial aunt, honor lisle
4.25
i really enjoyed this book! honor lisle is one of those figures that we (in england at least) don’t come across in school. we learn about the tudors a lot, don’t get me wrong. but our learning and understanding of the tudors only goes as far in the context of: henry vii and the war of the roses; henry vii’s marriage to elizabeth of york (briefly); henry viii and his six wives; and the rule of henry viii’s three children (mary i, elizabeth i, and edward vi) (i won’t go into a rant into the representation of women because i wrote my final year project on that). what i’m saying, is that honor lisle is one of those figures that i haven’t learnt about before or seen being taught throughout my experiences in schools. i feel licence has managed to encapsulate honor lisle’s life really well and i’ve learnt a lot about her, and i hope this book really gets highlighted and promoted as some sort of extra reading
4.25
i really enjoyed this book! honor lisle is one of those figures that we (in england at least) don’t come across in school. we learn about the tudors a lot, don’t get me wrong. but our learning and understanding of the tudors only goes as far in the context of: henry vii and the war of the roses; henry vii’s marriage to elizabeth of york (briefly); henry viii and his six wives; and the rule of henry viii’s three children (mary i, elizabeth i, and edward vi) (i won’t go into a rant into the representation of women because i wrote my final year project on that). what i’m saying, is that honor lisle is one of those figures that i haven’t learnt about before or seen being taught throughout my experiences in schools. i feel licence has managed to encapsulate honor lisle’s life really well and i’ve learnt a lot about her, and i hope this book really gets highlighted and promoted as some sort of extra reading
August 26, 2025
Wow - how excited was I to find a book about a Tudor I actually knew nothing about and written by one of my favorite authors too! Honor Lisle was quite a formidable woman during a very turbulent time. Amy Licence does a wonderful job of breaking down all her surviving letters and laying them out in a story-type format that is not in a way - shape - or form dry. Books such as this nature can tend to be that way - but this is not one of them. I devoured this book in two days and have come away with a deeper appreciation of some of the woman (especially during the time of King Henry VIII) who were able to accomplish what they did and keep their persons at the same time. Comes with pictures at the end of the book which is always a bonus with me. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 28, 2025
A fascinating book about a Tutor woman I've never heard much about.
Honor's life story is well researched and presented in a chronological order. I particularly enjoyed the mentions of some of the details included in the chapters about her early life and what kind of education to help form a more grounded understanding for how Honor would have felt or think about later life experiences. Mentions in early chapters about her family crossing path with other members of the royals also provided some context about her standing in society before her second marriage which was helpful.
The biography was very engaging and set against a turbulent time in history which makes Honor's story an interesting read.
Thank you for NetGalley and Pen & Sword for the advance copy of the book.
Honor's life story is well researched and presented in a chronological order. I particularly enjoyed the mentions of some of the details included in the chapters about her early life and what kind of education to help form a more grounded understanding for how Honor would have felt or think about later life experiences. Mentions in early chapters about her family crossing path with other members of the royals also provided some context about her standing in society before her second marriage which was helpful.
The biography was very engaging and set against a turbulent time in history which makes Honor's story an interesting read.
Thank you for NetGalley and Pen & Sword for the advance copy of the book.
October 31, 2025
Honor, Lady Lisle, rose from humble beginnings to the Tudor court and then to managing Calais with her husband, Arthur Plantagenet. As religious reforms and political pressures mounted, Lord and Lady Lisle faced increasing danger in a court where giants were falling. This interesting and well-researched book is easy to read and provides valuable information about lesser-known members of the Tudor family.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
December 23, 2025
This is,an very detailed description of Honor Lisle married to Arthur Plantagenet the illegitimate son of Edward IV.
This was a great look at tudor life with a delve into the correspondence of Honor that she sent to her friends and family members.
It was sad to read how she and her husband were treated at the end fir me personally I feel it was unjustified.
But this book is a great read for any Tudor fan
Thanks to Netgalley and Pen and Sword publishing for my arc copy
This was a great look at tudor life with a delve into the correspondence of Honor that she sent to her friends and family members.
It was sad to read how she and her husband were treated at the end fir me personally I feel it was unjustified.
But this book is a great read for any Tudor fan
Thanks to Netgalley and Pen and Sword publishing for my arc copy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2026
*3.5
'the wicked Lady Honor ... an utter enemy to God's honour, and in idolatry, hypocrisy and pride, incomparably evil.'
'the wicked Lady Honor ... an utter enemy to God's honour, and in idolatry, hypocrisy and pride, incomparably evil.'
May 16, 2026
“I am in a continual fear, not knowing whom I may trust, for fair words be not always meant from the heart.”
We all know of Henry VIII's wives, and mother but what about his aunts? He had multiple aunts but this aunt is more documented than his others. And she was his aunt in law!
Meet Honor Lisle. The aunt in law to Henry VIII.
What I did like is that there is very little filler information due to Honor being VERY well documented due to the survival of the Lisle papers. Licence got an interesting lady and there is no need for so much filler in the book!
Writing wise, this book was great. Licence did an amazing job explaining Honor's early life, even though that one of the only parts of Honor's life that is not so well documented,
We all know of Henry VIII's wives, and mother but what about his aunts? He had multiple aunts but this aunt is more documented than his others. And she was his aunt in law!
Meet Honor Lisle. The aunt in law to Henry VIII.
What I did like is that there is very little filler information due to Honor being VERY well documented due to the survival of the Lisle papers. Licence got an interesting lady and there is no need for so much filler in the book!
Writing wise, this book was great. Licence did an amazing job explaining Honor's early life, even though that one of the only parts of Honor's life that is not so well documented,
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