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An Unknown Welshman: A novel of Henry VII
The rise of the Tudor Dynasty! Perfect for fans of Conn Iggulden, Robyn Young, Alison Weir and Anthony Riches.
“The red dragon shall triumph over the Saxons and the red rose rule in splendour.”
In the prophecies of the Welsh bards, young Henry Tudor is the legendary King who will lead them to deliverance. And bring the treacherous Wars of the Roses to an end.
The sense of his destiny haunts him as his boyhood is spent being helplessly shuttled between his Yorkist and Lancastrian guardians and in friendless exile in Brittany.
When his supporters in England urge him to release them from the tyranny of Richard III, he returns to conquer not only Richard’s troops at Bosworth Field but also the heart of the beautiful Elizabeth of York … and fulfil the prophecy that the white rose and the red would be united under one crown.
An Unknown Welshman is a thrilling fictionalised biography of Henry VII, the first Tudor King: a war & military historical saga bringing medieval England to life.
“Brilliantly written … impossible to put down” – Woman’s Journal
‘I can’t praise “an Unknown Welshman” enough. Brilliantly put together and faithful to the actual story’ – Nathen Amin, author of Tudor Wales
‘people with an interest in the era will enjoy this novel’ - The Yorkist Age
“The red dragon shall triumph over the Saxons and the red rose rule in splendour.”
In the prophecies of the Welsh bards, young Henry Tudor is the legendary King who will lead them to deliverance. And bring the treacherous Wars of the Roses to an end.
The sense of his destiny haunts him as his boyhood is spent being helplessly shuttled between his Yorkist and Lancastrian guardians and in friendless exile in Brittany.
When his supporters in England urge him to release them from the tyranny of Richard III, he returns to conquer not only Richard’s troops at Bosworth Field but also the heart of the beautiful Elizabeth of York … and fulfil the prophecy that the white rose and the red would be united under one crown.
An Unknown Welshman is a thrilling fictionalised biography of Henry VII, the first Tudor King: a war & military historical saga bringing medieval England to life.
“Brilliantly written … impossible to put down” – Woman’s Journal
‘I can’t praise “an Unknown Welshman” enough. Brilliantly put together and faithful to the actual story’ – Nathen Amin, author of Tudor Wales
‘people with an interest in the era will enjoy this novel’ - The Yorkist Age
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1972
48 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Jean Stubbs
64 books13 followersAka Emma Darby
Jean was born in Lancashire and educated in Manchester. She has written many novels and short stories for magazines and collections, several of which have been adapted for radio and television. She has lived for more than twenty years in a cottage in Cornwall, England, with her husband.
Jean was born in Lancashire and educated in Manchester. She has written many novels and short stories for magazines and collections, several of which have been adapted for radio and television. She has lived for more than twenty years in a cottage in Cornwall, England, with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 7, 2019
Many thanks to Sapere Books and Jean Stubbs for the ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.
Book traces the life of Henry Tudor from birth to his marriage to Elizabeth of York as Henry VII.
He survived much upheaval in his youth. Surprising he wasn't cast in the tower and left to rot or mortally injured during a skirmish. He seemed a right rational, pragmatic young man who knew how to play his cards right. Patient until the end
I thought this was a great book to introduce a reader to the young life of Henry VII. Nothing fancy or overly researched, but one gets to know him all the same. Now I have to wonder if this will be a duology or trilogy? King Henry lived quite a long time. I think Stubbs should go for it!
Book traces the life of Henry Tudor from birth to his marriage to Elizabeth of York as Henry VII.
He survived much upheaval in his youth. Surprising he wasn't cast in the tower and left to rot or mortally injured during a skirmish. He seemed a right rational, pragmatic young man who knew how to play his cards right. Patient until the end
I thought this was a great book to introduce a reader to the young life of Henry VII. Nothing fancy or overly researched, but one gets to know him all the same. Now I have to wonder if this will be a duology or trilogy? King Henry lived quite a long time. I think Stubbs should go for it!
November 9, 2018
Historical fiction is an ever popular genre and in the last 20 years it can be argued, certainly in the UK that it has reached its zenith with such writers as Hilary Mantel, C J Sansom and Alison Weir. Combining known facts, the author's interpretation of the facts together with the imagining of what might have happened and have been said, done well it will give the reader both an entertaining read and an increase level of knowledge that they may now use to seek out further information of the subject and characters portrayed. Interestingly Jean Stubbs (23 October 1926 – 2012) book on the early life of Henry VII was published back in 1973 and sits alongside a body of work that includes a Victorian set crime series and the Howarth family quartet series set in industrial Victorian Britain
An Unknown Welshman (a phrase she assigns to Richard III before he embarks with Henry in mortal combat) tells the gripping story of how Henry became the first monarch of the House of Tudor and ended the War of the Roses that had torn the nation apart. Henry's main claim to the English throne derived from his mother through the House of Beaufort and he spent the majority of his life before landing in Wales to seize the crown under protective custody in Wales and Brittany. Apart from a short visit to London when a child he had no knowledge of England before ascending to the throne.
This is to say the least a complicated story with the continual fighting for supremacy between the Houses of York and Lancaster together with internal fighting within the respective Houses and the continual shifting of the loyalties of noblemen between them. Some of the more astute having a foot in both camps. King would replace King and then be replaced back again. It may help the reader before commencing the novel to just have a basic appreciation of the historical chronology of the time however Jean Stubbs will navigate the reader through this tortuous tale of ever changing alliances.
There is everything here to engage the reader which includes an action packed plot with sieges and battles together with statecraft and an insight into the mind of someone destined to be king. The writing displays humour, pathos and realism and certainly if you like historical fiction then I'm sure you will enjoy this. I must admit that I was previously unaware of the writer but hope that this new publication wil enable a new generation of readers to enjoy her work.
An Unknown Welshman (a phrase she assigns to Richard III before he embarks with Henry in mortal combat) tells the gripping story of how Henry became the first monarch of the House of Tudor and ended the War of the Roses that had torn the nation apart. Henry's main claim to the English throne derived from his mother through the House of Beaufort and he spent the majority of his life before landing in Wales to seize the crown under protective custody in Wales and Brittany. Apart from a short visit to London when a child he had no knowledge of England before ascending to the throne.
This is to say the least a complicated story with the continual fighting for supremacy between the Houses of York and Lancaster together with internal fighting within the respective Houses and the continual shifting of the loyalties of noblemen between them. Some of the more astute having a foot in both camps. King would replace King and then be replaced back again. It may help the reader before commencing the novel to just have a basic appreciation of the historical chronology of the time however Jean Stubbs will navigate the reader through this tortuous tale of ever changing alliances.
There is everything here to engage the reader which includes an action packed plot with sieges and battles together with statecraft and an insight into the mind of someone destined to be king. The writing displays humour, pathos and realism and certainly if you like historical fiction then I'm sure you will enjoy this. I must admit that I was previously unaware of the writer but hope that this new publication wil enable a new generation of readers to enjoy her work.
November 3, 2018
‘An Unknown Welshman’ is the first book I have read by the author Jean Stubbs, and I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a very fast-paced and enjoyable read that gave insight into the childhood and world of Henry VII. Henry is the King who is expected to fulfill the prophecy of bringing the wars of the Red and White Roses to an end.
I was skeptical over whether I would actually enjoy this book, but I found it to be a very entertaining read which kept my attention and had me continuously willing to read on. It was a new take on what had already been drummed into me with a nice blend of fiction. Stubbs had obviously done her research and it was a refreshing read.
I think this book is ideal for people who love the history of this time period or historical reads. It is not a book I would have usually chosen for myself, but I wasn’t disappointed overall and I am glad to have given it a go.
This book was a very fast-paced and enjoyable read that gave insight into the childhood and world of Henry VII. Henry is the King who is expected to fulfill the prophecy of bringing the wars of the Red and White Roses to an end.
I was skeptical over whether I would actually enjoy this book, but I found it to be a very entertaining read which kept my attention and had me continuously willing to read on. It was a new take on what had already been drummed into me with a nice blend of fiction. Stubbs had obviously done her research and it was a refreshing read.
I think this book is ideal for people who love the history of this time period or historical reads. It is not a book I would have usually chosen for myself, but I wasn’t disappointed overall and I am glad to have given it a go.
October 30, 2018
An Unknown Welshman
The Welsh would do anything to get a King on the throne because England has milked them. They want to rule Wales themselves. Amazingly, cities near me are York, Lancaster, Somerset, Pembroke Ave, Cornwall, to name a few. I loved the falconers training especially because my last name means falcon in Polish. And I loved this about Henry’s mother. “Madam, my most entirely well-beloved lady and mother, I recommend me unto you in the most humble and lowly-wise that I can, beseeching you of your continual and daily blessings.” Such a great learning read this book is.
The Welsh would do anything to get a King on the throne because England has milked them. They want to rule Wales themselves. Amazingly, cities near me are York, Lancaster, Somerset, Pembroke Ave, Cornwall, to name a few. I loved the falconers training especially because my last name means falcon in Polish. And I loved this about Henry’s mother. “Madam, my most entirely well-beloved lady and mother, I recommend me unto you in the most humble and lowly-wise that I can, beseeching you of your continual and daily blessings.” Such a great learning read this book is.
October 26, 2019
If you have any interest at all in the English Tudor monarchs you will enjoy this book; much has been written about Henry VIII, but there are far fewer books about his father, Henry VII, the very first of the Tudors, who is the Unknown Welshman of this story. Henry’s claim to the English throne was always tenuous and mainly through his mother Margaret Beaufort, the great grand-daughter of John of Gaunt, the fourth son of Edward III; however, he was also a Tudor through his father Edmund, the son of Owen Tudor, a descendant of the Welsh monarchy. His mother was Catherine of Valois, the young widow of Henry V, who had four children with Edmund, whom she is believed to have eventually married. Confused? Well this book will explain it all, starting with Henry’s birth in Pembroke castle, his time being looked after by his uncle Jasper (his father Edmund had been killed in an early battle against the Yorkists) and his time in exile in Brittany when Edward IV regained the throne. All in all, this book deals very well with Henry’s life from his very early days right through the complexities of what became known as the Wars of The Roses and the machinations of his mother with her fervent, and eventually successful, ambition to see Henry on the throne of England. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am indebted to Sapere Books for providing me a copy for review.
November 4, 2018
A gripping historical page-turner:
Jean Stubbs' "An Unknown Welshman" relates the fictional story of the first Tudor Monarch: Henry VII. Based as accurately as possible on available historical facts, I thought it an excellent account of the life of the first Tudor King. And in particular how he gained the throne: as much by good luck than by design. We learn of the turbulence of those early years in Henry's life when the Houses of Lancaster and York battled to gain supremacy. We are introduced to a ruthless Richard III who is to get his comeuppance at the Battle of Bosworth Field. Whilst the novel deals with the infamous murder of the Princes in the Tower, Jean Stubbs leaves open to question the role that Richard III may have played in their deaths. If you like historical fiction and in particular the Tudors then this is definitely a book to read. The novel served to plug a gap in my knowledge of the conclusion of the War of the Roses and is written in a free flowing narrative that serves to speed the reader through the book. The young future king, Henry, is brought to life in a gripping, educational and thoroughly enjoyable read.
(My review was based on an eBook file provided to me by the publisher. My review is totally independent.)
Jean Stubbs' "An Unknown Welshman" relates the fictional story of the first Tudor Monarch: Henry VII. Based as accurately as possible on available historical facts, I thought it an excellent account of the life of the first Tudor King. And in particular how he gained the throne: as much by good luck than by design. We learn of the turbulence of those early years in Henry's life when the Houses of Lancaster and York battled to gain supremacy. We are introduced to a ruthless Richard III who is to get his comeuppance at the Battle of Bosworth Field. Whilst the novel deals with the infamous murder of the Princes in the Tower, Jean Stubbs leaves open to question the role that Richard III may have played in their deaths. If you like historical fiction and in particular the Tudors then this is definitely a book to read. The novel served to plug a gap in my knowledge of the conclusion of the War of the Roses and is written in a free flowing narrative that serves to speed the reader through the book. The young future king, Henry, is brought to life in a gripping, educational and thoroughly enjoyable read.
(My review was based on an eBook file provided to me by the publisher. My review is totally independent.)
January 6, 2026
The book starts the night Henry Tudor was born (of COURSE it is a dark and stormy night!) and right from the beginning those around him are doing the royal bloodline math and know he could someday be a contender for the throne.
The story sticks mostly to young Henry experience and POV as the War of the Roses rages around him - sometimes far off and mostly theoretical as he sits at his Latin lessons, and sometimes up close and personal as he experiences his first siege and battle before he hits puberty.
The story doesn't move away from him until Edward IV dies and we see how events play out in London, shifting the balance of power to a point that Henry finally has a way in. I like seeing all the work Henry and his allies had to do in order to make a play for the crown - most times in these types of stories Henry just appears at Bosworth - here we see all the work that went into the financing and supplies and allies needed. Also, loved seeing Elizabeth of York taking an active role, sending support and making it clear she very much chooses to be Queen of England via marrying Henry.
April 30, 2024
I am a confirmed Anglophile and have read a lot of historical fiction on the Plantagenets and Tudors, so this story seemed like an old friend. It recounts the early life of Henry Tudor, the “unknown Welshman” who was destined to become King Henry VII, the first Tudor king of England. Not only is he far less well-known generally than the infamous Henry VIII, the details of his boyhood were a revelation to me.
When his mother, Margaret Beaufort, was widowed, remarried, and moved away from Wales, he was left in the care of his uncle Jasper Tudor. That began his early history of being passed back and forth between the Yorks and Lancasters (his own family). As a pawn in the political game, he was dependent on who most recently emerged victorious in battle. He is painted as a studious, mannerly but lonely boy who quickly learns to adapt to new circumstances. Following a major Lancastrian defeat he and Jasper are forced to flee to Brittany where they languish for 12 years under the Duke of Brittany’s protection. During this time Henry gains military skill. As the Yorkist Richard III becomes more and more tyrannical, Henry and Jasper are summoned back home and, buttressed by Welsh and French forces as well as troops that join from all corners of England, the victory at Bosworth Field is accomplished and Henry ascends the throne. The writing on the buildup to this battle is incredibly suspenseful although I found the description of the actual fighting less so.
Along with Henry’s rise to power was the event that joined the houses of York and Lancaster for good; his betrothal to Princess Elizabeth of York. Their story as portrayed in the book is fascinating, as it leads one to believe that Elizabeth appealed to Henry to return to England, save her, and save the country from King Richard. There are suggestions in other books that Richard himself was courting Elizabeth (his niece) in an effort to cement his power, and that she supported this. It is intriguing to read these alternate versions, but well beyond my ability to dig for the ‘real’ story.
As one reviewer notes, this book is perfect for lovers of medieval British historical fiction. Without a firm grounding in this genre…knowing most of the characters and some of the key events…one could easily become confused and mired in the details of this book. Although the writing is rich and detailed, I think the myriad characters and geographic details may well leave one wondering who’s who and where they are. Even though I knew the majority of characters and events beforehand, I found I had to concentrate especially hard on the machinations of the characters in and around Brittany, and the territories of the armies that appeared to augment Henry’s troops.
Nevertheless, the book is interesting, well written, richly detailed and a welcome addition to the saga of the Wars of the Roses.
When his mother, Margaret Beaufort, was widowed, remarried, and moved away from Wales, he was left in the care of his uncle Jasper Tudor. That began his early history of being passed back and forth between the Yorks and Lancasters (his own family). As a pawn in the political game, he was dependent on who most recently emerged victorious in battle. He is painted as a studious, mannerly but lonely boy who quickly learns to adapt to new circumstances. Following a major Lancastrian defeat he and Jasper are forced to flee to Brittany where they languish for 12 years under the Duke of Brittany’s protection. During this time Henry gains military skill. As the Yorkist Richard III becomes more and more tyrannical, Henry and Jasper are summoned back home and, buttressed by Welsh and French forces as well as troops that join from all corners of England, the victory at Bosworth Field is accomplished and Henry ascends the throne. The writing on the buildup to this battle is incredibly suspenseful although I found the description of the actual fighting less so.
Along with Henry’s rise to power was the event that joined the houses of York and Lancaster for good; his betrothal to Princess Elizabeth of York. Their story as portrayed in the book is fascinating, as it leads one to believe that Elizabeth appealed to Henry to return to England, save her, and save the country from King Richard. There are suggestions in other books that Richard himself was courting Elizabeth (his niece) in an effort to cement his power, and that she supported this. It is intriguing to read these alternate versions, but well beyond my ability to dig for the ‘real’ story.
As one reviewer notes, this book is perfect for lovers of medieval British historical fiction. Without a firm grounding in this genre…knowing most of the characters and some of the key events…one could easily become confused and mired in the details of this book. Although the writing is rich and detailed, I think the myriad characters and geographic details may well leave one wondering who’s who and where they are. Even though I knew the majority of characters and events beforehand, I found I had to concentrate especially hard on the machinations of the characters in and around Brittany, and the territories of the armies that appeared to augment Henry’s troops.
Nevertheless, the book is interesting, well written, richly detailed and a welcome addition to the saga of the Wars of the Roses.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2019
This story follows the life of Henry Tudor until his marriage to Elizabeth of York and although it is fictionalise it is largely historically accurate.
Interestingly, the novel is sympathetic to all characters including Richard III, Elizabeth Woodville and Edward VI which is a feat in itself. It is amazing that the story is still able to flow while all this is going on.
Additionally, and depending on your point of view, none of the mysteries and controversies of the time are really explored. The Princes in the Tower are glossed over and it is stated Elizabeth Woodville gladly went to a nunnery rather than was forced for Henry to collect her money.
There are some nuggets of gold in the story: “treason is treason when it fails, and treason is great honour it is gains a crown”.
The only downfall, from one with dragon blood coursing through my veins, is despite Henry and Jasper speaking fluent welsh, there is no welsh at all in the novel. Not even a cariad!
Interestingly, the novel is sympathetic to all characters including Richard III, Elizabeth Woodville and Edward VI which is a feat in itself. It is amazing that the story is still able to flow while all this is going on.
Additionally, and depending on your point of view, none of the mysteries and controversies of the time are really explored. The Princes in the Tower are glossed over and it is stated Elizabeth Woodville gladly went to a nunnery rather than was forced for Henry to collect her money.
There are some nuggets of gold in the story: “treason is treason when it fails, and treason is great honour it is gains a crown”.
The only downfall, from one with dragon blood coursing through my veins, is despite Henry and Jasper speaking fluent welsh, there is no welsh at all in the novel. Not even a cariad!
July 28, 2023
This historical fiction takes the reader through the last stages of England's War Between the Roses. It does so through a biopic of Henry VII, starting with his birth and continuing on to his marriage with Elizabeth of York: thus cementing the red rose (Lancaster) with the white (York).
There is much to like here. Henry's life is dramatically recreated in intimate detail. We also get into the mindset of Edward IV, Richard III, and Henry's pivotal uncle Jasper. The late Jean Stubs has done meticulous work in providing copious detail about how events played out.
On the negative side, there is way too much dialogue here, which at times became boring. Also, the battle of Bosworth Field is given short shrift. Despite these shortcomings, the book opened up a window into an era of medieval England that I knew little about. If one is vastly interested in this period and knows much about events and persons, then An Unknown Welshman would be a great piece of drama to read.
There is much to like here. Henry's life is dramatically recreated in intimate detail. We also get into the mindset of Edward IV, Richard III, and Henry's pivotal uncle Jasper. The late Jean Stubs has done meticulous work in providing copious detail about how events played out.
On the negative side, there is way too much dialogue here, which at times became boring. Also, the battle of Bosworth Field is given short shrift. Despite these shortcomings, the book opened up a window into an era of medieval England that I knew little about. If one is vastly interested in this period and knows much about events and persons, then An Unknown Welshman would be a great piece of drama to read.
October 19, 2018
Jean Stubbs creates a semi-fictional account of Henry Tudor, blending the story telling with fact excellently. I was immensely caught up with the characters and the way the story was told. I was fascinated by the way in which she told of Henry Tudor’s early life because I have not read any books that has a had focus on him as a child. I found that this gave the book an original and biographic edge. One of the greatest things about this novel is that it doesn’t change too many aspects of the truth. In fact, it’s an engaging retelling and loyal to historical events.
An Unknown Welshman is filled with action and the dangerous politics of the period that made me unable to put the book down. It’s a thrilling and highly entertaining read.
This interesting colourful novel is fast-paced and offers a valuable insight into the life of Henry Tudor.
An Unknown Welshman is filled with action and the dangerous politics of the period that made me unable to put the book down. It’s a thrilling and highly entertaining read.
This interesting colourful novel is fast-paced and offers a valuable insight into the life of Henry Tudor.
December 26, 2020
Welsh born Henry VII’s life is explained in this hugely enjoyable historical fiction which spans from his birth at Pembroke Castle to his marriage to Elizabeth of York at Westminster Abbey - thereby uniting the red and white roses. The easy reading style helps when trying to negotiate the many different people on both Lancastrian and Yorkist sides as well as the people swapping allegiance. I thought the character of Henry VII was very well portrayed. Thank you to Jean Stubbs, Net Galley and Sapere Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 2, 2018
An entertaining and engaging historical fiction, well researched and well written.
It was interesting to read about Henry VII and his life.
As I knew very little about this king this book was also informative.
I liked the style of writing that aged well.
A very good book, recommended!
Many thanks to Sapere Book and Netgalley for this ARC
It was interesting to read about Henry VII and his life.
As I knew very little about this king this book was also informative.
I liked the style of writing that aged well.
A very good book, recommended!
Many thanks to Sapere Book and Netgalley for this ARC
October 11, 2018
A semi-fictional account of the life of Henry Tudor who would become Henry VII, the story ending on his wedding day. An enjoyable well-written book and as I admit to knowing very little about this king I found the subject interesting.
November 24, 2018
I truly enjoyed this book. Having read many books about the War of the Roses I found that this book gave an excellent study of Henry VII. I particularly appreciated the life of Henry's early life. We see a little boy scared, but he learns to hide his fear. I highly recommend this book.
October 25, 2018
I thourghly enjoyed this, it was nice to discover another part of history
January 5, 2019
This is the story of how Henry VII came to be king, from his birth in Wales, to his crowning and marriage to Elizabeth of York.
I really liked the descriptions of life during the Wars of the Roses, how fickle the nobility seemed to be, swapping allegiances in order to keep their lands, possessions and lives. There was a good deal of action as well. Sieges, battles, hunts: mostly though, Henry had to wait around a lot, hoping that foreign dignitaries would keep him and feed and clothe him, not to mention the money that was sent over from the Crown in order to keep him away. Whilst eh was held captive in Wales, this was to the advantage of the man keeping him: he got to hold Henry's title and lands.
The Wars of the Roses can be very complicated and longwinded - there was a lot of to-ing and fro-ing between the sides. This is a good way to understand the Lancastrian (Henry's) side of the history. And it was fascinating to read.
Many thanks to Sapere Books for my copy to read and honestly review.
I really liked the descriptions of life during the Wars of the Roses, how fickle the nobility seemed to be, swapping allegiances in order to keep their lands, possessions and lives. There was a good deal of action as well. Sieges, battles, hunts: mostly though, Henry had to wait around a lot, hoping that foreign dignitaries would keep him and feed and clothe him, not to mention the money that was sent over from the Crown in order to keep him away. Whilst eh was held captive in Wales, this was to the advantage of the man keeping him: he got to hold Henry's title and lands.
The Wars of the Roses can be very complicated and longwinded - there was a lot of to-ing and fro-ing between the sides. This is a good way to understand the Lancastrian (Henry's) side of the history. And it was fascinating to read.
Many thanks to Sapere Books for my copy to read and honestly review.
July 21, 2021
A novel about Henry VII and how he came to be.
October 17, 2025
I enjoyed reading about the beginning of the Tudor dynasty. A true story reading like a novel! (I read this awhile back, but am just now posting it.)
October 27, 2013
An Unknown Welshman is one of my favorite Historical Fiction novels and I recommend it to anyone interested in the early life of Henry VII and his victory at Bosworth field.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews