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Uncrowned Queen: The Treacherous Life of Margaret Beaufort, Tudor Rebel
The first comprehensive biography in three decades on Margaret Beaufort, the mother of the Tudor Dynasty. During the bloody and uncertain days of the Wars of the Roses, Margaret Beaufort was married to the half brother of the Lancastrian king Henry VI. A year later she endured a traumatic birth that brought her and her son close to death. She was just thirteen years old. As the battle for royal supremacy raged between the houses of Lancaster and York, Margaret, who was descended from Edward III and thus a critical threat, was forced to give up her son - she would be separated from him for fourteen years. But few could match Margaret for her boundless determination and steely courage. Surrounded by enemies and conspiracies in the enemy Yorkist court, Margaret remained steadfast, only just escaping the headman's axes as she plotted to overthrow Richard III in her efforts to secure her son the throne. Against all odds, in 1485 Henry Tudor was victorious on the battlefield at Bosworth. Through Margaret's royal blood Henry was crowned Henry VII, King of England, and Margaret became the most powerful woman in England - Queen in all but name. Nicola Tallis's gripping account of Margaret's life, one that saw the final passing of the Middle Ages, is a true thriller, revealing the life of an extraordinarily ambitious and devoted woman who risked everything to ultimately found the Tudor dynasty.
400 pages, Paperback
First published November 7, 2019
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3138 people want to read
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March 22, 2022
The story of The Tudors enchanted me as a child when I watched a PBS offering about the Six Wives of Henry VIII. Not long after, I saw a movie called "Anne of the Thousand Days" starring Richard Burton as King Henry VIII and Genevieve Bujold as Queen Anne Boleyn. I was transfixed. I have been somewhat of a British Royalty buff ever since. I have bookcases filled with hardcover books which I call my treasures, many of which are British Royalty biographies- the Tudors, in particular. I have read so many of them that these days the only versions I care to read are historical fiction novels by Philippa Gregory or Alison Weir that make their stories come alive in a personal way. They may not be 100% historically accurate, but they don't read like dry history books.
Last year I happened upon "The White Queen" on Amazon Prime which I watched using my Fire Stick. This was something totally new for me because it reached back farther into Tudor history, telling the story of the War of the Roses which culminated in the rise of the first Tudor King, Henry VII. I was very intrigued by the character of Margaret Beaufort, who was the mother of King Henry VII, and the grandmother of King Henry VIII. Before this, the only vision I had of her was of an old, mysterious and stern woman who looked as if she were wearing a nun's habit. This historical film brought the force of Margaret Beaufort's personality to life, and what a life it was!
Margaret Beaufort actually had a claim to the throne in her own right as a descendant of King Edward III, but she passed that disputed claim down to her son, Henry Tudor. At the age of just 12 she married Edmund Tudor who was the half brother to Henry VI. At that time the church deemed that the age of 12 was old enough to consummate a marriage. Margaret was pregnant by the age of 13 and gave birth at Pembroke Castle. Her husband died just 3 months before from the plague. Some felt Edmund was reckless in having relations with Margaret so young, that she was not fully developed. She was married two more times, yet she never became pregnant again. Perhaps this ordeal to her person had both mental and physical consequences. During her last marriage, she also took the designation of "femme sole" or a sole person and later took a vow of chastity.
Margaret was cunning in choosing husbands carefully and making sure that her financial assets were maintained, such as lands and properties she had acquired. She would personally visit them and make entries in account books documenting all her finances. She also religiously documented in a Book of Hours. She had temperance, diplomacy and patience as strong personality traits. Her beloved son Henry was sent away with her brother-in-law Jasper Tudor during the reigns of other kings during the War of the Roses. She was separated for many years from her son, but understood the utmost importance of keeping him safe until the time (she earnestly hoped) he could one day be King of England.
Once Henry VII became King of England after defeating King Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field, Margaret was a prominent presence at his court as the king's mother. She would sign her name "Margaret R" and even wear a coronet on special occasions. She also urged him to marry Elizabeth of York (daughter of King Edward IV) whose younger two brothers were the famous "Princes in the Tower" that disappeared and were assumed to have been killed. This marriage of Elizabeth of York to Henry Tudor was craftily designed in order to finally unite the Yorkist and Lancastrian factions and end the War of the Roses once and for all. They would become the parents of the notorious King Henry VIII.
Lady Margaret Beaufort was slight of build, but very strong in intellect, religiosity, and determination. This amazing woman who orchestrated the Tudor Dynasty rests in an elaborate gilded bronze and black marble tomb with her effigy and royal badges in Westminster Abbey. This book was extremely well researched and written in a very palatable way which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Thank you to Perseus Books, Basic Books for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley
Last year I happened upon "The White Queen" on Amazon Prime which I watched using my Fire Stick. This was something totally new for me because it reached back farther into Tudor history, telling the story of the War of the Roses which culminated in the rise of the first Tudor King, Henry VII. I was very intrigued by the character of Margaret Beaufort, who was the mother of King Henry VII, and the grandmother of King Henry VIII. Before this, the only vision I had of her was of an old, mysterious and stern woman who looked as if she were wearing a nun's habit. This historical film brought the force of Margaret Beaufort's personality to life, and what a life it was!
Margaret Beaufort actually had a claim to the throne in her own right as a descendant of King Edward III, but she passed that disputed claim down to her son, Henry Tudor. At the age of just 12 she married Edmund Tudor who was the half brother to Henry VI. At that time the church deemed that the age of 12 was old enough to consummate a marriage. Margaret was pregnant by the age of 13 and gave birth at Pembroke Castle. Her husband died just 3 months before from the plague. Some felt Edmund was reckless in having relations with Margaret so young, that she was not fully developed. She was married two more times, yet she never became pregnant again. Perhaps this ordeal to her person had both mental and physical consequences. During her last marriage, she also took the designation of "femme sole" or a sole person and later took a vow of chastity.
Margaret was cunning in choosing husbands carefully and making sure that her financial assets were maintained, such as lands and properties she had acquired. She would personally visit them and make entries in account books documenting all her finances. She also religiously documented in a Book of Hours. She had temperance, diplomacy and patience as strong personality traits. Her beloved son Henry was sent away with her brother-in-law Jasper Tudor during the reigns of other kings during the War of the Roses. She was separated for many years from her son, but understood the utmost importance of keeping him safe until the time (she earnestly hoped) he could one day be King of England.
Once Henry VII became King of England after defeating King Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field, Margaret was a prominent presence at his court as the king's mother. She would sign her name "Margaret R" and even wear a coronet on special occasions. She also urged him to marry Elizabeth of York (daughter of King Edward IV) whose younger two brothers were the famous "Princes in the Tower" that disappeared and were assumed to have been killed. This marriage of Elizabeth of York to Henry Tudor was craftily designed in order to finally unite the Yorkist and Lancastrian factions and end the War of the Roses once and for all. They would become the parents of the notorious King Henry VIII.
Lady Margaret Beaufort was slight of build, but very strong in intellect, religiosity, and determination. This amazing woman who orchestrated the Tudor Dynasty rests in an elaborate gilded bronze and black marble tomb with her effigy and royal badges in Westminster Abbey. This book was extremely well researched and written in a very palatable way which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Thank you to Perseus Books, Basic Books for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley
September 20, 2020
This is history. A biography of a key point woman's life done in a research embedded narrative.
Only after reading this complicated and 500 or 1000 character emmeshed work did I begin to comprehend the 3 or 4 or sometimes 5 sided cabals and conditions which bridged her lifetime. And also all the Richard III involved books I've read in the past. Especially within fiction which has distorted the deaths of the 2 Princes in the Tower to a half dozen other blame worthy or intrinsically evil plots. Or did I understand the several separate from "power" reigns of Henry VI either.
The endings of the 100 Years War and also the Bosworth that put Henry VII on the throne! All of that as seen and experienced by those just "outside" the most inner circles. The ones who had to jump two, three or four different directions without appearing so, just like Margaret Beaufort. (Jasper Tudor was another one who was on that same "edge" constantly.)
Thinking what a good M.D. or even a decent Psychiatrist with some reliable meds would have done for these people. Especially in the cases of Henry VII and of his son Arthur. Most probably attritions of tuberculosis. And the women's deaths. So many of the more lucky got to 37? And with the "most wealthy" and royal having in great majority more than half of their offspring dying in infancy or childhood! Every woman in the central 8 to 10 prime royals or related by sibling to royals lost at least 3 or 4 children while they were in the nursery.
Being married at 12/13 and having a child within the year! And yet her life was (for her time) long lived and ultimately successful. Her Queen's College and so much else of her founding and endowments still exist as parts of strong entities today.
And this makes all those fiction reads (Weir's is the closest and an exception) almost completely total pap. Savvy, cunning, intelligent, bold when needed to be and ultimately despite not seeing her son for huge proportions of his life- a great Mother.
The dollar amounts of her worth translated into 21st century terms etc. And the huge research bibliography. SUPERB! The only thing I missed were some photos and they wouldn't actually "belong" in a work like this one was. Except maybe for her death mask.
I only recommend this book for history scholars. It has lengths of documentation of original source witness (letters, lawful decrees, Book of Hours diary etc.) It took me 3 times as long as any "usual" non-fiction for this length. I actually had to renew it. Unheard of for me. That's the depth. All of the years of her marriages day to day! And especially insightful was the condition of "femme sole" that she had helped originate "in law" so that she need not marry again and could have her own "singular economic" in her name only deeds, managerial, official unique "holds" without working through the name/ protection as needed then of a man.
Nicola Tallis knows how to relate history. You can't say you love the Tudors unless you REALLY understand what made Henry VIII a true piece of work. His grandmother had the same stubborn core.
Only after reading this complicated and 500 or 1000 character emmeshed work did I begin to comprehend the 3 or 4 or sometimes 5 sided cabals and conditions which bridged her lifetime. And also all the Richard III involved books I've read in the past. Especially within fiction which has distorted the deaths of the 2 Princes in the Tower to a half dozen other blame worthy or intrinsically evil plots. Or did I understand the several separate from "power" reigns of Henry VI either.
The endings of the 100 Years War and also the Bosworth that put Henry VII on the throne! All of that as seen and experienced by those just "outside" the most inner circles. The ones who had to jump two, three or four different directions without appearing so, just like Margaret Beaufort. (Jasper Tudor was another one who was on that same "edge" constantly.)
Thinking what a good M.D. or even a decent Psychiatrist with some reliable meds would have done for these people. Especially in the cases of Henry VII and of his son Arthur. Most probably attritions of tuberculosis. And the women's deaths. So many of the more lucky got to 37? And with the "most wealthy" and royal having in great majority more than half of their offspring dying in infancy or childhood! Every woman in the central 8 to 10 prime royals or related by sibling to royals lost at least 3 or 4 children while they were in the nursery.
Being married at 12/13 and having a child within the year! And yet her life was (for her time) long lived and ultimately successful. Her Queen's College and so much else of her founding and endowments still exist as parts of strong entities today.
And this makes all those fiction reads (Weir's is the closest and an exception) almost completely total pap. Savvy, cunning, intelligent, bold when needed to be and ultimately despite not seeing her son for huge proportions of his life- a great Mother.
The dollar amounts of her worth translated into 21st century terms etc. And the huge research bibliography. SUPERB! The only thing I missed were some photos and they wouldn't actually "belong" in a work like this one was. Except maybe for her death mask.
I only recommend this book for history scholars. It has lengths of documentation of original source witness (letters, lawful decrees, Book of Hours diary etc.) It took me 3 times as long as any "usual" non-fiction for this length. I actually had to renew it. Unheard of for me. That's the depth. All of the years of her marriages day to day! And especially insightful was the condition of "femme sole" that she had helped originate "in law" so that she need not marry again and could have her own "singular economic" in her name only deeds, managerial, official unique "holds" without working through the name/ protection as needed then of a man.
Nicola Tallis knows how to relate history. You can't say you love the Tudors unless you REALLY understand what made Henry VIII a true piece of work. His grandmother had the same stubborn core.
Read
July 25, 2020When I was growing up, reading history was like reading about half of a world--everything was about the men. The women were pretty much missing altogether, unless they managed to get themselves killed in some spectacular way, or were infamous for other reasons.
Even Shakespeare overlooked Margaret Beaufort in his history plays leading up to the establishment of the Tudor dynasty, which is remarkable considering the fact that she is one of those rare persons who managed to survive the bloody and sudden deaths of many of the noble and royal players in the Wars of the Roses. She almost didn't survive Richard III, who became aware that Margaret was behind the plan to bring her son Henry Tudor back from France to challenge his right to the throne.
So it took longer than it should have to become aware of Margaret Beaufort, which is why I opted for this book. I found it to be a solid introduction. The beginning, as Tallis introduces the background figures, was sometimes confusing and even repetitive, and the whole is necessarily looking through a very distant lens, but once Margaret reached the age of thirteen and was summarily tossed into adulthood, the narrative seemed to gain focus and became absorbing.
Yeah, she was married off at the ripe old age of thirteen, and promptly had a kid--her only pregnancy, Henry Tudor, who was to become Henry VII.
This was a solid read, if not perfect--Tallis can't resist telling us what Margaret or others thought, here and there, without any reference to period material, which I suspect is irresistible to scholars who have steeped themselves in period. But there's no doubt that Tallis did her homework. The bibliographic reference are solid, and there are lots of excellent quotations conveying a sense of immediacy.
The last third, once Richard III is dead, slowed down again as we get long descriptions of what Margaret wore to this or that event, and of her many jewels and properties, as Tallis tells us repeatedly that Margaret was a careful and attentive governor of her many manors and estates.
But overall it was an interesting portrait of a fascinating woman who managed to steer through very troubled times. It was also a great help in keeping track of all the various Edwards and Richards and Henrys in both Yorkist and Lancastrian camps before they got summarily munched, which has always confuzzled me when reading about the Wars of the Roses.
copy provided by NetGalley
Even Shakespeare overlooked Margaret Beaufort in his history plays leading up to the establishment of the Tudor dynasty, which is remarkable considering the fact that she is one of those rare persons who managed to survive the bloody and sudden deaths of many of the noble and royal players in the Wars of the Roses. She almost didn't survive Richard III, who became aware that Margaret was behind the plan to bring her son Henry Tudor back from France to challenge his right to the throne.
So it took longer than it should have to become aware of Margaret Beaufort, which is why I opted for this book. I found it to be a solid introduction. The beginning, as Tallis introduces the background figures, was sometimes confusing and even repetitive, and the whole is necessarily looking through a very distant lens, but once Margaret reached the age of thirteen and was summarily tossed into adulthood, the narrative seemed to gain focus and became absorbing.
Yeah, she was married off at the ripe old age of thirteen, and promptly had a kid--her only pregnancy, Henry Tudor, who was to become Henry VII.
This was a solid read, if not perfect--Tallis can't resist telling us what Margaret or others thought, here and there, without any reference to period material, which I suspect is irresistible to scholars who have steeped themselves in period. But there's no doubt that Tallis did her homework. The bibliographic reference are solid, and there are lots of excellent quotations conveying a sense of immediacy.
The last third, once Richard III is dead, slowed down again as we get long descriptions of what Margaret wore to this or that event, and of her many jewels and properties, as Tallis tells us repeatedly that Margaret was a careful and attentive governor of her many manors and estates.
But overall it was an interesting portrait of a fascinating woman who managed to steer through very troubled times. It was also a great help in keeping track of all the various Edwards and Richards and Henrys in both Yorkist and Lancastrian camps before they got summarily munched, which has always confuzzled me when reading about the Wars of the Roses.
copy provided by NetGalley
November 24, 2022
A REMARKABLE WOMAN BROUGHT TO LIFE 💚
I have always been an admirer of Margaret Beaufort. How she labored and sacrificed for her only child, her diplomacy and her shrewdness. But I have always found her story to have been told in a very singleminded maner - she was cold, calculating and power-hungry. Tallis provides a wonderful, well-rounded image of a complex and fascinating woman.
💚 What I Loved 💚
Writing: If you're one of those people who are daunted by the prospect of reading biographies, Tallis has your back. I was surprised at the ease with which I was able to jut dive into this book. Tallis almost makes it feel like you're reading a novel and not non-fiction. The flow was masterful and carried me on from beginning to end
Medieval society: As a medieval historian I have always been aware of the intricacies of medieval society. How closely almost every aristocratic family was intertwined, how fates and fortunes were dependent on those you were affiliated with. The degree to which diplomacy and family carried each other. Tallis made all of that come shockingly alive.
Research: One thing was absolutely clear. Tallis has done her research very well. The amount of primary sources utilized and consulted was amazing and made me feel like I was breathing in history.
Margaret: Through all of this, Margaret came alive. And she was absolutely given her due.
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I have always been an admirer of Margaret Beaufort. How she labored and sacrificed for her only child, her diplomacy and her shrewdness. But I have always found her story to have been told in a very singleminded maner - she was cold, calculating and power-hungry. Tallis provides a wonderful, well-rounded image of a complex and fascinating woman.
💚 What I Loved 💚
Writing: If you're one of those people who are daunted by the prospect of reading biographies, Tallis has your back. I was surprised at the ease with which I was able to jut dive into this book. Tallis almost makes it feel like you're reading a novel and not non-fiction. The flow was masterful and carried me on from beginning to end
Medieval society: As a medieval historian I have always been aware of the intricacies of medieval society. How closely almost every aristocratic family was intertwined, how fates and fortunes were dependent on those you were affiliated with. The degree to which diplomacy and family carried each other. Tallis made all of that come shockingly alive.
Research: One thing was absolutely clear. Tallis has done her research very well. The amount of primary sources utilized and consulted was amazing and made me feel like I was breathing in history.
Margaret: Through all of this, Margaret came alive. And she was absolutely given her due.
Follow me for more book loving content!
Blog ✨ Facebook ✨ Instagram ✨ Twitter
Blog Post: Which Book Should you read next based on your favourite Jane Austen Heroine
June 16, 2020
Meticulously researched and demonstrating a real passion for the subject, I nevertheless found this biography of Margaret Beaufort hard going due to its narrative style. The writing lacks coherence and clarity, and is often repetitive. Somehow Margaret just never came alive for me and all the political plots and machinations just became a litany of facts and figures, difficult to absorb. Margaret Beaufort’s life was an interesting one, with no indication at the beginning that she would end up so powerful and such a key player in the period’s turbulent history, and certainly this book tells you all you need to know. But I found it so lifeless that I gave up before the end, wishing that a good editor had tidied up the writing and inspired it with a bit more oomph.
June 25, 2020
Margaret Beaufort is both a tragic figure and a badass lady boss, so I could not WAIT until July to get a copy of this book in the US. Thankfully, my impatience led to me getting an ARC to review.
I very much enjoyed Nicola Tallis’ book on Lady Jane Grey, Crown of Blood, and likewise, I found this to be a good introductory book on Margaret Beaufort if you know that she’s Henry VII’s mom (or Henry VIII’s grandma), but you don’t know much else.
Most perplexing to people is how her son, Henry VII, inherited the throne following the Wars of the Roses (ie. the murder of Henry VI, the Princes in the Tower, the death of Edward IV, and Richard III). Henry VII was not directly descended from Henry VI, so where did he come from? Margaret Beaufort and Henry VI were both great-grandchildren of John of Gaunt, son of Edward III.
Edmund Tudor (Margaret’s husband) and Henry VI were half-siblings through their mother, Catherine of Valois (Catherine’s first marriage was to Henry V, famous for the Battle of Agincourt… and dad to Henry number 6).
This is where the origin of Henry VII not having “the strongest claim” to the throne comes from, because there were a lot of Plantagenet contenders, so it’s no surprise that Henry VII and later Henry VIII would spend a significant amount of time killing off the competition.
I especially loved learning more about Margaret’s childhood, the types of clothes she wore, and where she focused her interests (religion was a no-brainer, but education/various colleges was unexpected). It was fascinating to see the behind-the-scenes work she did to set her son up for success, and how she presented herself (truly, as an uncrowned queen).
That being said, the documentation around her life leaves certain knowledge gaps. We don’t always know if she was present at a significant event, or what her level of involvement was. We don’t know how she felt about some of her contemporaries, or why she took certain actions. Tallis usually does well to offer suggestions without making assumptions, but there are a few areas I found quizzical (suggesting that Margaret and Katherine of Aragon may have had a language barrier when both of them could speak English and Latin, for instance).
Some of the context around the crown changing hands was repetitive, but overall I enjoyed this book and learning more about Margaret’s life.
See more of my reviews: Blog // Instagram
I very much enjoyed Nicola Tallis’ book on Lady Jane Grey, Crown of Blood, and likewise, I found this to be a good introductory book on Margaret Beaufort if you know that she’s Henry VII’s mom (or Henry VIII’s grandma), but you don’t know much else.
Most perplexing to people is how her son, Henry VII, inherited the throne following the Wars of the Roses (ie. the murder of Henry VI, the Princes in the Tower, the death of Edward IV, and Richard III). Henry VII was not directly descended from Henry VI, so where did he come from? Margaret Beaufort and Henry VI were both great-grandchildren of John of Gaunt, son of Edward III.
Edmund Tudor (Margaret’s husband) and Henry VI were half-siblings through their mother, Catherine of Valois (Catherine’s first marriage was to Henry V, famous for the Battle of Agincourt… and dad to Henry number 6).
This is where the origin of Henry VII not having “the strongest claim” to the throne comes from, because there were a lot of Plantagenet contenders, so it’s no surprise that Henry VII and later Henry VIII would spend a significant amount of time killing off the competition.
I especially loved learning more about Margaret’s childhood, the types of clothes she wore, and where she focused her interests (religion was a no-brainer, but education/various colleges was unexpected). It was fascinating to see the behind-the-scenes work she did to set her son up for success, and how she presented herself (truly, as an uncrowned queen).
That being said, the documentation around her life leaves certain knowledge gaps. We don’t always know if she was present at a significant event, or what her level of involvement was. We don’t know how she felt about some of her contemporaries, or why she took certain actions. Tallis usually does well to offer suggestions without making assumptions, but there are a few areas I found quizzical (suggesting that Margaret and Katherine of Aragon may have had a language barrier when both of them could speak English and Latin, for instance).
Some of the context around the crown changing hands was repetitive, but overall I enjoyed this book and learning more about Margaret’s life.
See more of my reviews: Blog // Instagram
June 16, 2021
Although the Tudor dynasty is credited to King Henry VII and his defeat over King Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth; and even with most associating the period with King Henry VIII and his daughter, Queen Elizabeth I – there is one mover-and-shaker, matriarch and sole figure who can be thanked for all things Tudor: Henry VII’s mother, Margaret Beaufort. Margaret gave birth to Henry at the tender age of 13 when she was merely a child, herself. Yet, Margaret quickly skipped childhood and became a force to be reckoned with: strong-willed, intelligent, formidable, independent, assertive; but also charming, kind, sociable and empathetic all while royal blood cursed through her veins. History books tend to typecast Margaret as some kind of stoic, sour-faced, overly pious villain who pushed her son to usurp the throne. There is so much more left unseen to Margaret’s person. Historian Nicola Tallis strives to reveal Margaret’s true image and rehabilitate her smear campaign in “Uncrowned Queen: The Life of Margaret Beaufort, Mother of the Tudors”.
Historian and Alison Weir protégé Nicola Tallis is known for her pop-history Tudor history texts that tend to fall victim to some notable faults; but are also thoroughly researched. Tallis aims to feature Margaret Beaufort in a new light and in a well-rounded perspective while debunking myths and offering a definitive biography at the same time. Does Tallis succeed? In one word: No. In two words: Absolutely not. Readers who are familiar with Tallis’s other works will find “Uncrowned Queen” to stylistically fit usual Tallis protocol of targeting general readers or those new to the subject; as Tudor aficionados do not glean much from “Uncrowned Queen”.
Tallis forewarns readers that in an effort to better to understand Margaret Beaufort; one must break down her family history and the impact of the world around her. Although a sensible tactic; this means that a huge chunk of “Uncrowned Queen” hardly addresses Margaret at all. Plus, the connections Tallis yearns to draw are hardly merited or hold weight as Margaret was often a child during many of these events and we do not have extant documents or primary sources indicating how she was affected; if at all.
When Tallis does focus on Margaret; “Uncrowned Queen” is dripping with speculative statements and assumptions. This is a Tallis habit prevalent in all of her texts but “Uncrowned Queen” received the worst of the lot. Tallis constantly makes comments concerning Beaufort’s emotional state, thoughts and psyche without a shred of evidence to prove these claims. One can use circumstantial evidence to create a possible scenario but then these mustn’t be claimed as facts and yet: Tallis states them as though they are carved in stone. Interestingly, “Uncrowned Queen” will often mention that, “We couldn’t have known how Margaret felt about this…” but then immediately Tallis interjects, “Margaret felt terrified…” Ummmmm… what?!
“Uncrowned Queen” does not debunk myths as Tallis claims and avid Tudor history readers do not grasp much about Margaret that was not already known (there is some new information but nothing riveting or mind-blowing and rather concern logistical matters). “Uncrowned Queen” is best described as a refresher course on Margaret Beaufort.
Another Tallis characteristic that can be found on the pages of “Uncrowned Queen” is the propensity to make staunch historical claims that most contemporaries have already proven false or credibly argued. It is quite contradicting that as a historian, Tallis still comes off as an amateur.
So many negatives – there must be a positive, right? Thankfully, yes. “Uncrowned Glory” is beautifully written in a flourished sense of detail and illustration that is readable and leads to an even pace and narrative (Tallis would most certainly pen a lovely fictional piece). As “Uncrowned Queen” progresses, Tallis includes more source quotes and thus enlightens “Uncrowned Queen” with more academia.
Don’t think for a second that “Uncrowned Queen” escapes Tallis’s obsession with putting Alison Weir on a pedestal: “…But as Weir as shown in her excellent book…” (p. 150). Personally, I don’t have an issue with Allison Weir but we get it, Tallis! You are Weir’s best buddy! Loud and clear!
All these complaints aside; readers do come away with some sense of who Margaret was and in a more completed picture but it simply isn’t as intensely remarkable as Tallis claimed “Uncrowned Queen” to be.
The conclusion of “Uncrowned Queen” feels rushed and ‘cut off’ failing to summarize the text in a memorable way. Tallis pens a sort of epitaph/hagiography of Beaufort and claims the proof of all these view points but “Uncrowned Queen” never succeeded. Tallis follows this with a legacy look at the Tudor dynasty and the relations to Margaret through time.
“Uncrowned Queen” includes Notes on Sources, a bibliography which delightfully showcases the research of many primary manuscripts and untapped sources (although this doesn’t seem much reflected in the text); annotated notes, a list of the historical figures present and a timeline of events. Very surprisingly, “Uncrowned Queen” is lacking a section of photo plates. This is common place in most history pieces and therefore, the absence is strongly felt.
Even with a doctorate in history under her belt; Tallis pens pop histories over scholarly texts and “Uncrowned Queen” is no exception although she receives her due credit for conducting ample research and always showcasing figures that tend to be sidelined. “Uncrowned Queen” is recommended whole-heartedly for those readers new to the subject or Tudor experts seeking a refresher course. “Uncrowned Queen” isn’t ‘terrible’; I simply didn’t come away with anything profound or iconic as I expected.
Historian and Alison Weir protégé Nicola Tallis is known for her pop-history Tudor history texts that tend to fall victim to some notable faults; but are also thoroughly researched. Tallis aims to feature Margaret Beaufort in a new light and in a well-rounded perspective while debunking myths and offering a definitive biography at the same time. Does Tallis succeed? In one word: No. In two words: Absolutely not. Readers who are familiar with Tallis’s other works will find “Uncrowned Queen” to stylistically fit usual Tallis protocol of targeting general readers or those new to the subject; as Tudor aficionados do not glean much from “Uncrowned Queen”.
Tallis forewarns readers that in an effort to better to understand Margaret Beaufort; one must break down her family history and the impact of the world around her. Although a sensible tactic; this means that a huge chunk of “Uncrowned Queen” hardly addresses Margaret at all. Plus, the connections Tallis yearns to draw are hardly merited or hold weight as Margaret was often a child during many of these events and we do not have extant documents or primary sources indicating how she was affected; if at all.
When Tallis does focus on Margaret; “Uncrowned Queen” is dripping with speculative statements and assumptions. This is a Tallis habit prevalent in all of her texts but “Uncrowned Queen” received the worst of the lot. Tallis constantly makes comments concerning Beaufort’s emotional state, thoughts and psyche without a shred of evidence to prove these claims. One can use circumstantial evidence to create a possible scenario but then these mustn’t be claimed as facts and yet: Tallis states them as though they are carved in stone. Interestingly, “Uncrowned Queen” will often mention that, “We couldn’t have known how Margaret felt about this…” but then immediately Tallis interjects, “Margaret felt terrified…” Ummmmm… what?!
“Uncrowned Queen” does not debunk myths as Tallis claims and avid Tudor history readers do not grasp much about Margaret that was not already known (there is some new information but nothing riveting or mind-blowing and rather concern logistical matters). “Uncrowned Queen” is best described as a refresher course on Margaret Beaufort.
Another Tallis characteristic that can be found on the pages of “Uncrowned Queen” is the propensity to make staunch historical claims that most contemporaries have already proven false or credibly argued. It is quite contradicting that as a historian, Tallis still comes off as an amateur.
So many negatives – there must be a positive, right? Thankfully, yes. “Uncrowned Glory” is beautifully written in a flourished sense of detail and illustration that is readable and leads to an even pace and narrative (Tallis would most certainly pen a lovely fictional piece). As “Uncrowned Queen” progresses, Tallis includes more source quotes and thus enlightens “Uncrowned Queen” with more academia.
Don’t think for a second that “Uncrowned Queen” escapes Tallis’s obsession with putting Alison Weir on a pedestal: “…But as Weir as shown in her excellent book…” (p. 150). Personally, I don’t have an issue with Allison Weir but we get it, Tallis! You are Weir’s best buddy! Loud and clear!
All these complaints aside; readers do come away with some sense of who Margaret was and in a more completed picture but it simply isn’t as intensely remarkable as Tallis claimed “Uncrowned Queen” to be.
The conclusion of “Uncrowned Queen” feels rushed and ‘cut off’ failing to summarize the text in a memorable way. Tallis pens a sort of epitaph/hagiography of Beaufort and claims the proof of all these view points but “Uncrowned Queen” never succeeded. Tallis follows this with a legacy look at the Tudor dynasty and the relations to Margaret through time.
“Uncrowned Queen” includes Notes on Sources, a bibliography which delightfully showcases the research of many primary manuscripts and untapped sources (although this doesn’t seem much reflected in the text); annotated notes, a list of the historical figures present and a timeline of events. Very surprisingly, “Uncrowned Queen” is lacking a section of photo plates. This is common place in most history pieces and therefore, the absence is strongly felt.
Even with a doctorate in history under her belt; Tallis pens pop histories over scholarly texts and “Uncrowned Queen” is no exception although she receives her due credit for conducting ample research and always showcasing figures that tend to be sidelined. “Uncrowned Queen” is recommended whole-heartedly for those readers new to the subject or Tudor experts seeking a refresher course. “Uncrowned Queen” isn’t ‘terrible’; I simply didn’t come away with anything profound or iconic as I expected.
August 4, 2024
This book was well written, easy to read and told me more about the wars of the roses and Edward IV. I had looked forward to this book for a couple of months.
September 9, 2020
A life spanning several wars, several husbands, much history and triumph is what is covered by Nicola Tallis in her biography of Margaret Beaufort. Being a lover of English history, it was difficult to decide just where to begin to capture the background of the Hundred Years War and the War of the Roses. Well Margaret’s life spans them both and ignites a dynasty. Using many sources including a meticulous book written by Margaret herself, Tallis describes a woman driven even from an early age. It peaks the imagination to hear of the exact castles and manors where she lived, fabrics she wore and gifts that she gave.
“Uncrowned Queen” shows how many times Margaret’s attempts to rise in society via marriage and landownership showed she would not allow the usual treatment of women at the time to get in her way. She was determined to make use of her royal blood and family connections to bring herself and her son wealth and importance, however sometimes history got in the way.
“Her prudent efforts to position herself in a powerful family so that she could provide her son with a secure future had come to nought, crushed in a battle between kings.”(p. 88)
With continued work, Margaret did not let deaths and failed coups stop her perseverance. The book is concise yet explains the background required for Tudor history beginners. Tallis shows with Margaret’s life that the upper crust at the time was not really a large group. Her pressing for her son’s success made sure that he was in the right place when the time was right for him to become king. She was tireless in her pursuit for the one she loved the most to be the most beloved and powerful man in the country, thus cementing her legacy as well. I didn’t know I would enjoy this book so much. #Netgalley #Uncrowned Queen
“Uncrowned Queen” shows how many times Margaret’s attempts to rise in society via marriage and landownership showed she would not allow the usual treatment of women at the time to get in her way. She was determined to make use of her royal blood and family connections to bring herself and her son wealth and importance, however sometimes history got in the way.
“Her prudent efforts to position herself in a powerful family so that she could provide her son with a secure future had come to nought, crushed in a battle between kings.”(p. 88)
With continued work, Margaret did not let deaths and failed coups stop her perseverance. The book is concise yet explains the background required for Tudor history beginners. Tallis shows with Margaret’s life that the upper crust at the time was not really a large group. Her pressing for her son’s success made sure that he was in the right place when the time was right for him to become king. She was tireless in her pursuit for the one she loved the most to be the most beloved and powerful man in the country, thus cementing her legacy as well. I didn’t know I would enjoy this book so much. #Netgalley #Uncrowned Queen
January 27, 2020
A magnificent biography of one of my hero’s Margaret Beaufort you won’t be disappointed
September 28, 2023
More 3.5 ...ok, we get it, she was pious!
April 29, 2024
really appreciated the book taking a moment to clarify that yeah, richard iii killed those kids.
December 13, 2020
This was immensely readable and extremely well written.
I learned a bit I was unaware of about this time period and the complicated politics involved.
I am not in the head space right now to verify sources but a quick look at the bibliography andthe sources seemed both valid & diverse.
I learned a bit I was unaware of about this time period and the complicated politics involved.
I am not in the head space right now to verify sources but a quick look at the bibliography andthe sources seemed both valid & diverse.
January 17, 2020
This is a thorough biography of Margaret Beaufort with a flowing narrative that tells the story of her life from Margaret's cradle to her grave.
I appreciate that the author decided to stick to the known facts - adding previously unpublished caveats from the archives - instead of speculating about Margaret's motives. I'm happy that Dr Tallis didn't spend much time pondering whether Margaret killed the Princes in the Tower. This theory, advanced by the Ricardians (fans of Richard III) has actually little basis in fact. It gained popularity after Philippa Gregory's novels set during the Wars of the Roses were written and adapted for TV. Dr Tallis's comment sums up my feelings perfectly: "Whatever the fate of the Princes, the insinuation that Margaret was in any way involved is nothing short of preposterous and an unfair slur on her character" (p. 140).
Margaret's been vilified in Philippa Gregory's novels ("The Red Queen" and other novels from The Cousins' War series) and today many people believe that she was the Tudor archvillainess, the brilliant if twisted mastermind behind the extermination of the House of York. Yet the truth is much different: Margaret was a deeply religious woman who feared God as much as any other medieval matron. True, she was covetous and greedy, but many people were at the time.
I truly believe that this is the best bio of Margaret Beaufort currently on the market. It's highly readable and packed with interesting information. Highly recommended for history lovers.
I appreciate that the author decided to stick to the known facts - adding previously unpublished caveats from the archives - instead of speculating about Margaret's motives. I'm happy that Dr Tallis didn't spend much time pondering whether Margaret killed the Princes in the Tower. This theory, advanced by the Ricardians (fans of Richard III) has actually little basis in fact. It gained popularity after Philippa Gregory's novels set during the Wars of the Roses were written and adapted for TV. Dr Tallis's comment sums up my feelings perfectly: "Whatever the fate of the Princes, the insinuation that Margaret was in any way involved is nothing short of preposterous and an unfair slur on her character" (p. 140).
Margaret's been vilified in Philippa Gregory's novels ("The Red Queen" and other novels from The Cousins' War series) and today many people believe that she was the Tudor archvillainess, the brilliant if twisted mastermind behind the extermination of the House of York. Yet the truth is much different: Margaret was a deeply religious woman who feared God as much as any other medieval matron. True, she was covetous and greedy, but many people were at the time.
I truly believe that this is the best bio of Margaret Beaufort currently on the market. It's highly readable and packed with interesting information. Highly recommended for history lovers.
April 26, 2021
I thought this would be a brilliant read of Margaret Beaufort’s life but alas it wasn’t! Whilst I have a LITTLE more insight into the type of person Margaret was (especially with all the poor fiction out there that really does her a disservice) this book became what I dislike in historical biographical non-fiction – a narrative of events rather an analysis of character.
I would have liked more objective analysis especially about her vow of chastity whilst being married to her 4th husband, how she moved away from him to live alone at Collyweston, took measures to be in total control of her properties, ate little, fasted a lot and prayed obsessively. Her religious zealotry, her obsession with fasting and eating sounded like someone who needed to control everything in her life (her son, her finances and even her body). I can see why - after all she was an intelligent, politically savvy woman, but lived in a man’s world.
Whilst I learned about the events in Margaret’s life, I don’t feel I got to know Margaret as a person when I finished this book.
I would have liked more objective analysis especially about her vow of chastity whilst being married to her 4th husband, how she moved away from him to live alone at Collyweston, took measures to be in total control of her properties, ate little, fasted a lot and prayed obsessively. Her religious zealotry, her obsession with fasting and eating sounded like someone who needed to control everything in her life (her son, her finances and even her body). I can see why - after all she was an intelligent, politically savvy woman, but lived in a man’s world.
Whilst I learned about the events in Margaret’s life, I don’t feel I got to know Margaret as a person when I finished this book.
March 26, 2020
This is an amazingly-researched account of the life of Lady Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry VII of England. With excellent pacing and lots of adventure, this read almost like a novel. My only trouble was with trying to keep all the characters straight, which is not a failure of the author, but rather a failure of my own memory!
December 28, 2021
Minutely detailed with primary sources. This is not the woman portrayed in some books or series. This is the young woman who at thirteen became a widow and mother. Her life would be dedicated to her only child, Henry Tudor.
January 5, 2022
3.5
I really enjoyed reading this book and it turned out to be useful revision for my mock exams! I think, however, that the first half was definitely the stronger section. After Henry VII's ascension to the throne I think, at least for my taste, that we get lost in too many minute and unnecessary details that caused me to lose a little interest. That being said, I found Tallis' writing style very readable and that is a rare thing for me in historical non-fiction. The research felt very comprehensive - the only thing that bugged me a little were the moments where the author tenuously tried to tie Margaret to events with phrases like 'Margaret must have heard of this and been scared' etc. These assumptions felt redundant; we can already assume that the backdrop of her life affected her.
I really enjoyed reading this book and it turned out to be useful revision for my mock exams! I think, however, that the first half was definitely the stronger section. After Henry VII's ascension to the throne I think, at least for my taste, that we get lost in too many minute and unnecessary details that caused me to lose a little interest. That being said, I found Tallis' writing style very readable and that is a rare thing for me in historical non-fiction. The research felt very comprehensive - the only thing that bugged me a little were the moments where the author tenuously tried to tie Margaret to events with phrases like 'Margaret must have heard of this and been scared' etc. These assumptions felt redundant; we can already assume that the backdrop of her life affected her.
February 25, 2024
Spannende Frau, spannende Zeit, wildes Leben
.. So ein langweiliger, trockener Schreibstil. Whyyy?
.. So ein langweiliger, trockener Schreibstil. Whyyy?
July 28, 2023
I didn't like this book that much :/
I didn't dislike it enough to rate it any lower but it's definitely not my favorite either. I think the book really dragged throughout the main events of the war of the roses. Perhaps it's because Margaret was only really involved at the end when Richard III became king so she didn't really have much to do otherwise.
I did learn some stuff though! Margaret making the dangerous trek to the safety of Pembroke Castle while 7 or 8 months pregnant at 13 is INSANE and it totally shows the kind of person she was.
I liked the last third once Henry became king, I was considering not finishing during the middle chunk but the book got better once the war of the roses ended.
There were also a couple of things that just seemed off??? Tallis presented it as a fact that Richard was keen to marry his niece Elizabeth (ew) when other books I've read on the war of the roses have said that he probably actually didn't want to (and he made a public statement saying he would never even consider it since the very idea made people really pissed off). She also implied that Elizabeth was kind of into it, which doesn't make sense considering Richard is responsible for her brothers' death and for usurping the throne from them, and he's also her uncle. I mean we're not the Hapsburgs! I feel like this would've been looked down upon throughout England. I think Richard was just using Elizabeth as an ornament to prove to the court(and the rest of England) that he was on good terms with his family, and that there was no reason for ANYBODY to go to Henry Tudor because look how chill me and my niece are.
This is a tiny nitpick but Tallis should've mentioned that Richard's Queen Anne was also Anne Neville aka Anne who'd married Edmund(?) of Lancaster(I don't feel like looking up his name lol, whatever Margaret of Anjou's son's name was). The way it's written makes it seem like they're two totally different people.
I REALLY liked how Tallis included a glossary of who everyone was because as I've said in other reviews about books of this era it is so easy to get everyone confused.
I thought it was neat how she didn't use the "conventional" spelling for some names. Like how she used a Katherine of Valois when all the times I've seen it, it's been a C and I liked how she spelled Woodville Wydeville.
I appreciate this book for being about Margaret who was an icon! But it was not worth the $32 bucks.
I didn't dislike it enough to rate it any lower but it's definitely not my favorite either. I think the book really dragged throughout the main events of the war of the roses. Perhaps it's because Margaret was only really involved at the end when Richard III became king so she didn't really have much to do otherwise.
I did learn some stuff though! Margaret making the dangerous trek to the safety of Pembroke Castle while 7 or 8 months pregnant at 13 is INSANE and it totally shows the kind of person she was.
I liked the last third once Henry became king, I was considering not finishing during the middle chunk but the book got better once the war of the roses ended.
There were also a couple of things that just seemed off??? Tallis presented it as a fact that Richard was keen to marry his niece Elizabeth (ew) when other books I've read on the war of the roses have said that he probably actually didn't want to (and he made a public statement saying he would never even consider it since the very idea made people really pissed off). She also implied that Elizabeth was kind of into it, which doesn't make sense considering Richard is responsible for her brothers' death and for usurping the throne from them, and he's also her uncle. I mean we're not the Hapsburgs! I feel like this would've been looked down upon throughout England. I think Richard was just using Elizabeth as an ornament to prove to the court(and the rest of England) that he was on good terms with his family, and that there was no reason for ANYBODY to go to Henry Tudor because look how chill me and my niece are.
This is a tiny nitpick but Tallis should've mentioned that Richard's Queen Anne was also Anne Neville aka Anne who'd married Edmund(?) of Lancaster(I don't feel like looking up his name lol, whatever Margaret of Anjou's son's name was). The way it's written makes it seem like they're two totally different people.
I REALLY liked how Tallis included a glossary of who everyone was because as I've said in other reviews about books of this era it is so easy to get everyone confused.
I thought it was neat how she didn't use the "conventional" spelling for some names. Like how she used a Katherine of Valois when all the times I've seen it, it's been a C and I liked how she spelled Woodville Wydeville.
I appreciate this book for being about Margaret who was an icon! But it was not worth the $32 bucks.
April 8, 2020
Margaret Beaufort has suffered from bad press and it is about time that the same effort that revisionist historians have given to previously maligned figures, is given to this Tudor matron.
A few nitpicks here and there, but overall, I have nothing but good things to say about this biography.
Nicola Tallis exposes the wars of the roses for what it really was: a brutal time in European history where nearly every Christian realm was under constant threat of dynastic civil war. No throne was truly secure. Margaret had lived through many kings and seen many queens smeared countless times. No one was truly safe. This is why when her son was crowned King of England and Lord of Ireland, she cried tears of sadness. According to her loyal friend and chaplain, John Fisher, when he asked her why she was sad when she should be joyful, she said that now more than ever her son would be in mortal danger.
After everything Margaret saw and went through, it is not hard to understand why she was cautious to a fault, and developed a strong connection to God. Although this religious devotion is no different from many other women of her station, it was more noticeable on her because of her active role in her son's reign.
The Margaret that emerges from this book is one that is the complete opposite of the posthumous portrait that her detractors have painted -and continue- to paint of her. A woman who was ambitious but also endlessly loyal to her son and later his immediate family, yet also compassionate to those in need (to the point that she took her daughter-in-law's younger sister's side when she married without the king and queen's permission), a great mistress to her servants, and intellectually curious like her female descendants.
A few nitpicks here and there, but overall, I have nothing but good things to say about this biography.
Nicola Tallis exposes the wars of the roses for what it really was: a brutal time in European history where nearly every Christian realm was under constant threat of dynastic civil war. No throne was truly secure. Margaret had lived through many kings and seen many queens smeared countless times. No one was truly safe. This is why when her son was crowned King of England and Lord of Ireland, she cried tears of sadness. According to her loyal friend and chaplain, John Fisher, when he asked her why she was sad when she should be joyful, she said that now more than ever her son would be in mortal danger.
After everything Margaret saw and went through, it is not hard to understand why she was cautious to a fault, and developed a strong connection to God. Although this religious devotion is no different from many other women of her station, it was more noticeable on her because of her active role in her son's reign.
The Margaret that emerges from this book is one that is the complete opposite of the posthumous portrait that her detractors have painted -and continue- to paint of her. A woman who was ambitious but also endlessly loyal to her son and later his immediate family, yet also compassionate to those in need (to the point that she took her daughter-in-law's younger sister's side when she married without the king and queen's permission), a great mistress to her servants, and intellectually curious like her female descendants.
May 7, 2020
What an incredible biography about an absolutely incredible woman! Every single time I picked up “Uncrowned Queen”, I learned something new about Margaret Beaufort and her life and times.
Margaret Beaufort is one of my absolute favorite historical figures. When I first heard about this new biography, I immediately knew I had to read it, and I am so, so glad I did!
Ms. Tallis truly knows how to bring history to life. She writes in a way that reads like fiction, and this book flowed beautifully from start to finish. She seamlessly weaves in various primary and other secondary sources with her own voice, and the result is a well-rounded and exquisite biography. We learn about Margaret’s lineage, her early years, the birth of her son at the extremely young age of 13, her fighting to protect her son even when she was kept away from him, seeing Henry crowned King, her time as “My Lady the King’s Mother” what happened after Henry VII’s death as well as her own, and so much more.
So many historical figures feature in this biography: Henry VII, Elizabeth of York, Henry VIII, Katherine of Aragon, Edward IV, Elizabeth Wydville, Richard III, George, Duke of Clarence, Isabel Neville, Anne Neville, Warwick (the Kingmaker), among many others!
Margaret Beaufort was such a strong, brave, intelligent, and driven woman who survived The War of the Roses. A woman who was ahead of her times in many ways, Margaret was able to survive and protect her son against many odds. I am so glad her story is being told and brought to the forefront, for what an unbelievable story of perseverance, strength, love, and fight it is.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Perseus Books, Basic Books for the ARC of this biography. I loved it! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Margaret Beaufort is one of my absolute favorite historical figures. When I first heard about this new biography, I immediately knew I had to read it, and I am so, so glad I did!
Ms. Tallis truly knows how to bring history to life. She writes in a way that reads like fiction, and this book flowed beautifully from start to finish. She seamlessly weaves in various primary and other secondary sources with her own voice, and the result is a well-rounded and exquisite biography. We learn about Margaret’s lineage, her early years, the birth of her son at the extremely young age of 13, her fighting to protect her son even when she was kept away from him, seeing Henry crowned King, her time as “My Lady the King’s Mother” what happened after Henry VII’s death as well as her own, and so much more.
So many historical figures feature in this biography: Henry VII, Elizabeth of York, Henry VIII, Katherine of Aragon, Edward IV, Elizabeth Wydville, Richard III, George, Duke of Clarence, Isabel Neville, Anne Neville, Warwick (the Kingmaker), among many others!
Margaret Beaufort was such a strong, brave, intelligent, and driven woman who survived The War of the Roses. A woman who was ahead of her times in many ways, Margaret was able to survive and protect her son against many odds. I am so glad her story is being told and brought to the forefront, for what an unbelievable story of perseverance, strength, love, and fight it is.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Perseus Books, Basic Books for the ARC of this biography. I loved it! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
March 19, 2020
In January 1457, at the age of just thirteen, Margaret Beaufort went through the most traumatic single event of her life: the birth of her only child, Henry Tudor. Already a widow and still barely more than a child, Margaret had endured a short marriage to the older Edmund Tudor and now she was fighting for her life to deliver her baby and somehow keep them both alive without an obvious protector to shield them from harm. Through grit and most likely some luck, she managed to survive the ordeal and then dedicated the rest of her life, which turned out to be a long one, to the cause of her beloved son.
'Uncrowned Queen' is really the story of that unbreakable bond between mother and son that eventually propelled Henry to the throne and Margaret into the role she performed best, that of 'My Lady, the King's Mother'. Nicola Tallis outlines Margaret's early life as the sole Beaufort heiress, and her subsequent barren marriages after Henry was born, from the somewhat limited information we have, and she does it well, but it is the Margaret/Henry story that is the compelling one. Margaret Beaufort hasn't always received a good press, which has probably been unfair to her, but she certainly receives positive coverage in this book. Nicola Tallis is clearly a dedicated admirer of Margaret's and why not? She was a tough, determined, indomitable lady in a time of war, uncertainty, and widespread treachery. Her first loyalty was to her son, and vice versa, and no matter how often I read about the two of them, that simple fact never ceases to move me. Four stars.
'Uncrowned Queen' is really the story of that unbreakable bond between mother and son that eventually propelled Henry to the throne and Margaret into the role she performed best, that of 'My Lady, the King's Mother'. Nicola Tallis outlines Margaret's early life as the sole Beaufort heiress, and her subsequent barren marriages after Henry was born, from the somewhat limited information we have, and she does it well, but it is the Margaret/Henry story that is the compelling one. Margaret Beaufort hasn't always received a good press, which has probably been unfair to her, but she certainly receives positive coverage in this book. Nicola Tallis is clearly a dedicated admirer of Margaret's and why not? She was a tough, determined, indomitable lady in a time of war, uncertainty, and widespread treachery. Her first loyalty was to her son, and vice versa, and no matter how often I read about the two of them, that simple fact never ceases to move me. Four stars.
May 26, 2020
Nicola Tallis has written a beautiful and passionate biography about the mother of the Tudor dynasty.
In recent years Margaret - due to portrays in TV adaptions - has become a caricature of herself, exaggerated parts of small parts of her personality to make out she's soap opera villain. Nicola paints the portrait of a woman who was passionate, clever and determined to keep her family and those she loved safe at all costs.
This book is extremely easy to read, as much as I love history books I sometimes take so long reading them because I keep getting confused with who was who and timelines but I had no issue with this book and felt like I could easily read big chunks at once.
In recent years Margaret - due to portrays in TV adaptions - has become a caricature of herself, exaggerated parts of small parts of her personality to make out she's soap opera villain. Nicola paints the portrait of a woman who was passionate, clever and determined to keep her family and those she loved safe at all costs.
This book is extremely easy to read, as much as I love history books I sometimes take so long reading them because I keep getting confused with who was who and timelines but I had no issue with this book and felt like I could easily read big chunks at once.
June 8, 2020
This is an absolutely fabulous biography. I learnt so much, not only about Margaret Beaufort but also other family members and the Tudor court especially Henry Tudor. In particular I never realised how involved Margaret was in her estates or that she was the only female appointed by Henry VII as a Lady of the Garter. She really was an uncrowned queen and was shown respect as such.
March 17, 2021
What a journey! This was so engaging and easy to read, with lots of lovely detail. There’s lots of myth surrounding Margaret Beaufort and this really ironed those out, and painted a picture of a woman who was both incredibly pious and loved a good time. She contained multitudes, just like we all do! The author’s admiration for her subject is really clear, and who can blame her! Imagine being twelve and you’ve just had a baby and your husband has died of the plague and there’s literally the War of the Roses going on, and then one day that baby that you had becomes king? Margaret Beaufort and the Virgin Mary have a lot in common, that’s all I will say. I’m really looking forward to reading Tallis on Lady Jane Grey! I’m sad that the Jasper Tudor x Margaret Beaufort affair is a work of complete fiction, it’s a fun and sexy concept and I loved it in The White Queen. Also, I grew up near the Duke of Beaufort’s lands and I would just like to say just because I liked this book does not mean I don’t want the immediate destruction of the aristocracy and the redistribution of their lands and wealth. Sorry Maggie B, you didn’t see the work of Karl Marx coming did you? Up the people!
January 13, 2021
I really enjoyed this biography of a fascinating, strong, and powerful woman. Popular opinion would have it that Henry VII founded the Tudor Dynasty, and it's true that he was the first Tudor monarch. But without his mother, Margaret Beaufort, and her courage, strength, and cunning, that may very well never have happened.
Start with the fact that she survived giving birth to the future Henry VII at age 13. With 15th century medicine. And there is so much more to know about her. If all you know about her is from Philippa Gregory, forget everything you think you know and read this. Now, don't misunderstand, Gregory is entertaining, but there's not a lot of resemblance to actual history. And the real story is just as compelling.
If you have daughters, or other young girls in your life, in need of a role model...they could do a lot worse in many ways. But even if you don't, but you do have an interest in history, this is well worth reading.
Start with the fact that she survived giving birth to the future Henry VII at age 13. With 15th century medicine. And there is so much more to know about her. If all you know about her is from Philippa Gregory, forget everything you think you know and read this. Now, don't misunderstand, Gregory is entertaining, but there's not a lot of resemblance to actual history. And the real story is just as compelling.
If you have daughters, or other young girls in your life, in need of a role model...they could do a lot worse in many ways. But even if you don't, but you do have an interest in history, this is well worth reading.
August 5, 2020
Uncrowned Queen by Nicola Tallis is the first book I have read about Henry VII mother Margaret Beaufort. Uncrowned Queen brings Margaret to life. She is such an interesting figure. Imagine living during her lifetime. She lived through the Wars of the Roses and plotted to put her son on the throne as Henry VII.
Most historical fiction depictions of Margaret are very unflattering. She is depicted as either a shrew, a religious fanatic or a villain. Maybe she was a little of both or maybe she was just a woman trying to survive and thrive in a male-dominated society.
I really enjoyed this well-written and well-researched book that depicted the real Margaret. This is truly a great book for Tudor history lovers.
Most historical fiction depictions of Margaret are very unflattering. She is depicted as either a shrew, a religious fanatic or a villain. Maybe she was a little of both or maybe she was just a woman trying to survive and thrive in a male-dominated society.
I really enjoyed this well-written and well-researched book that depicted the real Margaret. This is truly a great book for Tudor history lovers.
August 10, 2023
The Tudors have always been a fascination for me, their story is just so interesting and im always keen to learn more about this era in out history.
Margaret Beaufort was always an interesting character in the Tudor story through what I already knew about her she was a strong, independent woman and not someone to mess with. After reading this and learning more about story, her beginnings with what happened with her father, then marriage and a baby at 13 and all that happened after that I am full of even more admiration for his woman!
The book itself is very interesting and full of facts and stories of Margarets life, my only problem was at times it was alot of information to take it and therefore I had to read this one alot slower then I do others to allow myself the chance to take in all the information, but a faboulous book
Margaret Beaufort was always an interesting character in the Tudor story through what I already knew about her she was a strong, independent woman and not someone to mess with. After reading this and learning more about story, her beginnings with what happened with her father, then marriage and a baby at 13 and all that happened after that I am full of even more admiration for his woman!
The book itself is very interesting and full of facts and stories of Margarets life, my only problem was at times it was alot of information to take it and therefore I had to read this one alot slower then I do others to allow myself the chance to take in all the information, but a faboulous book
June 1, 2021
I am an unapologetic Yorkist supporter and Richard III apologist, but. Beaufort is not the villain I wanted her to be and instead is a hugely sympathetic woman who survived a very turbulent period for English nobility, particularly ones with royal blood. and she probably didn't kill the princes in the tower.
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