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Medical Downfall of the Tudors: Sex, Reproduction & Succession
The Tudor dynasty died out because there was no heir of Elizabeth I’s body to succeed her. Henry VIII, despite his six marriages, had produced no legitimate son who would live into old age. Three of the reigning Tudors (Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I) died without heirs apparent, the most tragic case being that of Mary Tudor, who went through two recorded cases of phantom pregnancy. If it were not for physical frailty and the lack of reproductive health among the Tudors, the course of history might have been different.
This book concentrates on the medical downfall of the Tudors, examining their gynaecological history and medical records.
Did you know that an archival source suggests that Henry VIII may have suffered from venereal disease or a urinary tract infection?
Did you know that overlooked pictorial evidence suggests that Katharine of Aragon may have suffered from prognathism, a trait that ran through her family?
It is generally assumed that Katharine of Aragon went through menopause by 1524, but primary sources tell a different tale.
Did Katharine of Aragon really die in the arms of her lady-in-waiting, Maria de Salinas, Lady Willoughby?
Did you know that Jane Seymour’s coronation in 1537 was postponed and later cancelled because of the plague? She was originally to be crowned on 29 September 1536.
Was Katherine Howard ever pregnant by Henry VIII?
Did you know that available evidence suggests Mary I Tudor suffered from severe depression?
Did you know that one of the maids of honour at the Tudor court had a C-section?
How many pregnancies did Anne Boleyn have?
Did you know that there is a hint in the primary sources that in 1534 Anne Boleyn had a stillbirth?
Did you know that Henry VII didn't die in his bed?
Was Katharine of Aragon's marriage to Prince Arthur consummated?
How did Edward VI die?
This book concentrates on the medical downfall of the Tudors, examining their gynaecological history and medical records.
Did you know that an archival source suggests that Henry VIII may have suffered from venereal disease or a urinary tract infection?
Did you know that overlooked pictorial evidence suggests that Katharine of Aragon may have suffered from prognathism, a trait that ran through her family?
It is generally assumed that Katharine of Aragon went through menopause by 1524, but primary sources tell a different tale.
Did Katharine of Aragon really die in the arms of her lady-in-waiting, Maria de Salinas, Lady Willoughby?
Did you know that Jane Seymour’s coronation in 1537 was postponed and later cancelled because of the plague? She was originally to be crowned on 29 September 1536.
Was Katherine Howard ever pregnant by Henry VIII?
Did you know that available evidence suggests Mary I Tudor suffered from severe depression?
Did you know that one of the maids of honour at the Tudor court had a C-section?
How many pregnancies did Anne Boleyn have?
Did you know that there is a hint in the primary sources that in 1534 Anne Boleyn had a stillbirth?
Did you know that Henry VII didn't die in his bed?
Was Katharine of Aragon's marriage to Prince Arthur consummated?
How did Edward VI die?
233 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 13, 2020
408 people are currently reading
716 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
May 11, 2022
Nothing earth shattering in this book. Syphilis was brought up in practically every chapter. But this book basically took all of the Tudor illnesses and shoved them into one book, which I guess could be necessary for some researchers or someone like me who can never remember that one fact in an awkward conversation so I grab my book and point to what I’m trying to say. Then I feel like a dork because I knew which book I knew would have my information. *sigh* no this has never happened to me…
October 26, 2020
The idea of examining the history of the Tudors through a medical lens would be a fascinating way to reexamine the dynasty. Unfortunately, that's not what we get here. It is more a straight up history of the Tudors, with a slight emphasis on when they were sick or pregnant. I would have been interested to see this in the hands of someone with more of a medical background, and was also put off by how much Soberton is quick to dismiss the psychological harm both Katherine Howard and Princess Elizabeth suffered in their early adolescence.
February 4, 2021
The always fascinating Tudors keep their medical issues mysterious after these many centuries.
July 30, 2022
Interesting, although more a run through of Tudor history than an in-depth exploration of their medical histories, this is interesting material.
The medical history is in there, of course, but not as much as general history of marriages, politics etc.
But where the medical aspects are covered, they are good, comprehensive, but my only criticism would be I felt there could be more on the subject of specific medical conditions, since this was what the book was about! All the same, a highly recommend read, very interesting.
The medical history is in there, of course, but not as much as general history of marriages, politics etc.
But where the medical aspects are covered, they are good, comprehensive, but my only criticism would be I felt there could be more on the subject of specific medical conditions, since this was what the book was about! All the same, a highly recommend read, very interesting.
October 8, 2022
Lots of interesting information & intriguing theories
August 11, 2021
I'm too squeamish for all of this🤷🏾♀️
May 26, 2022
This one is a very good historical novel and explores Henry and all his wives but I scored it low because I was hoping it would dive more into the medical ailments and mysteries of the Tudors. I already know all about Henry and his wives but the title made me believe it was going to go beyond that. The medical aspect is only touched on briefly with each person. This is a good overview of Henry and his wives for anyone who does not already know the historical facts and would like to learn more. However if you are looking for medical theories relating to the Tudors this really isn't it.
March 19, 2021
I have a huge passion for historical non-fiction and the Tudors are probably my favourite dynasties, well they are up there with the Plantagenet – so when I saw this book that focused on the medical downfall of the Tudors I knew it was a book I really wanted to read.
I read the book over the course of a weekend and I thought it was excellent. I loved the writing style and I found it to be a really addictive read. It was like getting a secret look in to their personal and private lives and even though I have read a lot on this period and family, there were still a few revelations and it held my interest throughout.
The topic was a great one to focus on and this for me is a must read for any others with a passion for the Tudors, or even those that disliked them!! It is 5 stars from me for this one – a brilliant read – very highly recommended!!
I read the book over the course of a weekend and I thought it was excellent. I loved the writing style and I found it to be a really addictive read. It was like getting a secret look in to their personal and private lives and even though I have read a lot on this period and family, there were still a few revelations and it held my interest throughout.
The topic was a great one to focus on and this for me is a must read for any others with a passion for the Tudors, or even those that disliked them!! It is 5 stars from me for this one – a brilliant read – very highly recommended!!
April 2, 2021
Much of the information is familiar but the references and the footnotes are useful. Too many books recycle information without giving original sources.
March 18, 2021
What a great book .
I love everything about this book . Because it has so much information that i did know. This is wonderful book for the amount or detail that was put into it. I will reading more books by this writer.
I love everything about this book . Because it has so much information that i did know. This is wonderful book for the amount or detail that was put into it. I will reading more books by this writer.
May 31, 2021
I found this book quite interesting but most of the contents are already widely known to anyone who reads books on the Tudors. It contains medical facts that were written during the Tudor era by doctors who treated the Royalty and by those who were in attendance at the time. The diseases are quite hard to define by today's standards as the doctors worked under the assumption that the human had four 'humours' in the body and if one became out of balance then that was the cause of illness. They did their best to treat their patients but as this notion dated right back to the time of Hypocratise, their remedies were somewhat out of date, to say the least. If I had been alive in Tudor times knowing what I know now I would have been terrified, the things that they administered to the sick were more likely to kill them than the illness. If you were a woman then it was twice as bad, firstly you would be thought of as having hysteria (coming from the Greek for womb) although the male doctors had little to do with pregnancy and childbirth, leaving this to the far more knowledgeable midwives, they were called in if things went wrong. So maybe if the woman was anaemic, or having lost a lot of blood they may have thought it wise to bleed her, good idea?
So many, if not most of the people who died in the Tudor family may have survived if they had had access to modern medicine and the knowledge.
So many, if not most of the people who died in the Tudor family may have survived if they had had access to modern medicine and the knowledge.
March 14, 2023
A good general history of the Tudors I was expecting a lot more on the medical issues and found it a bit of a let down as far as that was concerned. One slightly interesting point is the highly partisan attacks on Elizabeth in this book. The author has a serious axe to grind when it comes to Elizabeth,and I don't know that I have ever come across anything that is as willing to denigrate this particular Tudor Queen. The author is clearly team Mary and repeatedly repeats accusations against both Elizabeth and her mother. Accusations that don't really hold much weight or worth. Slightly odd.
August 1, 2021
The Tudors are perhaps one of the most famous dynasties of all time, producing such famous figures as King Henry VIII and his daughters Queen Mary I and Queen Elizabeth I. But, as public figures, their bodies and health were not their own. Medical Downfall of the Tudors by Sylvia Barbara Soberton means to delve into their medical history.
Although I am by no means a medical expert, the medical theories brought are fascinating. However, it would have been nice to have delved into some a little bit more, and sometimes the book focussed a little too heavily on the general history of the Tudors, which is not why one would buy this book. I was also a little put off by some of the assumptions being made. For example, Queen Mary I's illnesses all seem to be written off as somehow psychosomatic, and for some reason, that felt a little unfair. Mary certainly had a difficult time, but this could also have been because of her illnesses rather than being the cause of her illnesses.
Since we are not equipped to make a modern medical diagnosis on any of the Tudors, as we simply do not have enough information, most of the questions we still have will remain unanswered. Nevertheless, Medical Downfall of the Tudors is a fascinating look into the dynasty, and it's certainly nice to see them from a different angle.
Although I am by no means a medical expert, the medical theories brought are fascinating. However, it would have been nice to have delved into some a little bit more, and sometimes the book focussed a little too heavily on the general history of the Tudors, which is not why one would buy this book. I was also a little put off by some of the assumptions being made. For example, Queen Mary I's illnesses all seem to be written off as somehow psychosomatic, and for some reason, that felt a little unfair. Mary certainly had a difficult time, but this could also have been because of her illnesses rather than being the cause of her illnesses.
Since we are not equipped to make a modern medical diagnosis on any of the Tudors, as we simply do not have enough information, most of the questions we still have will remain unanswered. Nevertheless, Medical Downfall of the Tudors is a fascinating look into the dynasty, and it's certainly nice to see them from a different angle.
April 18, 2025
Medical Downfall of the Tudors: Sex, Reproduction, and Succession by Sylvia Barbara Soberton is…well, about the monarchs marrying, having sex, and producing heirs. The text had a tendency to kind of jump around, like speaking of illness and then about pregnancy. The worst thing about it is the repetition. It repeated itself a LOT. Did y’all know “the mother” was a catch-all term for gynaecological issues? No? Well, you will after hearing it several times.
Anyway. This is probably not gonna be something people who know a good deal about the Tudors will want to pick up as it’s knowledge they would already know by heart. For someone who doesn’t know a great deal about the period, it’ll be a useful text. I enjoyed reading it to refresh my memory on the subject while learning perhaps a couple new things I didn’t know.
Anyway. This is probably not gonna be something people who know a good deal about the Tudors will want to pick up as it’s knowledge they would already know by heart. For someone who doesn’t know a great deal about the period, it’ll be a useful text. I enjoyed reading it to refresh my memory on the subject while learning perhaps a couple new things I didn’t know.
October 20, 2024
Very enjoyable and fascinating book.
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I really enjoyed delving into the medical history of the Tudors, and I like that the author used varies primary sources through out to help paint a wider picture to what might have inflicted the royals.
I also enjoyed learning about books published by women in the 16th century and Henry VIII interest in medicine also.
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I reccomend this book to anyone interested in the Tudors, medicine or even just the16th century thought process in regards to health 🙂
°
I really enjoyed delving into the medical history of the Tudors, and I like that the author used varies primary sources through out to help paint a wider picture to what might have inflicted the royals.
I also enjoyed learning about books published by women in the 16th century and Henry VIII interest in medicine also.
°
I reccomend this book to anyone interested in the Tudors, medicine or even just the16th century thought process in regards to health 🙂
April 12, 2021
I don't usually read nonfiction, but I was curious about this book, so I downloaded the Kindle preview.
Rather than being a treatise on the most well-known Tudor figures and their ailments (such as Catalina Trastámara potentially having been Rh- or Henry Tudor perhaps having had a pyoderma), it's more like a list detailing what diseases existed back in that era and who might have had them.
Glad I didn't spend the money on the full book...not worth it.
Rather than being a treatise on the most well-known Tudor figures and their ailments (such as Catalina Trastámara potentially having been Rh- or Henry Tudor perhaps having had a pyoderma), it's more like a list detailing what diseases existed back in that era and who might have had them.
Glad I didn't spend the money on the full book...not worth it.
March 20, 2024
I found that this book did not go into as much detail as I had been hoping. I was really looking for some insight into how they lived and died, yet this was just a glancing look at their health issues. I was very disappointed in what turned out to be just another historical retelling of the Henry the VIII story.
September 17, 2024
An intriguing look into medicine and knowledge or lack thereof during the Tudor period. Things we take for granted now where not even considered. It was shocking to learn how prevalent death in childbirth truly was during this time. Also interesting to discover the practices surrounding childbirth as well. All-in-all I'd recommend this book for anyone with an interest in the Tudor's and also historical medical practises.
November 23, 2020
Very interesting
Well written although sometimes a bit repetitive. Great research into the Tudors and even some info on the Stuarts. A must read for all Tudor fans. It also has some great photographs.
Well written although sometimes a bit repetitive. Great research into the Tudors and even some info on the Stuarts. A must read for all Tudor fans. It also has some great photographs.
December 6, 2021
It was good but I found some of it a little dry. I would have liked a more in-depth look into medical issues or maybe some more medical issues are not common knowledge. It is definitely a good idea for a book that was done ok not great.
August 29, 2022
Whilst this was definitely interesting and I learnt a lot, it read like a university essay at times…
January 5, 2021
No new insights in this one.
March 26, 2023
Found this on audible in my library and while I'm on a bit of a Tudor kick, I thought I'd give it a go!
There was nothing earth shattering, or even new to me (I think) in this book. It was more a rundown of the history of the Tudors one by one, including their medical problems; I'd hoped for something a bit more scientific I have to say.
Still, a very easy read and an amusing way to pass the time.
There was nothing earth shattering, or even new to me (I think) in this book. It was more a rundown of the history of the Tudors one by one, including their medical problems; I'd hoped for something a bit more scientific I have to say.
Still, a very easy read and an amusing way to pass the time.
January 28, 2021
Great if you are interested in how medical problems affected the Tudor dynasty. This book suffers from the same problem every historian faced when looking into these issues. There are not enough detailed records to be certain of what the diseases were. As I say all historians are faced with this issue so I'm not criticising this author in particular for this, but it does limit the conclusions that can be drawn.
January 13, 2021
Well researched and easily readable. I could have done without all of the review of the history of the Tudors (I’m already well versed), but someone relatively new to the Tudors would appreciate it. Coming from a medical background, I expected a bit more insight, but I did walk away learning some new things, which bumped my rating from a 3 to a 4.
October 23, 2024
The health of the Tudor monarchs leaves a lot to be desired. From Henry VIII's stinking leg ulcers to Mary I's phantom pregnancies and Elizabeth's poisonous makeup and terrible dental hygiene, this book purports to examine each ruler's medical history and try to provide some clarity as to just what might have been the cause of the dynasty's downfall.
To start with, it seems like it's going to give you quite detailed and considered accounts of the possible medical maladies and causes of death. It feels quite focused and informative, sprinkling in enough background and 'general' history to ground you in the period. The sections on Elizabeth of York and Prince Arthur are fairly interesting, if a little over-stuffed with long quotes from primary or near-contemporary secondary sources. But, Henry VII was forgettable, and when you reach Henry VIII and start wading your way through his six wives, the wheels start to fall off. As is usual, Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn get a fairly in-depth examination, but thereafter the women are only given cursory glances. And by the time you get to the children, it seemed to me that the author had essentially given up on the medical viewpoint and was just providing a brief potted history of the Tudors. Mary I did get a little more than the other two, but it felt half-hearted at best.
The best example I can give is that, when discussing Elizabeth of York and Catherine of Aragon, the author takes the time (more than once), to define the difference between a miscarriage and a stillbirth, and seems to get very frustrated with historians who use the wrong term to describe the various losses. This sets you up with the belief that the author is going to be quite specific in her descriptions and medically minded. But by the time we get to Mary I, she's content to talk about her depression as 'mental instability' and her phantom pregnancies in such a way that actually feels quite dismissive. It may be my personal experiences that are shaping my viewpoint, but it does come across as being written by someone who doesn't equate physical and mental illness.
I absolutely appreciate that it's impossible to come up with accurate diagnoses 400 years plus after the events, but I wouldn't say there's anything original or even originally insightful in here. The refrain of 'historians say...' followed by a general consensus of the medical issue that affected a particular monarch is littered throughout the text and, the first few times, I was expecting the narrative to follow that thought and examine why they might be right vs why they might be wrong, and what other options there might be. But the majority of the time it boils down to the author going 'yup, what everyone else thinks sounds about right to me!'.
Speaking of refrains, the sheer volume of repeated phrases, descriptions, quotes etc is bordering on the ridiculous. Yes, Eustace Chapuys is the Imperial Ambassador. I got that the first hundred times you told me! And I'm not just talking a couple of words - there are a few cases where almost whole paragraphs are repeated, if not word for word then closely enough, and even basic facts, like Anne Boleyn being executed, are inserted each time as if this is new information. Because of this, the book didn't 'read' like a tight, cohesive narrative - it read more like a series of journal articles that have been collated. I suspect if you were to narrow your focus to one ruler, and only read that section, you'd find it a far more insightful read.
Unfortunately, the narrator didn't help with this. Going back to our Imperial Ambassador (sorry to keep picking on you Eustace!), it felt like every time he was mentioned in the text, the narrator was taking a deep breath and saying to herself 'it's OK, we've practiced this, we know how to pronounce the name!'. So, the pronunciation feels forced and is said with exactly the same tone every time. Likewise, when the quotes from older sources are so long, it very quickly becomes easy to get lost as to what is a quote and what is this author's work. The whole thing just felt stilted. It's not that the narrator droned on or had an awful voice, but there was just something about the pacing that was off for me.
I'm glad I got to this while it was still on the Audible Plus catalogue, as I think I would have begrudged using a credit. There are definitely better considerations of the medical conditions of the Tudors out there, even within 'general' books about the period.
To start with, it seems like it's going to give you quite detailed and considered accounts of the possible medical maladies and causes of death. It feels quite focused and informative, sprinkling in enough background and 'general' history to ground you in the period. The sections on Elizabeth of York and Prince Arthur are fairly interesting, if a little over-stuffed with long quotes from primary or near-contemporary secondary sources. But, Henry VII was forgettable, and when you reach Henry VIII and start wading your way through his six wives, the wheels start to fall off. As is usual, Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn get a fairly in-depth examination, but thereafter the women are only given cursory glances. And by the time you get to the children, it seemed to me that the author had essentially given up on the medical viewpoint and was just providing a brief potted history of the Tudors. Mary I did get a little more than the other two, but it felt half-hearted at best.
The best example I can give is that, when discussing Elizabeth of York and Catherine of Aragon, the author takes the time (more than once), to define the difference between a miscarriage and a stillbirth, and seems to get very frustrated with historians who use the wrong term to describe the various losses. This sets you up with the belief that the author is going to be quite specific in her descriptions and medically minded. But by the time we get to Mary I, she's content to talk about her depression as 'mental instability' and her phantom pregnancies in such a way that actually feels quite dismissive. It may be my personal experiences that are shaping my viewpoint, but it does come across as being written by someone who doesn't equate physical and mental illness.
I absolutely appreciate that it's impossible to come up with accurate diagnoses 400 years plus after the events, but I wouldn't say there's anything original or even originally insightful in here. The refrain of 'historians say...' followed by a general consensus of the medical issue that affected a particular monarch is littered throughout the text and, the first few times, I was expecting the narrative to follow that thought and examine why they might be right vs why they might be wrong, and what other options there might be. But the majority of the time it boils down to the author going 'yup, what everyone else thinks sounds about right to me!'.
Speaking of refrains, the sheer volume of repeated phrases, descriptions, quotes etc is bordering on the ridiculous. Yes, Eustace Chapuys is the Imperial Ambassador. I got that the first hundred times you told me! And I'm not just talking a couple of words - there are a few cases where almost whole paragraphs are repeated, if not word for word then closely enough, and even basic facts, like Anne Boleyn being executed, are inserted each time as if this is new information. Because of this, the book didn't 'read' like a tight, cohesive narrative - it read more like a series of journal articles that have been collated. I suspect if you were to narrow your focus to one ruler, and only read that section, you'd find it a far more insightful read.
Unfortunately, the narrator didn't help with this. Going back to our Imperial Ambassador (sorry to keep picking on you Eustace!), it felt like every time he was mentioned in the text, the narrator was taking a deep breath and saying to herself 'it's OK, we've practiced this, we know how to pronounce the name!'. So, the pronunciation feels forced and is said with exactly the same tone every time. Likewise, when the quotes from older sources are so long, it very quickly becomes easy to get lost as to what is a quote and what is this author's work. The whole thing just felt stilted. It's not that the narrator droned on or had an awful voice, but there was just something about the pacing that was off for me.
I'm glad I got to this while it was still on the Audible Plus catalogue, as I think I would have begrudged using a credit. There are definitely better considerations of the medical conditions of the Tudors out there, even within 'general' books about the period.
December 31, 2020
The story of the Tudor dynasty has been told from many different angles. Each monarch has been explored through lenses like social and political history numerous times. However, there is a new approach that is coming into the forefront of historical research and that is the focus on the medical history of the Tudors. Each Tudor monarch, from Henry VII to Elizabeth I, had some sort of bout with illness that would drastically alter the course of their reigns and the future of the dynasty. In Sylvia Barbara Soberton’s latest book, “Medical Downfall of the Tudors: Sex, Reproduction and Succession”, she explores the more intimate aspects of this turbulent dynasty to discover the truth about why they fell.
I would like to thank Sylvia Barbara Soberton for sending me a copy of her latest book. I have talked to Sylvia in the past and I have hosted her on my blog before, but I have never read one of her books. When I heard about this particular title, I was intrigued since I find the medical history of the Tudors an area that needs to be explored a bit more.
Soberton begins her book by explaining the different diseases and medical maladies that were going around England during the reign of the Tudors. I found her knowledge about these different medical conditions quite fascinating. She explains in detail what the symptoms were and includes different descriptions of the conditions.
After this quick overview, Soberton dives into the main topic of her book, which is exploring the medical maladies of the Tudor monarchs and their significant others. She takes the time to explain each illness and rumors of pregnancy for each monarch, showing how fragile this dynasty truly was and how concerned those who were close to the throne were to preserve the health of the Tudors. I found this part a tad repetitive as many biographies do mention these maladies. However, Soberton does include possible theories about what the obscure maladies were and cures for the different conditions.
If I did have a suggestion on something that I wish Soberton would have included the prescriptions that the doctors would have prescribed their royal patients. Show the readers what some of the more unusual ingredients for these cures looked like and why they were used. I also wanted to see how the diagnosis of the royal family was different from those who were average citizens in England.
Overall, I found this book enjoyable. Soberton’s style of writing is easy to follow, yet her audience can tell she has researched her topic thoroughly. This may be the first time that I have read by Soberton, but now I want to explore her other titles. I think this book would be perfect for those who are still being introduced to the Tudor dynasty. If you are interested in the medical history of the Tudors or you are a fan of Sylvia Barbara Soberton’s books, you should check out “Medical Downfall of the Tudors: Sex, Reproduction, and Succession.”
I would like to thank Sylvia Barbara Soberton for sending me a copy of her latest book. I have talked to Sylvia in the past and I have hosted her on my blog before, but I have never read one of her books. When I heard about this particular title, I was intrigued since I find the medical history of the Tudors an area that needs to be explored a bit more.
Soberton begins her book by explaining the different diseases and medical maladies that were going around England during the reign of the Tudors. I found her knowledge about these different medical conditions quite fascinating. She explains in detail what the symptoms were and includes different descriptions of the conditions.
After this quick overview, Soberton dives into the main topic of her book, which is exploring the medical maladies of the Tudor monarchs and their significant others. She takes the time to explain each illness and rumors of pregnancy for each monarch, showing how fragile this dynasty truly was and how concerned those who were close to the throne were to preserve the health of the Tudors. I found this part a tad repetitive as many biographies do mention these maladies. However, Soberton does include possible theories about what the obscure maladies were and cures for the different conditions.
If I did have a suggestion on something that I wish Soberton would have included the prescriptions that the doctors would have prescribed their royal patients. Show the readers what some of the more unusual ingredients for these cures looked like and why they were used. I also wanted to see how the diagnosis of the royal family was different from those who were average citizens in England.
Overall, I found this book enjoyable. Soberton’s style of writing is easy to follow, yet her audience can tell she has researched her topic thoroughly. This may be the first time that I have read by Soberton, but now I want to explore her other titles. I think this book would be perfect for those who are still being introduced to the Tudor dynasty. If you are interested in the medical history of the Tudors or you are a fan of Sylvia Barbara Soberton’s books, you should check out “Medical Downfall of the Tudors: Sex, Reproduction, and Succession.”
January 2, 2025
It was mostly okay. A lot of the book was just records of medical things that were written down at the time. Some things written after the time. If that’s what the book was I’d have rated it higher. The original source material is fascinating and at times the author even explains what certain words or phrases mean in context. I want the book that just does this.
There is little to no insight, not enough of what time and medical advancement has shone on these events, and no reason for the title to allude to a theory about the medical downfall of the Tudors as at no point is there a “because of this, XYZ downfall.” It’s just “she didn’t have babies. She didn’t have the right babies. This guy died. That guy died.” Sure, when a bloodline ends I guess you can call it a downfall…
The author states that “many modern historians” think Katherine of Aragon had a deformed jaw. Interested, I looked it up and found only the author of this book talking about it. Doesn’t mean there aren’t others, but I didn’t get a single other name. “Did Katherine of Aragon have a Habsburg jaw” is a Google autofill (and no, as she wasn’t a Habsburg, is the answer there.)
The part that really got me annoyed and maybe a little angry is the section about Katherine Howard. For much of the book the author doesn’t offer a personal opinion but in this section a very big deal is made of naysaying those who think that this queen was a victim of these older men. The author asks “does this sound like a victim to you?” After providing accounts that Katherine didn’t want to be with these men, then gave up. That a 12 year old Katherine was not supported by anyone when it came to rebuffing, avoiding, or even stalling these men. When her guardian found out that she was up all night drinking and that a man was involved, she- Katherine- was beaten because that kind of thing can destroy your good looks. But she didn’t fight back physically and constantly and that, to this author, equals consent. They only used a little violence. Threats of violence. Keeping away anyone who might protect her or who she might turn to for support, or even comfort… but the child didn’t fight back (and yes even back then 12 is a child- if you know the period you know that marriage and sex didn’t happen the same for children as for adults) I had to check when this book was written. Ive read/heard elsewhere that these were popular views of the time- but in 2021 yes, we would call that child a victim. These men were awful, it’s not lost to history that to their peers they were seen as awful, they did awful things.
If the author had presented people of the time stating this as their opinion, as most of the rest of the book word, it would have been fine. But the author clearly says that because Katherine didn’t violently fight these men constantly, it was consensual and that we, the reader should agree.
The book also kind of just ends.
There is little to no insight, not enough of what time and medical advancement has shone on these events, and no reason for the title to allude to a theory about the medical downfall of the Tudors as at no point is there a “because of this, XYZ downfall.” It’s just “she didn’t have babies. She didn’t have the right babies. This guy died. That guy died.” Sure, when a bloodline ends I guess you can call it a downfall…
The author states that “many modern historians” think Katherine of Aragon had a deformed jaw. Interested, I looked it up and found only the author of this book talking about it. Doesn’t mean there aren’t others, but I didn’t get a single other name. “Did Katherine of Aragon have a Habsburg jaw” is a Google autofill (and no, as she wasn’t a Habsburg, is the answer there.)
The part that really got me annoyed and maybe a little angry is the section about Katherine Howard. For much of the book the author doesn’t offer a personal opinion but in this section a very big deal is made of naysaying those who think that this queen was a victim of these older men. The author asks “does this sound like a victim to you?” After providing accounts that Katherine didn’t want to be with these men, then gave up. That a 12 year old Katherine was not supported by anyone when it came to rebuffing, avoiding, or even stalling these men. When her guardian found out that she was up all night drinking and that a man was involved, she- Katherine- was beaten because that kind of thing can destroy your good looks. But she didn’t fight back physically and constantly and that, to this author, equals consent. They only used a little violence. Threats of violence. Keeping away anyone who might protect her or who she might turn to for support, or even comfort… but the child didn’t fight back (and yes even back then 12 is a child- if you know the period you know that marriage and sex didn’t happen the same for children as for adults) I had to check when this book was written. Ive read/heard elsewhere that these were popular views of the time- but in 2021 yes, we would call that child a victim. These men were awful, it’s not lost to history that to their peers they were seen as awful, they did awful things.
If the author had presented people of the time stating this as their opinion, as most of the rest of the book word, it would have been fine. But the author clearly says that because Katherine didn’t violently fight these men constantly, it was consensual and that we, the reader should agree.
The book also kind of just ends.
November 11, 2021
The Tudor dynasty lasted only a little over 100 years, and yet it still captures everyone's imagination. The first Tudor queen was named Elizabeth as was the last. Elizabeth of York, consort of Henry VII, produced several children. Elizabeth I, granddaughter of that first, died 100 years later, childless. Why did the dynasty die out so quickly? Was it bad luck, or unfortunate medical conditions? This book considers the medical reasons for the failure of the dynasty to last.
Medical knowledge in the 15th and 16th centuries was based on the teachings of the ancient Greek philosophers Hippocrates and Galen about the 4 humors, blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile. Disease was caused by an imbalance and was treated by cupping, blood letting, or inducing vomiting. It was known there was a link between menstruation and conception and that pregnancy stopped menstruation, or as they called it their courses. Other than that they had some bizarre notions about menstruation and menstrual blood.
Most of the Tudor queens and princesses had irregular or painful menstruation, but Henry VIII had six wives, and they as well as their offspring had problems. Let us begin with Elizabeth of York. There is a famous stained glass window that shows Henry VII and Elizabeth with their children; 4 sons and 5 daughters, all young adults. In reality only 4 of their 10 children (she had 1 miscarriage) lived to adulthood and of them the heir, Prince Arthur died at 15, within six months of his marriage to Katharine of Aragon.
Elizabeth's surviving daughters were Margaret and Mary. Princess Margaret married the king of Scotland and had 6 children, only 2 of whom lived past their first year. Every birth was reported to have been difficult. Princess Mary, Henry VIII's favorite sister, first married the elderly King of France, then the virile Charles Brandon. They had 4 children. The 2 girls survived. So the pattern of poor fertility and/or poor outcome is clear.
So, what happened with the women Henry VIII married. Of the six wives, Henry had sex with four, Katharine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, and Katherine Howard. Katharine of Aragon had a history of irregular periods but she conceived several children; only one survived. Most of Katharine's children were early term stillborn children, many of whom were boys. One prince lived for several days before dying. She also had at least one miscarriage.
Anne Boleyn's story is well-known. After holding Henry off for six years she finally gave in to his sexual desires of full contact and she rapidly became pregnant. Anne conceived 4 times in her 1000 days as Queen, and only their firstborn, Elizabeth, was born alive. The others, like Katharine of Aragon's children, were stillborn, early or miscarried.
Jane Seymour, wife number three took eight long months before she became pregnant. Then, as is well know, finally gave Henry his heart's desired son and heir Edward, but she herself died of a massive infection 12 days later. She was the only wife he mourned, and the one next to whom he was buried.
Edward was his last child. His marriage to Anne of Cleves was never consummated. He was besotted by the teenaged Katherine Howard and while he may have been able to have sex with her, she never conceived. By the time he married Katherine Parr there was no possibility of his having sexual intercourse because of his gross obesity and ulcerated legs.
This book puts forward the theory that Henry was Kell positive blood type. This is an X recessive genetic disease discovered in 1961. Kell+ is as devastating as Rh factor but in a different way. Kell+ is also rare. During the first birth of child who is the product of 1 Kell+ and 1 Kell- parent, the blood mixes in the mother and her immune system produces antibodies that attack the following fetuses. It produces late term stillborn births or neonatal deaths mostly, but some miscarriages. The deliveries can be difficult. It fits the patterns of Henry's wives, but more than that is also fits Henry's personality changes later in his life. Men with Kell+ bloodtype often suffer from McLeod syndrome after age 40. It causes mental deterioration, mood swings, and other symptoms. Henry already had a volatile temper to start with but it turned much worse after he reached 40.
Henry's daughter Mary was the only of his offspring that tried to produce children, but she like her predecessors was not able. Her menstrual issues began early, but may have been from different causes. Her mother had irregular periods. She did as well, and they were also painful. But consider that she began life as a loved and cherished daughter of both parents, to being ripped away from her mother at age 12, declared illegitimate, bullied by her keepers and father to acknowledge her mother's shame and her own illegitimate status. Her keepers were even encouraged to slap and beat her. She quickly fell into deep depression, migraines, and insomnia which can impact gynecological issues.
After gaining the throne she quickly looked for a husband and found one in Philip of Spain. No one but she wanted the marriage but she fell instantly and deeply in love with his portrait. She was 38, and he was 27. Philip was more pragmatic, while he was polite with her and did his duty after their marriage he beat a hasty retreat as soon as she announced her pregnancy. It was a phantom pregnancy and after eleven months even she had to admit there was no child. Philip made another short visit and Mary again showed signs of pregnancy. Once again she was not, but shortly thereafter she became ill and after suffering for many months died probably of ovarian cancer.
The last Tudor hope was Elizabeth I, who came to the throne at 25, but made it abundantly clear she didn't want to marry. Although she played the marriage game for political reasons she firmly stayed single.
As for her successors, the Stuarts, they were related by blood and had their own share of reproductive problems. That family line died out with Queen Anne who had 17 pregnancies and not 1 living child!
This is a very easy read. The 387 pages fly by, mostly because the type is a bit larger than average and the line spacing is wide. It is very interesting and very historically and medically complete. But I think the audience in this group will be small. I loved it but then again I feel like I know these people because of all I've read about them.
Medical knowledge in the 15th and 16th centuries was based on the teachings of the ancient Greek philosophers Hippocrates and Galen about the 4 humors, blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile. Disease was caused by an imbalance and was treated by cupping, blood letting, or inducing vomiting. It was known there was a link between menstruation and conception and that pregnancy stopped menstruation, or as they called it their courses. Other than that they had some bizarre notions about menstruation and menstrual blood.
Most of the Tudor queens and princesses had irregular or painful menstruation, but Henry VIII had six wives, and they as well as their offspring had problems. Let us begin with Elizabeth of York. There is a famous stained glass window that shows Henry VII and Elizabeth with their children; 4 sons and 5 daughters, all young adults. In reality only 4 of their 10 children (she had 1 miscarriage) lived to adulthood and of them the heir, Prince Arthur died at 15, within six months of his marriage to Katharine of Aragon.
Elizabeth's surviving daughters were Margaret and Mary. Princess Margaret married the king of Scotland and had 6 children, only 2 of whom lived past their first year. Every birth was reported to have been difficult. Princess Mary, Henry VIII's favorite sister, first married the elderly King of France, then the virile Charles Brandon. They had 4 children. The 2 girls survived. So the pattern of poor fertility and/or poor outcome is clear.
So, what happened with the women Henry VIII married. Of the six wives, Henry had sex with four, Katharine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, and Katherine Howard. Katharine of Aragon had a history of irregular periods but she conceived several children; only one survived. Most of Katharine's children were early term stillborn children, many of whom were boys. One prince lived for several days before dying. She also had at least one miscarriage.
Anne Boleyn's story is well-known. After holding Henry off for six years she finally gave in to his sexual desires of full contact and she rapidly became pregnant. Anne conceived 4 times in her 1000 days as Queen, and only their firstborn, Elizabeth, was born alive. The others, like Katharine of Aragon's children, were stillborn, early or miscarried.
Jane Seymour, wife number three took eight long months before she became pregnant. Then, as is well know, finally gave Henry his heart's desired son and heir Edward, but she herself died of a massive infection 12 days later. She was the only wife he mourned, and the one next to whom he was buried.
Edward was his last child. His marriage to Anne of Cleves was never consummated. He was besotted by the teenaged Katherine Howard and while he may have been able to have sex with her, she never conceived. By the time he married Katherine Parr there was no possibility of his having sexual intercourse because of his gross obesity and ulcerated legs.
This book puts forward the theory that Henry was Kell positive blood type. This is an X recessive genetic disease discovered in 1961. Kell+ is as devastating as Rh factor but in a different way. Kell+ is also rare. During the first birth of child who is the product of 1 Kell+ and 1 Kell- parent, the blood mixes in the mother and her immune system produces antibodies that attack the following fetuses. It produces late term stillborn births or neonatal deaths mostly, but some miscarriages. The deliveries can be difficult. It fits the patterns of Henry's wives, but more than that is also fits Henry's personality changes later in his life. Men with Kell+ bloodtype often suffer from McLeod syndrome after age 40. It causes mental deterioration, mood swings, and other symptoms. Henry already had a volatile temper to start with but it turned much worse after he reached 40.
Henry's daughter Mary was the only of his offspring that tried to produce children, but she like her predecessors was not able. Her menstrual issues began early, but may have been from different causes. Her mother had irregular periods. She did as well, and they were also painful. But consider that she began life as a loved and cherished daughter of both parents, to being ripped away from her mother at age 12, declared illegitimate, bullied by her keepers and father to acknowledge her mother's shame and her own illegitimate status. Her keepers were even encouraged to slap and beat her. She quickly fell into deep depression, migraines, and insomnia which can impact gynecological issues.
After gaining the throne she quickly looked for a husband and found one in Philip of Spain. No one but she wanted the marriage but she fell instantly and deeply in love with his portrait. She was 38, and he was 27. Philip was more pragmatic, while he was polite with her and did his duty after their marriage he beat a hasty retreat as soon as she announced her pregnancy. It was a phantom pregnancy and after eleven months even she had to admit there was no child. Philip made another short visit and Mary again showed signs of pregnancy. Once again she was not, but shortly thereafter she became ill and after suffering for many months died probably of ovarian cancer.
The last Tudor hope was Elizabeth I, who came to the throne at 25, but made it abundantly clear she didn't want to marry. Although she played the marriage game for political reasons she firmly stayed single.
As for her successors, the Stuarts, they were related by blood and had their own share of reproductive problems. That family line died out with Queen Anne who had 17 pregnancies and not 1 living child!
This is a very easy read. The 387 pages fly by, mostly because the type is a bit larger than average and the line spacing is wide. It is very interesting and very historically and medically complete. But I think the audience in this group will be small. I loved it but then again I feel like I know these people because of all I've read about them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2024
I read this book with an Audible trial.
Brief Summary: An overview of medically known difficulties experienced by members of the Tudor Dynasty.
Thoughts: I am a fan of Sobertson's work, but this was not my favourite book. It felt like an overview of the Tudors with medical events that happened throughout their lives peppered throughout. I did not feel that I learned anything new concerning the content of this book. I also found it difficult to follow who was being discussed at specific times because the book does not go in chronological order. Rather each chapter seems to focus on a grouping of medical issues and then the Tudors that may have experienced that issue. I also felt that there was a lot of conjecture concerning medical issues, some of which have evidence to support them and others that do not.
If you are new to the Tudors, I think that this is a great way to get an introduction to the subject as it focuses on the events of the period as well as the major players throughout the period.
Content Warnings
Graphically described: Chronic illness, Confinement, Injury/Injury detail, Medical trauma, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Pandemic/Epidemic, Toxic friendship, Death of a parent, Death, Emotional abuse, Grief, Infertility, Infidelity, Medical content, Misogyny, Pregnancy, War, Terminal illness, and Sexual content
Brief Summary: An overview of medically known difficulties experienced by members of the Tudor Dynasty.
Thoughts: I am a fan of Sobertson's work, but this was not my favourite book. It felt like an overview of the Tudors with medical events that happened throughout their lives peppered throughout. I did not feel that I learned anything new concerning the content of this book. I also found it difficult to follow who was being discussed at specific times because the book does not go in chronological order. Rather each chapter seems to focus on a grouping of medical issues and then the Tudors that may have experienced that issue. I also felt that there was a lot of conjecture concerning medical issues, some of which have evidence to support them and others that do not.
If you are new to the Tudors, I think that this is a great way to get an introduction to the subject as it focuses on the events of the period as well as the major players throughout the period.
Content Warnings
Graphically described: Chronic illness, Confinement, Injury/Injury detail, Medical trauma, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Pandemic/Epidemic, Toxic friendship, Death of a parent, Death, Emotional abuse, Grief, Infertility, Infidelity, Medical content, Misogyny, Pregnancy, War, Terminal illness, and Sexual content
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