Arthur Plantagenet: Henry VIII's Illegitimate Uncle

Arthur Plantagenet, the illegitimate son of Edward IV and the uncle of Henry VIII, was a prominent figure at the courts of Henry VII and Henry VIII. He was raised in his father's court and became a trusted member of Henry VII's household. Henry VIII treated his uncle well in the early years of his reign, making him vice-admiral and then Lord Deputy of Calais in 1533. However, Arthur's loyalty was questioned, and he was arrested and imprisoned for two years without legal reason. The Lisle Letters, a collection of correspondence obtained at his arrest, provide insight into Arthur's life and the religious, political, cultural, and social background of the 16th century.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 30 July 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Arthur Plantagenet, the illegitimate son of Edward IV and the uncle of Henry VIII, lived a captivating life. Raised in his father's court, he eventually became a trusted member of Henry VII's household. Following his father's death, Arthur played a prominent role at the court of Henry VIII. Henry VIII initially treated his uncle with kindness, making him vice-admiral and later Lord Deputy of Calais in 1533.

Arthur dedicated himself to his new position in Calais, striving to maintain a relationship with Thomas Cromwell amidst religious changes. However, numerous complaints about Arthur and his nephew's suspicions of his loyalty led to Lisle's arrest and imprisonment for two years without any legal reason. Arthur was released from the Tower in 1542 but tragically passed away shortly after receiving a diamond ring from his nephew. His excitement caused his heart to fail, marking a tragic end to his life.

The seizure and preservation of the Lisle Letters, an impressive collection of correspondence obtained during Arthur's arrest, have been instrumental in shedding light on his life and providing valuable insights into the religious, political, cultural, and social background of the 16th century. Arthur's story offers a fresh perspective on a turbulent yet vibrant period of history, adding depth and complexity to our understanding of this historical era.

Weight: 496g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399000611