As the first Tudor queen and mother of the infamous Henry VIII, Elizabeth of York was a figure of key historical importance. As the only living descendent of Yorkist King Edward IV, she legitimized the new Tudor dynasty. Now New York Times bestselling author and acclaimed historian Alison Weir presents the first modern biography of this extraordinary woman, whose very existence united the realm and ensured the survival of the Plantagenet bloodline.
Read of royalty today in this week’s #FridayReads Elizabeth of York excerpt.
Surprised to discover that there is no modern biography of this important English queen, Alison Weir has written the first in-depth, engaging book about this woman who was born a York but died a Tudor. As the daughter of the last Yorkist king, Edward IV, sister to the murdered princes in the Tower, and wife of the first Tudor king, Henry VII, her life formed a bridge between the end of the House of York and the beginning of the Tudor Dynasty.
Elizabeth bore Henry eight children, including the future Henry VIII, before dying in childbirth in 1503 on her 38th birthday. She was an enigmatic figure who may well have enjoyed a sexual relationship with her uncle, the infamous Richard III, who wanted to marry her. But she became pregnant with the child of the new king, Henry VII, who then made her his wife. As a result, Henry kept her under tight control, knowing she was capable of straying.
This biography shows off Weir’s skills as a researcher and historical sleuth, and sheds new light and understanding on this enigmatic queen who was mother to the Tudor Dynasty and is the only non-academic biography on this first Tudor Queen.