Arthur, Prince of Wales Henry VIII's Lost Brother by Gareth B Streeter

 

Prince Arthur is mostly remembered for two things: his boasting about 'having spent the night in Spain' after his first night in the marital bed with Catherine of Aragon, and his early untimely death. This is extremely unfortunate, and Streeter brings the young and handsome prince to life in this book. Apparently, Arthur formed a regional government on the Welsh borders by the age of six (although he was not old enough to be in charge, of course). While his younger brother Henry spent a relatively carefree life, Arthur had to grow up quickly, studying the men in his charge, trying to assert himself against his councillors as he grew older, and 'even dispatching men to put down armed rebellion'. He also took an interest in the tortuous negotiations concerning his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, arguing against delays, and when they were married, he insisted on her joining him at Ludlow. 

Streeter examines the negotiations concerning the marriage forensically, and has an extremely interesting and convincing theory about whether it was consummated. He also studies the possible reasons for Arthur's early death. I also found the chapter on how Arthur may have reigned as King very well-done.

This is a must-read for anyone interested in Tudor history, or Royal history.

I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.