Katherine Willoughby: Courtier, Patron, Magnate

It’s time for us to look at Katherine Willoughby…

I hope you enjoy this video and find it interesting!

Please subscribe and click the bell icon to be updated about new videos.

Also, if you want to get in touch, please comment down below or find me on social media:
Twitter: @kat_marchant
Clubhouse: @kat_marchant
TikTok: @katrina_marchant

Linked videos and playlists:

Images (from Wikimedia Commons, unless otherwise stated):

Portrait of Princess Mary Tudor and Charles Brandon, duke of Suffolk, attributed to Jan Gossaert (c.1516). Held by Woburn Abbey.

Portrait of Katherine of Aragon by an unknown artist (c.1520). Lent to the National Portrait Gallery by Church Commissioners for England, 2011.

Portrait of Henry VIII by Joos van Cleve (c.1530-1535). Held by the Royal Collection.

Portrait of Anne Boleyn by an unknown artist (c.1550). Held by Hever Castle.

Portrait of Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk by the “Master of the Brandon Portrait: (c.1530). Held in a private collection, sold by Sotheby’s.

Portrait of atherine, Duchess of Suffolk, Baroness Willoughby de Eresby after Hans Holbein the Younger (c.1551-1558). Held in a private collection.

A portrait drawing of Katherine, Duchess of Suffolk by Hans Holbein the Younger (c.1532-1543). Held by the Royal Collection.

Portrait of Katherine Parr by an unknown artist (late 16th century). Held by the National Portrait Gallery.

“King Edward VI and the Pope” by an unknown artist (c.1575). Held by the National Portrait Gallery.

Katherine Willoughby, Duchess of Suffolk, fleeing Catholic England with her husband Richard Bertie, her daughter Susan and a wetnurse by an unknown artist (17th century). From Extraordinary Women of the Medieval and Renaissance World. A Biographical Dictionary. Greenwood Press 2000.

Quoted texts:

Melissa Franklin-Harkrider, ”Women, reform and community in early modern England : Katherine Willoughby, duchess of Suffolk, and Lincolnshire's godly aristocracy, 1519-1580”. United Kingdom: Boydell, 2008.

John Foxe’s “Book of Martyrs”. 1570.

Susan Wabuda, ODNB entry for Katherine, duchess of Suffolk.

Katherine Willoughby’s letter to Elizabeth I (28th January 1559 )

Also consulted, were:

Other relevant entries from The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography Online.

#WomensHistoryMonth2023 #Tudor #ReadingThePast

[dhoward]

It's surprising to hear about a woman living in the 16th century who: survived the reign of Henry VIII, had enough money and power to speak her own mind, could fund the people she approved of, was never imprisoned in the Tower of London, and wasn't beheaded. 😊

[KitOfTheWeirdWoods]

Really appreciated learning about Katherine, and also the story of her mother Maria's determination to be by Catherine of Aragon's side at her death. Would love to hear more about Maria if there is more, she sounds great.

[cakt]

I just love the irony that when there was a plot against Catherine Parr, it was at least in part because Henry had tired of her and was interested in Catherine Willoughby…as if Catherine Willoughby didn’t have the same, if not more, “heretical”views!
I was also intrigued to learn about how she developed reformist views, especially since it was something I puzzled over, how a daughter of someone so loyal to Catherine of Aragon ended up having to flee into exile in Mary’s reign because of difference of religion.

[bilindalaw-morley]

Lol...When Dr Kat named Charles Brandon, I startled the dog by yelping "Oh, *him* "!!

[VampwolfWarrior]

I loved this video Dr. Kat. I always look forward to watching your videos when I get home from work on Friday. As for a request I would love to put forth a video covering the life of Eustace Chapuys. He is always showing up in other people's stories and I would love to hear his in full!

[jnnn]

Fascinating as always - we love you Dr Cat !!

[rhiannonpoole]

That was a fascinating story, thank you so much. I am constantly astounded by the stamina and determination of these historical figures - she crowded so much into her life. Especially courageous to pick herself back up after the death of her sons. And thank you too for the immense detail in your notes so we can follow up anything of particular interest.

[charleston]

Excellent vid as always. This algorithm should promote you more

[jared]

Another brilliant video that has introduced me to someone new. I feel badly for women of that time but she seems to have been a strong and influential person in her time. Now I will need to find further reading about Katherine Willoughby. Thank you.

[SilverLikeStarlight]

Great video! I'm currently doing research to play Katherine at my local RenFest this year! I found her first because she was the highest ranking woman I could find who had her own title at the time, but then I've just learned more and more interesting things about her! Our year is 1533, but I am not 14, so we'll be fudging her age a bit. Since we have a Princess Mary as well, I like to think that she and Katherine were friends since their mothers were so close. Thanks for the information!

[HikariHolic]

i was excited for this video when i saw it on my timeline as a premiere. I am endlessly fascinated by Katherine Willoughby and her story. This was fantastic ty!

[Erindhollis]

Just re-watched an old documentary about Jane Boleyn (Lady Rochford) in which you are prominently featured! Great job Dr. Kat! And now you have your own series and are YT famous! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[rachellestivers]

Love hearing about these women who were able to exercise some sort of power.

[susannaheanes]

What a fascinating story. I look forward to reading up on Katherine Willoughby and finding out more - she seems a very interesting historical figure.

[NCKrypotonite]

It always makes me happy to know that Katherine of Aragon had someone to be with her as she died.

[chrisanderson]

I enjoy listening to these videos while I clean house on Friday! It makes cleaning not so much of a chore.

[glorialange]

There were a good number of women during HenryVIIIs reignand thru Elizabeth 1 that were actually powerful and wealthy in their own right, in more ways than is commonly thought. Interesting vid.

[CB-swuj]

your videos have taught me so much and introduced me to so many interesting historical figures. thanks for another wonderful video dr. kat

[tasanijanus]

Please take a bow Dr. Kat. Wonderful video.

[mommat]

My grandmother was a Willoughby and I’ve traced my ancestors back to one of the Barons. A William Willoughby was a second son of a second son and came to America as indentured, the family started out here poor, poor, poor, and variously did well, and not so well. In modern times they did OK. I find the ties to King Henry VIII’s court to be interesting and kind of amusing. I visited England in 2013 and was lucky enough to tour Wollaton Hall, the family seat in Nottingham, and Bore Place, the other Manor in the south of England. It was a thrill to see both places. Loved your video!