The Lavish Side of England's First Tudor King: Henry VII

Think Henry VII was just a penny-pinching miser? Think again!
Dive into the hidden world of this Tudor monarch’s extravagant celebrations, complete with castles on wheels, knights, dragons, and pageantry fit for royalty. From dazzling Christmas revels to the legendary wedding of Prince Arthur and Catherine of Aragon, discover a side of Henry VII you’ve never seen before.

Get ready to challenge the stereotypes and uncover the surprising flair of a king who loved a good party.

#HenryVII #TudorHistory #RoyalPageantry #HiddenHistory #HistoryUncovered

[kathrynhoward]

God Bless you Claire and Tim and your family and your fur babies, i hope you have a wonderful Christmas x

[carolynnr.]

I can imagine the costumes alone would be amazing to see.

[Robin-gqd]

Who would have thought it?! Surely, not I. Having been thrifty all of my life, now after a sizable inheritance, I STILL look for items and food “on sale”. I think of Henry Tudor, a boy, taken off into exile by his uncle, with just the clothes on his back. Then, having to “scrape” for all that he needed. Amassing an Army to invade his homeland would be an expensive task, then moving them to Wales by boat, not to mention provisioning all those men.
Then, after his victory at Bosworth Field, he would have had the funds of “the Crown” at his disposal! Perhaps, like me, he STILL was careful of what he had and spent wisely, when needed.
Thank you again, for giving us insight into times and people of the past! Happy Christmas to you and all your Family. 🎄⭐️⛄️

[JaneEasterbrook-bnux]

Merry Christmas Claire to you and your family!

[heathersmith]

Thanks Claire. This is a Henry that I didn’t know existed

[SharonPadget]

These extravagances are fascinating but I can’t help but think of the poor peasants who were probably suffering at the same time. Thanks for enlightening us again.

[heatherwilson]

Thank you for sharing. I have a soft spot for the first Tudor king and queen. I love hearing more about them.

[joalexsg]

Such a delightful glimpse of time travel (without the risks the latter would imply😀). I actually learn a lot about these royals with your videos! They make a truly interesting tool for education and certainly are way more entertaining than just reading a book:-), especially for those like myself who have tired eyes with several issues and has too ongoing readings and way more in line.😱
Thank you so much, I've shared it all over. Merry Christmas/Yule and a wonderful New Year!🎄🎄🎄

[laurabrowning]

It sounds like Henry Vll knew when to spend money on celebrations/banquets. I think there was calculated reasoning behind such celebrations, - what message he was sending and to whom.

[SafetySpooon]

He knew WHERE & WHEN to spend for certain. Unfortunately, he obviously didn't have enough time to impress this on Henry VIII.

[dzas]

Actually, I was rather surprised by the word "avarice", used (by a contemporary source, I believe), while discribing Henry VII's personality. I have always thought of him as of a good host and manager, under whose rule the coffers were full, nobody starved and European monarchs were seeking alliance with him. The one who new the value of money, but who also new it was just a means, nothing more. You listed several impressive examples of his lavish spendings. I would add just one more to this list: his wife's grand funeral. And, unlike the other events, this one, I think, wasn't just a wise investment of money, but something more, and more telling, too.

[robinhumphrey]

Very interesting. Thanks Claire And merry Christmas!

[kathiedevall]

Merry Christmas to you and Teasel and your whole family!

[BeeKool__]

What a party!! It sounded so brilliantly exuberant!! I wish I could have attended such an event. 🎉🐉

[Odanti]

Merry Christmas Claire
❄️⛄❄️⛄❄️⛄❄️
❤️🙏❤️

[Shane-Flanagan]

Thank you Claire 🎀 🎅
Funny, just when you think you have a historical figure all worked out, some other piece of info appears and changes the game.
Of course we know also that Henry VII spared no expense for the lavish funeral events of his beloved Elizabeth of York.
Some may still call Henry VII a miser but at least he was one monarch who didn't leave large debts and a depleted treasury upon his death unlike his descendants.

[JaneEasterbrook-bnux]

I admire Henry vii, he got bad after Elizabeth of York died.

[brontewcat]

It’s interesting my first assignment in Tudor history was about Henry VII, and as a result I came to admire him very much.

I think it is very sad he lost Elizabeth of York and Arthur. I think these events scarred him, leading to more miserly actions later in his reign.

[Itsme_Trouble]

Is it true that Henry VII wanted to marry his son’s widow (Catherine of Aragon)?

[cmcg]

Pinching pennies in order to have something elaborate every once and awhile. Sounds nearly modern. And it also sounds politically shrewd, as others were also enjoying the celebrations. Makes him more valuable in their eyes.