Lady Catherine Gordon, the Scottish noblewoman who became embroiled in one of the most dramatic episodes of Tudor history. Let’s delve into her fascinating and tumultuous life marked by political machinations, personal loss, and remarkable resilience as wife of Perkin Warbeck, the pretender.
We are going to talk today about Lady Catherine Gordon. Sometimes people ask me how I come up with ideas for shows and how I decide on things, and I wish that I could tell you that it was really scientific and in fact, I do try to do content plans every month or two. I’ll make out a content plan but I also try and leave some room for spontaneity and that is what this is.
It occurred to me just randomly, I saw something about Warbeck online and it occurred to me that I have done an episode on Perkin Warbeck but I never did an episode on Lady Catherine Gordon who was the woman that he was married to. So many of these women, they just get mentioned, but who was she? That is what we are going to answer today.
Background
During the reign of Henry VII, a significant and controversial figure emerged and that would be Perkin Warbeck. Warbeck claimed to be Richard of Shrewsbury, the Duke of York, the second son of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville, one of the princes in the Tower.
This claim was of great importance because it tapped into the lingering support for the Yorkist cause which had not entirely dissipated following Henry VII‘s ascension to the throne. Warbeck’s assertion that he was the rightful heir posed a legitimate threat to Henry VII’s relatively new reign. The political landscape of England was of course still volatile and any credible Yorkist claimant had the potential to rally support and destabilize Henry’s rule.
We talk about this a lot, how we can see Bosworth and maybe Stoke then as being the definitive end of the Wars of the Roses but for the people who were living during that time, they didn’t realize. It’s easy for us to look back from 500 years and say “Okay, that was the end,” but they didn’t realize that, so for many people, for many Yorkist supporters particularly, the Wars the Roses was still going on.
And so somebody popping up who had a claim that was recognized, this was a big deal. So in the midst of all of this political drama, was Lady Catherine Gordon, a Scottish noblewoman who became Warbeck’s wife. Catherine’s life is a fascinating tale of nobility, political maneuvering, and of course personal resilience.
Her story intertwines with some of the most tumultuous events of the late 15th century and of course, though she is often overshadowed by her husband’s notoriety, Catherine’s own journey through these turbulent times reveals much about the era’s social and political dynamics. It is even suggested that Henry VII’s known for his shrewd and often ruthless political strategies considered marrying Lady Catherine himself after Warbeck’s downfall, adding another layer of intrigue to her life.
Early Years
Lady Catherine was born around 1474 she was the daughter of George Gordon, 2nd Earl of Huntly and his wife Lady Elizabeth Hay. The Gordon family was one of the most influential noble families in Scotland, wielding considerable power and influence. Catherine’s lineage was marked both by nobility and proximity to royalty and that set the stage for her future involvement in significant historical events.
There is some debate among historians about Catherine’s mother some suggesting that she might have been the daughter of Annabella Stewart which would have made her a great-granddaughter of King James I of Scotland. Regardless, her connection to the Scottish royal family was strong enough to play a pivotal role in her later life.
Growing up in such an influential family, Catherine likely spent a significant part of her childhood at the Scottish Court. This environment would have provided her with an education befitting her noble status, encompassing not only the traditional skills expected of a noblewoman, but also an understanding of the political landscape of the time.
The Scottish Court under the reign of James III and later James IV, was a vibrant and culturally rich environment exposing Catherine to the complexities of court life and the intricate web of alliances and enmities that characterized Scottish and English politics.
As a young woman, Catherine’s beauty and poise were noted by her contemporaries. Her status and her allure made her a valuable asset in the political machine of the time. This combination of noble blood education and personal charm would later place her at the center of one of the most intriguing episodes of Tudor history, when she became entwined with Perkin Warbeck’s audacious bid for the English throne.
Her marriage to Warbeck was not just a union of two individuals but a significant political move orchestrated by James IV of Scotland who saw a potential in supporting Warbeck’s claim to the English crown. Catherine’s early life marked by privilege and education, set the stage for her remarkable journey through one of the most tumultuous periods in British history.
Perkin Warbeck, The Pretender
Her story often overshadowed by the dramatic stories of kings and pretenders, offers a unique and personal perspective on the era’s historical narrative. So let’s go back to Perkin Warbeck’s claim. He claimed to be Richard, Duke of York and he emerged in the volatile political climate of the late 15th century, Richard, Duke of York was of course the younger of the two Princes in the Tower who were the sons of Edward IV and who mysteriously disappeared or were murdered in 1483.
The disappearance of these young princes ostensibly, under the custody of their Uncle Richard III, left a lingering question over their fate. This uncertainty provided fertile ground for pretenders to arise claiming to be one of the lost princes and therefore the rightful heir to the throne.
Warbeck’s claim began to gain traction around 1490, so this is about 5 years into the reign of Henry VII and it was in Burgundy. He asserted that he was Richard. Having miraculously escaped the fate that had supposedly befallen him and his brother, now he arrived at the court of Margaret of York, Duchess of Burgundy. She was the sister of Edward IV, so her recognizing him gave him an aura of legitimacy but Margaret was a staunch supporter of the Yorkist cause she publicly recognized him as her nephew.
This bolstered his claim but of course, she’s going to recognize him because she wants the Tudors to fail because she is a Yorkist. However, this recognition from such a prominent figure was a significant endorsement and posed a direct challenge to the legitimacy of Henry VII’s reign. The political context of Warbeck’s claim was deeply intertwined with the lingering Yorkist loyalty that still permeated parts of England and Europe.
Henry VII’’s victory at Bosworth in 1485 had of course ended the Wars of the Roses, but his hold on the throne was still relatively precarious. His reign was marred by ongoing Yorkist conspiracies and rebellion fueled by those who viewed his rule as illegitimate. His claim as Richard, Duke of York was a rallying point for these disaffected Yorkists.
The significance of Warbeck’s claim extended beyond England’s borders. It attracted the attention and support of several European monarchs including those who wanted to make mischief in England, of course like James IV of Scotland and Emperor Maximillian I of the Holy Roman Empire.
For these rulers, backing Warbeck was a strategic move to destabilize Henry VII and assert their influence over English affairs James IV in particular saw Warbeck as a useful pawn in his ongoing conflicts with England. By marrying his cousin, Lady Catherine Gordon to Warbeck, James sought to strengthen this alliance and lend further credibility to Warbeck’s claim.
Warbeck’s bid for the throne included several failed invasions and uprisings. In 1495, he attempted to invade England but was repelled. 2 years later he landed in Cornwall exploiting a tax rebellion against Henry to muster support. Despite initial successes in gathering followers, his campaign of course ultimately failed leading to his capture and eventually, he was executed in 1499.
The political significance of his claim was in its ability to challenge Henry VII’s authority and highlight the ongoing instability of the reign. While Warbeck himself may not have succeeded, his claim was part of this persistent undercurrent dissent that Henry Tudor had to navigate throughout his rule.
The saga of Perkin Warbeck and his assertion as the Lost Prince remains one of the most fascinating episodes of the Tudor period and it really shows the complexities the intrigue of the succession, the really rough start that the Tudor Dynasty had. Perkin arrived at the Scottish Court in November 1495 and this marked a pivotal moment in his campaign to claim the English throne.
Welcomed by James IV, Warbeck found a powerful ally in the Scottish Monarch. James was known for his ambitious and aggressive policies towards England. He saw in Warbeck an opportunity to undermine the rule of his rival Henry VII by supporting Warbeck, James could legitimize a Yorkist claim to the English throne and potentially destabilize Henry’s Reign.
Arranged Marriage
This political calculus led James to embrace Warbeck treating him with respect due to a royal claimant. One of the most significant aspects of James’ support was his decision to arrange a marriage between Warbeck and his cousin Lady Catherine Gordon. This Union was not merely a gesture of goodwill but a strategic alliance. Catherine of course, like we said, had all of this noble blood and by marrying Catherine to Warbeck, James bolstered Warbeck’s image as a true prince and rightful heir to the English throne, lending credence to his claims and solidifying their alliance.
The political motivations behind the marriage were clear to James. Aligning himself with Warbeck through marriage served to legitimize his support for the pretender and potentially incite English descent against Henry VII. Now for Warbeck, marrying a Scottish noblewoman with royal connections provided a significant boost to his credibility and standing.
The union also demonstrated the depth of James’s commitment to Warbeck’s cause he would not have offered a close relative in marriage lightly. The marriage between Perkin Warbeck and Lady Catherine Gordon took place in January of 1496 with a lot of pomp and ceremony. It was a royal wedding, it was a grand affair reflecting the high stakes involved.
James himself participated in the jousting tournament held in celebration of the union which of course underscored the importance of the event. Catherine was now titled Duchess of York and was thrust into the center of the political maelstrom. Her fate intertwined with Warbeck’s audacious claim.
Can you imagine how that must have felt? Here’s this guy that you’re being married to and he claims to be the Duke of York, so now you have a title the Duchess of York which isn’t really actually recognized in England. That would be so weird.
So the couple initially enjoyed a life of relative comfort and prestige at the Scottish court. They lived at Falkland Palace and James treated Warbeck with the honors befitting a royal Prince further solidifying his claim. However, this period of stability was short-lived. Warbeck’s failed invasion attempts and the mounting pressure from Henry VII’s force soon disrupted their life.
Despite the looming threats, Catherine remained steadfastly by Warbeck’s side showing her loyalty and that she was in this as well. The marriage was forged in the crucible of political ambition and intrigue and it not only shaped the lives of Warbeck and Catherine but had significant ramifications for the turbulent politics at the time. The tranquility of their life in Scotland was disrupted by Warbeck’s continued efforts to claim the English throne.
In 1496, James IV supported Warbeck in a failed invasion of England. The incursion into Northumberland was brief and unsuccessful with little support from the local population. This failure marked the beginning of the end for Warbeck’s campaign and had profound implications for Catherine. The political tide was turning against them and the Scottish King now seeking peace with England could no longer afford to support Warbeck’s cause.
Despite these setbacks, Catherine remained loyal to Warbeck accompanying him in his subsequent attempts to garner support. In 1497, Warbeck landed in Cornwall, exploiting the rebellion against new taxes that was going on and he tried to rally his followers there. However, the rebellion quickly fizzled out and Warbeck facing inevitable defeat sought sanctuary at Beaulieu Abbey.
Catherine meanwhile was captured by Henry VII’s forces, found in mourning attire, possibly grieving the loss of a child. She was brought to Exeter to meet the King. The personal letters and interactions between Catherine and Warbeck during this tumultuous period reflect a relationship marked by both genuine affection and political calculation.
Warbeck’s letters to Catherine filled with flowery and passionate language, underscore his deep admiration for her. In one letter, he praised her virtues and her beauty professing his unwavering devotion. Whether these letters were purely personal or also served to reinforce his royal pretentions, they do show some emotional bonds that tied Catherine to her husband despite the mounting dangers.
So she could have just walked away. She was with Henry VII now, she could have said “Look this was pushed on me. I didn’t want it. I don’t want any part of this,” but she didn’t. She showed steadfast support for her husband both during their life together at the Scottish court and then through all of these failed invasions.
The final capture marked a dramatic turning point in both his life and that of Lady Catherine Gordon. In September 1497 following the failed uprising in Cornwall, Warbeck sought Sanctuary at Beaulieu Abbey in Hampshire. Forces had dwindled and with no viable means of escape, he ultimately surrendered to Henry VII’s troops.
Catherine who had been left in Cornwall during his flight was captured by Henry’s men. She was found wearing mourning attire apparently likely grieving the loss of a child or possibly the dire situation, but she was brought to Exeter to meet Henry VII. Henry’s treatment of Catherine was notably lenient reflecting his shrewd understanding of the political landscape.
The Aftermath
Recognizing Catherine’s value as a noblewoman and potential pawn, he decided to treat her with respect and kindness rather than punish her. She was placed in the household of Queen Elizabeth of York, Henry’s wife and Warbeck’s supposed sister. This placement served multiple purposes and neutralized any threat that Catherine might pose. It showed that Henry was forgiving and magnanimous and it also subtly reinforced the legitimacy of his own reign by keeping close ties to the Yorkist lineage in the Queen’s household.
Catherine was treated with dignity and provided with the comforts befitting her rank. Henry VII ensured she received clothing, horses, and other necessities. Despite this outward kindness though, the psychological and emotional toll on Catherine was immense. She had been thrust from the relative safety of the Scottish court Into the heart of Tudor England where there was danger for anyone associated with Yorkist claims.
The loss of her husband, the uncertainty of her own future, and possibly the loss of a child were weighing heavily on her. She was constantly reminded of her past and her husband’s failure. Despite the outward appearances of respect and comfort, Catherine was essentially a prisoner. Her movements and associations were closely monitored, she wasn’t able to see her husband. This is before he was completely imprisoned, there was surveillance.
It must have been deeply humiliating for a woman of her noble stature, the psychological strain of living under the watchful eye of the Tudor Court coupled with the grief and loss she experienced showed the high personal cost of her loyalty toward Warbeck and her entanglement in the dynastic struggles.
But Catherine’s resilience during this period actually did win her the respect of Henry VII and his court allowing her to maintain a degree of dignity and influence despite her precarious position. The capture of Perkin Warbeck and the subsequent treatment of Lady Catherine Gordon by Henry VII gave rise to numerous rumors and speculations.
Among the most intriguing were whispers that Henry VII himself harbored romantic intentions towards Catherine. Her beauty, grace, and noble-bearing undoubtedly caught the attention of the Tudor court, and some chroniclers and commentators suggested that Henry might have been captivated by her charm. These rumors were fueled by Henry’s unusually lenient and generous treatment of Catherine.
He provided her with fine clothing, gifts, and a comfortable position within his wife’s household and this led some to speculate that his motivations were not purely political. The notion that Henry might have considered marrying Catherine either to keep her under his control or solidify his claim by associating with Yorkist nobility, adds a tantalizing layer of intrigue to the already complex political landscape.
While there is no concrete evidence to suggest that Henry seriously pursued a romantic relationship with Catherine, the very existence of these rumors shows the tense and suspicious atmosphere of the court. After Perkin Warbeck’s execution in 1499, Lady Catherine Gordon faced the challenge of rebuilding her life amid the turbulent political climate of Tudor England.
Despite her association with the pretender, Catherine’s grace and composure earned her continued favor at the court. Henry maintained his support for her, providing financial assistance and ensuring that she kept her position with Elizabeth of York’s household.
Other Marriages
In the years following Warbeck’s death, Catherine married three more times. Her second marriage was to James Strangeways, a gentleman usher of the King’s Chamber. This was sometime before February 1512. Strangewats died in 1516.
Catherine then married Matthew Craddock of Swansea, a prominent Welsh nobleman and Steward of the Gower and Seneschal of Kenfig. Craddock’s will made in 1531, indicates that he and Catherine got along really well. He bequeathed her significant property and wealth after his death.
Catherine married Christopher Ashton of Fyfield, another gentleman usher of the King’s Chamber and this marriage lasted until Catherine’s own death in 1537. Throughout these marriages, Catherine continued to play a notable role in the English court. She served as the head of the Privy Chamber for Princess Mary Tudor reflecting her respected status and the trust placed in her by the Tudor family.
Catherine’s relationship with Henry VII remained cordial and supportive and he continued to provide for her ensuring that she was well integrated into courtly life. Catherine Gordon’s legacy is one of resilience and adaptation in the face of significant personal and political upheaval.
Despite the downfall of her first husband, being forced into this marriage, the shadow of political intrigue she managed to go through life at the Tudor Court, keeping her dignity and maintaining her noble standing, her multiple marriages and roles within the royal household, highlight her ability to adapt and thrive despite the challenges that she faced.
She made her will on October 12th 1537 and died shortly thereafter and that is exactly when Jane Seymour was giving birth to the future Edward VI and dying herself. So Lady Catherine Gordon’s death was kind of intertwined with that. She was buried at the Church of St Nicholas at Fyfield with a monument that includes brass figures which are now lost. This monument is often referred to as and stands as a testament to her enduring legacy.
I’m curious what do you think about Lady Catherine Gordon and how do you think you would have reacted in her situation because it occurs to me that no matter what you think about Perkin Warbeck today, it doesn’t actually really matter because Lady Catherine Gordon was first married to him.
Being told that he was the Duke of York whether she believed it or not who knows, but she then took this title Duchess of York though it wasn’t recognized in England of course, but there she is at the Scottish court having this title, being married to someone who was treated like the Duke of York, and then she goes to England and the rest of her life after Perkin Warbeck was executed, she’s told that he was a pretender.
So I wonder, I would love to know, did she ever talk to Elizabeth of York about him? How did Elizabeth of York treat her thinking that they were perhaps sisters-in-law? it’s all very much stuff that I would love to know and unfortunately, we just do not know this because she did not leave a diary or a blog or anything like that. But I would love to know and I’m curious what you think and how you think you would have handled it as well. Let me know.
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Heather Teysko is the creator, writer, and producer of The Renaissance English History Podcast, one of the longest running indie history podcasts, going since 2009. She's been writing about history online for over 25 years, since her first site on Colonial American history became number one in history on Yahoo in 1998. She writes books, created the original Tudor Planner (a yearly diary filled with Tudor history) and in 2019 created the world's first Tudorcon (you can "attend" online this year!). She has been passionate about Tudor England since she first read Alison Weir's The Six Wives of Henry VIII 20 years ago, and subsequently moved to London after college to spend her time immersed in Tudor history.