Today in 1529 the Legatine Court opened in Blackfriars. This was the court that was held by the Papal Legate, Cardinal Campeggio, to decide whether Henry VIII’s marriage to Katherine of Aragon was valid.
At this point, Henry still believed that there might be a way forward for him to marry Anne Boleyn with Papal approval, and everyone – including Cardinal Wolsey – had high hopes for this court. Of course, as we will see, this court was only going to be more procrastination for Henry – it would recall the players back to Rome to give testimony, which Henry adamantly refused to do.
It would be another four years before Henry would be able to marry Anne, and it would be only after breaking away from the Pope.
That’s your Tudor Minute for today. Remember you can dive deeper into life in 16th century England through the Renaissance English History Podcast at englandcast.com.
Suggested links:
Episode 69: Supplemental – Chat with James Boulton on Katherine of Aragon
Episode 47: Tudor Times talks about Katherine of Aragon
From my shop:
Catherine of Aragon Young Tudor Women Classic Handbag
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