In the glamorous, glittering and dangerous court of king Henry VIII and his queen Katherine of Aragon, the desperate desire for a healthy male heir overshadows all. The Tudor Queens’ Midwife is a gripping tale of secrecy, sacrifice and religious turmoil amongst the most opulent court the world has ever seen.
The Tudor era has long fascinated scholars and historical fiction enthusiasts alike. The larger-than-life reign of Henry VIII, the intrigue of his six marriages, and the religious upheaval that shaped England’s future provide a fertile ground for storytelling. However, beyond the well-documented narratives of kings and queens, there are hidden histories—stories of those who lived in the shadows, navigating courtly life while concealing truths that could mean their downfall.
In my novel, The Tudor Queens’ Midwife, I sought to bring one such story to life: that of a secret Jewish midwife in the service of Katherine of Aragon.
One of the central elements of my research involved understanding the experience of Jews in England after the Spanish Expulsion of 1492. While England had officially expelled its Jewish population in 1290 under Edward I, there is compelling evidence that some Jews remained or later returned, living in secrecy.
Rabbi Berel Wein, in his extensive research on Jewish history, highlights the presence of conversos—Jews forced to convert to Christianity—who fled Spain and Portugal, seeking safety in European cities, including London and Bristol. Many of these individuals outwardly practiced Catholicism while secretly maintaining Jewish traditions, a dangerous existence under both Spanish and English rule.
For my protagonist, a learned and skilled midwife, this historical context was crucial. Women in medicine, particularly midwives, were in a unique position of power and vulnerability. The ability to bring life into the world granted them a level of respect, but any deviation from accepted religious norms or practices could be fatal. This tension runs throughout The Tudor Queens’ Midwife, as my character must balance her loyalty to Katherine of Aragon with the need to protect her identity.
Primary and Secondary Sources on Henry VIII’s Court:
To authentically depict life at the Tudor court, I relied on a wealth of scholarly sources that detail the period’s social, political, and medical history. Some of the most invaluable works included:
David Starkey’s Six Wives: The Queens of Henry VIII – This book provides a detailed and balanced account of Henry VIII’s marriages, offering insight into Katherine of Aragon’s resilience and suffering.
Antonia Fraser’s The Wives of Henry VIII – Fraser’s work helped shape my depiction of the relationships between Henry’s wives, particularly the political and personal struggles they endured.
Eric Ives’ The Life and Death of Anne Boleyn – While Anne Boleyn does not feature heavily in my first novel, understanding her role in Katherine of Aragon’s downfall was essential.
Retha Warnicke’s The Rise and Fall of Anne Boleyn – Warnicke’s scholarship provided a nuanced view of gender and courtly expectations during the Tudor era.
G.R. Elton’s England Under the Tudors – Elton’s work helped contextualize the broader political and religious landscape in which my characters move.
Brigitte Barnard
# # #
About the Author
