Context brings the brightest minds to your living room with perspective-shifting online lectures.

Tudor History: Henry VIII's Lost Son with Dr. Elizabeth Norton

Tudor History: Henry VIII's Lost Son with Dr. Elizabeth Norton


No events are scheduled at this time. Want to be notified when it’s back? Click the blue button to the right and we’ll notify you.

Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

Henry VIII's difficulties in obtaining a son and heir are widely known. What is less well known is that, in 1519, his mistress, Bessie Blount, gave birth to a son, who was acknowledged by the king. This boy, Henry Fitzroy, was given the title of Duke of Richmond and Somerset by his father and was regarded by many as a possible successor to the throne. Our conversation will look at Fitzroy's life and political importance, ending with his early death in 1536–something that once again left the Tudor succession dangerously exposed.

Led by an expert on the Tudor period, Dr. Elizabeth Norton, we will discuss the life and importance of Henry Fitzroy, Duke of Richmond and Somerset, the only acknowledged illegitimate son of Henry VIII. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased understanding of the wider Tudor Dynasty, as well as Henry VIII's attempts to ensure that he had a son to succeed him.

To learn more about the Tudor dynasty, we invite you to explore additional installments in this series of conversations, led by Dr. Norton.

Dr Elizabeth Norton is a British historian, specialising in the Tudor period. She has degrees from both Oxford and Cambridge universities and King's College London. She is the author of twelve books, including 'The Hidden Lives of Tudor Women', 'The Temptation of Elizabeth Tudor' and biographies of four of Henry VIII's wives. She regularly appears as an expert on television.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 2 reviews
100%
(2)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
B
Bonnie Gale (Briarcliff Manor, US)
A fascinating story well told

Dr. Norton tells the story of Henry Fitzroy clearly and fully. Very interesting

C
C.M. (Creemore, CA)
Henry VIII’s Beloved Secret Son

Although I had heard that Henry VIII had a “secret son” I knew very little about him. Dr Norton’s webinar revealed many fascinating details about Henry Fitzroy’s life, from his mother’s relationship with the king, to his princely upbringing, to his untimely death. It’s fascinating to think this illegitimate boy could have possibly been king and upturned history.

Customer Reviews

Based on 2 reviews
100%
(2)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
B
Bonnie Gale (Briarcliff Manor, US)
A fascinating story well told

Dr. Norton tells the story of Henry Fitzroy clearly and fully. Very interesting

C
C.M. (Creemore, CA)
Henry VIII’s Beloved Secret Son

Although I had heard that Henry VIII had a “secret son” I knew very little about him. Dr Norton’s webinar revealed many fascinating details about Henry Fitzroy’s life, from his mother’s relationship with the king, to his princely upbringing, to his untimely death. It’s fascinating to think this illegitimate boy could have possibly been king and upturned history.