Like much of my research work lately, answering reader questions has fallen by the way-side. Please forgive the delay and I will try to be more diligent about addressing your questions!
Q: What happened the Henry FitzRoy?
A: Historically, he is recorded as having died of consumption, which most historians believe is Tuberculosis. However, he could have died of another pulmonary infection such as cancer, pneumonia or influenza. Without access to modern medical technology and autopsy practices we cannot be completely certain.
Q: Were Mary Carey's (nee Boleyn) children the illegitimate offspring of Henry VIII?
A: We can't be 100% sure, but I plan to address the question in a blog post this week. Stay tuned.
Q: Did Reginald Pole have a strong claim to the English throne? If not why was Henry VIII intimidated by him?
A: This is an excellent question and to fully explain I need to give a short genealogy lesson. Reginald Pole was the son of Margaret Pole, countess of Salisbury. Margaret's father was George Plantagenet, Duke of Clarence and brother to both Kings Edward IV and Richard III who ruled as part of the York dynasty. George was executed for high treason by his elder brother Edward. Upon the death of Edward, his heir should have been crowned Edward V but he was declared illegitimate along with his younger brother, clearing the way for Richard to seize power. Richard was killed during the Battle of Bosworth Field while fighting Henry Tudor, who would become Henry VII, father to the infamous Henry VIII. Richard died without a successor. Now, to evaluate the claim that Reginald would have had a strong claim to the throne; Henry Tudor had a legitimate, if weak claim to the English throne. His father was half brother to the deposed former Lacastrian king Henry VI and his mother was second cousin to Henry VI meaning his claim through the Lancastrian line was quite stable. Margaret was the sole remaining heir of George but as women could not inherit her eldest son would have been the York heir to the claim. That son was Reginald Pole. I believe that while Reginald could stake a claim, that claim would have been based on the crown being taken from the Lancastrian line by the Yorks as well as the fact that any inheritances George would have left to his children were seized following his death. It was only the kindness of Edward that restored George's family to some semblance of nobility. Also, in an attempt to unite the warring country Henry VII married Elizabeth of York, daughter of Edward IV. Because her brothers were presumed dead by this point that made her the heir to her father. Therefore, by the time Henry VIII ascended the throne he had a strong claim to the throne because of his Lancastrian AND York heritage. I find that Henry's dislike of Pole came more from his very public opposition to Henry's divorce and remarriage to Anne Boleyn as well as his refusal to join the Church of England, Pole remained staunchly Catholic for the remainder of his life.
Thank you for your questions! Continue submitting via the contact form and I will answer them in a timely fashion.
Cheers,
Tanya
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