As a historian with a focus on English royal history, I am delighted to delve into the topic of the so-called "Red Queen" of England. The term "Red Queen" is not a historical title but rather a nickname given to Margaret Beaufort, the mother of Henry VII, who was the first monarch of the Tudor dynasty. The nickname is believed to have originated from the color of her hair or possibly the red velvet gown she was said to have been buried in.

Margaret Beaufort was born in 1443 to John Beaufort, the Duke of Somerset, and Margaret Beauchamp. She was a significant figure in the Wars of the Roses, a series of civil wars fought between the houses of Lancaster and York for control of the English throne. Margaret was a Lancastrian by birth and a Yorkist by marriage, which made her position politically complex and precarious.

Her early life was marked by a series of marriages arranged for political alliances. At the tender age of twelve, she was married to Edmund Tudor, the son of Queen Catherine of Valois and Owen Tudor, making her a step-granddaughter of King Henry V. This marriage was a strategic move to strengthen the Tudor claim to the throne. Despite the controversy surrounding the marriage due to her young age, it resulted in the birth of their son, Henry Tudor, who would later become King Henry VII.

Throughout her life, Margaret was deeply involved in the political machinations of the time. She was a patron of education and the arts, and she played a crucial role in the establishment of the first public library in England. She was also known for her piety and her efforts to secure the succession of her son to the throne. Margaret's influence was instrumental in the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, where Henry Tudor defeated Richard III, ending the Wars of the Roses and ushering in the Tudor era.

The "Red Queen" is a character in the historical fiction series "The Cousins' War" by Philippa Gregory. The series explores the lives of the women who played pivotal roles in the Wars of the Roses. In "The Red Queen," Gregory provides a fictionalized account of Margaret Beaufort's life, focusing on her determination to secure her son's claim to the throne amidst the turbulent times of the late 15th century.

It is important to note that while historical fiction can provide a captivating narrative and a glimpse into the lives of historical figures, it is not always an accurate representation of history. The novels by Gregory, while based on historical events, are works of fiction and should be read with an understanding of the creative liberties taken by the author.

In conclusion, the "Red Queen" of England refers to Margaret Beaufort, a key figure in the Wars of the Roses and the mother of the first Tudor king. Her life was marked by political cunning, religious devotion, and a fierce determination to secure her family's legacy. While the nickname "Red Queen" may not be historically accurate, it serves as a memorable moniker for a woman whose influence shaped the course of English history.

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Philippa Gregory: The Constant Princess (2005), a story about the young Catherine of Aragon and her early life in England. The White Queen (2009), Book 1 in the Cousins' War series, about Elizabeth Woodville. The Red Queen, (2010), Book 2 in the Cousins' War series, about Margaret Beaufort herself.read more >>