Elizabeth of York, the real White Princess | women of the Wars of the Roses | the wife of Henry VII

Elizabeth of York was THE REAL WHITE PRINCESS and her life was just as dramatic as what you’ve seen on TV. Born in 1466 she was the daughter of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville, the sister of the Princes in the Tower and the niece of Richard III. Elizabeth’s life was shaped by the Wars of the Roses, the conflict between different branches of the Plantagenet family (the Yorks and the Lancasters) over who would hold the English throne. As a result she would see her father exiled, she and her mother and siblings would have to flee into exile in Westminster Abbey not once but twice, she would be declared illegitimate, her little brothers (Edward V and Richard of Shrewsbury, Duke of York) would disappear at the hands of their uncle, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, and she would find herself married to the enemy; Henry Tudor, the man who defeated Richard at the Battle of Bosworth and knocked the male members of the York family off the throne for good. All this took place before her 20th birthday and had times been different, she would have become Queen Regnant as Elizabeth I, rather than just the wife of Henry VII. In this documentary from History Calling on the women of the Wars of the Roses, we look at the first half of the life of this extraordinary woman, from her birth, to her education, to the dangers she faced from her own extended family, the boys she was betrothed to in her youth, the rumours that she was going to marry her uncle Richard and how she became, against all odds, the first Tudor Queen of England.
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[@HistoryCalling]

What do you think Elizabeth may have thought of her uncle King Richard after the disappearance of her brothers? Let me know below and remember to check out my Patreon at www.patreon.com/historycalling and my Amazon storefront at www.amazon.com/shop/historycalling

[@anweshabiswas4813]

Is it true that Elizabeth of york was such an icon that She was the apple of her father's eye , had wrapped her uncle Richard iii around her finger and married his enemy and managed to get him head over heels in love with her . My question is how she had wrapped her uncle Richard iii around her finger ???

[@anweshabiswas4813]

It is a great mystery , I have no clue what Uncle and niece thought about each other and disappearence of her brothers . I need a time machine to go to that era and see what happened at that time, was the king really guilty ???

[@HistoryCalling]

Hmm, I'm not sure we have enough evidence to say she had either of them wrapped around her finger, but her position as the best claimant to the throne meant that she was certainly very valuable to Richard and then to Henry Tudor.

[@trustmemysonisadoctor8479]

I always enjoy your videos, they are educational and entertaining. I look forward to next weeks video.

[@faytsampouri6197]

And a grandmother 😊

[@mbgal7758]

If women had been recognized as potential heirs she probably would have met the same fate as her brothers.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, I think she might have, or else Richard might have bumped off Anne Neville and married her, niece or no niece.

[@sue-anneastman3502]

🤢🤮

[@lisalking2476]

I believe she would have been killed also 😢

[@melissaclark1051]

More likely men would try to marry her and rule over her while doing their best to get her pregnant

[@emilybarclay8831]

I believe she would have been forced into marriage as opposed to killed. After all, she was 17 when her father died, a perfectly marriageable age, and why kill such a valuable marriage candidate? Any man who married her would be -jure uxoris_ king of England. The reason male heirs were executed is because their male rivals obviously couldn’t marry them. Not so with women. Just look at how practically every unmarried Protestant king and prince was competing for Elizabeth I’s hand.

[@lisahanna6328]

I imagine she know exactly what her uncle had done, and she knew how to survive and advance, not unlike her mother. Laying low, keeping her suspicions to herself, being charming, and biding her time, which her mother and Margaret Beaufort made sure would come. She seems to have done well and found some measure of love in her marriage to Henry Tudor. I find it so interesting that in so many points in royal history it is the women who keep things together and move things forward. He may not have needed her to gain his throne, but he certainly needed her to hold it with any semblance of legitimacy. A truly interesting woman. I wish we knew more about her.

[@visionofgrace]

I am soo glad you touched upon Philippa Gregory's novels and just how slanderous they can be to real-life figures when a reader isn't aware of the actual history. I love Margaret Beaufort and just how strong-willed she was in face of such adversity, but Gregory, for some reason, thought her novels needed more drama and made her the villain! Like you mentioned, there's no proof of any of this, so why go down this train of thought? History is dramatic enough on its own! And don't get me started on how Arthur was conceived in "The White Princess"...

[@IMAMONGUS]

I never finished the White Princess because of that very scene! I hated Gregory's characterization of Henry.

[@history_loves_anime8927]

@@IMAMONGUS I just hate Philippa Gregory's portayal of historical figures in general. I've read all her Tudor novels and majority of the War of the Rose's ones and it made me want to throw them, especially with how much she seems to hate any woman with a cunning mind and ambition (Margaret Beaufort, Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth I, Catherine of Aragon).

[@emilybarclay8831]

It truly saddens me that so many modern Tudor history fans have had their introduction to that period via Gregory’s hogwash, it’s created so many armchair historians with a complete misunderstanding of the major players of TWoTR

[@kazoolibra7322]

Elizabeth of york is one of my favorite historical characters. It seems to me that she was an adaptable and accepting woman. She knew what the expectations of her were and accepted them. She fulfilled her role in every way, even developing a loving relationship with Henry 7....a medieval royal woman to the core ❤❤

[@StellinhaJF]

So is she my favourite queen too, my dear queen, as I often call her. I'm from Brasil - with an s.

[@lfgifu296]

I like her a lot! Got a major soft spot for her lol. Seems to have been truly kind, a devoted mother, and not as… fiery, let’s say, as I think Elizabeth Woodville was. Really wish she had lived longer🥲

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, same here. It can't have been easy living the life she did and having to marry someone she'd probably been raised to think of as the enemy. She must have had great patience to bear all the twists and turns thrown at her.

[@lfgifu296]

@@HistoryCalling Indeed! And to then go on to have a loving relationship with him is even more admirable

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, it is remarkable how well suited those two seem to have been, but more on that in next week's video :-)

[@mareniquevanniekerk7864]

​@@lfgifu296I feel exactly the same way about her! Couldn't have said it better myself!

[@lfgifu296]

@@HistoryCalling aaah the wait😞😞 looking forward to it :)

[@joyoung2483]

One of the great tragedies of history is the lack of diaries by women who were literate and were at hand witnesses to the incredible events going on around them. It would be thrilling to discover what Elizabeth really throught of Richard III, what she felt about her missing brothers, her viewpoint on Henry's claim to the throne and their marriage - to say nothing of her own personal ambitions, hopes, joys and fears. Would she have ever even considered the idea of being Queen in her own right? Or did she feel Queen consort was the only 'right and fitting' role for a woman, no matter what their claim to the throne might be? My best guess is she was terrified of her Uncle's potential for violent action against her and her remaining family and did as he wished for reasons of safety and security.

[@crysblac4944]

It makes me wonder how often they might’ve been destroyed….

[@athenaathenaisc1473]

I love learning about the English queens. Oh, if only Elizabeth of York had left behind a diary or a cachet of letters. My latest obsession is Philippa of Hainult, the mother of all of those sons whose descendents all went to war with each other. I'd love to write a book about her, but the information is so scant.

[@HistoryCalling]

I know. I was saying in another comment that she'd be great to have to dinner, assuming you could get her to dish the dirt. Yes, I looked at Philippa a little bit for my video on Joan of Kent. She was a very interesting woman too. As you say though, it's just a pity how scant the info. on some of these figures is, especially the women. Even Elizabeth is tough to write about at times.

[@athenaathenaisc1473]

@HistoryCalling ... the only way to write about Philippa is in novelized form, to be sure.

[@anweshabiswas4813]

Elizabeth of york was the daughter of a king , niece of a King , sister of a King , wife of a King , and mother of King I am totally obsessed with the personalities who participated during wars of the roses Please make more videos on it . ❤❤❤❤

[@HistoryCalling]

Oh I've got a whole playlist on the WotR. If you haven't had a look yet, I think you'd enjoy it.

[@perniciouspete4986]

Considering their practice of incestuous marriage over generations, it's possible that many ancient Egyptian queens were all of the above, also.

[@mmhthree]

@@perniciouspete4986 Not Elizabeth of York.. she almost had to marry her Uncle though. She got lucky... sorta.

[@ClaiireeLiizz]

And a grandmother of a King and the first two Queens in their own right

[@perniciouspete4986]

@@mmhthree What part of "ancient Egyptian queens" did you miss? HINT: she wasn't one.

[@markadams7597]

Well done (once again)! QEY is, perhaps, my favorite medieval female royal (along with Margaret Beaufort, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and QE1). Your treatment, here, is simply brilliant, cogent, and persuasive. Thanks for your candor and sharing. Keep up the good work!

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks Mark. More next week on her Queenship, as I just couldn't do her justice in one video.

[@annmoore6678]

Thank you for this very complete description of Elizabeth’s early years. All the novels aside, it seems to me that the princess must have felt the need to be extremely careful in her behavior towards her Uncle Richard, who held such power over her, her mother and surviving siblings. Her mother would have taken charge of any important negotiations. Elizabeth would have followed instructions. Even after becoming queen, she doesn’t seem to have any record of speaking up in any significant way. Hope you had a good holiday and, as always, I look forward to next week.

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks Ann. Yes, I'm sure she was walking on eggshells around him. I know I would have been. I think keeping her head down, even after becoming Queen, was a wise move. More on that next week of course and yes, my holiday was good thank you. It was a bit of a rude awakening to have to get up this morning and get back to work though, as I only got home 24 hours ago :-)

[@annieandelsieofarendelle3294]

@@HistoryCallingSomeone else suggested this but maybe she just didn’t want to be England’s ruling monarch, even though her claim is better. All the politicking and power plays tore her family apart and resulted in the deaths of several of her family members, and really who wants to be apart of that life?

[@lisalking2476]

I'm sure she feared for her life as well,ruthless times they were in her days😢 I'd have detested him killing my brothers and never game him a child 💯

[@JadlynJ]

Nice to be on the side of social media that loves Elizabeth of york. Fandoms of P.Gregory all constantly hate on her for the nonsense and misrepresentations in the novels and shows.

[@Lionstar16]

Thank you for this video - I've been intrigued by Elizabeth because of her unique part in English history (seriously being a daughter, sister, niece, wife and mother of kings is nothing to squeeze at).

[@HistoryCalling]

Me too. I wish we had more info. on her life. She'd be great to have at a dinner party too (assuming you could get her to dish the dirt of course).

[@Lionstar16]

@@HistoryCalling Admittedly it's a fictional novel, but 'Elizabeth of York: the Last White Rose' by Alison Weir is a really good read.

[@athenaathenaisc1473]

@Lionstar16 ... I agree on Alison Weirs' books.

[@ClaiireeLiizz]

She was also the Grandmother of a King as well as the first two Queens in their own right

[@lisalking2476]

​@@ClaiireeLiizzglad you added that because I didn't hear that mention in the video and many of us didn't know,thank you 😊

[@stephencarrillo5905]

👏👏Whenever I watch your videos related to The War of the Roses, I'm always glad there isn't a test afterward, HC. 😉 This a strong entry and I really enjoyed it. No way to be sure, but I could imagine Elizabeth being terrified of Richard. Another woman of grit. Welcome back from vacation, HC. 🙏🏼

[@HistoryCalling]

I'm glad I'm not being tested either. Every time I make one of these I have to go back to the older ones first and reacquaint myself with the family trees. It's just too complex to keep in my head all the time. Yes, I think I'd have been scared of him too.

[@maryloumawson6006]

I'm beginning to think I will never sort out all the Edwards, Richards, Henrys, Elizabeths, and even Margarets. But your videos certainly help. It is so frustrating that we don't have more first hand accounts of that time. Knowing how much the nobility valued learning, and facility in multiple languages, I find it truly odd that we don't have more letters or diaries to explore for information. It makes me wonder if there is more to be unearthed. How fascinating would it be to discover an account of Elizabeth's time in sanctuary with her siblings and mother, written by her own hand, and able to be authenticated? Or perhaps a written testimony of what had transpired by Elizabeth Woodville written after she retired from court? I've always wondered why she did so, since her counterpart stayed active in politics until her death.

[@alancoe1002]

Takes a few years, but you can do it. Nickname them as a mnemonic

[@HistoryCalling]

I feel the same way. The number of Edwards, Prince of Wales is particularly mind bending :-) Yes, I'd love the kind of documents you mention too. It certainly makes me grateful for Queen Victoria's diary.

[@catherineball5071]

I memorised the horrible histories song 🎵William, William, Henry, Stephen, Henry, Richard, John oy! 🎵 Helps to remember all the monarchs but not helpful with all the consorts and other big names!

[@josabby474]

Philips Gregory’s novels are a guilty pleasure for me, she just frames them as though every single rumor ever was absolutely 100% true, so I can’t take them seriously.

[@JadlynJ]

Her novels are great for entertainment only, I think.😂 For ppl who love Margret Beaufort or Elizabeth of york, they probably wouldn't enjoy the novels. It was a complete character assassination of those two women.

[@williethomas5116]

Exactly, they are meant to be entertaining not taken seriously or at least not taken as history.

[@blossomceriwen]

btw I love her so much, Elizabeth of York is one of my favorites queen of England, Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn too, I'm very obsessed with both of them so I love all the content you have made 🥺, also is so cool to know more about the Stuart and the Hanoverian (I have the feeling that they're not so popular in the poo culture as Plantagenet/Tudor monarchs

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, I'd love to do more on the Stuarts and Hanoverians as that is actually the era I studied at university and later wrote on (more the Hanoverian era actually). I do have playlists on them and I'll maybe try to do a little bit more on them in the future.

[@blossomceriwen]

@@HistoryCalling oh, sounds fascinating 🥺. Hope your channel keeps growing and have many opportunities. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us :)

[@Hardyscenes]

I am so happy you made this! Elizabeth is my favourite historical women so to see a video of your on your account makes me so happy!!!

[@HistoryCalling]

You're very welcome. I've been working my way through the women of the Wars of the Roses in chronological order for a couple of years now, so it took me some time to get to her, but I'm very happy to have finally made it as well. More next week as I couldn't do her justice in just one video.

[@danesba1]

​@@HistoryCallingcan't wait til next week!

[@Natasha-tu5qs]

Thanks for doing this video at this time in particular. I recently watched 'The White Princess ' (please don't judge me 😅) and needed this and your follow-up as a pallette cleanser. Philippa Gregory seems to have a thing for believing all medieval gossip was true.

[@akaLaBrujaRoja]

No shame, I like watching the movies and tv series for the vibe and visuals, but then I come to this channel and a few others to follow up on the historical reality.

[@akanetsunemori7621]

Hello HC, would you consider making a video about Elizabeth’s other siblings (I mean her royal sisters, Grey half-brothers and Edward’s illegitimate children)? I think they are a really interesting topic because we don’t really hear anything about them, maybe except for Cecily. A great video as always, War Of Roses is my favorite era in English history 😊🌹

[@HistoryCalling]

I would indeed. It really just depends on the availability of sources.

[@helpinyerdasellavon]

Wonderful video on Elizabeth of York. So well documented and beautifully presented. Thank you 😊❤

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you very much. More next week as I just couldn't do her justice in only one video :-)

[@helpinyerdasellavon]

@@HistoryCalling looking forward to it! You did excellent work! Thank you 🙏🏻❤

[@gillsinclair6927]

This is the period of history that has always fascinated me. Wonderful video HC.

[@HistoryCalling]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE GENEROUS DONATION GILL. I'm glad you're enjoying hearing about Elizabeth. I agree, it's a mesmerising (and terrifying) period of history.

[@johnslaughter5475]

I have never heard of any soap opera that can beat the English aristocracy for intrigue, murder, and mayhem. This is so much fun. As for your question on her thoughts about Richard, I don't know that she would've been thinking on it. She would be much more interested in simply keeping head attached to her neck. Thank you for another thrilling chapter in the lives of Britain's rulers. 😊😊❤❤

[@HistoryCalling]

I know and of course the soap opera continues to this day (though thankfully with less murder)! See you next week :-)

[@08andylee]

Well, as you pointed out yourself, she, Elizabeth knew her so called Uncle Richard Gloucester was guilty of the death of her half-brother Richard Grey, who had done nothing to deserve the death he got so I think she kept her own counsel in King Richard III presence. I think she was far cleverer than most historians give her credit for being. I wonder if she was there when the Duke of Buckingham threatened her mother to give up little Richard of York or else when they were all in Sanctuary which really wasn't that much of a sanctuary when you come down to it.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, I wonder too how much she saw of what happened the day the Duke of York was taken from sanctuary. It must have been horrible to feel so powerless.

[@08andylee]

@@HistoryCalling Indeed!

[@aliceingoryland]

I think the Duke of Clarence might have fared better if he minded his own business 😂

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, he does seem to have been a bit of a plonker.

[@Shelly-mz9yf]

Thank you so much for the additional visual when it comes to an extensive family tree 😀 I've viewed this history by you i believe a coupla years ago. Got so confused with following the family lines however I heard every word. Its making more sense now, even with all the duplicates in names, thank you 😀 sidenote: im more of a map person

[@blossomceriwen]

Thank you for the video, I'm currently obsessed with your channel. Your voice is so pleasing to hear and you make content in very detailed way. I love it Anyway, I think is funny you mentioned the white princess book and others P. Gregory books because those books and the series was my introduction to the war of the roses and later for the tudor era. Imagine my shock when I star to investigate about the real events and result that Richard III was a villain and not the sweet and kind boy that we see in the white queen (I fell so hard for him TT) and I have a very bad image of Margaret Beaufort (Gregory series really messed up with my head 😅). Anyway, I think Elizabeth probably hate her uncle, he most likely make her brothers kill and take everything from them, I think that's probably how she feel about him pero who knows, there's so much obscurity before Tudor era apparently. Can't wait for part 2 😊🫶🏻✨

[@loewenalia]

After I watch her videos two or three times I use them to go to sleep, her voice is just the right amount of relaxing magic to it. But it only works if I have watched the video three or four times first.

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you so much (and pleasant dreams too) :-)

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you very much. Yes, I'm afraid I'm not a great fan of Ms Gregory (as a purveyor of history that is - I don't mind her as a fiction writer but the problem is that she blurs the lines rather a lot). The way in which she has affected how people think of Lady Margaret Beaufort is particularly annoying to me. I think LMB could sue for defamation today if she was still alive.

[@AshniaAshinia]

Same. P. Gregory's novels and TV series were my introduction into history.😂 Although The White Queen and The White Princess are really entertaining , when I read about ACTUAL history I was so shocked by the difference in personalities of the characters and real historical figures. Low-key, although I try to separate fiction from reality, I still find myself holding animosity towards Margret Beaufort and Anne Neville because of the show.💀

[@sagenoelle4439]

Elizabeth of York is probably my favorite historical queen and she truly is so much more important than we give her credit for. So much of English/British history hinges on her yet there's a lot we don't know, leaving room for endless speculation and mystique. Thank you for this video!

[@bearnamedpublius]

I’ve just started this video but thank you for putting out such good content! I always love watching your videos, they’re so interesting and really informative, keep it up!!❤❤❤

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you so much. I've been wanted to get to Elizabeth for a couple of years now, so I'm glad to finally be covering her life.

[@heatherwilson9717]

Elizabeth of York is my favorite Tudor queen. She is probably my favorite queen consort. She had a most interesting life. I do wonder how different things would have turned out if she hadn't had her last child

[@HistoryCalling]

Indeed, yes. Or if that child had been a boy who'd lived (therefore making it a bit less urgent that H8 have a son).

[@heatherwilson9717]

@@HistoryCalling I think Henry still would have felt it was urgent for him to have a son. His ego was involved as much as the stability of the monarchy.

[@1roanstephen]

This video is so much more informative than the Biography you reviewed earlier on Patreon. Thank you for this video.

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you. Yeah, that bio left a lot to be desired unfortunately.

[@theresalaux5655]

I really liked Elizabeth of York. Your videos are always so thorough and well researched. Thank you so much! ❤😊 xo

[@wednesdayschild3627]

Catherine of Aragon wore Elizabeth's head dress. Pretty sure that one with diamond and rubies was hers.

[@MaryamofShomal]

🌹 I am a Lancastrian for life! 🌹 Great video, as per usual 🫶🏽

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you very much! 🤗

[@AprilBird4]

As always, loved this video. I'm so impressed as you name off the various lineages. I "know" the lines of desent, but even with them sitting in front of me, I could never do it so smoothly. I don't know how people kept this straight back then, but I know they did. Can't wait for next week.

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you. Yes, the family tree is a real headache to keep straight and I know I go through it every time I do a Wars of the Roses video, but I always think it bears repetition just to help viewers (and myself) keep all the historical figures straight in their heads.

[@BabsMcHugh550]

Gosh, I adore your work HC. You're so even-handed amidst your complex tales of yore. Thank you as always

[@emmarichardson965]

Yes!!! Time for Elizabeth of York!!

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes. It's taken me a while to work through all the women of the Wars of the Roses to get to her, but her time has finally come :-) More next week too on her Queenship.

[@Mariana-ed2kt]

I love your videos so much! The research , the eloquent explanation, the interesting themes… perfect! I love this part of English history, and it’s been so fun and enriching to watch all of your videos in the matter. Thank you 😃

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you very much. I'm so glad you enjoy the videos. I've been wanting to get to Elizabeth for ages now, but I was working my way through all the women of the Wars of the Roses and it's literally taken me over two years. I'm glad I've made it to her though.

[@missyme2673]

One of my favourite individuals of our history. The things that she had to go through is absolutely fascinating! This is definitely my most favourite part of our history. The Plantagenet dynasty changed the course of history so many times that's it truly is fascinating! Thank you, HC, for bringing her to life. Would you ever consider writing a series of books on the wars of the roses? I, for one, would love it if you did, and I would get the entire collection! I love your work and how you present facts. Thank you! ❤

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you. I don't know about a book series on the Wars of the Roses, but I'd certainly consider writing something as researching and writing history is really my first love and I miss it.

[@ns-wz1mx]

hello HC! not quite done yet but just wanted to say loving it so far, love hearing about the years leading up to her birth and really showing what she’s being born into!

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you. Yes, it was a messy world she arrived into. :-0

[@ns-wz1mx]

@@HistoryCalling for sure some turbulent times!

[@lilypotter9476]

🇺🇸 here. Really enjoyed this. A lot of the info is new to me. I think she would have despised Uncle Richard. Thank you! ☮️

[@karengilchrist9774]

You do such an amazing job of explaining the very convoluted history of England. Just the family trees give me a headache, but I understand it when you explain it. Thank you for making it so much clearer.

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you. I'm glad they help. Honestly, I need them as much as my viewers do to try to keep everyone straight in my mind. Plus, so many of them have the same name. It's a nightmare!

[@edithengel2284]

Elizabeth was also the mother of two queens: Margaret of Scotland and Mary of France. And the grandmother of two more queens (and a king), although I guess if you keep going down the generations in that way, you would end up with every subsequent monarch of England, Scotland after Margaret, and the UK, etc. And heaven knows how many other kings and queens in other countries.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, absolutely. I tried to get cover the fact that she's the ancestor of all the monarchs of England (later Britain) from Henry VIII on with my little progenitrix comment at the start because, as you say, she's related to so many of them I wouldn't have been able to list them all :-)

[@betseyr.9081]

Along with Elizabeth I’m a huge supporter of her mother and Jacquetta! I can’t imagine she had any positive feelings for Richard after the death of her father and brothers, I certainly believe she would have stood firmly with her mother and been a willing participant in the plans made for her.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, it would be fascinating to know her thoughts on Richard as up until 1483 he'd been a good uncle all things considered. It was always George, Duke of Clarence who was considered the dangerous one. I like Elizabeth Woodville and Jacquetta too. Do see my videos on them if you haven't already. The one on Jacquetta was popular enough that I noted other KZbinrs stealing it (stealing the topic and research I mean - they didn't simple re-air my exact video as YT doesn't allow that), so I must have been onto something.

[@WomanRoaring]

I don’t always click like but I do like all your videos! They’re informative, interesting and entertaining. I’m usually listening more than watching so that’s why I don’t click like but for your personal info, I do like your videos!

[@user-eb3ms3ij7o]

Had my nephew paint a picture for my book. It is a red rose with defined thorns bleeding,. Woe!

[@loewenalia]

YES!!!! i have been waiting for this video for a long time!!! Thank you, thank you!

[@HistoryCalling]

You're very welcome. More next week on her Queenship too, as I couldn't do her justice in one video.

[@davidlancaster8152]

Great sketch of this marvelous lady. (my relative?) I really enjoy the illustrations. Excellent work. Thanks BTW: I'm not sure if you know or have a choice in your sponsors but the advertiser on this particular video is quite unusual. FYI

[@shannonfick7170]

Yay, Elizabeth of York is one of my very favorites!! To answer your question, after watching your analysis of the disappearance of her two younger brothers (little boys that Elizabeth would possibly have remembered holding, kissing, and playing with as infants), and the well-founded guard her mother held against him, I’m pretty confident that Elizabeth privately felt uncomfortable around Richard, at the very least. She may have had to put on a smile for the sake of good relations, which she seems to have been good at. But I don’t see any cause in her inward character or outward demeanor that would have led her to actually want to marry Richard, much less fall in love with him and try to work him over

[@catherinefrazier2478]

One of your best yet! 👑

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you very much. More on Elizabeth next week too, as I get into her queenship (I couldn't do her justice in one video).

[@declanrhys3590]

One thing that always puzzled me about the Tudors, is that for a dynasty that was quite sensitive of their ancestry, why was it during the dissolution of the monasteries there wasn’t any serious attempt to save the royal tombs in many of those places.

[@HistoryCalling]

I've wondered the same thing actually. I think it comes down to Henry VIII not being very sentimental. He did leave his parents and Catherine of Aragon alone though.

[@neilbuckley1613]

@@HistoryCalling He also had his Grandfather , Edmund Tudors body moved from Carmarthen Greyfriars to St David's Cathedral when the Friary was dissolved.

[@Dehvonne]

🙏 thank you so much for the family tree with highlights and explanations 😊 Serious cudos 👍

[@HistoryCalling]

You're welcome. They're a bit of a nightmare to put together, but I need them as much as my viewers to help me keep track of everything :-)

[@strobex3298]

Always enjoy your videos. Keep up the great content!

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you. More on Elizabeth next week too, as I get into her queenship.

[@1jsmelton]

We disagree on the ambitions of Henry and his mom but I sincerely enjoy your videos! Thank you for doing one on Elizabeth of York. History seems to forget that Henry VIII was descended from the Yorkists also. From the material history has left to us to interpret, it appears Elizabeth navigated her life with dignity and grace. I wonder if she felt she was marrying her sworn enemy? Circumstances changed so often during this period and it seems you never knew, from one day to the next, with whom your loyalties should lie. I do believe her reaction to her marriage helped the two sides finally start to come together and put an end to massive bloodshed. That is, until the next thing came along for the people to be divided about. Looking forward to more of your informative videos! Thanks!

[@HistoryCalling]

No problem. We can always agree to disagree. I really only every take issue with that when people are rude about it, but you obviously weren't at all, so thank you for that :-) Yes, it would be fascinating to know Elizabeth's private thoughts about the marriage. It's a pity we don't have more of her private papers.

[@JupiterRising2525]

I love the series the white queen, the white princess and the Spanish princess. It's also nice to just listen too. Great video.

[@okiejammer2736]

You teach us so beautifully. I have learned bits and pieces here after decades of interest in these families. Many thanks!

[@HistoryCalling]

You're very welcome. Here to help 😃

[@joscott5911]

I love your videos and Elizabeth of York is one of my favorite characters of the time period. The picture you have displayed when you discuss Elizabeth Woodville's father "Lord Rivers" being executed - I think that is her brother Antony who inherited his title.

[@gcrawford222]

Enjoyed the video! It was like the opening chapter of one of the Old Testament books! 😊

[@LisafromNOLA]

Thanks for another fantastic video! ♥️

[@HistoryCalling]

You are so welcome. Thank you for watching and commenting :-)

[@AmynAL]

I loved the Matilda video! I too found Edward and Eleanor interesting. I would watch any of your videos as they all teach me so many things I did not know. I wonder if Henry the VIII’s life was never to be stable after the death of his mother? The many queens could not “match” up kind of thing. Glad to have you back and hope your holiday was a happy one.

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you. I find her story so interesting and though more people would like it as she's the basis of Rhaenyra Targaryen, but it didn't do terribly well. Yes, I'm sure a psychologist would have a field day with Henry's mummy issues, trying to figure out if all the wives were a replacement for her.

[@lfgifu296]

Also, hope your Holiday went well :) Idk if you noticed but Dr Owen Emmerson (may have spelled it wrong :’) commented on your latest video!

[@HistoryCalling]

It did thank you and I saw his comment and dropped a little response to it as well. It's just a pity of course that the new research into that painting hasn't been published yet, as I would have incorporated it.

[@lfgifu296]

@@HistoryCalling :’) well, his comment will be there for ppl to see, so it can be considered an addition to the video lol. You couldn’t have done anything about it, so ‘tis chill

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, that's true :-)

[@avalonkerr8332]

I apologize that this is beside the point: I saw on an older video of yours that people ask about your accent?! How can anyone mistake it? It's fabulous btw. Also, love this subject!

[@HistoryCalling]

Haha, thank you very much. I think it's just an accent that a lot of people aren't familiar with. You don't hear Northern Irish voices on TV or in the movies very much (though Jamie Dornan has, to his credit, done quite a bit using his own accent, but I think he's still most famous for being Christian Grey and he was playing American in that).

[@vernon2542]

She probably didn't like him very much. Looking forward to next weeks second part. Thank you HC for such great content.

[@HistoryCalling]

You're welcome. See you next week for more on her Queenship.

[@crysblac4944]

Thanks for all your hard work!

[@Shane-Flanagan]

Thanks v much for this HC 💖

[@HistoryCalling]

My pleasure 😊

[@ns-wz1mx]

awesome video Hc, really loved it! in my opinion, i think Elizabeth may have been a bit leery about Richard given what happened in the past. but i guess that’s how i’d feel if i was her in that situation.

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you. Yes, I'd have had trouble sleeping in the same building as him as well if I'd been her.

[@ns-wz1mx]

@@HistoryCalling right!?!

[@rickjensen2717]

That's a seriously complicated family tree - no wonder few people can understand it !

[@HistoryCalling]

Pity the poor soul (me!) who had to put it together as well :-)

[@rickjensen2717]

@@HistoryCalling you have my sympathy 😊

[@Mike-H_UK]

Excellent. Great account and many thanks!

[@sharonharber2107]

Truly a tumultuous life, it is a wonder she emerged from it all to be relatively normal. Wasn’t there something about her father considering marrying her to Henry Tudor when her engagement to the Dauphin fell through? Although that was probably a lure to get HT to England and on to the sharp end of E4’s sword.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, that was briefly discussed but like you (and Henry I think) I'm not sure I believe that Edward was being sincere.

[@carolinegreenwell9086]

I'm so sorry, HC, I had to give up half way through. I've never understood the multitude of convolutions of the Wars of the Roses and despite your excellent explanations I got hopelessly lost (again).

[@DiddlyPenguin]

An excellent episode. Very interesting 😊

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you. More on Elizabeth next week too, as I get into her queenship.

[@wendym215]

Love the war of the roses videos thank you @Historycalling

[@HistoryCalling]

You're very welcome. It's a confusing period to keep track of, but I find it fascinating too.

[@wendym215]

@@HistoryCalling indeed it is and very fascinating

[@biosparkles9442]

Considering how the loss of her sister probably impacted her quite heavily, I imagine she utterly despised her uncle for taking her brothers from her as well. Especially since he presumably assured her mother that the boys would be kept safe (otherwise there's no way Elizabeth Woodville would've let her younger son leave the abbey). I have no doubt that Elizabeth was smart enough to play the long game with her uncle and act as a spy for her mother. Keep in mind that her granddaughter, Elizabeth I, is considered to have been a brilliantly intelligent woman (who also, notably, played the long game her entire life) as well. Whilst that's often attributed to her mother Anne Boleyn, I think it was likely the result of a combination of hereditary intelligence from both sides of her family. Elizabeth Woodville and her daughter Elizabeth of York were both extremely impressive women, especially in the context of the time period. Richard III, empowered mostly by hubris, was no match for either of them. There is an incredible irony in the fact that the deaths of the princes in the tower, which in my opinion was orchestrated by Richard III to further secure his claim to the throne, is exactly what led to Richard III losing the throne.

[@Marcus51090]

By the way your patron bio says you still upload videos on Fridays etc. (I much prefer the Monday schedule) I thought you’d want to know

[@Claire_T]

Welcome back! Hope you enjoyed your holiday 😊

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you. I sure did and I have a blister on my foot to prove it (lots and lots of walking) 😃

[@Aqua_Teal]

20:04 I think you got confused there.😅 Great video nonetheless! Keep up the good job! 😃

[@edithengel2284]

How so?

[@HistoryCalling]

Oh sorry. You're right. Edward IV, not Henry IV. All these Henrys, Edwards and Elizabeths are so confusing! I've actually made that error before but managed to catch it before the video aired. This is obviously the one that got away.

[@edithengel2284]

@@HistoryCalling Very thoughtless they all were of future historians.😀

[@TheTam0613]

I think she's fascinating! I wish there were more records of such amazing women. Whenever they are intelligent and politically savvy- they get the insult and threat of "witchcraft". Thank you again!!! ~Tammy

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, it is very annoying when that happens. Anne Boleyn has had similar insults thrown at her.

[@catherineball5071]

I think sometimes its easy to forget how young some of history's major players were. Elizabeth would have only been 16 when her uncle (alledgedly) killed her brothers, only 19 when she married Henry, a mother by 21 and she only lived until I think her mid-40s. I beleive she probably did have a deep disgust for her uncle but Im not sure her laying low was a political move about biding her time, I'm sure she was just terrified and unsure where to turn. Poor girl saw so much trauma when she was barely even an adult Edit: she actually only lived until she was 37. That's the age I am now and some days I still don't feel like a proper adult 😂

[@emilybarclay8831]

The historical figure that always comes to mind when I think of what you said is one princess who’s name I cannot recall for the life of me who died at 21 while pregnant with her 7th child. Pretty sure she was married to her uncle. I shall scour the internet until I can find her name!

[@emilybarclay8831]

Found her, Margaret Theresa of Spain. The sister of Charles II of Spain aka ‘Charles the bewitched’, her lineage was so horrifically inbred that she was actually more inbred than the offspring of two full siblings, and she was married to her uncle (who insisted his wife refer to him as uncle) at the age of 15 and spent the next 6 years constantly pregnant, dying at just 21 of exhaustion while four months pregnant. Of her 7 pregnancies only one of her children lived to adulthood, her daughter Maria Antonia, who herself died at 23 from complications from childbirth with her 3rd child. None of her children survived. Such an insane waste of life.

[@lyndanickerson1373]

Thank you for your videos

[@HistoryCalling]

You're very welcome. Thank you for supporting by watching and commenting, especially when the video has just gone out.

[@MaryamofShomal]

Amen 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 I love her work!!!

[@elisabethhopson5639]

I hope you had a great holiday HC and hitting the ground running with a cracking video. Elizabeth of York is a pivotal figure in English history. As a Plantagenet who married a Tudor, she is a fascinating person. Having had to endure 2 rounds of sanctuary in Westminster Abbey, the loss of her brothers, her half brothers, her Uncles, her mothers' lands and her own legitimacy, I should have thought this would have made her a very cautious and careful young girl. Just 1 misspoken word may have ended her life. I am not surprised we do not have much evidence from her as it could have been used in evidence against her by any enemy. Lord knows what she saw and heard as a youngster growing up. Whatever she thought about Richard 3rd, she was not going to let anyone know it, other than her mother. I should imagine she privately held him in contempt, but in public had to seem agreeable to her direct uncle. As for Henry 7th, it was supposed to be a love match of sorts. Not sure about that either, love does not seem to enter the equation with royal marriages, just a contract. I think Henry had to marry her to legitimise his own kingship and to stop the families from constant warring. What I don't get about her son Henry 8th is why he persecuted all the other Plantagenets in his family. He had his own children, so were they that much of a threat to him? Including old ladies? Thanks HC. 🙂

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks Elisabeth. Yes, she'd be a great dinner guest, wouldn't she (assuming you could get her talking about her family)? Henry VIII was kind enough to his remaining Plantagenet relatives for a long time, but as we know he got very nasty as he got older and when Lady Salisbury's son ticked him off, he took it out on her.

[@juliekemp419]

What an excellent account. Thank you.

[@Heidi_Bradshaw]

I always thought Anne Neville was buried under the right hand door, as you look at it, going into St Edwards Shrine? Where in the Abbey is this marker? Great video, by the way x

[@HistoryCalling]

The marker is just to the right of Anne of Cleves' tomb, basically in front of Poets' Corner (so Poets' corner was behind me as I took the picture). I hope I'm explaining that well enough. It's been a while since I was there so I pray I'm visualising it properly in my head. I think I am :-)

[@jasperhorace7147]

I quite agree that Margaret Beaufort never had ambitions that her son could become King until the murder of the sons of Edward IV. Even for someone as fiercely attached to her son as Margaret was, such ambition would have been both dangerous and ludicrous.

[@shannanstigri]

Love her story. She's very over looked I think. Nice work. Thank you.

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you. I think so too. I'd love to have her to dinner and grill her about what she really thought of her uncle Richard and having to marry Henry VII and just everything to do with the Wars of the Roses really :-)

[@MichelleBruce-lo4oc]

Hi, awesome live history video I enjoyed it. How are you doing? I'm doing well and so is my cat Benjamin. We're both enjoying the warm weather. How is the weather where you are? Have a great day see you next video in the next video in the future could you do Robert Dudley. He was a historical man in the 16th century 😊

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks Michelle. Cloudy here unfortunately. Apparently Sunday was a nice day, but I only arrived back in Northern Ireland that night, so I missed most of it. Yes, something on Leicester is on my list :-)

[@AnnaAnna-uc2ff]

I am so glad you provided kinship diagrams.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, those family trees are a nightmare. I need the diagrams as much as my viewers do. It's such a headache to keep everyone straight.

[@buzzzzzz69]

I remember reading the novel Katherine by Anya Seton when i was in my first year of high school. Since then, the mere mention of Katherine Swynford has always made my ears perk up. I know it was an historically based novel but even in hindsight i think she did a good job of catching people's interest in historical figures without meandering off the known facts too much.

[@raumaanking]

Great video

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you :-)

[@AshniaAshinia]

I love Elizabeth of york. I think she's a mentally strong woman and also a devoted mother that's been through so much loss and heartache. She literally gave her life trying to produce another heir for her husband and dynasty. It saddenes me to see some people actual hate her because they believe in all the nonsense and misrepresentations in novels or shows about those historical times. They either present her as some stupid naive young girl that's in love with her uncle (who murdered her close family members) or some feiry outspoken modern-day girl boss (because they think shes too biring and needs to spicin up😒) Both of which is BS and not historically accurate.

[@roodbennett]

Henry VII was devoted to only 2 women, Margaret and Elizabeth. Amazing

[@neilbuckley1613]

I suspect the only rival Elizabeth had in Henrys haert was his treasure chest.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, he does seem to have really loved them both, which is all the more remarkable when you consider how little time he spent with his mother until he was in his late 20s.

[@roodbennett]

@@HistoryCalling well he obviously knew her of her relentless quest to get his lands and title(s) back for him. It was medieval law that she could not retain custody, when she remarried.

[@maudzie93]

What are those head-dresses called? Not the English hood but the large white ones. Love your videos very informative

[@HistoryCalling]

Oh, I'm not sure I'm afraid. Google is probably your best bet for an answer to that one I think.

[@maudzie93]

@@HistoryCalling 'Escoffion' is what seems to come up, something very striking about them, which was the idea I suppose

[@user-un4ml3ql9g]

, she must have been terrified by her uncle Richard III... For all his cruelty... I don't think she was in love with him..

[@user-nr9gz5je7y]

And she knew he had had her two young brothers murdered I do not believe she would have married him under any conditions therefore Still he could be charismatic and charming, And he was the king. And so, thinking of her brothers must-have made any stays in the Tower utterly terrifying to her. As to the consanguinity question, her father's York line was kinda inbred already. All it took was an easily obtained.Dispensation from Rome,and marrying Richard voila, she could have easily become Queen of England However, Richard had not only probably killed her two royal brothers but a Gray half-brother and a favorite and accomplished Uncle, Anthony Woodville. When Henry VIi had killed Richard III Bos worth she must have been so,so relieved She was a genuinely nice and humane person in an age that could be so brutal,ruthless, and cruel.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, I'd have been scared witless of him too.

[@veryberry39]

This is a really random thing, but to mix up the B-roll of that bouquet of roses, you could get a new bouquet and add some action to it, like maybe tossing them one by one onto a pile, or even just letting the petals flutter to the ground! I don't mean the suggestion to come off as rude, nor do I think mine are better! Maybe it's just my neurospicy brain that gets locked onto the fact that it's the same slow pan down the stems...and once you get down to the stems, the impact of the imagery is lost. If you could create movement within the frame, though, then you could keep the focus on the red and white roses! Anyway. I'm sorry, I know that has nothing to do with the content of the video. I always really enjoy watching your stuff!

[@HistoryCalling]

That's ok. I don't like having to reuse video either actually. I just filmed that in my garden though which is why they're lying on the grass. Had I panned up you'd have seen the house and my neighbours' houses and I wanted to keep it anonymous (also the houses don't fit in with the idea of the 15th century as you can probably imagine). I have other footage of white roses and red roses (separately), but what I'd really love is to find a great flowerbed in a National Trust property or the like that has both in it which I could then use.

[@samuelparedes1748]

can’t wait for next week 😊

[@SurferJoe1]

Welcome back!

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you. It's always rough having to go back to work though after a week off :-)

[@jamistardust5181]

Hi GGM!

[@afirmrose]

Great video! You mentioned that Elizabeth would have been Elizabeth I. We know that when they ascend to the throne today they choose a regaining name (maybe different than their given name). When did that start?

[@beth7935]

I don't know about any rules, but I know an even earlier example of a monarch taking on a different reigning name: Robert III of Scotland (r. 1390-1406, son of Robert II) was originally named John. He became king at 53, so he'd been John for a long time, & he already had a younger brother called Robert. I'd be kinda annoyed if my sibling stole my name to be king with, lol, but I have no idea how 14thc Scottish royalty felt about such things.

[@leticiagarcia9025]

She’s my favorite Tutor queen consort. She certainly was resilient and intelligent. I agree if she was born a man she would’ve been killed. I think Elizabeth and her mother in law were in good terms. Margret of Beaufort was maligned by Philippa Gregory. I know it’s historical fiction but it makes me mad. Elizabeth of York and me were born on the 11th of February. I enjoyed this video. Thank you for the history lesson. I always look forward to your next video.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, I think she was really resilient. She'd have been well within her rights to have a nervous breakdown after all that she'd been through. I'm not keen on the hatchet job done to LMB as well. See you next week for more on Elizabeth's Queenship.

[@melissasheppard6674]

Thank you ☺️

[@HistoryCalling]

And thank you for watching and commenting :-)

[@melissasheppard6674]

@@HistoryCalling I found a cute fanfic about Elizabeth of York and Henry VII during their engagement prior to the wedding, on Archive of Our Own.

[@shanenolan5625]

Thank you