Charles Brandon: How to Survive in Tudor England

Today's video topic was highly requested in the comments of my video on Mary Tudor, Queen of France ( • Mary Tudor: Sister of ... ); we're looking at her husband Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk. Was he a careless cad with the lives of a cat; or did he know exactly how far he could push the limits of taste, decency and Henry's temper to achieve the maximum reward?
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Intro / Outro song: Silent Partner, "Greenery" [ • Greenery - Silent Part... ]
SFX from freesfx.co.uk/Default.aspx
#Tudor #History #Suffolk
Images (from Wikimedia Commons, unless otherwise stated):
Photograph of a stained glass window installed in St James Church, Sutton Cheney - the church was held by tradition to be where Richard III (left) had his last Mass before facing Henry VII (right) on the fields of Bosworth in 1485 - taken by John Taylor, retouched by Jappalang (2006).
Drawing of Henry VIII dining in his privy chamber; interior scene with the King seated at a table at centre, beneath a canopy, being waited on, groups of figures at left and right, cupboard with vessels at right by the circle/school of Hans Holbein the Younger (c.1548). © The British Museum / Trustees of the British Museum
Renaissance-era depiction of a joust in traditional or "high" armour, based on then-historical late medieval armour (Paulus Hector Mair, “De Arte Athletica”, 1540s).
16th-century woodcut of the coronation of Henry VIII of England and Catherine of Aragon showing their heraldic badges, the Tudor Rose and the Pomegranate of Granada. From Stephen Hawes, “A Joyfull Medytacvon to All Englande” (1509), printed Wynkyn de Worde, 4to, n.d. (Cambridge University Library).
Photograph of Henry VIII’s tower also called sometimes “Grosse Tour” in Tournai (now Belgium, at the time France, built c.1515). Taken by Jean-Pol Grandmont in 2007.
Coat of arms of Sir Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk, KG. Based on Suffolk's stall plate which remains intact at St. George's chapel. This version created by Rs-nourse (2013).
Portrait of Margaret of Austria attributed to Pieter van Coninxloo (c.1500). Held by the Royal Collection on display at Hampton Court Palace.
Louis XII of France and his third wife, English princess Mary Tudor, from Pierre Gringoire’s “Pageants for the Reception of Queen Mary of France” (c.1514). Text held by the British Library.
Double portrait of Princess Mary Tudor and Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, attributed to Jan Gossaert (c. 1516). Held by Woburn Abbey.
“The Field of Cloth of Gold” by an unknown artist (c.1545). Held by the Royal Collection on display at Hampton Court Palace.
Portrait of Katherine of Aragon by an unknown artist (early 18th century). Held by the National Portrait Gallery.
Portrait of Henry VIII after Hans Holbein (c.1540-1547). Held by the Walker Art Gallery.
Portrait of Anne Boleyn by an unknown artist (late 16th century, based on a work of circa 1533-1536). Held by the National Portrait Gallery.
Watercolour miniature of Catherine Willoughby, Duchess of Suffolk by Hans Holbein (c.1541). Held in the Collection of Baroness Willoughby de Eresby.
Banner of the Holy Wounds, used during the Pilgrimage of Grace. An English counter-revolution in 1536 against schism from the Catholic Church and against the destruction of the monasteries. Original: Thomas Gun. Vector: Sodacan (2010)
Portrait of Thomas Cromwell bu Hans Holbein (1532-1533). Held by The Frick Collection.
Portrait of Anne of Cleves by Hans Holbein (1539). Held by Musée du Louvre, Paris.

[@irena4545]

Brandon's single redeeming feature: being played by Henry Cavill. Other than that, a truly despicable specimen. He and Henry VIII, two peas in a pod.

[@riotgrrrlzgaming]

Agreed.

[@jypsywith_a_jae7575]

Yeah....it was the Cavill for me too lol

[@archangelhalo6358]

Hmmmm 😋😍❤ #HenryWilliamDalglieshCavill Makes The Tudors, Superman & The Witcher Worth Watching 😉💞😍💞

[@d_great_catsby1462]

he is great in Mission Impossible too

[@irena4545]

@@archangelhalo6358 Yeah, he was the only reason why I finished the Witcher. Adaptation-wise, it's terrible.

[@elisabetta611]

I think Charles was the older brother Henry always wanted. This is, imo, one of the few things The Tudors portrays REALLY well.

[@birdbrain9625]

I think Henry VIII loved and respected Brandon like an older brother because he never really got to know Arthur and his relationship with his father was very cold. Brandon became the male role model for the young king that he had never had and a true friend.

[@peepindis]

There's definitely hero worship amongst families/close friends. From childhood my aunt idolized one of her cousins who, to be frank, is an extremely difficult and selfish person nobody else in the family really has time for. She's sided with her over some really screwy stuff over the years.

[@HawkeyeBrooke]

Charles Brandon strikes me as one of those guys, and everyone knows at least one, who is selfish and terrible, but so charming and personable you can’t help but like him, even when you know you shouldn’t. Even Henry VIII fell under his spell, and that kept him alive.

[@ivorybluesky]

so did lots of women. lol

[@HawkeyeBrooke]

@@ivorybluesky Even Mary Tudor, a QUEEN who would’ve known his history, which is what makes me think he must have been a charming rogue.

[@Vonn_Loren]

Charisma can get you pretty far, apparently.

[@gingersnap7822]

Absolutely! You're right- we all know someone who we recognize as a selfish, slimy person, but also admit they are disarmingly charming.

[@dukey19941]

Henry Cavill played a very hot CB that's all I know lol.

[@morriganwitch]

I think Henry saw himself mirrored in Brandon so obviously being narcissistic couldn’t destroy himself xxx

[@cathryncampbell8555]

YES, YES, YES! Morriganwitch, I *completely* concur. I believe that Brandon was a duplicate version of Henry -- a bluff, sensual jouster & warrior who physically resembled Henry.

[@carolinecorman1716]

I have always thought so too. Charles was an alter ego to Henry.

[@cindyrobinson3077]

Interesting

[@londonmusicmum4560]

Love this analogy

[@leonieromanes7265]

Makes perfect sense to me.🙂

[@jems9885]

I would like to suggest that Henry's relationship with Brandon, is probably the first time he fell in love. This was his best friend and confidant. And no, I am not going for broke here, the kind of love you feel for the best friend of your youth. This is the one love in Henry's experience that lasted a lifetime.

[@Theturtleowl]

Step 1: Be a child of a war hero Step 2: Do not be part of the old nobility Step 3: Marry a princess Step 4: Survive step 3 and get away with it Step 5: Just say yes to everything, anything Henry says is a good idea. Step 6: Profit and survival!

[@williethomas5116]

That is why they were bffs. Twin sicko tyrants.

[@anthonyhead03]

I like those answers, every one of them, especially #3 & 6.

[@heathercontois4501]

I you reverse it to the female aspect #6 becomes really, really big.

[@louwinters508]

All his male heirs died though like Henry. Although he was none the wiser about the last two. I find it fascinating about Henry and his problem to have a male heir. The family he spurned had them but the family he had in the succession all of the boys died.

[@vanessar9722]

Charles Brandon... Henry's one true (platonic) love, as my one friend would say. :P

[@cindyrobinson3077]

That is my thought too

[@a.munroe]

Soul mates dude. That's why they had so many women.

[@nataliegreco7439]

Lol it’s a true “bromance” 😂😂

[@michaelkopala3659]

Sometimes there’s no friend like an old friend. Henry could be vicious and mean but he also had very few friends from his childhood. Also, Charles had no royal blood.

[@stephanieking4444]

One more insightful mini biopic. I always saw Brandon as the personality template young Henry could relate to and chose to emulate. They were clearly very similar. Henry could not hate Brandon for long, it would have been like hating himself. Instinctively, Brandon must have recognised hos own personality traits in Henry and therefore knew how far not to go.

[@leahmontgo]

I had always found it a bit odd that Henry specified "Please dude, just don't marry my sister", but now I get it

[@mackss9468]

😂 Right there with you.

[@erickeller162]

Henry knew damn well what that meant. Also he wouldn't be able to pawn her off favorably if she was already married. So, raaaaaage.

[@icsanders]

I think Charles Brandon was Henry's brother from another mother as they say. In addition to greed, licentiousness. and misogyny he must have shared some of Henry's brutal nature. Both were self serving to an incredible degree. Henry had the power to execute his perceived enemies and Charles had to use more subtle methods. He stood by his King through all the cruelty of his reign and I can't help but believe he was OK with it as long as he had the freedom to be the rotter that he was

[@pamelaalsop7772]

He's the only survivor!

[@ronniemead805]

@@pamelaalsop7772 A charming and handsome rogue.

[@hjtres7261]

How much influence, behavior wise, do you think Charles Brandon had on the behavior of Henry? It seems to me that Charles Brandon's marriages/abandonments pre dated the way Henry behaved in his Marriages. Missing, obviously, that Charles Brandon never had anyone beheaded. But the similarities are astounding. Thank you for a great video.

[@ReadingthePast]

That’s a really interesting question. I can definitely see Brandon’s behaviour bolstering Henry, especially in his attempts to leave Katherine of Aragon. Once he remade his world to do that, however, I think all bets were off as to how far he would go! My grandad always told me to judge a person by the company they keep - words to live by!

[@hjtres7261]

@@ReadingthePast very true. Especially since Henry viewed Charles as the "cooler, older kid" .

[@lynnedelacy2841]

Good point - I think the age difference would have been just right for Henry to be influenced by Brandon - but it must have been in Henry’s nature to be influenced as this roistering wouldn’t have suited Henry vII And as an aside Henry must have been quite jealous that Brandon had fathered 4 sons in and out of wedlock and Henry only 2 that lived to any age - I think it again speaks to Brandon’s charm that things like that were not allowed to overshadow the relationship

[@sharakate]

I just wrote something very similar here (since deleted once I saw your comment). I too wonder how much he influenced Henry? And had he not been so visible to Henry growing up, that maybe he would have turned out a lot differently? Interesting thought.

[@--enyo--]

I was wondering that myself.

[@tomservo75]

All the way through The Tudors series, I kept thinking the exact thing - he's close to Henry VIII his entire reign, involved with very tough decisions, marries Henry's sister in secret, and yet dies in his bed an old man instead of in the Tower.

[@ThePinupchick]

congenitally incapable of not being married is on a whole other level lol

[@maryannewolfer2100]

Love this!

[@BlackCatMargie]

Great video. I think your theory is pretty much spot on. He is a character from Henry's reign that I've often wondered about, and never really liked. Womaniser and profiteer, but smart enough to know which way the wind was blowing in the Tudor court, and especially with the king.

[@michellekinder3051]

During that time, there were no saints. People cheated on one another, politics, when the religion wars came about in England people looted the church's, slandering one another at court, people showing up to executions for entertainment, fathers informing their daughters to sleep around to better their families, etc. So I think that all were a way to show of how bad the times were.

[@fidelogos7098]

My first encounter with Charles Brandon was in The Tudors, with Henry Cavill playing the part. He was so handsome, dashing and roguish and the love story as portrayed between him and Mary seemed so romantic that it took me quite by surprise when I did some further reading about him. That Henry spared him when he so easily called in the executioner to people he had professed great love for amazes me.

[@ameryek.9607]

Happy Shakespeare's birthday! 🎂 April 23, 1564. Would he be surprised to see an Elizabeth II on the English throne?

[@curlycrown3494]

With Henry and Brandon, it was clearly bro’s before... you know. Great video Dr Kat!

[@claireconolly8355]

🤣

[@lynnedelacy2841]

Thank you for responding to my request for life of Charles Brandon - all very interesting I rather like him (tho Henry Cavill playing the part in the Tudors helped!)I think he was a man of his time seizing every opportunity for advancement- and let’s face it who didn’t at the Tudor court I think he was a clever, charming and probably handsome individual who would have been good company As for his dealings with women - even royalty betrothed and broke potential marital promises (with perhaps more at stake than personalised profit) but it wasn’t unusual for the time He had a sympathetic side for Katherine when he had to deliver the hurtful messages And as his campaigns appear to be successful I’m sure he charmed his soldiers to walk over hot coals for him All in all history would be poorer without the likes of Charles Brandon

[@oscresson]

Your videos are so rich in historical fact, smoothly tied into a narrative, as entertaining as they are informative. Well done! Thank you.

[@leygermain8323]

You were especially sassy today 😙 I love it!!!

[@bricksloth6920]

I've been running errands, now I can unwind and get my learning on

[@janicegaypowers3953]

I believe Charles Brandon was so like Henry VIII that King Henry would feel as if he destroyed Brandon, it would be tantamount to committing his own suicide. You were right, Dr. Katz. Henry was seeing his “own reflection!”

[@peterromeo4379]

So he’s basically Henry VIII without the wife killings

[@HawkeyeBrooke]

Well, a lot of wives died. He just didn’t kill them. That we know of, anyway. 😜

[@erickeller162]

Or the kingship.

[@melaniesomes4235]

It's amazing that Henry didn't kill him when he had the chance. He was living the life Henry actually wanted to live, so he sorta forgave him for his behaviors. Thank you Dr. Kat!! You really open up my eyes about history & I am so grateful for your little snippets!💜💜

[@riotgrrrlzgaming]

I love this video! Brandon has always been one of my favorite characters of the Tudor era owing mostly to the fact that he survived the era with his head intact. Maybe a little bit because Henry Cavill played him so well in the Tudor TV series. I mean, Brandon as a person is truly awful and I love your description of him and his affinity for profit and pleasures of the flesh. I think that's probably a perfect description. Henry and Brandon - OTP (One True Pairing!)

[@prettypic444]

5:50 the best description of jousting I’ve ever heard

[@jeanmartin9614]

My mother loved, "When Knighthood Was In Flower" a romantic novel about Charles Brandon and Mary Tudor. In the novel, he is, of course a hero, a bit of a rogue, but dashing and a flower of chivalry.

[@CaptainPikeachu]

I often think Charles Brandon isn’t talked about enough so yay for this video!! Whoever he may have really been in life, I am still endlessly fascinated by this man who not only survived Henry VIII’s reign pretty much unscathed but also managed to get Henry to pay for his funeral. Like seriously, this man’s luck and charm must have been so on point given how many people’s heads have rolled for less than some of his shenanigans.

[@elizabethunger9223]

I'm giggling at your factual presentation coloured with distain. 😂

[@claireconolly8355]

Brandon must have been an absolute lad's lad. I can imagine he was most likely a totally charismatic person for men and women. Henry must have had an attachment to him that was irresistible by way of fun times and loyalty. Brandon could have been a great mental relief to all of Henry's other responsibilities. Brandon must have gotten away with the marriage to Henry's sister due to his long standing affections. I suppose Henry was then counselled as to how it could benefit him. Henry obviously didn't feel threatened as Dr Kat says, his main motivation was money, women (and possibly glory?), not political power.

[@badbiker666]

I just love English history. Which can be very confusing, to say the least. That is why I am so very happy to have discovered Dr. Kat on KZbin! Thank you, Dr. Kat, for your ability to so clearly relate stories from your country's history in such a clear and entertaining manner. My wife and I frequently watch your videos together. I am American and I have no English ancestors (British Commonwealth, yes, English, no), but I take great delight in learning about the British monarchy, the people around them, and their myriad machinations.

[@thefrenchgardener1865]

Families, even royal and noble families can be very complicated Add to that the politics, regional and international, along with hierarchal social grand-standing . . . Wow! The birth of the modern day soap opera! Geat video Dr. Kat. Thanks again.

[@itsmainelyyou5541]

I agree that Charles was above all a vicarious outlet. Charles is what Henry wanted to be, the unencumbered princely pecker of endless exploits. Charles was 'free'.

[@antoniayallop4530]

Yay! Been listening to you all morning! You’ve helped me spring clean my kitchen haha

[@lillyfranzen7802]

Ha ha ha She's a wonderful distraction on the treadmill as well 😉..

[@romo9122]

So right! Love to listen to Dr Kat while cleaning 😁

[@candicebicker9024]

I listen to her when I'm cooking 🍲

[@antoniayallop4530]

Let’s face it, dr Kat is good to listen to at any time 😊 I love her perspective of our history

[@claireconolly8355]

Me too! Haha, I clean up my baby's mess. These videos keep me sane 🤣

[@veronikajung9447]

He survived because he only served himself and he was ready to do everything for it.

[@michelletercha5344]

I know he has a dubious marital history, but Charles Brandon is one of my most favorite historical figures. He was a loyal servant and friend to the king. Henry VIII paid for his funeral and remarked about his virtues as a friend. I find him fascinating. Thank you.

[@kateh2007]

I hadn't realised before just what an extremely "busy" gentleman Charles Brandon was!!! Thankyou, as ever Dr Kat, for this enlightening and entertaining explanation of such a full life lead in the pursuit of profit, personal betterment and lustful gratification. Charles must have possessed one hell of a charismatic personality in order to survive his behaviour towards Henry VIII. Though I do concur that the two men must have been like two peas in a pod and Henry must have seen much of himself in Charles, which was his chief saving grace. Stay safe and well. Good wishes to yourself, Jaime and Gabriel ❤.

[@mattieb7348]

Birds of a feather flock together. What's mine is mine, what's yours is mine. Such a gentleman...not. Enjoy your videos so much! Thank you!

[@bilindalaw-morley161]

I knew embarrassingly little about Brandon. In a way I'm pleased to find that Henry was human enough to have a lifelong friend. One who's transgressions he forgave, presumably because of the affection he bore him. I've seen a few comments about the marriage with young, *young* girls when he was sixty-ish. Distasteful as it is, I think we have to bear in mind the customs of the times.( Margaret Beaufort, married, widowed, and a mother at thirteen?) And I'm too tired to think of the names but I know there were marriages between teenage boys and women in their fifties and older, even one of about eighty. I admit Brandon doesn't seem admirable. But his behaviour wasn't that unusual for his era, although he was unusual in keeping his head!

[@robynobrien744]

I'm a 43 year-old, grown-ass woman, who giggled when you said "pecker."

[@celinahatton2653]

Same age, same reaction 🤣

[@HawkeyeBrooke]

Count me in. Also 43, also giggled.

[@KatrinaRasbold]

59 - same

[@erickeller162]

Not so much the word itself, but the stumble. Comedy gold.

[@pamelaoliver8442]

44. Guilty.

[@georgehutto2157]

Hello Dr. Kat! Fantastic video as always! I would like to request a video on Arthur Tudor. Though his life was brief, his death changed the course of English history, and indeed, world history. Just think of how different history would have been had Arthur lived longer and produced male heirs. If Henry had only been Prince Harry, Duke of York instead of King Henry VIII. Thank you for your consideration and keep up the fantastic work!

[@beth7935]

YES YES YES!!! I've just read a brilliant bio of Arthur, & there is a fair bit of stuff to know about him- it looked at at things like the way Henry VII was training him to be king, & about Henry VIII's much different upbringing. Arthur Tudor surviving to rule with Catherine of Aragon is my fave alternate history to speculate on!

[@georgehutto2157]

@@beth7935 Are you referring to Prince Arthur: The Tudor King That Never Was by Sean Cunningham? If so I also read it and it's a brilliant read. I actually am thinking of writing an alternative history novel series about King Arthur II. 😊

[@beth7935]

@@georgehutto2157 OMG, that would be amazing!!! Please write it! And tell me your ideas, if you want! I keep trying to imagine what might've happened- or thinking up silly possible scenarios :D And yes, ofc that's the book! I couldn't believe there was enough info to write a whole book about him, but wow- all this info pieced together around Arthur does give you at least some idea of him as a person & how he may've ruled.

[@lexfacitregem]

My all-time favourite show back in the day was the Tudors. I've sorely missed that show ever since it ended... but I THANK GOD for this channel! It fills the void left in my life post-Tudors, and sates my thirst for knowledge of this era. I was also quite amazed at how many liberties that the show took. Especially learning (after watching the vid on Mary Tudor) how much they totally mangled the real-life story of Mary and Charles Brandon (despite how minor their characters were).

[@HawkeyeBrooke]

Right? Mary and Charles actually had a great story. It’s a shame the Tudors decided not to tell it.

[@caitlyngeoghan9765]

The tudors was a very good show for entertainment purposes. But historically accurate? Not so much

[@bilindalaw-morley161]

Reading the comments and listening to you, Dr Kat, I'm reminded that history never dies. Our opinions and assessment of these people is as real and as current as the comments sections of channels about the House of Windsor, today. So, thank you for bringing us new subjects and facts to ponder. "Now I know *all* about the Tudors" Said no-one ever!

[@cherylreed7523]

Someone should make a write his story & fill in the missing bits & then make a film about this man his life...his loves & friendships...Wouldn't that be something to see!! There are some fab writers out there...Come on guys!! 😁 Pleeeeaaase....

[@baycast]

Bravo! Superb insight as usual Dr Kat. He was a cad without a doubt! I think Mary was the love of his life if that was possible but he treated all others appallingly. He was in the right place at the right time, bold as brass and a great bosom buddy for Henry. Ruthless to the end but a fascinating character

[@ingridgeertsema4302]

I think you hit the nail on the head - he was driven by financial gain and his "pecker", but he was loyal to Henry in all the ways that mattered most to Henry. Brandon was his childhood hero, who remained his best friend until his death, and perhaps the only man he ever truly loved. The "bromance" between Henry and Charles I think was beautifully portrayed in The Tudors.

[@ginadelfina5887]

I never knew much about Charles Brandon before, other than that he married Mary Tudor. I found it interesting that he had such a shall we say "flexible" approach to marriage, and that this was a man who Henry VIII apparently looked up to. Henry VIII seems to have emulated his older friend in more ways than one. I think you are probably right that Charles Brandon survived partly because he and Henry VIII were so similar, yet in a way mostly non-threatening to Henry.

[@salomealhusami594]

Thank you very much for this brilliant, cohesive and informative video. Also, I'm pleased to know that you're reading the viewers' requests and that Margaret Tudor is on your list for a future video. I hope that Cromwell is also on your list because he was a brilliant mastermind in politics just like Wolsey. I appreciate your efforts dear Dr. Kat! ❤

[@martywolf2011]

I know it was a tv show but I couldn’t help seeing Henry Cavill in my head while hearing Brandon’s history

[@noladesiree4800]

Birds of a Feather!!! Henry and Charles -- brothers from other mothers!!! Loved it, Kat!

[@josephcollins6033]

Dr. Kat, this is Dr. Joe! So glad I happened to hear you today on Tracking Tudors, about Mary Tudor. I went to your channel right away. Thanks for your intense study to bring this info to us. And, thanks for your "rounded" approach and open thinking and analysis of issues for which we are often forced to decide things for ourselves due to lack of enough primary sources ( what a sentence! sorry). You don't go to the "man bad-woman good" thing I find so prevalent today. I am a homosexual man and hopefully will not be accused of any kind of male heterosexual anger. You demonstrate the kind of logical, probing thinking I was taught as a vocal science and music history student. I've always been fascinated by Charles Brandon because of his extraordinary relationship with Henry VIII, but also because he seems the kind of jerk I would have gone after in my 20s!!!!Ha! Like a fine scholar you tell us you are not uh, fond of him! Yet, you give known facts along with possibilities; you let us decide about him. Thank you, and I look forward to more of your teaching. Dr. Joseph

[@denisedick721]

Think you have hit the nail on the head he didn't pose a threat and Henry understood him, but what a nasty piece of work he was.

[@deniecezinnecker9630]

I'd be interested to know what happened to Brandon's many children, both legitimate and illegitimate. Were they able to maintain positions of influence in the Tudor courts?

[@collnss]

I do know that his two sons with Katherine W died of the sweating sickness as young adults in school, in close proximity of time. This was after Brandon died.

[@emerybayblues]

Daughter Frances Brandon was the mother of Lady Jane Grey.

[@gogreen7794]

Since the late Queen Mother Elizabeth was descended from Mary Tudor Brandon, through Catherine Grey (sister to Jane Grey), King Charles, Prince William, and Prince George are all descended from Charles Brandon.

[@xwiirastusx]

I quite agree that King Henry must have seen himself in Brandon. But could it be that Brandon was also in possession of some delicate piece of information about Henry? "If I should fall, I will take you down right with me" kind of situation.

[@patrickbarrett5650]

Thoroughly enjoyed this, thank you. I was reminded of an old TV series ‘when the boat comes in’ where a survivor of the First World War claimed to have been with the local land-owner’s son when he died in battle. He used this to gain favour and whenever the tale wore thin he would add a slight embellishment to pique interest in the tale. James Bolam played the character.

[@TreeCurtis84]

Thank you! I loved this! May I just say, that H.H portrait of Catherine of Willoughby looks shockingly modern! I had to look it up to check if it was her contemporary image. She looks like a 1930s movie star!

[@leonieromanes7265]

She was famed for her intelligence and beauty, Brandon couldn't resist the old creeper.

[@mkaykay3]

Love! I listened to your video about Mary Tudor earlier today, and headed straight to this one. Charles Brandon might have been the luckiest person of Tudor England, I think, considering that he survived both Henry VII and Henry VIII. I think Henry VIII could relate to a man doing something incredibly foolish just to marry the woman he desperately wanted, and I do think that helped keep Charles alive. I also imagine that Henry didn’t want to embarrass himself further by waving the proof that his subject and his sister had defied him by executing Charles. Not to mention it’s hardly likely that Mary would have been a great bargaining tool in marriage after a scandal such as an unapproved marriage and executed husband.

[@gillianstapleton7741]

I really enjoyed this one, thank you, Dr Kat. Have you done a video on James IV of Scotland? He's such an interesting character, I'd love to see what you think of him too.

[@beth7935]

YES!!! James IV was cool! And married Henry VIII's other sister, ofc!

[@pamelaoliver8442]

Honestly Dr. Kat you were kind in your assessment of Mr. Brandon. It's high time someone led the description of one of these guys with a statement of what they really were...very flawed people and not charachters in a show. (No disrespect to the very pleasing Mr. Cavill)

[@historylover9999]

I could tell you didn't like charles brandon like five minutes into this video. I don't blame you he's sleazy🤣

[@teresakoslosky3053]

I love listening to you! You bring my favorite history alive! I love English history, especially the Tudor’s!!

[@Lizzie-ve7kt]

find it interesting how the show runners of The Tudors series portrayed Charles in a much more sympathetic and flattering light. I wonder if it’s because they knew he’d be sticking around for all of the show’s seasons and they needed to make him more likable since they couldn’t deviate too too much from history in trying to make Henry more palatable. I don’t know if it was intentional or not, but it seems as if they figured leaving out some of the more despicable aspects of his character from the storylines would be easier for the audience to empathize with his character. Although I do also think it’s a testament to the writers of the show and Henry Cavill’s acting ability that his character was able to be more nuanced and strike a balance of being seen as both the best friend and sometimes foil to Henry’s more tyrannical demands.

[@dorian4534]

Not a particular fan of Charles Brandon for the same reasons you list. I feel that you hit the nail on the head; Henry saw himself, and want he wanted to be. A ladies man, a bit of a rogue. A dashing knight. That, of course, is how things line up with my view of Henry as someone that wanted to be a 'King Arthur' figure for his country.

[@90sHONEY]

I don't know why but I have always been interested in Catherine Willoughby. Not sure if she's even interesting enough to make a video about her but maybe you'd consider putting her on your list? :)

[@LadyCat183]

Great idea, she was fortunate enough to gracefully decline an offer from Henry after Brandon's death

[@ElizabethF2222]

I realize this is an old video but it was soo good! If you haven't read Tony Riches' book on Brandon, it's worth a read. He really manages to humanize Brandon, the one man who survived Henry's psychotic wrath. I have to admit, I kind of warmed to Brandon after reading that book. Like you said, Brandon was driven by money and lust (as you hilariously pointed out, his pr**ck) LOL and I think Henry did see himself in Charles and lived vicariously through him. Also, the main reason I think Henry didn't get rid of Brandon was because Brandon had no claim to the throne. If he had, he probably would have ended up on the block like Edward Stafford, the Duke of Buckingham, whose only crimes were his arrogance and Plantagenet blood. I also don't think there's any evidence that Edward Stafford really tried to overthrow Henry? That would be entirely stupid, but in Henry's world, you don't have to be guilty of something to be executed for treason. One would only have to look at Anne Boleyn for evidence of that. The Tudors show wasn't the most historically accurate to say the least. Charles was also the perfect "Tudor knight warrior" that Henry saw himself as, although in his later life, Henry was so fat, he could barely mount his poor horse. Thanks for the video, Dr. Kat!

[@blackfeather1127]

Another brilliant video, Dr. Kat! :) Well researched, and so much fun for a Tudor buff like me! I wonder if you would consider making a video on Henry VIII’s grandfather, Edward IV?

[@bonnieburros1698]

I do enjoy these programs and I hope you continue with them. As a lot of us, I am sure we enjoy them so much.

[@KissMyFrog42]

So basically, every time he got into trouble, he'd just shout "Lads lads lads", and all was forgiven. Nice to see how far we've come as a society in 600 years. /sarcasm

[@helenpetersson8455]

New information for me! Thank you!

[@vve3634]

Super interesting. Thank you!!

[@ruthgoldsmith6647]

I LOVE these podcasts ...Thank You, Ruth

[@bennieparker722]

Excellent! Thank you! You are such an excellent teacher!

[@neilkoch5481]

i love watching your videos cause i learn so much. The tudors was one of my most loved shows i even bought the dvd boxset. It's a shame most of it wasn't the truth.

[@AshleyLebedev]

I have always loved this subject. He’s a case study on how not to die! I am so glad someone covered this subject! Thank you so much!

[@ElliotOracle]

You’re wonderful Dr. Kat ☺️🙏

[@isawa6649]

I learned a lot of things about this man. Thank you Dr Kat

[@chrismurray2237]

This video on Brandon was great. Always wondered about that ability to survive as well. I like how you put it all together so succinctly. 🌺🌸

[@kazoolibra7322]

Excellent history of Charles Brandon...thank you , kat

[@mintpixie8814]

Both lead by their peckers! Another great video Kat. 👍 I’d love to know more about Sir Rich Richard, he seems to be another self-serving aristocrat who escaped the Tower. I first read about this man in the historical novels by C J Samson (my favourite series about a fictional lawyer Matthew Shardlake) set around many true events in the reign of Henry VIII.

[@RABuffat]

So, so interesting! Thank you Dr. Kat! I will be listening to this again because there is so much detail. Excellent job. And I totally agree that Henry saw himself in Brandon. Birds of a feather...

[@rubyc5664]

Very excited about your Charles Brandon video! I was quite curious about his story. Brilliant! Thank you Dr. Kat 💐

[@KatTheScribe]

Birds of a feather, for sure. Thanks for another great video!

[@jennaolbermann7663]

Thank you for this video. I have had little knowledge of Charles Brandon.

[@TheTam0613]

Thank you so much, Dr. Kat!! I have the same feelings about Charles Brandon!

[@Queenofthemuse]

Thank you Dr Kat for another great video. I really enjoy your presentation style and you bring the past to life every time! I’m lucky enough to work in a stately home and I’m constantly surrounded by history and beautiful artefacts, each with a fascinating story. Uncovering these stories and communicating this is so exciting for me, and doing it in your style of presentation is something I aspire to! Looking forward to your next video! ❤️👍🏼

[@kategriffin7297]

Great video. “Looking in a mirror” is right on!!!

[@barbaraleonard8379]

I think you nailed it Dr. Kat !!! Birds of a feather .

[@Virus-xm7qc]

THANKYOU Doc for all you Bring to Us!😁

[@marywells6048]

What a wonderful episode.

[@lauramarles8445]

Great job Dr Kat!

[@heathercontois4501]

It is interesting to see how much Brandon influenced Henry as they grew up, especially as an "older sibling". But, I also love reading the comments on history docs like this where it's all fact, it's all documented and some of it in artwork from the period. I also, after reading comments, can't help but to point out that it seems that women were not the only ones in need of profitable marriages or the desire to be in the hierarchy's good graces in order to live longer lives. It really does seem to me that Charles Brandon had a good grasp of how to live long, with enough money to do it, and to keep from being in the Tower. He may have been a prick, but a villain he was not.

[@beckybeers787]

I enjoy your videos. They are informative and entertaining. Thank you for the hard work.

[@dickmcshan9778]

Yet another educational and entertaining presentation. Keep up the great work. Cheers, Dick from Vancouver.

[@katehillier1027]

Nice and chatty and another addition to my historians collection! Fascinating rabbit holes!

[@jasperhorace7147]

Brandon is the perfect example of the upwardly mobile medieval man (I know the Middle Ages were over by then), using marriage to a series of both wealthier and higher status women to enhance his own standing and fortune. There are probably other lesser known examples of equally despicable behaviour to achieve this aim, but Brandon’s story is so well known. I wonder how he was judged by his peers.

[@carollomax9524]

Excellent work!

[@georginaellison6280]

I enjoyed this video immensely. Though I've read extensively on the Tudors, I didn't know what a sleaze bucket he was! Thank you so much!

[@gscasale7772]

What an utter creep. Thanks for this spectacular take on one who rivals some of the worst of this ilk. I must do more reading...