Katherine of Aragon: Beyond the Stereotypes
Bromyard & District Local History Society, Herefordshire, HR7 4DL
Monday 11th May 2026
What was life really like for Henry VIII’s six wives? Caroline Willcocks, who has researched and written four successful novels on the Tudor Queens talks about their lives and loves. Was Katherine of Aragon a liar? Was Anne Boleyn a schemer? Did Anne of Cleves smell? Over four talks she discusses these women and the legacy they have left.
Talk 1
Katherine of Aragon: Beyond the Stereotypes
Unveiling the True Character of Henry the Eighth’s First Tudor Queen
Explore the extraordinary life of Katherine of Aragon, the first wife of Henry VIII. Too often dismissed as dowdy and overly pious, Katherine’s true legacy is far richer and more nuanced. Was she merely a devout and plain figure, or did her intelligence, political acumen, and beauty shape the course of English history? Discover how Katherine navigated the treacherous world of Tudor politics, championed scholarship for women, and inspired devotion and respect across Europe. This session will challenge prevailing myths and invite you to see Katherine not as a passive victim, but as a clever, resilient, and charismatic queen whose influence is celebrated to this day.
Caroline has lived in Bromyard for the last six years, with her husband the poet John Pare, a dog and a cat. She has worked in the theatre, freelance journalism and for charities before writing six novels (so far). Her work examines human emotions in a historical context and celebrates the passion and danger of the Tudor court.
Talk 1
Katherine of Aragon: Beyond the Stereotypes
Unveiling the True Character of Henry the Eighth’s First Tudor Queen
Explore the extraordinary life of Katherine of Aragon, the first wife of Henry VIII. Too often dismissed as dowdy and overly pious, Katherine’s true legacy is far richer and more nuanced. Was she merely a devout and plain figure, or did her intelligence, political acumen, and beauty shape the course of English history? Discover how Katherine navigated the treacherous world of Tudor politics, championed scholarship for women, and inspired devotion and respect across Europe. This session will challenge prevailing myths and invite you to see Katherine not as a passive victim, but as a clever, resilient, and charismatic queen whose influence is celebrated to this day.
Caroline has lived in Bromyard for the last six years, with her husband the poet John Pare, a dog and a cat. She has worked in the theatre, freelance journalism and for charities before writing six novels (so far). Her work examines human emotions in a historical context and celebrates the passion and danger of the Tudor court.
