The Treaty of Troyes, signed in 1420, used the marriage of Catherine of Valois to Henry V as a diplomatic instrument intended to resolve the Hundred Years' War. Born at the Hôtel Saint-Pol in 1401, Catherine transitioned from a French princess to the Queen consort of England, eventually becoming the matriarch of the Tudor dynasty.
Early Life and Education
The youngest daughter of King Charles VI of France and Isabeau of Bavaria, Catherine was raised within the French royal household. While some historical accounts suggested childhood neglect, financial records indicate she received gifts, toys, and an education fitting her status. She spent time at the convent in Poissy and later accompanied her mother during a period of confinement at Tours.
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Negotiations for Catherine's hand in marriage shifted significantly following Henry V’s 1415 invasion of France. After meeting at Meulan, the couple married on 2 June 1420. Catherine was crowned in Westminster Abbey in February 1421. She gave birth to their only son, Henry, in December 1421, while her husband was campaigning in France. Henry V died in August 1422, leaving Catherine a widow at age 20.
Union with Owen Tudor
As the queen dowager, Catherine lived in the king’s household, which allowed councillors to monitor her actions. Despite restrictive laws passed by Parliament regarding her remarriage, she entered a relationship with Owen Maredudd Tudor, a Welshman serving in her household. The couple had at least six children. Their union ultimately provided the lineage for the House of Tudor, as their grandson ascended the English throne as Henry VII.
Final Years
Catherine died on 3 January 1437 at the age of 35. While some sources suggest she died following childbirth, others indicate she entered Bermondsey Abbey seeking treatment for a lingering illness. She was interred at Westminster Abbey within the Chantry Chapel of Henry V. Following her death, authorities targeted Owen Tudor for violating marriage regulations, though he was eventually pardoned and remained active in royal service.
Fast facts
- Born: 1401, Hôtel Saint-Pol
- Died: 1437, Bermondsey Abbey
- Positions held: Queen of England, Prince of Achaea
- Spouses: Henry V of England, Owen Tudor
- Burial site: Westminster Abbey
- Dynastic significance: Mother of Henry VI, ancestor of Henry VII
Questions readers ask
Was the marriage between Catherine and Owen Tudor legal?
No contemporary evidence confirms a formal marriage, but historians note that no record exists of the union’s validity being challenged by law.
How did the Tudor dynasty descend from Catherine?
Her son with Owen Tudor, Edmund, married Margaret Beaufort; their son later became King Henry VII.
Achievements
- Worked as writer
