Mary Tudor was the favorite sister of Henry VIII and the daughter of Henry VII.

Henry VIII and Wolsey made arrangements for Mary to marry Louis XII of France. Louis was 60 and Mary was 18. Mary agreed only if Henry promised that she could choose her next husband. Louis died after 3 months of marriage. However, Henry did not keep his promise.

At age 18, Mary was tall, fair and had red gold hair She loved dancing and music. She played music and sang.

Mary married Charles Brandon secretly in France. Charles Brandon was the first duke of Suffolk. He was a friend of Henry VIII since childhood. His father died fighting for Henry VII, so Henry VII took him into his household. He was created Duke of Suffolk in 1514.

When Henry VIII found out that Brandon had married his sister he was angry. Brandon could have lost his life for treason but Henry forgave him.

children:

• Henry 1516-34, earl of Lincoln
• Frances 1517-59 married Henry Grey - Grandparents of Lady Jane Grey.
• Elanor 1519-47 married Henry Clifford, Earl of Cumberland

related subject: Medieval Castles in England

Kings and Queens of England

References:

Weir, Alison, The Six Wives of Henry VIII,  Grove Press (April 2000)

Weir, Alison, Henry VIII: The King and His Court Ballantine Books; Reprint edition (October 29, 2002)