1501 - Katherine and Arthur

In 1501 Katherine of Aragon arrived in England and married Prince Arthur; an event a long time in the making. Engaged at three years old, it would take a further twelve years before Katherine would make the difficult journey, over stormy seas, to land in Plymouth on 2 October 1501. She then went to give thanks for her safe arrival at the Church of St. Andrew.

Arthur rode with his father, Henry VII, to meet her, and she then travelled to Lambeth Palace where she arrived on 9 November and prepared for her official, and spectacular, presentation to the city of London.

On 12 November, Katherine formally entered London and progressed through various spectacular pageants staged throughout the city. These included astrological displays, references to Arthurian legend, and people dressed as Saints and ancestors. These references served to suggest that this was a marriage that had been prophesied and ordained by the stars.

On 14 November, Katherine and Arthur were married at St. Paul's Cathedral and Katherine was escorted down the aisle by the ten-year-old Prince Henry. (A foreshadowing event, if ever there was one!). The ceremony was conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury and assisted by the Bishop of London.

Katherine wore a white, satin dress and a fine silk veil which covered her face until they were married.

In December, the couple left for Ludlow palace to begin their own court, where they were expected to live happily, ever after.