1503 - The Death of Elizabeth of York

Though Elizabeth gave birth to eight children, only four survived to adulthood. The eldest of these, Arthur, died in 1502, leaving Prince Henry as the new heir, and his two sisters Mary and Margaret.

Upon the loss of Arthur, Elizabeth had taken some comfort in being young enough to have more children. A surprising statement perhaps given that she was thirty-six, which was not particularly young for the time in which she lived.

Her belief was however correct and she became pregnant reasonably quickly, though she sadly died not long after the birth, of this, her final child.

Once it was suspected that there were difficulties, and a surgeon - Master Robert - was called on 22 January and the baby, whom they named Catherine, was born prematurely on 3 February. Elizabeth of York died nine days later, on her 37th birthday.

The shock must been heightened due to the recent prediction made by the court astrologer William Parron, that she would live until she was 80 years old.

All who knew her were stricken by this loss. She was a beloved wife and mother. The narrative of her funeral was of a most gracious and beloved princess.