Katherine of Aragon
12th October 2026 by | Uncategorized
Before They Were Queens: Katherine of Aragon
Before England knew her as Katherine, she was Catalina—a Spanish princess whose future was being planned long before she understood what it would demand of her. Born at Alcalá de Henares in December 1485, she was the youngest daughter of Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon. Her mother was a reigning queen in her own right: a powerful example for a girl growing up in a world largely governed by men.
Isabella insisted that her daughters receive an education beyond the domestic accomplishments expected of noblewomen. Katherine studied Latin, languages and religious literature.
Behind the familiar portrait was an educated young woman, raised to understand faith, duty and the responsibilities of royal birth. Yet her future marriage was also a matter of diplomacy. In 1501, aged just fifteen, she left Spain for England to marry Arthur, Prince of Wales—not his younger brother Henry. Imagine that departure: familiar voices and the warmth of home left behind, a sea crossing, and a husband she scarcely knew waiting in a foreign country.
The crown and the heartbreak belonged to later chapters. First came the girl.
Our Ginger Spiced Seville Orange Marmalade pays tribute to Katherine’s Spanish origins—a little sunshine beside a story so often remembered for its sorrow.
If you would like to purchase an individual jar or the complete Six Queens collection, please drop me a line at info@murderinthetower.london. UK delivery is free.
We also welcome enquiries from castles, museums and heritage sites interested in stocking the range. Our jams and preserves can be paired with my historical novels to create gift sets—a little taste of Tudor history to enjoy at home.
Best wishes
Gemma
Author British Historian Founder, The Princes in the Tower Society Member of The Norfolk Archaeological Trust Member of The Historical Novel Society www.murderinthetower.london