Charles V

Illegitimate Daughter of Charles V: Margaret of Parma (Guest Post)

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Part One by Heather R. Darsie Margaret of Parma was born 5 July 1522 to the twenty-two-year-old holy Roman Emperor Charles V and his paramour, Johanna van der Gheenst. She was born in Oudenaarde, Netherlands.  Margaret was the eldest of all of Charles’ children. Charles met Johanna during a six week-long visit to Charles de Lalaing, Count of Lalaing’s home in late 1521. There, Charles met Johanna, and their daughter Margaret was born the following summer. Margaret was [More]

Thomas the Diplomat and the Siege of Pest

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During my continual research of Thomas Seymour I have come across a many letters that he wrote during his diplomatic missions. I will be honest, when I first found these letters I glanced at them and my eyes instantly glazed over. Most of these letters contained what I considered a bunch of military jargon that made little sense to me. It wasn't until very recently that I decided to look at the letters again to help me truly understand who Thomas Seymour was. He wasn't [More]

Queen Mary’s False Pregnancies

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On the 19th of July 1553, Mary Tudor was declared Queen of England. From that moment (and obviously prior to it) she understood the importance of having an heir. For if she did not produce an heir her sister Elizabeth would keep England Protestant. It was very important for Mary to return England to Rome and resume the Catholic faith to her country. It wasn't until the 25th of July 1554, that Mary and Philip were married. Her biological clock was already ticking - Mary [More]