CATHERINE DE VALOIS

FRENCH, 1401-37

As the youngest daughter of Charles VI and his domineering wife Isabeau of Bavaria, Catherine de Valois might not initially have appeared destined for greatness. However, negotiations to marry her to Henry, eldest son of Henry IV of England, began during her childhood. Although they would quickly flounder, Henry later revived the plan after he succeeded to the throne and insisted upon the marriage taking place as part of the negotiations after his victory at Agincourt. Catherine would be left widowed with a baby son, who succeeded his father as Henry VI, just over two years later.

After the death of Henry V, Catherine began a relationship with Owen Tudor, who was a member of her household and had four children with him, including Edmund Tudor, father of Henry VII.