Tudor Times is the online repository for all things Tudor and Stewart (1485–1625)

On 20th April 1486 Henry VII visited York, as part of his efforts to unite the country following his victory at Bosworth the previous autumn. He was met at the city boundary by the Sheriff and Aldermen. Pageants were laid on and the Mayor and leading citizens were dressed in shades of violet, mulberry and scarlet. At Micklegate Bar (pictured), red and white roses were displayed and a group of children sang out 'King Henry, King Henry'. Perhaps to enhance Henry VII’s rather thin claim to the throne, six citizens dressed as the previous King Henrys appeared and were introduced.

On 19th April 1587 Sir Francis Drake led a pre-emptive strike on the growing Spanish fleet that was being gathered to launch the 'Enterprise of England'. Drake and his flotilla entered the harbour at Calais and destroyed two or three ships, whilst capturing four more, loaded with provisions. The incident was referred to by Drake as 'Singeing the King of Spain’s beard'. The damage delayed the sailing of the Spanish Armada by about a year. England and Spain had been engaged in warfare-by-proxy for nearly twenty years. On Elizabeth’s accession, her brother-in-law, Philip of Spain, had supported her, rather than the rival Catholic claimant, Mary, Queen of Scots, because of the latter’s alliance with France, but increasing religious tensions, and the support by England for the Netherland’s attempts to throw off Spanish rule had led to a break-down in relations.

On 18th April 1503, a son, Henri, was born to Catherine I, Queen of Navarre, and her husband, Jean d’Albret (Jean III of Navarre). Catherine was Queen of Navarre in her own right, a claim that was disputed by her paternal uncle, Jean de Foix, and her maternal great uncle, Ferdinand of Aragon. The Spanish conquered parts of Upper Navarre in 1512, so when Henri inherited in 1517, he sought protection from further Spanish depredations by marrying Marguerite d’Angouleme, sister of the King of France to bolster his claims. Succeeded by his daughter, Joan III, Henri’s grandson (Henri IV) eventually inherited the thrones of both Navarre and France, uniting the two kingdoms.