The Story of King Henry VII and Elizabeth of York: A Novel of the Tudors

The story of King Henry VII and Elizabeth of York is a tale of love, war, and betrayal. It is a story that has been told and retold for centuries, and it continues to fascinate readers today. In this article, we will explore the history behind the novel, and we will provide a detailed summary of the plot. We will also discuss the novel's characters, themes, and symbolism.

To Hold the Crown: The Story of King Henry VII and Elizabeth of York (A Novel of the Tudors Book 1)

by Jean Plaidy

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
File size	:	3858 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	418 pages

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The Historical Background

The novel is set during the Wars of the Roses, a series of civil wars that were fought between the House of Lancaster and the House of York. The wars began in 1455, and they lasted for over thirty years. By the end of the wars, the House of Lancaster had been defeated, and the House of York had emerged victorious.

Henry VII was the first king of the Tudor dynasty. He was born in 1457, and he became king in 1485. Henry was a strong and capable ruler, and he helped to bring peace and stability to England. He married Elizabeth of York in 1486, and their marriage helped to unite the two rival houses.

Elizabeth of York was the daughter of King Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville. She was born in 1466, and she became queen in 1486. Elizabeth was a beautiful and intelligent woman, and she was a devoted wife and mother. She died in childbirth in 1503.

The Plot Summary

The novel begins with the marriage of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York. The marriage is a political alliance, but it soon turns into a love match. Henry and Elizabeth are deeply devoted to each other, and they have several children together.

However, the novel is not just a love story. It is also a story of war and betrayal. Henry VII faces many challenges during his reign, including rebellions and invasions. Elizabeth is also a target of plots and schemes. Despite the challenges they face, Henry and Elizabeth remain steadfast in their love for each other.

The novel ends with the death of Elizabeth in 1503. Henry is heartbroken by her death, and he never remarries. He dies in 1509, and he is succeeded by his son, Henry VIII.

The Characters

The novel's characters are complex and well-developed. Henry VII is a strong and capable ruler, but he is also a ruthless and ambitious man. Elizabeth of York is a beautiful and intelligent woman, but she is also a victim of her circumstances. The novel also features a number of other memorable characters, including:

• Margaret Beaufort, Henry VII's mother
• Richard III, Henry VII's uncle
• Thomas More, Henry VIII's chancellor
• Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII's second wife

The Themes

The novel explores a number of themes, including:

• Love
• War
• Betrayal
• Power
• Ambition

The novel shows how these themes can play out in the lives of individuals and nations. It is a story that is both timeless and relevant.

The Symbolism

The novel uses a number of symbols to convey its themes. For example, the white rose is a symbol of the House of York, while the red rose is a symbol of the House of Lancaster. The marriage of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York is a symbol of the union of the two houses.

The novel also uses the symbol of the Tudor rose to represent the new dynasty. The Tudor rose is a combination of the white rose and the red rose, and it symbolizes the peace and stability that Henry VII brought to England.

The Story of King Henry VII and Elizabeth of York is a classic novel of historical fiction. It is a story that has been told and retold for centuries, and it continues to fascinate readers today. The novel is a well-written and engaging read, and it is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the history of the Tudor dynasty.

To Hold the Crown: The Story of King Henry VII and Elizabeth of York (A Novel of the Tudors Book 1)

by Jean Plaidy

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
File size	:	3858 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	418 pages

FREE