In St Margaret’s Church at Westminster, situated next to the world-famous Westminster Abbey, a remarkable Flemish stained-glass window stands as a testament to one of the most pivotal moments in English history—the marriage of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon. This marriage, which took place on 11 June 1509, not only shaped the course of the English Reformation but also left an enduring legacy reflected in the architecture and historical artefacts of the period.
The Flemish Window: A Masterpiece of Historical Significance
At the heart of St Margaret’s Church, an exquisite Flemish glass window dating from 1526 commands attention. Crafted by master artisans from the Netherlands, this stained-glass window is far more than a work of art—it is a historical document frozen in time. The centrepiece depicts the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, but what makes this window truly unique is the presence of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon depicted in prayerful poses at the lower corners, kneeling in supplication. This striking composition serves as a visual reminder of the political and religious tensions surrounding their marriage.
A Royal Wedding Marked by Diplomacy
The marriage of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon was more than a union of two individuals; it was a strategic alliance between England and Spain. Catherine, daughter of the Catholic Monarchs Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon, was initially married to Arthur, Prince of Wales, Henry’s older brother, in 1501. Following Arthur’s untimely death just five months later, diplomatic efforts to preserve the Anglo-Spanish alliance led to Catherine’s betrothal to the young Henry, who was six years her junior.
The marriage negotiations were protracted, culminating in a formal agreement in 1503 at Richmond Palace. However, the actual marriage did not take place until 1509, after the death of Henry VII, Henry’s father. The terms of the marriage treaty were clear: the union was to cement a lasting alliance between England and Spain, with Ferdinand II agreeing to pay a substantial dowry.
Religious Controversies and Legal Challenges
However, this royal marriage was not without controversy. According to canon law, based on the Biblical text from Leviticus, a man was forbidden to marry his brother’s widow. This presented a significant religious obstacle to the union between Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon. The verse in question—Leviticus 18:16—stated, “If a man shall take his brother’s wife, it is an unclean thing: he hath uncovered his brother’s nakedness; they shall be childless.”
To overcome this impediment, Pope Julius II issued a papal dispensation in 1504, permitting the marriage to proceed despite the biblical prohibition. Nevertheless, Henry VII, ever the pragmatist, delayed the marriage, preferring to keep his son available for other potentially advantageous matches. It wasn’t until Henry VIII ascended the throne in 1509 that the marriage was finally solemnised.
A Marriage in Limbo: Political Intrigue and Personal Struggles
In the years leading up to their marriage, Catherine of Aragon was kept in a state of limbo, residing in England but living under difficult circumstances. Henry VII had not treated her well, withholding funds and subjecting her to periods of near poverty. However, Catherine’s piousness and devotion to duty won her admiration from the English court and people.
Once Henry VIII became king, he honoured his father’s dying wish and married Catherine. Their wedding ceremony took place in a grand event at Greenwich Palace on 11 June 1509, just weeks after Henry’s coronation. At that time, their union was hailed as a triumph, both personally and politically.
The Window as a Commemoration of the Royal Couple
The Flemish window at St Margaret’s Church was commissioned in 1526, several years after their marriage. By this time, the union between Henry and Catherine had taken a turn, with Henry VIII’s growing frustration over the lack of a male heir becoming a critical issue. The window, however, captures a moment in time when the marriage was still viewed as a positive symbol of dynastic continuity.
In the window, Henry VIII is shown on the left, clad in his distinctive robes, while Catherine of Aragon appears on the right, both in prayer. This depiction may have been intended as a symbol of their shared piety and commitment to their marriage. The inclusion of the Crucifixion of Christ at the centre of the scene underscores the religious significance of their union and the divine blessing that many believed it conferred.
The Decline of Henry and Catherine’s Marriage
Despite the symbolic weight of the Flemish window, the marriage between Henry VIII and Catherine did not last. By the late 1520s, Henry’s obsession with securing a male heir and his infatuation with Anne Boleyn led him to seek an annulment. The ensuing battle between Henry and the Papacy over the annulment request eventually led to the English Reformation, the break from Rome, and the establishment of the Church of England.
Though Catherine of Aragon remained deeply loved by the English people, she was ultimately cast aside, and Henry VIII went on to marry Anne Boleyn. However, the Flemish window at St Margaret’s Church remains as a poignant reminder of the early years of their marriage, a time when their union symbolised hope for the Tudor dynasty and the future of England.
A Window into the Past: The Lasting Legacy of Henry and Catherine
Today, the Flemish window stands as one of the most important historical artefacts in St Margaret’s Church. Its significance goes beyond the intricate artistry of the stained glass; it represents a turning point in English history when the marriage of a king and queen held the power to shape nations. The window, steeped in symbolism, provides modern visitors with a glimpse into the complex political and religious dynamics of the 16th century.
For those interested in Tudor history, a visit to St Margaret’s Church offers a rare opportunity to see an artefact that reflects the intertwining of personal, political, and religious histories. The window’s depiction of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon remains a powerful reminder of the ambitions and trials that marked their lives.
