num_pages: 208
description: Illegitimate son to Edward IV and the uncle of Henry VIII Arthur Plantagenets life is an intriguing story. Raised in his fathers court he then became a trusted member of Henry VIIs household and after his death was a prominent figure at the court of Henry VIII. Henry VIII treated his uncle well in the early years of his reign making him vice-admiral and then Lord Deputy of Calais in 1533.Arthur did the best he could in his new position in Calais over seven years including trying to maintain a relationship with Thomas Cromwell against a background of religious change but there were numerous complaints about him and his paranoid nephews suspicions over his loyalty grew  culminating in Lisles arrest and imprisonment for two years with no legal reason.Arthur was released from the Tower in 1542 yet tragically died after receiving a diamond ring from his nephew. He was so excited that his heart  that gentlest living heart  failed soon after.We owe much of what we know about Henry VIIIs uncle to the seizure and preservation of the Lisle Letters an impressive collection of correspondence obtained at his arrest that has miraculously survived. Not only do they give details of Arthurs life but they are an amazing insight into the religious political culture and social background of the 16th century. Placed as he was Arthur Plantagenets story gives a whole new fresh perspective on a turbulent yet vibrant period of history.
language: English
title: Arthur Plantagenet: Henry VIII's Illegitimate Uncle
publisher: Pen and Sword History