The Defiant Death of Catherine of Aragon

Catherine of Aragon urged Pope Paul III to excommunicate Henry VIII, possibly out of hope or justice. As her health declined, she prepared her will and wrote to Charles V to protect her daughter Mary. Despite her love for Henry, she died without her family present. Her heart was found black, possibly due to cancer or poison. Henry and Anne Boleyn showed no sorrow, celebrating instead. Catherine's funeral was modest, and Anne's miscarriage on the same day was seen as ominous. Henry refused to acknowledge Catherine as more than the Dowager Princess of Wales.

What did Catherine of Aragon do as she felt her death approaching?

• She wrote her will and a letter to Charles V.

• She wrote a letter to the Pope.

• She asked Henry to visit her.

• She planned a grand funeral.

What was unusual about Catherine's heart according to the embalmer?

• It was perfectly healthy.

• It was larger than normal.

• It was completely black.

• It was missing.

How did Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn react to Catherine's death?

• They were publicly happy.

• They wore black in mourning.

• They organized a memorial service.

• They mourned privately.

What significant event occurred on the day of Catherine's funeral?

• Mary was crowned queen.

• Henry declared a day of mourning.

• Anne Boleyn miscarried a male child.

• Anne Boleyn gave birth to a son.

Where was Catherine of Aragon buried?

• Peterborough Cathedral

• St. Paul's Cathedral

• Canterbury Cathedral

• Westminster Abbey