Catherine of Aragon: Love and Legitimacy

When Henry VIII wanted a divorce from Catherine of Aragon, he needed to prove that she was not a virgin when they wed.

One woman was key to proving this: Catalina of Motril, Catherine's enslaved servant who was always present in the royal bedroom.

Before the divorce, though, what was Catalina's experience like in the heart of the Tudor court? What would it have been like for her, as a person of colour in Tudor England? And did Henry's lawyers ever track her down?

Joining Kate today is historian and author Lauren Johnson, to help us get to know Catalina's remarkable story better. 

This episode was edited and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.

Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign here for up to 50% for 3 months using code BETWIXT

You can take part in our listener survey here.

Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast.