alternatehistory.com

So, this is something I've been mulling over for a time. We know there was a mighty succession issue for the Tudors during the reign of Henry VIII, because of his many wives and lack of male heirs, but would such a thing necessarily have been the case had either of his other brothers Arthur or Edmund survived and had issue?

Personally, I think that if Arthur had survived and consummated his marriage with Catherine, that things would've progressed naturally. Arthur and Catherine were the same age, and likely would've had a fair few kids, including the much needed heir and spare. Henry likely would've been the Duke of York and married someone just to confirm the succession. It is my personal opinion that in this scenario, the chances of a break from Rome are minimised, at least in a top down scenario, as Arthur and Catherine were both very devout Catholics and I imagine their kids would be as well. However, it is possible they might have faced trouble down the line from the down up.

In the scenario where Arthur still dies, but Edmund is alive, I reckon, Henry's paranoia might play up in regards to Edmund, if he has no sons, but Edmund does. Edmund likely becomes the focus of plots and plans for those opposed to Henry's Queens, especially the Boleyn one.

What do you guys think? I'm on the mark, or off the mark completely?

@BlueFlowwer @desmirelle @FalconHonour @Kellan Sullivan
Top