Скачать или смотреть The Teen Mother Who Became the Tudor Matriarch

Even in the Middle Ages, early childbirth was considered dangerous. In fact, any birth carried the risk of death due to limited knowledge of anatomy and hygiene. While noble marriages could be arranged as early as infancy, they were usually consummated at puberty.

Margaret Beaufort is believed to have been 13 years and 8 months old when she gave birth to her son. However, since her exact birth date is uncertain, she may have been even younger. The boy was named Henry, and he would one day become Henry VII, the first Tudor king.

Her labor was excruciatingly difficult, and many historians believe she suffered childbirth injuries that left her unable to have more children. Others argue that the trauma of the experience led her to consciously avoid pregnancy.

Regardless, Margaret devoted her entire life to her son and his path to the English throne.