Margaret Beaufort: Mother of the Tudor Dynasty
by Elizabeth Norton
Stroud, Gloucestershire: Amberley, 2010
244 pages

Already have a book on Margaret Beaufort (and have her covered via books on other Tudors) and find her a fascinating biography. Norton did a good job of laying out the bare bones of Margaret’s life—using many primary sources and quoting from them extensively.

Would not say there was a great deal of analysis but there really is not the need. Margaret managed to survive and formulate much of her life in an era when women had little power let alone rights. She did become a huge influence (not in any official capacity) on her son once he became Henry VII. She was able to have him generate policy to her benefit—mostly in land acquisitions and grants.

Cannot imagine what poor Elizabeth of York had to go through with Margaret as her mother-in-law.  Supposedly, Margaret controlled the Queen’s household even to the point of ordering the cushions in Elizabeth’s chambers. Certainly a formidable woman!