December 17: Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon

Today's treat is a reminder that Henry VIII was once happy with Catherine of Aragon.

This image is taken from the 1511 Westminster Tournament Roll and depicts the king jousting in front of his first wife. The tournament was held on 12th and 13th February 1511 in honour of Catherine, who'd given birth to a son, Henry, Duke of Cornwall on 1st January 1511. The Westminster Tournament Roll recorded the event and comprised thirty-six vellum membranes sewn together and is believed to have come from the workshop of Thomas Wriothesley, officer of arms at the College of Arms.

Sadly, Henry and Catherine's son died on 22nd February, just nine days after the end of the tournament.