Log In
Register
Home
Topic RSS
2:12 am
October 12, 2010
Offline
Something that I have always found interesting (forgive me if I sound a little silly!) is that different spelling of Henry's 1st, 5th and 6th wives names. I was just wondering how you prefer to spell them?
I myself tend to go with:
Katherine of Aragon
Katherine Howard
Catherine Parr
I know a few people tend to prefer 'Katheryn' for Katherine Howard, and some prefer 'Catherine' for Katherine of Aragon.
Is there any particular reasons behind ways that you personally choose to spell them? Do you pick a different one for each so that you know which is which? Or do you use the same for all?
I know it is a bit of a silly question, but I thought I would go ahead and ask it anyway!
6:33 am
June 7, 2010
Offline
I've always understood that spelling in the Medieval and Renaissance periods was more phoentic than it is today. Standardized spelling of names, places, etc. is a modern day invention. I am not informed when standardized writing took place, but it does allow most people to read pieces of writing.
That's why we see Katherine, Catherine, Kathryn, etc. Many historians keep with their version of names, but in actual documents, the spelling can vary.
I hope this is some help.
"By daily proof you shall find me to be to you both loving and kind" Anne Boleyn
5:54 pm
August 3, 2010
Offline
Not a silly question at all, Kim! I often find myself writing different spellings of the three mentioned wives' names, experimenting a little 🙂 But, like you, I tend to gravitate toward K, K, and C, although sometimes I'll switch C and K with KoA and Catherine Parr. Depends, I guess! I've only switched Katherine Howard's once or twice I think; but with KoA, I think she was Caterina (or maybe Catelina?) before, so perhaps it makes sense to spell her name with a C…
"Grumble all you like, this is how it's going to be"
9:47 pm
January 9, 2010
Offline
I change them around too! KOA was called Catalina in Spain but was referred to as Katherine by the English, although in the new book on her she's given C as the first initial which is a more modern spelling. And Catherine Parr signed herself Kateryn the Quene. Wonder if Henry had these problems….
