Each of the Tudor rulers had their own distinct qualities and foibles.

Each of the Tudor rulers had their own distinct qualities and foibles.

But perhaps one unites them. They all demonstrated tremendous will and self belief when the odds were against them.

Henry VII who won a throne he had no real right to.

Henry VIII who rewrote the religious rules of the nation to get what he wanted.

Edward VI who, despite being ill and close to death, managed to impose his illegal device for the succession on England’s legal system.

Mary I who overcame her brother’s will and successfully claimed the crown. Even her close imperial supporters thought her cause was hopeless.

Elizabeth I who survived a tempestuous youth, forged a formidable rule and overcame the Spanish on the high seas.

Could it be that this sense of will, survival and destiny was first exhibited by their early matriarch. After all, Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry VII, risked her own life to organise a rebellion against Richard III and establish her son as a credible candidate for the throne.

What formidable will power and sense of purpose she must have possessed.

To what extent do you think Margaret was (be it consciously or otherwise) an example to her descendants?