Catherine of Aragon was the first wife of Henry VIII of England. Born into Spanish royalty in 1485, Catherine was married to Henry in 1509. http://departments.kings.edu/womens_history/oldpgs/ocathyaragon.html Catherine of Aragon produced one heir to the English throne, Mary I of England. Catherine was overthrown by Henry when he was beguiled by the charms of Anne Boleyn, and their marriage was ultimately declared illegitimate by Henry himself. http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biographies/catherine-of-aragon.html Catherine died in 1536.

From an early age, the Spanish princess was groomed and educated to become the eventual Queen of England. Her mother and father, Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile created a dynasty and their children, Catherine's three sisters and a brother, were linked throughout Europe to ruling families.http://www.pbs.org/wnet/sixwives/meet/ca_handbook_bg5.html Her union with Henry was an important marriage for Britain.http://www.pbs.org/wnet/sixwives/meet/ca_handbook_bg.html Her life and subsequent downfall have been portrayed in films and biographies, including the PBS series "The Six Wives of Henry VIII".

Catherine of Aragon was originally married to Prince Arthur, the brother of Henry VIII. http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/TUDhenry8.htm Prince Arthur succumbed to illness months after their wedding; she was thus betrothed to Henry, who married Catherine after ascending the throne in 1509. http://www.reference.com/browse/catherine+of+aragon http://www.luminarium.org/encyclopedia/catherinearagon.htm In 1511 their union produced a son, who died only months later. http://www.reference.com/browse/catherine+of+aragon Several miscarriages and stillbirths occurred over the course of their marriage and frustrations grew as Catherine and Henry failed to produce a male heir for England's throne. http://www.notablebiographies.com/Ca-Ch/Catherine-of-Aragon.html Catherine did give birth to a baby girl, Mary, who proceeded to claim the throne later in her own right. http://departments.kings.edu/womens_history/marytudor.html

Henry VIII’s affections eventually turned to Anne Boleyn. Henry began to inquire if Catherine’s previous marriage to his brother was ever consummated, which had never been a matter of contention previously; Catherine had always vehemently denied consummation. http://www.notablebiographies.com/Ca-Ch/Catherine-of-Aragon.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/catherine_of_aragon.shtml Henry VIII asked the Pope for to annul his marriage to Catherine with the hopes of marrying Anne Boleyn, to which the Pope refused. http://departments.kings.edu/womens_history/oldpgs/ocathyaragon.html

In anger, Henry declared himself the head of the new Church of England and ruled their marriage illegitimate; Catherine was subsequently banished from court. http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/TUDhenry8.htmhttp://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biographies/catherine-of-aragon.html Catherine, a pious Catholic, never wavered in her assertion that she was the true Queen of England and that their marriage was legitimate. http://www.reference.com/browse/catherine+of+aragon http://www.notablebiographies.com/Ca-Ch/Catherine-of-Aragon.html Catherine died in 1536 at Kimbolton Castle in Huntingdonshire. http://www.pbs.org/wnet/sixwives/meet/ca_handbook_fate2.html

• 1485: Catherine is born in Spain
• 1501: Catherine and Arthur marry, Arthur dies of illness months later
• 1509: Henry and Catherine marry after his father, Henry VII, dies
• 1516: Daughter, Mary, is born healthy and is the only surviving heir
• 1526: Henry is entranced by lady in waiting Anne Boleyn
• 1533: Anne becomes pregnant and Catherine's marriage is annulled by the King. Catherine is banished from court and separated from her daughter
• 1536: Catherine dies