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Henry VII Letter Signed

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Henry VII Letter Signed
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Scarce Henry VII letter signed, dated 1506 and measuring an exceptionally large 16.5'' x 11.75''. Historically important letter was intended for King Philip I of Castile, to whom Catherine of Aragon's chamberlain (Royal assistant) would deliver while traveling in Spain. Letter in French implores Philip (Catherine's brother-in-law) to exert pressure upon Catherine's father, Ferdinand V of Aragon, to pay the remainder of her dowry so that she could marry Henry VII's son, the notorious Henry VIII. This letter is even more fascinating as Catherine, widow of Henry VII's eldest son Prince Arthur, was now betrothed to the new Prince of Wales, the future Henry VIII, but the marriage was contingent upon the second installment of her (delinquent) dowry being made available in London. Without the dowry, the helpless princess had to live on the uncertain largess of the notoriously frugal Henry VII, unable even to pay her servants. However, within six months of this letter, Philip I was dead and Catherine's marriage to Henry VIII did not take place until his accession in 1509. Letter is in very good condition with a large, bold signature.