A Person From History.

I was born, the second son, in a sixteenth century family who might be termed, nouveau riche since Father came late into the money and position that he worked carefully, some might say) stubbornly, to maintain. He knew the value of a groat, did Father.

Since I was not to be heir to the family fortunes I was able to enjoy things that pleased me. I was tall and well made. I enjoyed riding and hunting and
all the manly arts that someone in my position had access to. I had a good education and loved reading and music. I may say that I wrote one or two songs that did help to pastime with good company.

Life was very good and I was more than happy, especially in celebrating the marriage of my elder brother and looking forward to a marriage of my own when
I could find a maid who pleased my eye. No hurry, there were maids aplenty, happy to dally with me without the tie of marriage.

Then joy was turned to grief when my brother took ill and died, leaving young Kate scarce wed then widowed. And what of me? From carefree youth I was thrust into the toils and responsibilities of Father’s heir. No longer could I choose when I would do this or that but needs must attend the duties of a son and heir.

My first duty must, to many, have seemed strange and indeed it was most unusual. My father deemed it right that I should marry my brother's widow. Before you throw up your hands in horror at the thought) you must understand in this century a marriage among our class was an important way of creating and maintaining fortune and power. Who you married was important. Anyway, Kate was a comely enough wench so I was not averse.

It took Father some pains to arrange it but the deed was done and I settled down to a long and happy married life. When Father died I took over the company, as it were and things seemed set fair.

The only cloud on the horizon was my lack of a son. It became such a problem that my marriage, of over twenty years, broke down. Do you know, it took two more marriages before that was settled and I had my lovely Ed.

Some say that I was a cruel man but necessity is often cruel. If Arthur had not died so young how different mine and England' s history might have been.

Henry VIII