Abstract
Arthurian symbolism utilized by King Henry VIII in Habsburg diplomacy was a tribute to his esteemed mythic forefather, King Arthur, who commanded great respect from countless individuals, not least his imperial cousins. This article proposes that the King Arthur pageant at the 1522 London entry of Charles V was part of Henry’s broader use of Arthuriana in Habsburg political theatre, inspired by Maximilian I’s pseudo-ancestry. This article provides a new insight into Henry’s attempts to engage in the power politics of early sixteenth-century Europe and the use of British history in forging connections with his political rival.
Original language | English |
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Article number | htad018 |
Pages (from-to) | 473-488 |
Number of pages | 16 |
Journal | Historical Research |
Volume | 96 |
Issue number | 274 |
Early online date | 13 Sept 2023 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Nov 2023 |