The Spanish Armada conjures up images of age-old rivalries bravery & treachery. However the same Spanish monarch who sent the Armada to invade England in 1588 was just a few years previously the King of England & husband of Mary Tudor. This important new book sheds new light on Philip II of Spain Englands forgotten sovereign. Previous accounts of Marys brief reign have focused on the martyrdom of Protestant dissenters the loss of English territory as well as Marys infamous personality meaning that her husband Philip has remained in the shadows. In this book Harry Kelsey uncovers Philips life
- from his childhood & education in Spain to his marriage to Mary & the political manoeuvrings involved in the marriage contract to the tumultuous aftermath of Marys death which ultimately led to hostile relations between Queen Elizabeth & Philip culminating in the Armada. Focusing especially on the period of Philips marriage to Mary Kelsey shows that Philip was in fact an active King of England & took a keen interest in the rule of his wifes kingdom. Casting fresh light on both Mary & Philip as well as European history more generally this book will be essential reading for anyone interested in the Tudor era.