Wolf Hall: What really happened with Henry VIII’s niece Margaret and who was Sister Dorothea? [Video]

Episode two of Wolf Hall season two sees Thomas Cromwell (Mark Rylance) dealing with yet another crisis in King Henry VIII’s court after the King’s beloved niece, Margaret, attempts to marry Lord Thomas Howard without Henry’s permission. The episode also explores a deeply personal topic for Cromwell as he meets Wolsey’s daughter, Dorothea. So, what really happened?

What happened to Lady Margaret Douglas?

Henry VIII’s niece, Margaret, was the daughter of Henry’s sister, Margaret Tudor. As portrayed in Wolf Hall, historical records indicate that Henry and Margaret had a good relationship, with the King bestowing her with generous gifts – until her involvement with Lord Thomas Howard. In the show, Margaret claims that she and Thomas are promised to one another, but without Henry’s permission.

This is indeed historically accurate, as Henry was furious when he learned of their engagement without his consent.

This situation was particularly problematic, as with Henry’s daughters Mary and Elizabeth both declared illegitimate following the failure of his …