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They both played major roles in history
There is no era of English history that interests people as much as the Tudors. King Henry VIII’s reign literally went down in history – and we’ve immortalized a key part of Tudor history in the county
Two Tudor queens and another famous name from the Tudor era are buried in one of the county’s iconic buildings. Catherine of Aragon and Mary Queen of Scots both found a place in Peterborough.
Peterborough Cathedral is one of the city’s most historically significant landmarks. The Norman building, which first opened to the public almost 800 years ago, is the final resting place of one famous Tudor Queen and the original burial place of another.
Both the women’s lives and deaths were engulfed in controversy and tragedy and tributes to them can still be seen at the site today. A third Tudor figure is also buried in the cathedral and while he is less well known, his life and legacy are no less interesting.
Thousands of people visit the cathedral every year, attracted by its impressive and unique architecture, as well as its fascinating history. Below you will find more information about the three Tudor figures associated with Peterborough Cathedral. While someone is no longer buried there, a tribute in the building means that their presence is still felt.
Catherine of Aragon
Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of Henry VIII, was buried in Peterborough Cathedral after her death in 1536. She had become queen consort in 1509, but after more than two decades on the throne, her husband divorced her and instead married his second wife of six – Anne Boleyn.
This was certainly not an easy feat as Pope Clement VII refused to dissolve their marriage, meaning Henry had to take the radical step of breaking away from Rome and founding the Church of England to get what he wanted.
Katherine was eventually dismissed from court in 1533, but never personally acknowledged the divorce. She died just three years later at Kimbolton Castle in Cambridgeshire amid rumors that she had been poisoned.
Henry wanted to avoid a funeral in London, which could have been politically embarrassing, and Peterborough Abbey was close and important enough for her status. She was only given the title Dowager Princess of Wales, but still ordered her servants to address her as Queen.
Henry did not attend the funeral of his wife of more than 20 years and forbade her daughter Mary to attend. After her funeral, Katherine was buried in Peterborough Cathedral, where memorial services are held for her to this day.
Flowers and pomegranates, her heraldic symbol, are often left by her grave, which is also marked with her portrait and the words “Katherine Queen of England”.
Mary, Queen of Scots
Mary, Queen of Scots was also buried in the cathedral after her death at nearby Fotheringhay Castle – but this time it was death by execution. Mary, a Catholic, was held captive for 19 years in Protestant England until she was implicated in the Babington Plot – a plot to assassinate Queen Elizabeth I. She was tried for treason, found guilty and executed in 1587.
She was eventually buried in the South Choir Aisle of Peterborough Cathedral after being laid in a lead coffin at Fotheringhay Castle for almost six months.
Her son, James I of England, later moved her remains to Westminster Abbey. The site of the original tomb can still be seen in the cathedral.
Robert Scarlett (‘Old Scarlett’)
Robert Scarlett, or “Old Scarlett”, the sexton of the cathedral was something of a local celebrity in the Tudor era. The Peterborough Gravedigger lived to the age of 98, with his life spanning the reigns of Henry VII, Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I.
Old Scarlett is said to have buried two people from each family in Peterborough – which may not be an exaggeration, as the city was plagued by the plague in the 1570s. He was also involved in the burials of Katherine and Mary and legend suggests that he was the inspiration for the gravedigger in Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
In 1594, Old Scarlett finally got a grave of his own. He was just buried in the cathedral – an unusual honor for ordinary people. His painting above the western doors looks down on the cathedral visitors.
He is portrayed holding his spade and keys, and a skull lying at his feet. A memorial rhyme reads:
“You see old Scarlitt’s picture standing on him, But at your feet here lies his body. His tombstone shows his age and time of death, His office through these tokens you may know. Second for nothing for strength and sturdy glue, A scarebabe powerful voice with grim visage. Hee had two queenes interd in this place And this Townes householder in his life space Twice over: But long his own time came; What for others did the same for him Was done: No doubt his soul lives for aye In heaven: here is his body covered with clay”.
