Charles Brandon

Charles Brandon was a prominent English nobleman, military leader, and husband of Mary Tudor, sister of King Henry VIII, known for his influence and power in the Tudor court.

Character

Cinematic

The Tudors

Charles Brandon, the 1st Duke of Suffolk, was a prominent figure in English history during the reign of King Henry VIII. Born around 1484, Brandon’s early life was marked by limited formal education, but he excelled in military pursuits and self-taught studies.

Brandon’s military career included fighting in the Battle of Bosworth Field and serving as a commander in the English army during the Italian Wars. He also held significant political positions, including Member of Parliament for Suffolk, Privy Councillor to King Henry VIII, Lord Chamberlain, and eventually being granted the title of Duke of Suffolk in 1514.

Brandon’s marriage to Mary Tudor, the younger sister of King Henry VIII, in 1515, further elevated his status and made him a powerful figure in the English court. He was known for his patronage of the arts, supporting artists, writers, and musicians, and commissioning works of art and literature.

Throughout his life, Brandon married four times and fathered several children, including Henry Brandon, 2nd Duke of Suffolk, and Frances Brandon, Duchess of Suffolk. He passed away on August 22, 1545, in Guildford, Surrey, England.

Remembered for his athleticism, skill in jousting, and close friendship with King Henry VIII, Charles Brandon’s legacy continues to captivate historians and enthusiasts alike.