The Thistle and the Rose

By: Linda Porter

Narrated by: Alix Dunmore

Bloomsbury presents The Thistle and The Rose by Linda Porter, read by Alix Dunmore.

Margaret Tudor, the elder sister of her more famous brother Henry VIII, is the single most important Tudor figure of this era that historians have consistently overlooked. Married at thirteen to the charismatic James IV of Scotland, a man more than twice her age, she would learn the skills of statecraft that would enable her to survive his early death, and to construct a powerful position in her adopted country of Scotland as she dealt with domestic issues as well as navigating international relations with England and France.

Often reviled for her hasty remarriage (and therefore the loss of the regency) the book shows that Margaret was damned if she did remarry and damned if she didn’t. Her two subsequent marriages were both disastrous personally, but she never gave up. Her son attained the throne in his own right in 1528, largely through his mother’s determination.

Margaret’s story is also one of fierce sibling rivalry with her younger brother, Henry VIII, a series of matrimonial mishaps, and fighting off an unearned reputation as an over-sexed whinger fixated by clothes and jewels, Margaret was a complex (not always likeable) woman who had the true Tudor attributes of self-expression and a flair for the dramatic. She knew that you had to look like a queen.

Drawing on Margaret’s extensive correspondence (more of her letters survive than of all the other Tudor queens put together), and contemporary poems and literature, Linda Porter fashions a compelling story of a misunderstood and underestimated Tudor monarch, whose determination to fight for the rights of her son, James V, is at the core of her dramatic life and indeed laid the groundwork for a future British state.©2024 Linda Porter (P)2024 Head of Zeus

Critic reviews

'Linda Porter brilliantly brings to life the story of a woman who has been side-lined by history for too long. Porter’s gripping account rightfully reinstates Margaret Tudor as a daughter and sister of kings, a princess of England, a queen of Scotland, and the matriarch of the next royal dynasty. Porter enables Margaret to boldly emerge from the shadows and be placed at the very centre of sixteenth-century histories of England and Scotland. Vigorously researched and compellingly written, Porter’s The Thistle and the Rose is a must-read for any Tudor – or Stuart – enthusiast.' (Kate McCaffrey)

'With her usual narrative flair and meticulous research, Porter draws an engrossing portrait of a fascinating, highly intelligent woman and her important royal legacy.' (Elizabeth Fremantle, author of The Poison Bed)

'A compelling portrait of one of the most fascinating yet overlooked Tudor queens. In elegant style, Linda Porter brings the turbulent power politics of sixteenth-century Scotland to life while never forgetting the human stories within. Vivid and dramatic, this is Tudor history at its finest.' (Miranda Malins)

'Just when you thought there was nothing new to be said about the Tudors, along comes this important and immensely readable biography. Margaret Tudor – wife to the king of Scotland, sister to the king of England, ancestress of the Windsor dynasty – is here convincingly reconfigured as a skilled and ambitious power player in her own right. It’s hard to believe no-one has properly covered this subject before – but perhaps Margaret was lucky in waiting until Linda Porter came along.' (Sarah Gristwood, author of Blood Sisters)

'Packed with endless fascinating detail, The Thistle and the Rose is gripping from start to finish, and provides a nuanced and human portrayal of this extraordinary woman. A must read for any Tudor fans!' (Alice Loxton)

Margaret Tudor / Queen of Scots

I enjoyed listening to this audio book and specifically about the personal relationships between Margaret and Henry the eight and her husband king James lv which greatly impacted her life. The book dives into her life at a very young age and we see her grow up to be a formidable woman with a mission. Her legacy indeed continues and it was such a pleasure to finally read about Margaret Tudor’s journey. Overall a very good read with highs and lows on the life of Queen Margaret.

New information on unknown Tudor

Absolutely loved this book. A fan of this period of history, excited to learn of the resin behind the fictional portrayals. This book was a recommendation of talking Tudors podcast and I am so glad I followed up on it. A new curiosity has opened up. Well done!

Full of historical detail

This reads like a novel even though it is a biography. Amazing story of Margaret Tudor the mother of James V of Scotland.

Margaret’s story is so much more complicated than ever portrayed before!

I listened to this in one day. Very interesting and informative and an extremely well researched account of a little talked about Queen. What you think you know, doesn’t even touch the surface. Margaret is a dedicated mother and Queen in a time of misogynistic men, especially her brother Henry VIII, a vile tyrant and murderer and the men she marries. I really enjoyed getting to know more about this strong woman.

Refreshing

History brought into perspective. Loved hearing the well known Ohara tears in the life of a lesser known character and obviously very interesting to hear about the life of Margaret. To the point and a very pleasant voice for ones ear!

Remarkable woman.

Lovely biography of a woman mostly relegated to a footnote of Tudor and Stewart/Stuart history. Heartfelt , but pragmatic and honest, the author provides insight to not only the life of her subject but the key figures and realities for women living in 16th century court and religious politics. Highly Ted

Learning more about Margaret Tudor

I enjoyed reading about Margaret Tudor and family. I will give this book four stars.