On this day in Tudor history, 5th June 1516, Maria de Salinas married Lord Willoughby of Eresby. But this Spanish noblewoman would be remembered not for her marriage, but for her fierce loyalty to Queen Catherine of Aragon.

Maria’s story is one of deep friendship, political influence, and unwavering devotion. She followed Catherine from Spain to England, stood by her through triumph and tragedy, and, in the end, defied royal orders to be with her dying friend.

In 1536, when Catherine was banished and gravely ill at Kimbolton Castle, Maria risked everything. She rode through a bitter winter storm, suffered a riding accident, and still pushed on—claiming to have lost her permission papers, just to reach Catherine’s side. She arrived just in time. The queen died the next day.

Join me as I explore the extraordinary life and character of Maria de Salinas—friend, mother, fighter, and one of the most loyal women in Tudor history.

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