The Private Lives of the Tudors 2 (Pages 30 - 53)

 The book describes how royalty dressed and mentions the Great Wardrobe of Robes and Beds, which originally was in the Towaer of London, and then it moved to Baynard Castle. It served primarily as a storehouse for the king's state and ceremonial robes, as well as those pertaining to members of the Royal Family and Household, to ambassadors, ministers, Knights of the Garter and various other office-holders. Cloths and hangings, as used at coronations, funerals and other occasions of state, were also kept here; as were items such as beds and other furnishings for royal and official use. These items had previously been kept in the Tower of London.

Henry VII married Elizabeth of York, who was the daughter of King Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville. Elizabeth of York (11 February 1466 – 11 February 1503) was Queen of England from her marriage to King Henry VII on 18 January 1486 until her death in 1503. Her marriage to Henry VII followed his victory at the Battle of Bosworth Field, which marked the end of the civil war known as the Wars of the Roses.

The book describes the bedding ceremony for royal couples when they first married. A bedding ceremony is a historical wedding tradition, particularly prominent in medieval and early modern Europe, where a newly married couple was formally put to bed, often in front of witnesses. This ritual signified the consummation of the marriage and aimed to ensure the legitimacy of any future offspring. The ceremony involved escorting the couple to the marital bed, sometimes with the presence of family and friends, and could include various customs like the removal of a garter or blessings. 

Elizabeth got pregnant and gave birth to a son eight months later. The book describes the confinement or laying-in before having the baby, which was common in Tudor times. In Tudor times, "confinement" for expectant mothers, especially those of high social standing, referred to a period of seclusion before childbirth, where they would withdraw from public life into a private room. This practice, also known as "lying in," involved a closed-off space, with limited light and fresh air, and was believed to protect both mother and child from harm. 

In the case of Elizabeth, her confinement was in the Prior's lodging at St Swithin's Priory. The prior's lodging at St. Swithun's Priory in Winchester was part of the priory complex, which was built adjoining the south wall of Winchester Cathedral. This Benedictine monastic house was the spiritual home for the prior and up to 64 monks from the 12th to the 16th century. 

Elizabeth gave birth to a son, Arthur.  In an effort to strengthen the Tudor claim to the throne, Henry decided on naming his firstborn son "Arthur" and having him born in Winchester – where the Legend of King Arthur originated – in order to emphasise the Welsh origin of the Tudors. His wife, Elizabeth of York, was sent to Saint Swithun's Priory (today Winchester Cathedral Priory) to give birth. Born at Saint Swithun's on the night of 19/20 September 1486 at about 1 am, Arthur was Henry and Elizabeth's eldest child.

It was customary that royal children had their own household, and Arthur was separated from his parents and sent to Farnham in Surrey. Farnham Castle is a 12th-century castle in Farnham. It was formerly the residence of the Bishops of Winchester.

Sir Richard Pole headed the household and was appointed chamberlain. Sir Richard Pole (1462 – October 1504) was a supporter and first cousin of King Henry VII of England. King Henry later made him Chief Gentleman of the Privy Chamber to Arthur, Prince of Wales.