Despite Catherine of Braganza’s crucial place in British history, and that of its Empire, she has since been overshadowed by stories of the king’s many mistresses and forgotten as Charles II’s boring, powerless wife.
This could not be further from the truth.
Historian Sophie Shorland not only tells the full story of this long-overlooked figure and her difficult relationship with Charles II, but also reveals how Catherine changed the country in ways both large and small.
Part of her dowry was Bombay, Britain’s first territory on the Indian subcontinent; she also popularised trousers for women, Baroque art and music, and — perhaps most long-lastingly — tea drinking.
The Lost Queen by Sophie Shorland is published on 6 June, 2024.
Our list of over 160 historical books, both fiction and non-fiction, coming out this year may give you some more reading inspiration.
