Podcast Summary: Philip II of Spain, King of England

Podcast: Not Just the Tudors
Host: Professor Suzannah Lipscomb
Guest: Dr. Gonzalo Valesco Berenga, Lecturer in Global Medieval and Early Modern History, University of Bristol
Release Date: May 26, 2025

In the episode titled "Philip II of Spain, King of England," Professor Suzannah Lipscomb engages in a profound discussion with Dr. Gonzalo Valesco Berenga to reevaluate the role of Philip II during his brief tenure as King of England. Challenging traditional historical narratives, their conversation delves deep into political dynamics, personal relationships, and the broader implications of Philip's kingship within the Tudor era.

1. Introduction to Philip II's Reign

At the outset, Professor Lipscomb introduces the often-overlooked monarch Philip II of Spain in his capacity as King of England from 1554 to 1558. She highlights how standard English monarchal lists omit Philip, instead presenting a sequence of Tudor rulers without acknowledging Philip's joint kingship. This omission sets the stage for their exploration into why Philip's role has been historically minimized.

Notable Quote:
"Mine does not Mary the first Elizabeth I. And what it almost certainly won't say is Philip, but Philip of Spain, husband to Mary I, was King of England from 1554 to 1558."
— [02:08] Professor Suzannah Lipscomb

2. Philip II's Background and Education

Dr. Berenga provides a comprehensive overview of Philip's early life, emphasizing his stature as the son of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, and Isabella of Portugal. Born in Valladolid in 1527, Philip was groomed for leadership with a strong humanist education under prominent scholars like Juan Martin de Cervantes. Fluent in multiple languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Latin, Philip was known for his meticulous nature and devout personality.

Notable Quote:
"He's someone who's very, very aware and very meticulous about detail. So he's sometimes been called the bureaucratic king, but there's also the period when he's young, a lot of dancing around. He's a Renaissance prince."
— [04:15] Dr. Gonzalo Valesco Berenga

3. Historical Perceptions and Misjudgments of Philip II

The conversation shifts to how Philip has been traditionally viewed by historians, especially in English-speaking historiography. Dr. Berenga asserts that Philip has often been painted as a "gloomy ogre" who thrived on executions and wore black not for fashion but as a symbol of austerity. This perception is deeply entwined with Protestant narratives, particularly those arising from events like the Spanish Armada.

Notable Quote:
"There's been a narrative that Philip as everything that is anti-English, basically. And that stems a lot from the events of the 1580s, the Anglo-Spanish War, the Spanish Armada, etc."
— [06:28] Dr. Gonzalo Valesco Berenga

4. Reevaluating Philip's Role: Beyond the "King Consort" Label

Dr. Berenga challenges the prevalent notion of Philip as a mere "king consort." He argues that contemporary documents never contemplated this term, and Philip was active in governance rather than serving a ceremonial role. By analyzing court records, coinage, and visual depictions, Dr. Berenga posits that Philip functioned as a co-monarch with genuine authority.

Notable Quote:
"He is someone who's going to aid in the government very specifically. And also I think that there's another aspect, which is that Mary is described as being included into the society of Philip's patrimonial inheritance. So she becomes part of that."
— [20:31] Dr. Gonzalo Valesco Berenga

5. The Political Alliance and Marriage to Mary I

The marriage between Philip and Mary I is dissected to understand its strategic underpinnings. Dr. Berenga emphasizes that the union was not an impulsive act of Mary but a calculated alliance strengthening ties between England and the Habsburg-controlled Low Countries. This marriage aimed to integrate England into the broader Spanish Empire, ensuring political and economic stability.

Notable Quote:
"England and Spain have been allies for the better part of the 16th century... The importance of the Low Countries should never be minimized because that is the main point really of the marriage."
— [12:13] Dr. Gonzalo Valesco Berenga

6. The Wyatt Rebellion: Religious and Nationalistic Underpinnings

Addressing the Wyatt Rebellion, Dr. Berenga challenges the simplified view that it was purely xenophobic. Through meticulous research, he reveals that the rebellion's leaders were staunch Protestants rather than Catholics, suggesting that anti-Spanish and anti-Catholic sentiments were the true catalysts.

Notable Quote:
"I found that there was not a single Catholic among them. All of them are Protestants."
— [15:10] Dr. Gonzalo Valesco Berenga

7. Joint Monarchy: Power Dynamics and Gender Roles

The discussion delves into the dynamics of Philip and Mary's partnership. Contrary to the belief that Mary, as a female monarch, would subordinate her power to her husband, the joint monarchy was characterized by mutual respect and cooperation. Dr. Berenga draws parallels with the Spanish monarchy, where female rulers like Isabella had significant authority.

Notable Quote:
"She's still very much the Queen of England, so it's about them being partners."
— [26:00] Dr. Gonzalo Valesco Berenga

8. Visual Depictions: Symbolism of Power

Analyzing contemporary portraits and official representations, Dr. Berenga highlights how Philip was gradually positioned as an equal monarch. Initially depicted on the left side, a position traditionally reserved for consorts, Philip's placement shifted to the right, symbolizing his status as a reigning king.

Notable Quote:
"They are depicted as joint monarchs because he tends to hold the sword of justice... And Mary holds the scepter of authority."
— [32:43] Dr. Gonzalo Valesco Berenga

9. The Select Council: Evidence of Active Governance

One of the most compelling pieces of evidence discussed is the establishment of the Select Council by Philip in 1555. Modeled after the Spanish Council of State, this body proved instrumental in governing England, addressing issues from land ownership to foreign trade. The Select Council's activities underscore Philip's active role in English affairs, countering the notion of his ceremonial kingship.

Notable Quote:
"The Select Council is modelled after the Council of State in Castile. It is very much an advisory board which is writing to Philip separately from the Privy Council."
— [41:14] Dr. Gonzalo Valesco Berenga

10. Conclusions: Redefining Philip II's Legacy

In wrapping up, Dr. Berenga calls for a reassessment of Philip's place in English history. He argues that Philip should be recognized not as an anomaly or a mere consort but as a legitimate co-king who wielded significant power and influence. This reevaluation challenges historians to integrate Philip fully into the narrative of English monarchy, acknowledging his role in shaping Tudor history.

Notable Quote:
"Philip is not a king consort. He is the king of England, the king of Ireland, and he behaves as such."
— [45:15] Dr. Gonzalo Valesco Berenga

11. Final Thoughts

Professor Lipscomb concludes by emphasizing the importance of recognizing Philip II's rightful place in the lineage of English monarchs. By doing so, historians can provide a more nuanced and accurate portrayal of the Tudor period, acknowledging the complexities of joint rulership and international alliances.

Notable Quote:
"Philip, King of England, let us remember him as part of our lineup of monarchs and put him back in that proper place as someone who did wield power, who did care about English affairs."
— [47:00] Professor Suzannah Lipscomb

This episode of "Not Just the Tudors" offers a compelling reexamination of Philip II's role in English history, inviting listeners to reconsider established narratives and appreciate the intricate dynamics of Tudor politics.