compiled by Susan Flantzer
The sweating sickness was a mysterious, contagious disease that struck England and continental Europe in a series of epidemics beginning in 1485. The last outbreak occurred in 1551, after which the disease apparently vanished. The onset of symptoms was sudden, with death often occurring within hours. Its cause remains unknown.
The disease came on suddenly with cold shivers that could be very violent, giddiness, headache, and severe pain in the neck, shoulders, and limbs. The cold stage could last from 30 minutes to three hours, after which the hot, sweating stage began. The sweat broke out suddenly without any obvious cause. A sense of heat, headache, delirium, rapid pulse, and intense thirst accompanied the sweat. Palpitation and pain in the heart were frequent symptoms. In the final stages, there was either great exhaustion and collapse or an irresistible urge to sleep. One attack did not produce immunity, and some people suffered several bouts before dying.
Of course, without modern medical diagnostic tools, it was impossible to accurately diagnose illnesses and so this does not purport to be a complete list. Until the development of antibiotics and other drugs, it was impossible to successfully treat many infectious diseases. Sir Alexander Fleming, a Scottish biologist, physician, microbiologist, and pharmacologist, developed Penicillin, the world’s first antibiotic in 1928. Antibiotics are only effective against diseases caused by bacteria. They are not effective against diseases caused by viruses.
All images are from Wikipedia unless otherwise indicated.
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Arthur, Prince of Wales
- Born: September 20, 1486 at Winchester Cathedral Priory in Winchester, England
- Parents: King Henry VII of England and Elizabeth of York
- Married: Catherine of Aragon in 1501
- Died: April 2, 1502, aged 15, at Ludlow Castle in Ludlow, Shropshire, England
- Buried: Worcester Cathedral in Worcester, England
- Unofficial Royalty: Arthur, Prince of Wales
Arthur was the first child of King Henry VII, the first Tudor monarch, and Elizabeth of York, daughter of King Edward IV, niece of King Richard III, and sister of King Edward V. The name Arthur was chosen in hopes that he would bring a new Arthurian age to the new Tudor dynasty.
On November 14, 1501, two 15-year-olds, Catherine of Aragon and Arthur, Prince of Wales, were married at the Old St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, England. Catherine was escorted to the cathedral by 10-year-old Henry, Duke of York, who would eventually become her second husband, King Henry VIII.
After the marriage, the couple lived at Ludlow Castle in Shropshire, England near the Welsh border. Within months of the marriage, both Arthur and Catherine became ill, probably of the sweating sickness. Catherine survived, but she was left a widow as Arthur did not survive.
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