Dr. John Reuther, pathologist, entertained and informed us on the medical histories of our Tudor and Stuart monarchs.
Royalty was not immune to common diseases, some of them since eliminated. A form of malaria was prevalent in marshy areas-debilitating, but not usually fatal. Smallpox and measles could be deadly to adults, like Mary II. Henry VIII had many medical problems from chronic malaria and syphilis (probably), to diabetes and leg ulcers.
Unfortunately, medical intervention could be unhelpful, with Charles II made worse by his doctors. Ill health might bring not only early death, but fertility problems. Poor Queen Anne had numerous pregnancies but no surviving heir, so her dynasty died with her.
Michael Lucas
Next Meeting
Wednesday 18th April 2018 'The History of the Kentish Seaside' by Ann Kneif