The ‘Holy Maid of Kent’ who prophesied the death of King Henry VIII

Barton went on to enjoy the personal favour of the king, and met with him many times, bonding over their devout Catholicism (Henry remained a Catholic for most of his life). However, Henry’s desire to divorce, remarry and produce a male heir went directly against Catholic doctrine. Much of her prophesising was against the break with Rome, and she fervently supported Catherine of Aragon. So much so that Barton wrote to Pope Clement, warning him that there would be a plague if he turned against Catherine.