Recent Posts

Henry VIII Marries Katherine Parr

On this day in 1543, Henry VIII and Katherine Parr were married in a private ceremony, in the Queen’s Closet (a private chapel), above the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court. According to Linda Porter, twenty guests crowded into a room that measured about 10 by 14 metres, including William Herbert; Edward Seymour, the earl of Hertford; Sir Thomas Darcy; Anne Herbert (Katherine’s sister); Jane Dudley, the duchess of Northumberland; Katherine Brandon, the duchess of Suffolk and Anne Seymour, wife of … [Read More...]

The Boleyns and Pashley Manor

Day three of our research trip began with a visit to Hever Castle (more on that soon) and an afternoon sojourn to Pashley Manor in Ticehurst, located on the Sussex and Kent border. Although Pashley Manor is not open to the public, the gardens certainly are and are well worth the visit. The existing timber framed house is not the home that the Boleyns would have known, as it was built from the mid sixteenth century to the early seventeenth century, and enlarged in c. 1720. It is believed … [Read More...]

Anne Boleyn’s Ghost Blickling Hall

The ghost of Anne Boleyn is by far the most prolific of all of Henry VIII's wives, with sightings reported in many locations across the UK. In this short video I talk about the ghost stories associated with Blickling Hall. Happy viewing! [tube] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciJYmE3swoQ [/tube] … [Read More...]

Anne Boleyn ‘The Moost Happi’ Portrait Medal

Anne Boleyn's portrait medal was made as a prototype in 1534, to commemorate the anticipated birth of a son. Sadly, Anne lost the baby 7-8 months into the pregnancy, explaining why multiple copies of the medal were not commissioned. Luckily, the prototype survived and is today housed in the British Museum. The medal is made of lead, is 38 mm in diameter and inscribed with Queen Anne's motto, 'The Moost Happi. Anno 1534' and 'A.R' for Anna Regina. This is the only undisputed contemporary … [Read More...]

On the Tudor Trail’s Birthday Competition!

I am delighted to share that on the 30th of July On the Tudor Trail turns three! Over the last three years, I have researched and published hundreds of posts about Anne Boleyn and sixteenth century England and interviewed over 45 authors, experts and historians. In the process I have made many wonderful friends and contacts and learnt so much about Anne Boleyn and Tudor history. Two people, my sister and my husband, read my first post, however this year we have welcomed more than 20,000 … [Read More...]

In Search of Anne Boleyn – Day 2

Glimpses of blue sky greeted us on the morning of day 2 of our research trip. On the agenda was a visit to the site of the lost palace of Woodstock, set within the grounds of Blenheim Palace and a tour of Chenies Manor in Buckinghamshire. Each year, thousands of people visit Blenheim Palace, a world heritage site and the birthplace of Winston Churchill. The home was a gift from Queen Anne to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, following his victory at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. It … [Read More...]

LADY JANE GREY: THE NINE-DAYS` QUEEN

I am delighted to share with you a guest article written by best-selling author and historian Alison Weir. It is an honour to publish Alison's article on my site, as she is one of my favourite historians and works tirelessly to bring history to life. Alison's new novel, A Dangerous Inheritance, was recently published in the UK. Here is the synopsis: The year is 1562. Lady Catherine Grey, cousin of Elizabeth I, has just been arrested along with her husband Edward. Their crime is to … [Read More...]

Where History Happened – Day 1

After a grueling 24 hours of travel, I finally touched down at London Heathrow on the morning of Thursday May 10, bursting with anticipation. I have visited London on several occasions but this was the first time that a friend was meeting me on arrival (thank you Sarah!) and what made matters even more exciting was that, although we had been corresponding for a long time, this would be our first face to face meeting. Luckily, I made it through customs unscathed and was overjoyed to see my … [Read More...]

First Sunday of July 1536

I was doing some research on Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, of the reign of Henry VIII and found an interesting entry. Since today is the first Sunday of July, the date when this letter was written, I thought it was appropriate to share it. It is a letter written by Thomas Boleyn, Earl of Wiltshire, to Cromwell: I received a letter from the King, with another from you concerning an augmentation of living to my daughter of Rochford; and although my living of late is much … [Read More...]

Mary Rose by David Loades

I am a little late with this one but thought it worthwhile mentioning that David Loades' new book, 'Mary Rose: Tudor Princes, Queen of France, the extraordinary life of Henry VIII's sister', was recently published in the UK and I believe is soon to be released in the US. Synopsis: 'A paradise...tall, slender, grey-eyed, possessing an extreme pallor'. The contemporary view of Henry VIII's younger sister, Princess Mary Rose as one of the most beautiful princesses in Europe, was an … [Read More...]

Interview with Nicola Shulman

I am delighted to share with you my interview with Nicola Shulman, author of Graven with Diamonds, a book about Thomas Wyatt. Book Blurb In this thrillingly entertaining book, Nicola Shulman interweaves the bloody events of Henry VIII's reign with the story of English love poetry and the life of its first master, Henry's most glamorous and enigmatic subject: Sir Thomas Wyatt. Courtier, spy, wit, lover of Anne Boleyn and favourite of both Henry and his sinister minister Thomas Cromwell, … [Read More...]

A review of ‘The Secret Keeper’ by Sandra Byrd and Giveaway!

To celebrate the release of Sandra Byrd's novel, The Secret Keeper,  she has kindly donated a pack of Anne Boleyn inspired greeting cards to give-away to one lucky commenter. For your chance to win these beautiful cards you must be subscribed to On the Tudor Trail’s newsletter (if you are not already, sign up on our homepage). Then simply leave a comment after my review between now and June 30, 2012. Don’t forget to leave your name and a contact email. Good luck! Review of The … [Read More...]