As I am currently reading and loving Roses Have Thorns by Sandra Byrd, I invited Sandra to answer some questions about her protagonist, Helena Snakenborg, a woman who has captured my imagination. Like all great historical fiction, this novel has inspired me to find out more about the historical figure behind the character – the Swedish-born woman who became a Marchioness and one of the highest ranking women in Elizabethan England.
Not only did Sandra agree to the Q&A, she also very kindly donated a wonderful prize pack, which includes:
1. A copy of Roses Have Thorns
2. An adjustable paste ring, Tudor Style
3. A pack of playing cards from the NPG
4. Essence of Oak Moss soap from the Mary Rose museum
Conditions of Entry
For your chance to win this fantastic prize pack 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 our Q & A below, between now and 16 July 2013.
This giveaway is open worldwide!
Don’t forget to leave your name and a contact email.
Good luck!
This competition is now closed and the winner has been notified.
A Young Lady Aged 21, Possibly Helena Snakenborg, later Marchioness of Northampton.
Could you tell us a little about Helena Snakenborg’s background?
Helena was born in Sweden to Ulf Henrikkson (hence, her name was Elin Ulfdotter or Wolf’s daughter as well as Elin von Snakenborg, her hereditary name) and his wife Agneta Knutsdottar. Her mother was descended from the Norwegian king Haakon V, and Elin and her sisters served in some capacity as ladies or maids of honor in the Swedish court. At the time, their ruling sovereign was King Eric, son of Gustav Vasa, who had been a powerful king not unlike Henry VIII in many ways. Elin had been promised as one of six handmaidens to travel with Princess Cecelia from Sweden to England. When Elin’s father died, the princess assured Elin’s mother that she would take the best of care of her, and insisted she come along. That, as they say, was the day Elin’s world turned.
Elin would have been well educated as the royal family and its circle had many tutors, and she spoke English because her princess, Cecelia, was enamored with all things England. Cecelia learned the language, and made sure her ladies did, too. An interesting side note is that Helena’s mother went on to a daring second marriage with an Englishman as well!
Why did Helena make the journey from Sweden to England?
Princess Cecelia admired Elizabeth I from afar, I think for her strength and especially her independence, something not often available to princesses. Some years earlier there had been a bid for Eric, who was a prince at the time, to marry Elizabeth I. As we know, there were few who could vie for Elizabeth’s hand, but Eric was both royal and Protestant so it seemed a possibility! Kat Ashley even had a hand in sending envoys to Sweden to negotiate. The first effort came to naught, not surprisingly, but Cecelia wanted to try again, on her brother’s behalf. She was also under a cloud of shame in her own kingdom, for some earlier promiscuity, and I think she was trying to earn redemption.
There had remained in Sweden some tradesman, some diplomats, and Princess Cecelia took them along with her new husband and her six maids of honor, including Elin, to try and persuade Elizabeth to marry King Eric. The journey was harrowing – for ten months they were chased by the Danes (who were at war with Sweden), became trapped in ice, ran out of provisions and barely made it to England’s shores before Cecelia delivered her first child.
William Parr, 1st Marquess of Northampton
How did Swedish-born Helena become a Maid of Honour to Elizabeth I?
Among those high ranking persons sent to meet the Swedes was William Parr, Marquess of Northampton. He was a particular favorite of Elizabeth; his sister had been Queen Kateryn Parr, with whom Elizabeth had been close. Parr’s longtime love, Elisabeth Brooke, daughter of Baron Cobham, had died a year earlier of breast cancer. It was said that Elin reminded Parr of Elisabeth, but for whatever reason, he was instantly taken with her looks and personality and sought to keep her in England when the Swedish delegation returned home empty handed.
Parr had proposed marriage to Elin, but it was not quick nor easy. He appealed to Elizabeth and she arranged for Elin to stay in England as a Maid of Honor and then a Gentlewoman of the Privy Chamber. It was truly unusual for a sovereign to interfere or “poach” a lady from another sovereign, so Elizabeth must have been motivated. She also, unusually, provided Elin with servants, a horse, and rooms at court. Elin, once having decided to remain in England, anglicized her name to Helena and set about serving the queen.
What do you think it was about Helena that endeared her to Elizabeth I?
Elizabeth I c. 1563 by Steven van der Meulen
My own opinion is that Elizabeth was fondest of those who were, in many ways, her personality foil. She was a strong and commanding person, and I think she craved vulnerability and warmth. Many of us would find that in a marriage, or with our children, but neither was available to her. When I consider Katherine Knollys, whom Elizabeth loved, Kat Ashley, and Catherine Carey, the Countess of Nottingham, I see women who were emotionally available. She chose her closest associates from higher born women of course, as would be expected, but also from those who did not have a claim to her throne in any way. That would leave out most of her Tudor relatives and those who wanted a Catholic queen.
Helena was witty, warm, and educated, plus she was known to have been unable to be bribed for either access or information. That was rare in a court where the common currency was ability to influence the sovereign or get her ear. I think Elizabeth was enough of a pragmatist to understand that access to her was being made available, but smart enough to see, and loyal enough to prize, a lady who refused to traffic in such.
Elizabeth valued loyalty, and long-term relationships, and Helena offered both.
What do we know of Helena’s relationship with William Parr, Marquess of Northampton?
We know that he was much older than she was – about 35 years older. But once he set eyes on her, he remained true to her until they could marry. The path to that marriage was not simple and it’s a compliment to both of them that they stayed the course.
Henry VIII called Parr, “My Integrity” and Parr was well known for his strength of character. He treated Helena well and ensured, to the best of his ability, that she would be well provided for after his untimely death.
Longford Castle in Wiltshire was originally built in the late sixteenth century by Thomas Gorges and his wife, Helena Snakenborg, as a triangular Swedish pattern castle on the banks of the River Avon. (Wikimedia Commons)
After William Parr’s death, Helena caught the attention of Thomas Gorges, a relation of Queen Anne Boleyn. How did Elizabeth I feel about the match?
Not happy, that’s for sure. Elizabeth didn’t take kindly to surprises of any kind, and with her extensive spy network, I suspect there was little that could surprise her. At the time that Helena caught Gorges’s eye, she was the highest ranking woman in the land after the queen, a Marchioness, and he was only a knight. Elizabeth had a keen sense of “rightness” in the ranking of matches and did not approve of this one.
But … Gorges was a Boleyn relative and he, too, was known to be loyal. So perhaps that helped soften the blow a bit.
How did Elizabeth I react when she discovered that Helena and Thomas had married secretly?
She exiled Helena and had Thomas thrown into the Tower. 🙂
Salisbury Cathedral (Photo by Ashley Pomeroy)
Was Helena and Thomas’s marriage a happy one?
Yes, I believe that it was. They had many children and Helena faded from public life once Thomas died. She also arranged for special charities to be given out on St Thomas’s day, and they are buried together at Salisbury Cathedral.
That’s not to say there were not problems – as in any marriage, there were difficulties. Those difficulties were made even greater by the danger of serving at the Tudor court. There’s a large gap in the years of their childbearing and Helena was very fertile – this suggests quite a bit of time apart. I wanted to explore the personal cost of serving at court. It was not easy, not for Helena, not even for a well-established English favorites like Katherine Knollys and her husband, Sir Francis.
Did Helena ever return to Sweden?
She never did. Her husband, Thomas, was sent there on a diplomatic mission, but Helena was kept home with the queen. Helena did correspond quite often by mail, with her sister, after the Danes left the sea routes alone!
What role did Helena play at Elizabeth’s funeral?
Helena was chief mourner at Elizabeth’s funeral. There’s sometimes a bit of confusion about what a chief mourner was. It was not necessarily the person who would miss the deceased the most, it was the highest ranking person immediately available, often of the same sex. That person “led” the grieving, due to rank. So, for example, the chief mourner for Queen Kateryn Parr was the young Lady Jane Grey. There were certainly more mature persons present, but Jane held the highest rank. Arbella Stuart could have had the role in Elizabeth’s case, but she refused, and James I was not yet in London. So the role fell, rightfully I believe, to Helena.
Now, that does not mean that the chief mourner did not mourn greatly. Because they did have that high rank, they were very often close to and in the company of the deceased, which was certainly the case for Helena. When Elizabeth died Helena had served her for nearly 40 years, longer than most marriages of the era lasted.
What became of Helena after the death of her second husband?
She mainly retired from public service. She was a fairly old woman for the time, though she lived to be eighty six years old. She and Thomas left some very important progeny, though! It’s fun to know that Thomas and Helena’s daughter Elizabeth eventually married the man who would be the first governor of the State of Maine; the current Duchess of Norfolk is also one of Helena’s descendants. Thinking upon Helena’s encounters with Norfolk in my book only makes that more satisfying!
Thank you Sandra!
Thank you for inviting me along!
Find out more about Sandra Byrd by visiting her official website here.
Very interesting post. I had heard a lil of Helena, but now I know a lot more! Will be looking to find some books about her. Thx 4 the chance!!!
An absolutely wonderful Q and A session. I am looking forwards to learning more about the character and life of Helena! Thank you also for the generosity of Sandra in allowing us a chance to win these items!
Very interesting, I’ll have to read this!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this series of books. I was fun learning about another person in the Tudor era but no a Tudor. Wow, can you imagine living until you are in your 80’s in medieval time…very interesting interview…thanks ladies!!
Found the article very interesting; I didn’t know about Helena. I’m definitely adding this to my “long” Must Read list. Thank you for sharing the articles.
This was an insightful & interesting interview on an area I had not been aware of. I had not heard of Helena before & this has certainly piqued my interest!
Great post! I hadn’t heard of Helena before, and I’m intrigued to learn more! Thanks for introducing me to her! 🙂
Didn’t know Elizabeth had her thrown in the tower too! She really hated it when her ladies married! Look forward to reading the book.
An absolutely wonderful post! So informative. Thank you, Sandra, for your generosity.
Thanks to Sandra Byrd for the wonderful Q & A! I stumbled across “To Die For” recently and just loved it. I can’t wait to read more from Sandra!
Since I discovered this page, it’s becoming an addiction to me!!! I definitely must read Sandra´s books.
I think it´s very interesting to lern about this Tudor era, not only understanding the principal characters, but also the supporting cast!! ;).
Excellent Q&A, and as always thanks Natalie for you generosity!!!
What an interesting person this Lady sounds to be, I have never heard of her before. Thank you for the introduction.
The portrait shows her to be a poised, very attractive petite young lady.
I know little of Helena only the faint mention of her in a few books I have read . She sounds quite interesting. looks like I will be looking into her more in the near future . Thanks for a more in depth look at interesting woman of our past .
I love learning about new historical figures, especially of the Tudor era!
Fascinating story…I want to read Sandra’s books! Just ordered two for my Kindle. Thanks for the introduction to Sandra!
Helena/Elin looks very regal in her portrait. I love her outfit. Her journey to England in Princess Cecelia’s entourage sounds like the makings of a good book on it’s own! What an amazing, long life she had for the times! Thank you for the giveaway. denannduvall@gmail.com
Hello Natalie, as always very interesting post about Sandra´s book.
It´s great to know more about all the people of the tudor time that make things happen. when reading I never pay attention to this characters, I think I never heard a thing about Helena Snakenborg.
Thanks Sandra and Natalie for this giveaway!!
Lovely post Natalie!! I loved ready all three of Sandra’s books! They were absolute gems and I could not put them down. 🙂 Happy writing!!
Thank you for this Q & A with Sandra Byrd, i found it very interesting. You dont usually find books about Queen Elizabeths hand maidens so i was intrigued about this person Helena, to find out who she was, and her part in the court of Elizabeth. I will be on the lookout for books by Sandra Byrd if i am unsuccessful in the draw, but i love reading about tudor england its an era full of mystery, treason and deceit.
Just when I think I have an understanding of who all the players are in history, someone introduces me to new characters. Thanks for this Q & A.
Wow what a great interview! I would love to read the book. It is very interesting to learn about people other than the really well known. Helena was a very interesting woman.
Fascinating…I love the sound of it! Please enter me.
Marilyn
Very interesting. Now I’m really curious and the book made it definetly on my reading list!
Very interesting will be looking for books about Helena, what an amazing journey she made for a woman in Tudor times. Fascinating to learn about one of Elizabeth’s maids as it is not often one gets this sort of insight. Thank you so much for giving us another road to travel along the Tudor Trail 🙂 Also thank you for the chance to read this amazing interview. x
What an interesting lady. Never having heard of her makes it more intriguing and how loyal she was to Elizabeth because she stayed in the background and never flaunted her relationship with the Queen. What interesting stories she could have told and what a pity Elizabeth then had her locked up for trying to be happy.
Oh, so interesting! I have to comment that I don’t think Elizabeth “poached” Helena, it probably had more to do with the fact that William Parr was “smitten” with her, and things just worked out for the best, for all parties involved! I also find it amazing that someone lived to 86, back in those days! I don’t think I ever heard of anyone that old in Tudor Times!
Oooooh, as a swede this is particularly interesting and i look forward to learning a lot more about Elin. What a splendid giveaway too, thanks for the opportunity to enter.
I have always been fascinated by Elizabeth and would like to learn more about this period of time.
This book would be a great read, I love reading this kind of novels.
Definitely adding to my read list.
Thanks Natalie for another chance!!!! Keep on doing what you do best, Writing!!!!!!
I definitely must read this book, I love to know more about the Tudor era.
The Q & A with Sandra was excellent, as many others never heard a word of Helena.
The portrait supposed to be of Helena it´s stunning.
Natalie, everytime you make a post here, you make me feel like I´m living a dream!!!! 🙂
Thanks Natalie, and obviously to Sandra too.
I love reading about the Tudors. This will be another book to add to my reading list.
Life in the Tudor era is so captivating, I just can’t seem to get enough. I love learning more everytime a new book comes out.
I have two daughters, and sice we watched the movie of queen Elizabeth, we can´t stop searching for novels on this topic.
It would thrill me to win one of Sandra´s books!
Thanks for the chance!!
The minute you think you know the Tudors, something new pops up.
I DEFINITELY need to add this book and the other two novels of Sandra to my collection.
Just can´t wait till 16 July!!!!! 😉
Thanks for existing Natalie!!!!!!!
I love hearing about a new Tudor personality, but I am ashamed to say I have not heard of Elin before! She sounds like an interesting woman to learn more about. Still so much more reading to do! Thank you Natalie and Sandra, best wishes to you.
I have always been fascinated by Elizabeth and would like to learn more about her time.
The only bad thing it´s that with so many books you recommend i don’t have enough time to read them all! But I´m doing my best, even when i´m at work in lunch hours, I must read something tudor related! it´s becoming an addiction! JAJA!
Thanks for all the wondeful posts, interviews, and this giveaway! I never read a novel by Sandra!!! thanks for the chance!
This book sounds so intriguing! I love learning new facts about the Tudors, and it seems as though there will plenty here. Can’t wait to read it, I never heard a word of Helena! this book caught my attention.
Please Sandra I want to win a copy of your book!!! 😉 I´m crossing my fingers!!
Yours, Roxane
Sounds like a must read!! I never tire of reading about the Tudors, especially Elizabeth period. This book sounds new and refreshing and I can’t wait!! Thanks for the post!
I’m definitely hooked! Never heard a word of Helena, great idea for a book!!!!
Thanks Sandra and Natalie for this giveaway!!!
Elizabeth I has always been a heroine to me. I have enjoyed reading the research and stories wrote about her. I would love to read more about not just her but about her surroundings!
As always excellents posts and interviews!
Thanks for the chance to win this set, specially Sandra´s novel!
Great article, thanks. Looking forward to learning more about this interesting lady.
Thank you all very much for reading the Q and A – and I’ll let you know right up front, I am an Elizabethan. So while it may seem that Elizabeth was harsh, and we all know she could be very decisive – there is much more to her friendship with Helena. I hope you’ll read the book to find out!
How interesting! Having not heard much about her I am amazed at her importance. How could one overlook her? Time to stick my nose in another book!
What an interesting post! 🙂 I just started reading the first book in this series and it is great… I also love to see pictures in this time period! The beautiful dresses and the castles!
Lisa (deiselbuffs@gmail.com)
(I signed up for your newsletter:) great post,)
Very interesting Q & A and the more it sounds interesting to read. I would love to get this book and add to my ever growing Tudor collection.
Wow sounds like a very interesting novel. The story of how Princess Cecelia made it to England alone makes the novel worth a read! I would love to read this novel to expand my knowledge of the Tudor family.
I just finished reading Elizabeth’s Women by Tracy Borman in which I was introduced for the first time to Helena. Fascinating sounding woman.
Sophie (midnight_purple@hotmail.com)
Hi Natalie and Sandra!!!
I think I never heard of Helen before, the post is fascinating!!
I never read any books of Sandra before, so it would be great to have the opportunity to win this giveaway!!
Where I live is really difficult to find books about the Tudor era, so I´m crossing my fingers!!! 😉
A big hug and kisses from Argentina!!
For my 24th birthday I recieved a book about the six wifes of Henry VIII, and my lifelong love of Tudor history was launched. I think Elizabeth is the most fascinating and enigmatic of the many interesting characters.
The post about Helena is great, it´s always so interesting to learn new facts about the people who surrounded the Tudors. Thanks Natalie and keep on writing!!
Looking fowrard to reading this new book! Thanks Sandra for your generosity!!! 😉
Hi Natalie and Sandra!!!!!
What a great article! I read it twice just to ensure I didn’t miss anything the first time!
It´is really a pleasure to enter this blog every day! excellent posts and interviews! and also giveaways, almost can´t belive it!! thank you so much for existing!!!
A warm hug!
What a great article! I would very much LOVE to win Sandra’s book–I think it will be wonderful.
Natalie, thank you so much for all the work you do to make On the Tudor Trail such a pleasure!
As usual excellent article – thank you for posting 😉
Been following on twitter for awhile and love all I read, but SO glad to have found this site. At last, someone (well, many people) who share my obsession with the Tudors!
As for this article, it is difficult, to imagine what this petit lady must have gone through. I cannot wait to read the entire book.
Fingers crossed for a copy!