Discovering Tudor York: A Journey into the Past

I am thrilled to share that I recently signed a publishing contract for a new Tudor book! Discovering Tudor York: A Journey into the Past will be published by Pen and Sword Books in the UK in 2019.

Book Blurb

Discover the stories of York’s Tudor past in this engaging and practical travel guide that takes you on an illuminating journey through the best of Tudor York. Accompany the author as she wanders down ancient cobbled streets and through atmospheric ruins, exploring a variety of evocative buildings and historical sites associated with this famous dynasty, as well as museums that house artefacts of interest to the Tudor tourist. Locations covered include the Guildhall, where elaborate pageants were held to welcome the first Tudor king, Henry VII, to the city in 1486; the King’s Manor, where Henry VIII and Catherine Howard stayed in 1541, and Yorkshire Museum, home to a stunning collection of medieval treasures, including the Middleham Jewel and a Richard III supporter’s Boar Badge. The informative narrative is complemented by a range of images, a suggested itinerary, visitor information and an ‘After Dark’ section that recounts some of the chilling ghost stories associated with each of the sites.

This entertaining guide is a must-have for those planning their own Tudor journey or the armchair traveller alike.

At the moment I’m reading everything I can get my hands on about Tudor York and everyday life in a medieval city and am finding myself frequently lured down the research rabbit hole! I can’t help but want to know every little detail about life in Tudor York and if that means losing myself for hours in articles and books about medieval diet, diseases, hospitals and burial practices, to name but a few of the subjects that have piqued my interest of late, then so be it. Even osteoarchaeology has dragged me into the research labyrinth! Did you know that pulmonary tuberculosis can be identified by marks on the rib cage? Syphilis too leaves marks on the bones. Fascinating, eh? I will eventually drag myself out of the hole and actually start writing the book… but not until after my research trip to York next month!

I’ve been to York several times before, but they’ve all been fleeting visits. This time I’m calling this historic gem home for eight days! My schedule is already pretty full but I’ve made sure to leave time for spontaneous adventures and space for serendipity. I can’t wait to lose myself in the cobbled streets and snickelways of this ancient city and, perhaps, if I’m very lucky, experience a time slip! Well, you never know… You have heard of Harry Martindale, right? Bedraggled Roman legion marching through the cellar of the Treasurer’s House in 1953? If you don’t know the story then I suggest you watch the first ten minutes or so of this video, where Harry recounts his extraordinary experience. If, like me, you love a good ghost story, you’ll probably also enjoy the stories that follow Harry’s.

Speaking of ghosts, I’m really excited about the ‘After Dark’ section of my new book, where I’ll recount some of the spooky tales associated with each of the sites. York lays claim to being the most haunted city in England, so I should have plenty to write about, including the ghost of a Tudor lady seen at the King’s Manor, now part of the University of York, and the three cloaked figures photographed at the riverside entrance to Common Hall Lane, which runs under the ancient Guildhall.

The King’s Manor

Apart from rubbing shoulders with York’s ghostly residents and exploring the city’s historical nooks and crannies, I’ll be doing some archival research, meeting up with author/historian friends, losing myself in the second-hand bookstores, eating sweets from Bettys cake trolley and dining at the oldest pubs I can find! And I get to share all the fun with my dear friend Kathryn Holeman, who so beautifully illustrated our Colouring History books—Colouring History: The Tudors and our forthcoming title, Colouring History: Tudor Queens and Consorts — and who’s joining me for most of the trip.

The Minster Gate Book Shop

While I’ll remain in York for most of my stay, on one of the days I’ll be travelling a little further afield, as I’ve been invited to view the State Bed of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York! I am very excited about the prospect of seeing this extraordinary artefact, where Henry VIII may have been conceived. You can find out more about its history and discovery in this excellent video, presented by architectural historian Dr Jonathan Foyle.

The First State Bed of Henry VII & Elizabeth of York from InHouseFilms on Vimeo.

During my trip, I’ll be posting lots of photos and videos on Facebook and Instagram, and I’ll eventually write a series of blog posts too, so be sure to follow along! If you have any suggestions of places to visit, where to dine etc., especially lesser-known places, I’d love to hear from you.

Okay, back into the rabbit warren I go! Bye for now.

Natalie x