Recent Posts

Stitches in Tudor Time: A three-part series

I am delighted to welcome back JoAnn Spears to On the Tudor Trail. To celebrate the release of her new book, Seven Will Out: A Renaissance Revel, which is a sequel to Six of One: A Tudor Riff, Joann has written a fascinating three-part blog series on needlework and the Tudors. Over to you JoAnn! Stitches in Tudor Time: A three-part series Part One Elizabeth of York kicks things off There’s no getting away from the Tudors I embroider reproductions of historic samplers as a hobby. … [Read More...]

The Embrace of Eternity

Tudor Ghost Story Contest 2015 – Highly Commended The Embrace of Eternity By Katherine Stinson Of all the things Henry VIII expected to see on his deathbed, hearing his father harangue him about his bedsheets was the last thing he would have surmised. The founder of the Tudor dynasty glided around as he had in life, miserly and without empathy for his dying son. “What sort of example are you setting with such a horrid excuse for a bedchamber?” Henry replied with what little strength he … [Read More...]

The Past Haunts

Tudor Ghost Story Contest 2015 - Highly Commended The Past Haunts By Ambrea Rodriguez As chill seeped into the dimly lit room through each minute crevice and the gaps in the worn glass window, the fire in the hearth dwindled, as did Henry Tudor’s aspiration for life. Perhaps, in all my misery, I’ll join her this very night. Yet that declaration felt awry, near impossible; there was still much to do for the kingdom, but the thought left a pang in his chest. His life was long lived and … [Read More...]

Tudor London

I am delighted to welcome Barbara Gaskell Denvil to On the Tudor Trail! Born in England, Barbara grew up amongst artists and authors and started writing at a young age. She published numerous short stories and articles, and worked as an editor, book critic and reader for publishers and television companies. With a delight in medieval history dating back to her youth, Barbara began to research the wicked King Richard III, but quickly discovered the fascination of looking past Tudor propaganda … [Read More...]

Tudor Ghost Story Contest – Runner Up

Tudor Ghost Story Contest 2nd place getter 2015 MY KINSMAN THE HEADSMAN By Alisha Huffman Fifteen months. That's how long I languished in those cramped little rooms overlooking the bloodthirsty field called Tower Green. 'Tis a wonder the grass there doesn't grow red instead of green from all the bloodshed that's taken place. Not too long ago, I even heard a rumor that some unnamed courtier was using the wooden scaffold for target practice when his blade missed its mark and struck the ground … [Read More...]

Tudor Ghost Story Contest Winner

Tudor Ghost Story Contest Winner 2015 A Skeleton of a Ship in the Ghost of Water By Katherine Marcella   October 11, 1982 "Come on Louise! We'll miss the whole thing if you don't hurry!" "I can't pedal any faster in this rain gear. Can't I take it off?" "No, you can't. Someone will spot your school uniform and report us to Mrs Martin. Then we'll all get in trouble." "We're going to be in trouble anyway." "No, we won't. Anne will just say it's history and she wanted to … [Read More...]

Tudor Ghost Story Contest Winners Announced!

I am delighted to share with you Wendy J. Dunn's judge's report. Thank you to those of you who entered the Tudor Ghost Story contest this year, I've so enjoyed reading your entries, and a big congratulations to our winners! First Place goes to A Skeleton of a Ship in the Ghost of Water by Katherine Marcella. Second Place goes to My Kinsman the Headsman by Alisha Huffman. Highly Commended: The Past Haunts by Ambrea Rodriguez and The Embrace of Eternity by Katherine Stinson.  Happy … [Read More...]

20 Questions with Anna Castle & Giveaway!

I am delighted to share with you my interview with Anna Castle, author of the Francis Bacon Mystery series. Anna holds an eclectic set of degrees: BA in the Classics, MS in Computer Science, and a Ph.D in Linguistics. She has had a correspondingly eclectic series of careers: waitressing, software engineering, documenting an indigenous language of southern Mexico, a short stint as an associate professor, and managing a digital archive. Writing historical fiction combines her lifelong love of … [Read More...]

Food and Drink in Tudor England

I'm delighted to welcome back Terry Breverton to On the Tudor Trail. Terry's latest book, 'The Tudor Kitchen: What the Tudors Ate & Drank' contains over 500 recipes, all taken from contemporary sources. Terry is here today to talk to us about his new book and to share two Tudor recipes. Book Blurb: Did you ever wonder what the Tudors ate and drank? What was Anne Boleyn's favorite tipple? Which pies did Henry VIII gorge on to go from a 32 to a 54-inch waist? The Tudor Cookbook provides … [Read More...]

Hatfield House – Guest Post & Giveaway

I am delighted to welcome Sarah Kennedy to On the Tudor Trail! Sarah has written a wonderful guest post for us about Hatfield House in Hertfordshire, but before I share with you this entertaining and informative read, some more good news, to celebrate the release of Sarah's novel, The King's Sisters: Book Three of The Cross and the Crown Series, I will be giving away a copy to one lucky reader! Here’s how to enter… Conditions of Entry For your chance to win a copy of The King's Sisters, … [Read More...]

Anne Boleyn the Sportswoman and Her Captivating Looks – A Guest Post

I am delighted to be hosting day four of Sandra Vasoli's book tour! Sandra has written a wonderful guest post for us entitled 'Anne Boleyn the Sportswoman and Her Captivating Looks'. Are you intrigued? The title certainly got my attention! But before I share with you this entertaining and informative read, some more good news, MadeGlobal has provided me with a copy of Sandra's new book, Anne Boleyn’s Letter from the Tower, to give away! Here's how to enter... Conditions of Entry For your … [Read More...]

The Shakespeare Trail

The Shakespeare Trail by Zoe Bramley For Shakespeare fans the year 2016 is set to be one long celebration as we mark the 400th anniversary of his death. Of course, we’re not celebrating the fact that he died, but this will be a brilliant chance to sit back and watch as the TV schedules fill with Shakespeare documentaries and adaptations such as Hollow Crown. There will also be a glut of books released including one written by Boris Johnson, who is currently Mayor of London. 2016 will be … [Read More...]