Recent Posts

Exploring English Castles by Edd Morris

I am delighted to welcome Dr Edd Morris, author of 'Exploring English Castles' to On the Tudor Trail, and share with you his guest post on a subject that fascinates and intrigues - the British Castle! I love visiting castles in Britain: the more ruinous the better. There’s something special about standing amidst the remains of a once mighty fortress, or a once-decadent banqueting hall, and trying to imagine the plotting and intrigue which once went on. I also love the layers of history … [Read More...]

20 Questions with Sarah Bryson

1. Where did your fascination with the Tudors come from? I remember when I was younger being told about an English Queen who was beheaded and immediately I wanted to know why, what had happened, what had led to her execution? I picked up Eric Ive’s book “The Life and Death of Anne Boleyn” and from there I was hooked. I found Anne Boleyn’s life fascinating and I had to learn more. The Tudor period is an amazing time in English history; it reminds me a little of a TV drama series except that it … [Read More...]

20 Questions with David Baldwin

1. When did you realise that you wanted to become an historian? I’ve always been interested in History – as a very small child I was fascinated by knights in armour. 2. What sparked your interest in Tudor England? I specialize mainly in the fifteenth century, but think it’s equally important to know what went before and what came after. History doesn’t begin and end on particular dates. 3. Tell us about your latest book, Henry VIII’s Last Love. It’s the story of Katherine … [Read More...]

The Lady in Red: Medieval Menstruation

Today's post is a fascinating article by Karen Harris and Lori Caskey-Sigety, co-authors of 'The Medieval Vagina:An Historical and Hysterical Look at All Things Vaginal During the Middle Ages.' Karen Harris is a college instructor by day and a writer by night. Writing offers Karen a chance to dabble in her other areas of interest, including history and science. She has written numerous freelance articles and feature stories for publication. She is a hobby farmer, environmental volunteer, and … [Read More...]

Fortunes of France: The Brethren – Sample Chapter & Giveaway!

Thanks to the generosity of the lovely folk at Pushkin Press, I have five copies of Fortunes of France: The Brethren by Robert Merle to give away. This is the first volume in a French  historical adventure series, set in France during England's Tudor period. The series has sold more than 5 million copies worldwide, and this is its first translation into English. Merle has been compared to Alexandre Dumas, and the series to the Flashman books and Game of Thrones. This giveaway is now … [Read More...]

Hello, History Home Decor

A guest post by Kathryn Carissimi, founder of Hello, History Home Decor. Hello, On the Tudor Trail. It’s an honor to be here. Hello, History began with a very special thank you card. A family friend noticed my frequent “likes” and mentions of posts about Anne Boleyn, and decided to pass on a special memento: a small vase in the likeness of the executed Queen, purchased twenty years ago at the Tower of London. I envisioned a thank you card with a similar likeness, but on a bright, vibrant … [Read More...]

Murder in the Queen’s Garden by Amanda Carmack

I am delighted to welcome Amanda Carmack to On the Tudor Trail! Amanda is the author of many historical novels, including the Kate Haywood Elizabethan Murder Mysteries. The third book in the series, 'Murder in the Queen's Garden' is due to be released in February 2015. Book Description 1559. Elizabeth has been on the throne for six months, and life in England seems newly golden. But for the Royal Court, murder and betrayal are foretold in the stars.... Kate Haywood, the young queen’s … [Read More...]

What is it about the Tudors? Historical Novel Society Australasia

What is it about the Tudors? 2015 Historical Novel Society Australasia Conference On the weekend of 20-22 March 2015, the Historical Novel Society Australasia (HNSA) is holding its inaugural conference at the historic Balmain Town Hall, Sydney, exploring the theme of ‘The Historical Novel in Peace and War’. The conference will be a celebration of the historical fiction genre in a weekend of talks, panels, debates, book launches and readings. Balmain Town Hall The opening night reception … [Read More...]

On the Tudor Trail’s 25 Days of Christmas Giveaway Winners!

Hearty congratulations to all our winners! You'll find an email from me in your inbox. Happy New Year! December 1 Anne Boleyn Xmas Decoration (Donated by Natalie Grueninger – me!) Open internationally Congratulations Emily Magee! December 2 ‘Elizabeth the Virgin Queen and the Men Who Loved Her’ by Robert Parry Paperback or Kindle Open internationally Congratulations Denise Duvall! December 3 ‘Jasper Tudor: Godfather of the Tudor Dynasty’ by Debra Bayani Open … [Read More...]

On the 25th Day of Christmas!

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas! May your day be filled with love, peace and happiness. I do sincerely hope you've enjoyed On the Tudor Trail's 25 Days of Christmas Giveaways. On this, the final day of our giveaway, I am delighted to offer you the chance to win a copy of my own book, co-authored with the lovely Sarah Morris, In the Footsteps of Anne Boleyn. To be in the running to win 'In the Footsteps of Anne Boleyn', leave a comment after this post. Conditions of Entry For your … [Read More...]

On the 24th Day of Christmas…

It's Christmas Eve! On the 24th day of Christmas On the Tudor Trail gave to me… the chance to win an autographed copy of ‘The Crown’ by Nancy Bilyeau. To be in the running to win this book, leave a comment after this post. Conditions of Entry For your chance to win a copy of ‘The Crown’, you must be subscribed to On the Tudor Trail’s newsletter (if you are not already, sign up on our homepage where it says ‘Free Enewsletter Subscription’). Then simply leave a comment after … [Read More...]

The Tudor Treasury by Elizabeth Norton

Not long to wait now! On the 23rd day of Christmas On the Tudor Trail gave to me… the chance to win 'The Tudor Treasury' by Elizabeth Norton. To be in the running to win this book, leave a comment after this post. Conditions of Entry For your chance to win a copy of ‘The Tudor Treasury’, you must be subscribed to On the Tudor Trail’s newsletter (if you are not already, sign up on our homepage where it says ‘Free Enewsletter Subscription’). Then simply leave a comment after … [Read More...]