Recent Posts
Penned by Anne Boleyn
This is the third of a series of letters that I will be publishing written by Anne Boleyn to Cardinal Wolsey between 1528-1529. Elizbeth Norton notes that in the past it was stated that this letter was addressed to Archbishop Cranmer and not Cardinal Wolsey although Norton believes this to be unlikely. Anne Boleyn to Cardinal Wolsey My Lord in my most humble wise I thanke your grace fot the gyft thys Benefice for Master Barlo howbeit this standithe to non Effecte for it is mayd for … [Read More...]
Finding Anne Boleyn
Today's post is a guest article by H.M. Castor, author of VIII. Read my review of her debut novel for teens here. Finding Anne Three years ago I had an emotional encounter with a Tudor object. On a visit to Compton Verney in Warwickshire, I saw an exhibition of some of the treasures – paintings and artefacts – that are usually hidden away at Chequers, the country house of the Prime Minister. In one of the exhibition’s rooms stood a glass case, and inside it lay a ring. A ring I had … [Read More...]
A review of VIII by H.M Castor
With so much Tudor fiction written for adults, I don’t often read novels aimed at young adults but when I read about H.M Castor’s debut novel for teens, VIII, I was immediately intrigued. Why not Henry VIII? Why just VIII? The title caught my attention but the opening line captured my imagination – I was hooked after 11 words. The name Henry VIII immediately conjures up images of an overweight, beady- eyed tyrant who had two of his six wives executed but the Hal we meet in the opening … [Read More...]
Whitehall and Anne Boleyn
Today's post is a guest article written by Annis Castellina, a qualified teacher, writer and researcher. Annis designs and leads historical walking tours aimed at rediscovering 'lost palaces', including a tour of the royal palace of Whitehall. Annis brings Whitehall Palace to life through the use of old illustrations, maps and paintings. She guides you to important sites and identifies its remains. This sounds like a wonderful tour and one that I hope to go on during my next visit to … [Read More...]
Tudor Ghost Story Contest!
I am delighted to share that Wendy J. Dunn, a dear friend and author of Dear Heart, How Like You This? has asked me to revive a very popular annual Tudor ghost story contest that was originally hosted via her website. I am thrilled to accept Wendy’s invitation and invite readers to submit an unpublished Tudor ghost story of between 1,500-3,000 words. The story must of course be your own work and emailed to natalie@onthetudortrail.com by December 9, 2011. The lucky winner will receive a … [Read More...]
In Anne Boleyn’s Own Words
This is the second of a series of letters that I will be publishing written by Anne Boleyn to Cardinal Wolsey between 1528-1529. If you missed the first letter in the series, read it here. Anne Boleyn to Cardinal Wolsey, c. July 1528 My Lord, In my most humble wise, that my poor heart can think, I do thank your grace for your kind letter and for your rich and goodly present, the which I shall never be able to deserve, without your help, of which I have hitherto had so great plenty, that … [Read More...]
Anne Boleyn’s Letter to Cardinal Wolsey
Very few of Anne Boleyn’s letters survive but out of those that we do have, a number are addressed to Thomas Wolsey. Read the letter Anne wrote to Wolsey thanking him for his efforts in trying to obtain Henry VIII a divorce from Catherine of Aragon. The postscript was added by Henry VIII. Anne Boleyn to Cardinal Wolsey My lord, in my most humblest wise that my heart can think, I desire you to pardon me that I am so bold to trouble you with my simple and rude writing, esteeming it to … [Read More...]
Interview with author Michelle Diener
I have just published my interview with Michelle Diener, whose debut novel, In a Treacherous Court, is set in the court of Henry VIII. The Synopsis reads: An unconventional woman. A deadly enemy. A clash of intrigue, deception, and desire. 1525: Artist Susanna Horenbout is sent from Belgium to be Henry VIII’s personal illuminator inside the royal palace. But her new homeland greets her with an attempt on her life, and the King’s most lethal courtier, John Parker, is charged with keeping … [Read More...]
The Queen’s Agent
On Thursday 6 October at 13:15 the National Portrait Gallery in London is hosting a free daytime talk about the life of Francis Walsingham. It will take place in the Ondaatje Wing Theatre. Here is some more information: 'John Cooper explores the life of Francis Walsingham, Secretary to Elizabeth I, who ran a network of agents in England and Europe, encouraged Elizabeth to go to war against the Catholic Irish rebels, and oversaw the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots.' Sounds interesting! … [Read More...]
Tudor Talk – Meet ‘Elizabeth Tudor’
As you may be already aware, this year I added a new section to the site called 'Tudor Talk' where I share my interviews with people who are experts in various fields of Tudor history and/or who on a daily basis are immersed in the sixteenth century for work or pleasure. Today I am delighted to share with you an interview with Ashlie Jensen, who runs a website called 'Being Bess' dedicated to the celebration of the life and reign of Elizabeth Tudor, Queen Elizabeth I of England. Ashlie is … [Read More...]
Anyone for real tennis?
Tennis in Tudor Times Until the fifteenth century, people exercised in order to be ready for war (Thurley, Pg. 179). In the fifteenth-century in Italy there was a revival of interest in physical fitness and in 1527, Castiglione in his Book of the Courtier (1527) was one of the first to highlight some other benefits of exercise. “Turning away from the medieval idea of ‘sport’ for war’s sake, he advocated it in terms of social benefit, to be played in a gentlemanly manner as one of the … [Read More...]
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