Recent Posts

The Boleyns: The Rise & Fall of a Tudor Family

David Loades has been commissioned by The Amberley Books to write a history of the Boleyn family to be published in 2012. I am very excited about this title and cannot wait until it's published. Here is a little more information from Amazon: A magnificent tale of family rivalry and intrigue set against Henry VIII's court. The fall of Anne Boleyn and her brother George is the classic drama of the Tudor era. The Boleyns had long been an influential English family. Sir Edward Boleyn had been … [Read More...]

An interview with Ella March Chase

I have just published my interview with Ella March Chase, author of The Virgin Queen's Daughter and Three Maids for a Crown. Here is a synopsis of The Virgin Queen's Daughter from the author's website: For anyone fascinated by Elizabeth I and the Tudor dynasty, THE VIRGIN QUEEN’S DAUGHTER explores a well-founded but little known rumor about the virgin queen’s illegitimate child. With an empire at stake, Elizabeth I would have stopped at nothing—not even murder—to conceal the birth of a … [Read More...]

Where is Anne Boleyn Buried?

“Intelligence, Spirit and Courage” On the morning of May 19 1536, Anne Boleyn went bravely to her death in a private execution at the Tower of London. It took only one stroke of the executioner’s sword to sever her delicate neck, the very same neck that the poet Thomas Wyatt had once praised as ‘fair’ in one of his admiring verses. It was then left up to her four ladies to move and prepare her body for burial. Anne’s head was covered in a white cloth and carried by one of her … [Read More...]

“Long prepared to Die”: The Transformation of Anne Boleyn

Today's post is an examination of Anne Boleyn's final hours by Dr Sarah Morris from Le Temps Viendra: A Novel of Anne Boleyn. Was Anne's serene countenance on the scaffold a result of her immense courage and religious piety, or was there some other phenomena at play? You be the judge. "Long prepared to Die": The Transformation of Anne Boleyn by Dr Sarah Morris There has always been something that has intrigued me about Anne's final hours in this world – her incredible courage and profound … [Read More...]

An Eternal Love

Today's post is a guest article by Karliene Reynolds from Karliene.com. She is the brains behind 'An Eternal Love', a story of reincarnation and second chances. What does this have to do with Anne Boleyn or Tudor history? Well, the main characters are the reincarnated souls of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn! Karliene has also written some songs based on The Tudors series. She takes the basic theme from the show and interprets them on piano - a very creative lady! Without further ado, I … [Read More...]

Update on Anne Boleyn’s Portrait at the National Portrait Gallery

As you know I have worked very hard over the last few months to try and raise awareness of the urgent conservation work that Anne Boleyn's iconic portrait requires. The NPG need £4,000 to carry out the vital work and it is with great happiness that I inform you that we are almost there! As of today the NPG has raised £3,200! I started the Save Anne Boleyn's Portrait Facebook page in the hope that there were others that feel as strongly as I do about this cause. A couple of months in … [Read More...]

Interview with Sarah Gristwood

I have just published my interview with Sarah Gristwood author of two bestselling Tudor biographies, Arbella: England’s Lost Queen and Elizabeth and Leicester. Sarah has presented and contributed to several radio and TV documentaries and 2011 will see the publication of her first historical novel, The Girl in the Mirror. She has also collaborated with Tracy Borman, Alison Weir and Kate Williams on The Ring and the Crown (Hutchinson), a book on the history of royal marriages and together … [Read More...]

Walk in the footsteps of Henry VIII’s six wives at Hampton Court Palace

Is anyone visiting Hampton Court Palace in the next few months? This sounds interesting! From 22 April in Henry VIII's State Apartments From 22 April at Hampton Court Palace you will be able to see an exciting new film featuring all six of Henry's wives.  The film will be shown in the Buttery in Henry VIII's apartments, where you can also see new portraits of each wife and learn more about their lives ... and fates. As you walk in their footsteps through Henry's apartments, discover the … [Read More...]

Anne Boleyn’s great-grandfather

Sir Geoffrey Boleyn was Anne Boleyn’s paternal great-grandfather. He made his fortune as a mercer in London, served as an alderman in the City of London and became Lord Mayor in 1457-8 (Ives, Pg. 3). He purchased the manor of Blickling in Norfolk from Sir John Fastolf in 1452, and was granted Hever Castle in Kent by William Fiennes in 1462. Sir Geoffrey Boleyn married Anne Hoo, a daughter and joint heiress of Thomas, Lord Hoo, and together had two sons, Sir Thomas Boleyn (d.1471/72) and … [Read More...]

Henry VIII & Anne Boleyn Journal and Print Set for Auction

I am so excited to announce that the very talented Elizabeth Schuch from Immortal Longings of London has donated a Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn journal and print set for auction, with all money raised going to the Anne Boleyn Conservation Fund at the National Portrait Gallery! The set includes 1 Henry journal plus print and 1 Anne journal plus print- a total of four items. This royal collection of Two Prints & Two Journals would normally retail for $119.96, and we're offering free … [Read More...]

Interview with Lesley Smith

I have recently added a new section to On the Tudor Trail called 'Tudor Talk' (under the resources tab) where you will find interviews with people with extensive knowledge or expertise in particular areas of Tudor history. It is a space dedicated to those lovers of history that on a daily basis immerse themselves in the 16th century. I am honoured and delighted to share with you my exclusive interview with Lesley Smith, television historian, scholar, actress and curator of Tutbury … [Read More...]

Anne Boleyn Myths and Legends

Last week I posted about the legend that claims that after Anne’s execution her heart was stolen and buried in Erwarton Church in Suffolk. Today I would like to explore the Norfolk legend that claims that after Anne’s execution her body was removed from the Tower and reburied beneath a plain black marble tombstone in Salle Church near Blickling Hall. Read the full article here. … [Read More...]