On the Tudor Trail

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...]

Hertford Museum Tudor Events

I wanted to share with you some great Tudor events coming up at Hertford Museum. I particularly like the sound of Mud, Sweat and Beer as I am fascinated by Tudor diseases and cures. Mud, Sweat and Beer - Everyday Life in Tudor Times Saturday 2nd April - Saturday 3rd September 2011 Find out how gruesome diseases were treated, discover toe curling punishments and work up an appetite for Tudor food. Would you survive a Tudor childhood? Bringing together a wide range of amazing Tudor artefacts, … [Read More...]

Days that shook the world: The execution of Anne Boleyn

The BBC series Days that shook the world features various events throughout history, one of which is the execution of Anne Boleyn. This dramatisation of Anne’s final days is based on first hand accounts and depicts the last 24 hours of Anne's life while imprisoned in the Tower of London. It also briefly features Anne's debut at the English Court in 1521, the beginning of Henry's fascination with her in 1526 and the events that paved the way for their marriage in 1532-33. There are a number … [Read More...]

Recycled Movie Costumes

My sister recently sent me a link to this interesting website, it's called 'Recycled Movie Costumes' and it's dedicated to - you guessed it - documenting recycled movie costumes! If you select the Tudor/Elizabethan period from the drop down menu then you will find photos of costumes that have appeared in one production and then went on to be used in another. For example, this beautiful yellow gown that was created for the film Anne of a Thousand Days in 1969, and worn by Genevieve … [Read More...]

Interview with Dr Tarnya Cooper

I am delighted to share with you my interview with Dr Tarnya Cooper, Curator of Sixteenth Century Collections at the National Portrait Gallery in London. Dr Cooper's responses are thorough and informative and shed much light on a fascinating area of Tudor history - Tudor portraiture. Read my full interview with Dr Cooper here. … [Read More...]

The Legend of Anne Boleyn

Over the next few weeks I am going to explore some of the legends associated with Anne Boleyn. My goal is not to pass judgement on the stories but simply share them with you in the hope of better understanding Anne’s place in English folklore. After Anne Boleyn’s execution, a number of stories arose about Anne’s body being removed from the Tower of London and reburied elsewhere. Other legends also emerged about Anne’s heart being stolen and hidden. One such legend is connected with St … [Read More...]

The Girl in the Mirror by Sarah Gristwood

Due to be published in June 2011, The Girl in the Mirror by Sarah Gristwood sounds fabulous! And the cover is simply stunning. Here is the synopsis: ‘Entrancing, compelling, and beautifully written…This is the historical novel as literary fiction – and damned good literary fiction at that.’ Alison Weir Jeanne, a young French exile orphaned by the wars of religion on the continent, is brought to London as a young girl disguised as a boy. Growing up, the disguise has not been shed and … [Read More...]