On the Tudor Trail

Traitors of the Tower

I just had to share with you another wonderful event! At 2 pm, on the 31st May at Whitehall, Cheam, Surrey, Alison Weir will be speaking about Traitors of the Tower. The talk will take place in a fabulous Tudor house built c. 1500. The following information is from Alison's website: More than four hundred years ago, seven people - five of them women - were beheaded in the Tower of London. Three had been queens of England. The others were found guilty of treason. Why were such important … [Read More...]

Events for members at Historic Royal Palaces

As a member of Historic Royal Palaces you can enjoy exclusive members only events as well as discounts on selected public events. Here is a taste of what's on offer for members at HRP in 2011. Tower of London The Girl in the Mirror by Sarah Gristwood Official book launch in partnership with HarperCollins Date: 22 June, doors open 18.30 for a 18.45 start Price: £10 including drinks reception Elizabeth I was notoriously fond of her men and had numerous favourites during her long … [Read More...]

Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII’s Private Motif- Honeysuckle & Acorns

At some point during their relationship Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII adopted honeysuckle and acorns as a private motif (Ives, Pg. 243). It is unclear as to when exactly it was adopted and whether they adopted the symbol separately or together but what is clear is that it featured regularly in palace furnishings. Honeysuckle has long been a symbol of love and devotion, while an acorn symbolizes fertility, growth and new life. It has also been used as an emblem of luck, prosperity and … [Read More...]

The Henry VIII Show

This sounds like a lot of fun! The following information is from the Redditch Palace Website. On The Other Hand Puppet Theatre Company Present The Henry VIII Show In this unique show, Henry VIII tells his story with the ghosts of his queens and principal courtiers coming back to haunt him. Ken, a volunteer at the local museum, is setting out a display of Tudor items for a lecture being given that day. He finds a hat that belonged to Will Somers, Henry VIII’s Jester, and tries it on. … [Read More...]

Graven with Diamonds: The Many Lives of Thomas Wyatt: Courtier, Poet, Assasin, Spy

Just a quick post to let you know about this new book called Graven with Diamonds: The Many Lives of Thomas Wyatt: Courtier, Poet, Assasin, Spy by Nicola Shulman. It is a close study of the Tudor poet Sir Thomas Wyatt and is due to be released this month. I think it sounds very interesting. Here is the synopsis, This intriguing and amusing book tells the story of Henry VIII, - his court, his victims and his Queens - from the perspective of a powerful but little-discussed influence in the … [Read More...]

A review of Sandra Worth’s ‘Pale Rose of England’

Synopsis It is 1497. The news of the survival of Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York, has thundered across Europe, setting royal houses ablaze with intrigue and rocking the fledgling Tudor dynasty. Stepping finally onto English soil, Catherine arrives at the island of Saint Michael’s Mount, along with her husband and young son Dickon, their second child already on the way. With the keen support of Scotland’s King James IV, Richard—known in England as Perkin Warbeck—has come to reclaim his … [Read More...]

Interesting Tudor Facts

I thought it might be fun to put together a page of 'Interesting Tudor Facts' that I will add to the resources section of 'On the Tudor Trail', including your name beside the fact you provided. Leave me a comment or email me 'your fact' via our contact us page. I will then sort the facts into categories for easy navigating. The facts might be about any of the Tudor monarchs, Henry VIII's wives, Life in Tudor England, Tudor palaces, food, medicine...and the list could go on and on. Looking … [Read More...]

Exclusive interview with Dr Susan Bordo

I recently posted about 'The Creation of Anne Boleyn', a new book that Dr Bordo is currently writing. Susan and her research assistant, Natalie, have created a Facebook page to document the 'Anne Boleyn journey' and to make connections with other Anne enthusiasts along the way. Today I am very happy to welcome Dr Bordo to On the Tudor Trail and share with you our interview. Susan's responses are incredibly genuine, informative, and interesting . I believe that Susan's background in … [Read More...]

Tudor Time Traveller- Haworth Old Hall

If you are ever in Haworth visiting The Bronte Parsonage Museum you should pop into Haworth Old Hall for a drink or dinner. The Old Hall is one of the oldest buildings in the village dating back to 1580. According to their website: Much of the Tudor charm and atmosphere has been preserved and we have two beautiful open log fires, seven real ales on tap, a delicious seasonal food menu using local produce and an extensive wine list too. Set amidst stunning countryside and situated at the … [Read More...]

If Walls Could Talk

Just a quick post about a new show starting soon on BBC4. Dr Lucy Worsley, chief curator of Historic Royal Palaces, presents If Walls Could Talk. Here is the information provided by the BBC: Dr Lucy Worsley, chief curator of the Royal Historic Palaces, presents a new series for BBC Four exploring how homes have evolved into what they are today – and how our relationship with them has changed over time. If Walls Could Talk, tells the story of British domestic life from … [Read More...]

New Anne Boleyn Location- Carew Manor

I have just added location number 32 to our growing list of places that Anne Boleyn visited in her lifetime that we can visit today. The latest addition is Carew Manor located in Beddington Park, once the family home of the Carew family. Background In 1528, King Henry VIII wrote the following letter to Anne Boleyn: Mine own Sweetheart, this shall be to advertise you of the great elengeness that I find here since your departing; for, I ensure you methinketh the time longer since your … [Read More...]

The Creation of Anne Boleyn – Have your say!

I wanted to share with you a new book entitled 'The Creation of Anne Boleyn' that Dr Susan Bordo is currently writing. It's anticipated that the book will be published in 2012. Dr Bordo is a modern feminist philosopher known for her contributions to the field of contemporary cultural studies, particularly in the area of “body studies.” She has created a Facebook page to document her 'Anne Boleyn journey' and is hoping that other Anne enthusiasts will join. Like so many of us, Dr Bordo … [Read More...]