Recent Posts

Natalie Dormer offers her support to help save Anne Boleyn’s portrait!

I am delighted to share with you that British actress Natalie Dormer, well known for her role as Anne Boleyn in Showtime's The Tudors, has pledged her support to the fundraising efforts for the restoration of Anne Boleyn's National Portrait Gallery portrait. Not only this but she is also delighted to endorse 'Save Anne Boleyn's Portrait' page on Facebook and has offered these kind words of encouragement: "It is imperative that we maintain this definitive portrait of Anne Boleyn … [Read More...]

A Queen’s Childhood

Today's addition is a guest post written by Maggie Secara author of 'A Compendium of Common Knowledge 1558-1603: Elizabethan Commonplaces for Writers, Actors and Re-enactors.' Maggie also runs Renaissance: The Elizabethan World, a fabulous website overflowing with information about life in Elizabeth's England. Maggie's post is essentially a compendium page focussing on some interesting facts about Elizabeth I's royal childhood. Enjoy! A Queen's Childhood by Maggie Secara She was a … [Read More...]

Exclusive interview with historian Suzannah Lipscomb

Dr Suzannah Lipscomb is a lecturer in Early Modern History at the University of East Anglia. From February 2007 to August 2010 she was Research Curator at Hampton Court Palace and is now an External Consultant to Historic Royal Palaces. Suzannah has written and contributed to a number of publications including '1536: The Year that Changed Henry VIII'. You can download a full list of her publications here. Dr Lipscomb has also appeared on a number of television shows including BBC's … [Read More...]

Childhood Home of King Richard III- Middleham Castle

"King Richard, late mercifully reigning upon us.. was slain and murdered to the great heaviness of this city" (York City Council Books - entered the day after Bosworth) I have just finished reading a book about Anne Neville and Richard, Duke of Gloucester and so was inspired to find out more about a location connected to both these characters, Middleham Castle. The present day castle, in the county of North Yorkshire, was built by Robert Fitzrandolph and commenced in 1190 during … [Read More...]

Remembering Anne Boleyn

As On the Tudor Trail’s Facebook page nears 500 ‘likes’ I would like to celebrate this achievement and thank you all for your support and encouragement by giving away a copy of Eric Ives’ ‘The Life and Death of Anne Boleyn.’ This is by far the best biography available and no Anne Boleyn fan should be without it! With the anniversary of Anne Boleyn’s death fast approaching I thought it appropriate to celebrate and commemorate this great lady’s life by remembering her through poetry, music, … [Read More...]

Exclusive interview with Diane Haeger

I have just published my interview with Diane Haeger author of historical fiction. Diane's 12th novel, The Queen's Rival, is the third In the Court of Henry VIII series. It will be released on March 1, 2011 and is the untold story of King Henry VIII's first well-known mistress, Bessie Blount. From Diane's website: The book is based on the true, not often told story of Bess Blount, mother of Henry VIII’s only acknowledged natural son. Her inspirational story is one of a naïve young woman’s … [Read More...]

Those Striking Boleyn Eyes

It is difficult to try and picture Anne Boleyn without conjuring up images of her beautiful black eyes that are so often referred to in contemporary descriptions. “According to the French poet, Lancelot de Carles, her most attractive feature was ‘her eyes, which she well knew how to use. In truth such was their power that many a man paid his allegiance.’ She used her eyes, he tells us, to invite conversation, and to convey the promise of hidden passion.” (Weir, Pg. 151) The Venetian … [Read More...]

Elizabeth I by Margaret George

Margaret George is the author of several best-selling novels, including The Autobiography of Henry VIII, Mary Queen of Scotland & the Isles, and Mary, Called Magdalene. She travels widely to research her novels and lives with her husband in Madison, Wisconsin. Her latest novel, Elizabeth I sounds very interesting. Here is the synopsis provided by Pan Macmillan: The legendary Elizabeth Tudor is history's most enigmatic queen: the virgin with many suitors; the victor of the Armada … [Read More...]

Exclusive interview with Elizabeth Norton

It gives me great pleasure to share with you my exclusive interview with author and historian Elizabeth Norton. Elizabeth gained her first degree from the University of Cambridge, and her Masters from the University of Oxford. Her books include Anne Boleyn: Henry VIII's Obsession, Jane Seymour: Henry VIII's True Love, Anne of Cleves: Henry VIII's discarded bride, Catherine Parr: Wife, widow, mother, survivor, the story of the last queen of Henry VIII and Margaret Beaufort: Mother of the … [Read More...]

On the Tudor Trail News

A quick update to let you know that I have added a book store to the site. The store is hosted by Amazon but I myself spent hours handpicking the Tudor books for your enjoyment! I have also grouped the books in categories to make it easier for you to browse. The categories include Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII and each of the wives, plus Life in Tudor England, Elizabeth I, Historical Fiction and more! The store can be accessed via the top navigation bar by clicking on the link 'Book Store'. Take … [Read More...]

New Anne Boleyn Location!

It has been some time since I have added a new Anne Boleyn location to our already long list and so it gives me great pleasure to announce location number 31 - Winchester Cathedral. Not only is it one of the largest cathedrals in England but it is also a very significant stop On the Tudor Trail for a number of other reasons. David Starkey describes the Cathedral as ‘the setting for one of the most extraordinary scenes of the Reformation’. Find out more about what this 'scene' was and … [Read More...]

Tudor Events on at Hampton Court Palace

There are many wonderful Tudor events and lectures taking place in the next few months at Hampton Court Palace. Learn about the lives of Tudor jesters, listen to Michael Hirst talk on the challenges of creating historical drama, take part in Tudor cookery and much more! Here is a small taste of what's to come: Hampton Court Palace- All the King's fools 24-27 February 11.00 & 14.00 Learn about the lives of jesters and fools in the court of King … [Read More...]