On the Tudor Trail

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...]

Fallen in Love: The secret heart of Anne Boleyn

Artistic director, Joanna Carrick has researched and written a play called 'Fallen in Love: The secret heart of Anne Boleyn' to be performed in a unique theatre tent in the grounds of the tudor manor house, Gippeswyk Hall, Ipswich. It is 1536. The woman who changed the world forever by capturing the heart of a King, faces trial with her brother George for adultery, incest and treason. The passionate story of betrayal and jealousy shows us the true heart of Queen Anne Boleyn, revealing at last … [Read More...]

Would the real Anne Boleyn please come forward?

With all this talk of portraits, I thought it would be a good time to look a little more closely at the paintings that exist that claim to be Anne Boleyn. According to Eric Ives ‘there are two patterns which clearly represent separate traditions’ (Pg. 42). On the one hand we have the pattern depicting Anne wearing a gable hood. A painting in this pattern is now in a private collection in Bradford and shows Anne wearing a gable hood and a brooch in the form of a single drop pearl hanging … [Read More...]

The Whore and the Virgin: Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth I

On the 17th March at Kensington Library, Alison Weir and Tracy Borman will be discussing Anne Boleyn's downfall and the impact it had on Elizabeth I. Here is some more information provided by the library: Join Alison Weir and Tracy Borman as they discuss Anne Boleyn's fall from grace and the impact that this had upon her daughter, Elizabeth I, who some argue eclipsed Henry VIII, in the story of the nation. Of all the women in Henry VIII’s life, none are more famed, studied and celebrated … [Read More...]

Save Anne Boleyn’s Portrait Page

Although I have already donated what I could to the National Portrait Gallery in London to help with the conservation work needed on Anne Boleyn’s portrait, I felt as though I wanted to do something more. So I have launched a ‘Save Anne Boleyn’s Portrait’ Page on Facebook to try and raise awareness of the urgent conservation work needed. I am very happy to announce that author and historian, Alison Weir, has officially endorsed the page! Here is what Alison has to say: "I am delighted to … [Read More...]

Make Authentic Tudor Manchet Bread

I have in the past posted about 'Historical Foods' a wonderful website where you will find food history articles, feast recipes and historic recipes including a section on Tudor recipes! A recent addition is a recipe for Manchet Bread that was eaten in both Medieval and Tudor Britain by the rich upper classes. Historical Foods states that: "this whiter manchet flour was desired by the rich upper classes because it made a lighter loaf, of finer texture. It was also far more expensive than … [Read More...]

And the Tudor books just keep on coming! Prophecy by S.J. Parris

Sounds like an interesting read, here is the synopsis from Harper Collins: The second in a major new series of historical thrillers featuring Giordano Bruno, philospher, scientist and heretic, for all fans of C.J.Sansom and The Name of the Rose. Autumn, 1583. It's the year of the Great Conjunction: an astrological phenomenon believed to herald the death of one age and the dawn of another. England's tentative peace is under threat and prophecies foretell the death of Queen Elizabeth and, … [Read More...]