Recent Posts

Anne Boleyn and the Tudor sweating sickness

In 1528, Du Bellay, the French ambassador wondered if Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn’s relationship was strong enough to survive an extended period of separation. The ambassador’s question was soon answered, when on 16 June 1528, one of Anne’s ladies in waiting fell ill with the dreaded sweating sickness, ‘a highly contagious and frequently fatal disease’ that Eric Ives believes was probably a virus infection similar to the Spanish flu of 1918 (Pg. 100). As usual, when there was any sign of … [Read More...]

New Tudor Books!

It looks like this is going to be a very busy year with so many interesting Tudor books due to be published. Here is a little taste of what's to come: Anne Boleyn: In Her Own Words & the Words of Those Who Knew Her by Elizabeth Norton (Available April 1 2011) Amazon Product Description: The complete letters, dispatches and chronicles that tell the real story of Anne Boleyn. Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII, caused comment wherever she went. Through the chronicles, letters … [Read More...]

An interview with historical fiction writer Susan Higginbotham

I have just published my interview with Susan Higginbotham, author of historical fiction. Susan has written novels set in fourteenth-century England during the reigns of Edward II and Edward III and in fifteenth-century England during the Wars of the Roses. Her novel, The Queen of Last Hopes, tells the story of Margaret of Anjou. Here is a brief synopsis: When fifteen-year-old Margaret of Anjou journeys from France to marry England’s Henry VI, she hopes that her wedding will mean a lasting … [Read More...]

The Death of Henry VIII

“You often boast to me that you have the king’s ear and often have fun with him, freely and according to your whims. This is like having fun with tamed lions – often it is harmless, but just as often there is fear of harm. Often he roars in rage for no known reason, and suddenly the fun becomes fatal.” Thomas More On Friday 28th January 1547, the man who had started his reign as a ‘Virtuous Prince’ died at Whitehall Palace. He was aged 55. The day before his death Henry saw his … [Read More...]

The Blood of Henry VIII

Dr Catrina Whitley has just announced that her new website is up and running. Although minimal at the moment you will still find mini bio's on the authors, contact information and importantly, a link to the full article, 'A New Explanation for the Reproductive Woes and Midlife Decline of Henry VIII'. As discussed in previous posts, the authors propose that Henry VIII was positive for the Kell blood group and suffered from McLeod Syndrome. Read the full article for yourself, assess the … [Read More...]

A review of Virgin and the Crab: Sketches, Fables & Mysteries from the early life of John Dee and Elizabeth Tudor

This remarkable novel by Robert Parry is one of the best Tudor novels I have ever read. At various points throughout the story, I asked myself ‘How?’ How can a person who has never experienced life in Tudor England bring it to life so spectacularly? The novel revolves around John Dee, a brilliant mathematician, astronomer, astrologer, navigator and consultant to Elizabeth I. Although a respected scientist, Dee was also dedicated to the study of alchemy, divination and essentially, magic. Add … [Read More...]

Anne Boleyn’s Marriage to Henry VIII

There is so much that is unknown, controversial or debated about the life of Anne Boleyn that once she captures our imagination, and heart, there is no escaping her. It’s the mystery that I believe fuels the fire. The need to ‘know’ Anne as best we can, to discover what she looked like, to understand her decisions, her actions and the world, the very different world, in which she lived. And we must never forget that very important fact, she once lived. It might seem like a silly thing to say … [Read More...]

Interview with author of “A New Explanation for the Reproductive Woes and Midlife Decline of Henry VIII”

About a week ago I posted about a new article by Catrina Whitley and Kyra Kramer entitled 'A New Explanation for the Reproductive Woes and Midlife Decline of Henry VIII' (Read my original post here). In the article the authors examine the reasons behind Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn’s multiple miscarriages and stillbirths. The article immediately caught my attention because the new theory proposes that Henry VIII was positive for the Kell blood group and also suffered from McLeod … [Read More...]

Katharine of Aragon Festival 2011

The annual "Katharine of Aragon" Festival will be held at Peterborough Cathedral on 28-30 January 2011. Many wonderful events are planned to commemorate the life of this great woman. A program of service and events from the Cathedral's website: Friday 28th January at 10.30am Katharine of Aragon Commemoration Service Our annual service which commerates the life of Henry VIII first wife, Katharine. This uplifting service is open to all with primary schools from across the Peterborough … [Read More...]

Who was Anne Neville? The Facts

Today's post is a guest article by author Anne O'Brien. She has very kindly written a mini-biography on Anne Neville, the daughter of Richard, Earl of Warwick and wife to the last Plantagenet King Richard III. Anne was Queen of England for almost two years but history has all but forgotten her. One person that has not overlooked this young queen is author Anne O'Brien whose latest novel, 'The Virgin Widow', is told through the eyes of Anne Neville. The Virgin Widow is described as a … [Read More...]

Our interview with Maggie Secara from Renaissance – The Elizabethan World

When I discover a website that is absolutely brimming with useful information about 16th century England I get so excited. This is exactly how I felt when I stumbled across Maggie Secara's site, 'Renaissance - The Elizabethan World', last year. If you are keen to explore and learn more about Elizabethan England then this is the site for you. Maggie offers a plethora of information about everyday life in Elizabeth's England, Life at court, Heraldry, and Sumptuary Laws to name but a few areas … [Read More...]