On the Tudor Trail

Prince Edward Christened at Hampton Court Palace

On Monday, 15 October 1537 Prince Edward (later Edward VI) was christened in a midnight ceremony in the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace (Weir, pg. 368). Henry VIII had waited his entire adult life for a legitimate heir to the Tudor throne and so was not about to let anything harm the young prince. Weir writes of how he ordered, “Every room, hall and courtyard in the Prince’s apartments was to be washed down with soap and swept daily. Everything that came near the child – clothing, … [Read More...]

Tudor ghosts caught on film

Over the years there have been several cases of people claiming to have caught a Tudor ghost on film. With Halloween fast approaching, I thought it was a good time to post all the available footage and photographs here for us to examine more closely. In 2003 at Hampton Court Palace a pair of modern emergency exit doors became the focus of international discussion. The doors themselves weren't of interest but what was perplexing the staff was why they were mysteriously opening at the same time … [Read More...]

Exclusive interview with Ninya Mikhaila

I have just posted my interview with Ninya Mikhaila, historical costumier and co-author of The Tudor Tailor: Reconstructing sixteenth century dress. Ninya Mikhaila has been making reconstructions of historic costumes for museums and heritage sites since 1988. She established her business in 1994 after gaining a Higher National Diploma in Costume Interpretation at the London College of Fashion. She has been the principal maker for JMD&Co since then. Other clients include Historic Royal … [Read More...]

The Ghosts of Henry VIII’s Queens

It is my opinion that hidden in the fabric of ancient walls and floors remains an imprint of its previous inhabitants and events that echoed in that space. The more emotionally charged the event, the clearer an imprint that resonates and a greater likelihood of the event being ‘played back’ for some among us to sense or see. It is for this reason that I think the ghost of Anne Boleyn has been seen and sensed in several locations around the UK. She had an enormous impact in life and … [Read More...]

Tudor Time Traveller- Burghley House

This week's Tudor Time Traveller location is Burghley House. Regarded as one of the grandest houses of the Elizabethan age, Burghley House was built between 1555 and 1587 for Sir William Cecil, later the first Baron Burghley, Lord High Treasurer to Elizabeth I. Work commenced on the east ranges in 1555 and continued until 1564 when all came to a halt as William Cecil focused all his energy on building his great house at Theobalds. In 1575, the team of masons was reassembled and … [Read More...]

Remembering Anne

I have just added a new area to the site called 'Remembering Anne'. This section will feature short stories and poems- written by you- commemorating and celebrating the life of Anne Boleyn. If you have written something about Anne and would like to share it with us please contact me. I have just posted two very heartfelt poems written by author and journalist, Karina Machado. These truly are wonderful and demonstrate the emotional impact Anne has on us. The poems are Ripple in Time and … [Read More...]

A review of His Last Letter by Jeane Westin

His Last Letter by Jeane Westin is a captivating and powerful love story set against the backdrop of a perilous time in Elizabeth’s reign. Westin brings Elizabeth and Dudley’s tempestuous relationship vividly to life. Their relationship spanned more than 30 years and, although set in the last three years of the Earl of Leicester’s life, offers us insight into pivotal events in their past that helped forge their undying bond. The characters grow as the story progresses and so does our … [Read More...]

Anne Boleyn’s Falcon Badge

I have just written a short article about Anne Boleyn's Falcon Badge looking at the meaning behind the symbolism. The Falcon Anne’s identification as ‘the white falcon’ has its origins in the heraldic crests of the Butlers, earls of Ormonde. In 1529, Thomas Boleyn was recognised as the Butler heir and the falcon appears as a crest on his brass in Hever Church (Ives, pg. 221). Continue reading here. … [Read More...]

Historical Programmes & Documentaries

I have just added a new category to our resources section called ‘Historical Programmes & Documentaries’ where you will find information about and links to quality historical programmes and documentaries about the Tudor monarchs and life in Tudor England. This is a work in progress so expect more information and links to be added regularly. I have started by adding 30 quality videos made by Historic Royal Palaces covering everything from Politics in Henry VIII’s Tudor England to dance and … [Read More...]

Q & A with historical fiction author Karen Harper

I have posted my exclusive interview with Karen Harper, author of The Last Boleyn, Mistress Shakespeare, The Queen's Governess and a mystery series on Elizabeth I. A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Karen Harper is a former college English instructor (The Ohio State University) and high school literature and writing teacher. A lifelong Ohioan, Karen and her husband Don divide their time between the midwest and the southeast, both locations she has used in her books. Besides … [Read More...]

On the Tudor Trail interviews Wendy J. Dunn

I have just posted my exclusive interview with Wendy J. Dunn whose first published novel, the award-winning Dear Heart, How Like You This? is described as "one of the best books ever written about Anne Boleyn." Here is a small taste: Wyatt, released from imprisonment in the Tower of London, is in his father's custody. From almost the beginning of his life, Tom has loved his cousin Anne Boleyn, content to sit at her feet while she sang her love songs to another, if doing so gave him just a … [Read More...]

What happened to Elizabeth Boleyn?

For a little while now I have been thinking about Elizabeth Boleyn, Anne Boleyn's mother, and wondering what became of her. I remember reading, some time ago, that Elizabeth had died in childbirth early in Anne's life (around 1512) and that Thomas Boleyn had remarried and that's why her name does not regularly appear in historical records. I also remember reading that she was Henry VIII's mistress and that she even had his child! So I decided to find out the truth for myself and research what … [Read More...]