Recent Posts

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...]

A Goodly Garden, Thornbury Castle

This week’s Tudor Time Traveller location is the Privy and Goodly Garden at Thornbury Castle in South Gloucestershire. I was lucky enough to stay overnight in the Duke’s Bedchamber at Thornbury Castle last year. This is the exact bedchamber used by Henry VIII during his stay at the castle in the summer of 1535. He and Anne Boleyn spent 10 days at the castle and were visited by the Mayor of Bristol and a deputation of the city’s leading burgesses. A Brief History of the Manor and Castle of … [Read More...]

How to eat to save your life (and soul) by Vanora Bennett

I have just added to our resources section a wonderfully detailed and engaging guest article written by author, Vanora Bennett. How to eat to save your life (and soul) is essentially a "beginner's guide to the medieval way of feasting (and fasting)." Meticulously researched, informative and accompanied by some great pictures, I know you are going to enjoy reading this article. I read about everyday life in Medieval and Tudor England with relish and am curious about seemingly mundane … [Read More...]

Digging For Britain- The Tudors

I have just watched two episodes of a fantastic new BBC series called Digging For Britain. The four part series, presented by Dr Alice Roberts, follows a year of British Archaeology, joining up the results of digs and investigations throughout England. The four parts of the series cover: Prehistory - BBC Uk's episode description: Dr Alice Roberts continues her journey through this season's most important archaeology, with an amazing array of finds from prehistory. Her journey takes … [Read More...]

Exclusive Interview with Vanora Bennett

I have just posted On the Tudor Trail's exclusive interview with Vanora Bennett, author of four historical novels including Portrait of an Unknown Woman, that is absolutely brilliant and Figures in Silk (which I am sad to say I haven't read yet). In our interview we discuss what inspired her to move from journalism to writing historical fiction, the lure of Tudor England, Holbein's extraordinary drawings and much more! Be sure to read the full interview here. … [Read More...]

New Anne Boleyn Place- St. James’ Palace!

I get very excited when I add another stop On the Tudor Trail! Our 27th Anne Boleyn place is St. James' Palace. Henry VIII built the Palace between 1531 and 1536 on the site of the Hospital of St. James, Westminster. It has been the setting of many important royal events over the centuries and some of the original palace still survives today. Of Henry VIII’s red brick Tudor building still standing is the Chapel Royal, the gatehouse, some turrets and two surviving Tudor rooms in the state … [Read More...]

Anne Boleyn’s Pregnancies

Claire Ridgway from The Anne Boleyn Files has written a guest post for On the Tudor Trail readers about Anne Boleyn's pregnancies. There is a lot of confusion and countless misconceptions surrounding Anne's pregnancies and for that reason I invited Claire to write on this topic. It is a very clear, informative and well researched article that I am sure you will enjoy. I thank Claire for her time and for sharing some of her knowledge about Anne with us. If you want to find out more about … [Read More...]

Tudor Primary Sources

I have just posted a page with links to various primary sources related to the Tudors and Tudor England. When it comes to researching the Tudors, there are countless books available on every topic imaginable. Rather than always referring to secondary sources, it’s a good idea to refer to the primary source wherever possible. The great thing is that a lot of sources can now be accessed from the comfort of your own home.  This is a work in progress and I will add new links as I come across … [Read More...]