Recent Posts
Eltham Palace- a Tudor Treasure
Acquired by the future Edward II in 1305, Eltham Palace was originally a large manor house with vast parkland. In 1470 a Great Hall was added to the manor under Edward IV and this Great Hall is still visible today. The palace was used as a royal residence until the 16th century and it played host to many Tudor Christmas celebrations. Eltham was where Henry VIII grew up and where he met and impressed the scholar Erasmus. Early in her reign, Anne Boleyn was involved in minor changes to … [Read More...]
Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn visit Shurland Hall in 1532
In October 1532, while on their way to Calais to meet King Francis I, Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn stayed for three days at Shurland Hall on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent. Shurland Hall was a Tudor palace owned by one of Henry VIII’s most trusted courtiers, Thomas Cheyne. It was built between 1510 and 1518 on the site of a previous 13th century castle. Thomas Cheyne began his service to the English Crown during the reign of Henry VII and amazingly served every Tudor monarch thereafter. … [Read More...]
Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and other Tudor Podcasts!
If you haven't yet had an opportunity to listen to the fantastic podcasts available at the British Library online then you should. They have 13 podcasts available related to Henry VIII and the Tudor period. Topics range from Anne Boleyn's Book of Hours to Henry VIII's music. I also enjoyed the podcast by Alison Weir about 'The Lady in the Tower'. To start listening now go to British Library Online. … [Read More...]
Anne Boleyn Places and Lots More!
I have just added all 18 Anne Boleyn places to the site so please take a look! This is definitely a work in progress and more stops on the Tudor Trail will be added in the near future. I have also added articles about the War of the Roses, Henry VII and Catherine of Aragon by Wendy J. Dunn, author of 'Dear Heart How Like You This.' You will find all these under the resources tab. These are great articles and well worth the read! … [Read More...]
Portrait of Anne Boleyn
During my visit to Thornbury Castle last year I came across a photo of a portrait of Anne Boleyn that I hadn't see before. It was in a photo album that was on display in the castle's library and had no information attached to it. I, of course, immediately took a photo of the photo as I was intrigued by the colour of Anne's dress and the beautiful brooch she was wearing. On closer inspection, it's difficult to say whether it's a brooch or part of her pearl necklace. Photo of a portrait of Anne … [Read More...]
Anne Boleyn Portrait Gallery
I have just finished adding an Anne Boleyn Portrait Gallery to the site! If you know of any other portraits I may have neglected to include please let me know. When viewing the gallery please keep in mind that the task of identifying 16th century portraits is often a difficult one. In recent times we have seen experts debate the identities of many Tudor portraits as new information comes to light. I have tried to include only those portraits that have substantial credibility within the … [Read More...]
Sports for Kings with Anne Boleyn at Hampton Court Palace
For all of you readers lucky enough to live close to Hampton Court Palace, 'Anne Boleyn' will be there enjoying the summer festivities on the weekend of 28-30 August. Henry VIII will be trying to prove that he is the best and most skilled knight at his court and will be trying hard to impress his new queen. There will also be Tudor sword fighting, archery, jousting, falconry, knight school, Tudor games and much more! How I wish I lived closer so that I could enjoy the festivities! … [Read More...]
Anne Boleyn’s Lavish Banquet at Westminster Hall
With a history spanning more than 900 years, Westminster Hall is the only part of the ancient Palace of Westminster to survive in almost original form. Built between 1097 and 1099 by William Rufus it has played host to a variety of ceremonies and events. From great feasts and banquets to Tudor disguisings and even an early form of shopping centre! Take a virtual tour of this extraordinary hall and explore the fantastic 3D reconstructed model of Westminster Hall in 1099 and 1400. But most … [Read More...]
Anne Boleyn and Windsor Castle
An ancient castle dating back to the time of William the Conqueror- Windsor Castle does not immediately spark images of Anne Boleyn like the Tower of London and Hever Castle do but it is in fact a place she visited on many occasions. Most notably, it is at Windsor Castle on the 1st September 1532 that Anne Boleyn received the title of marquis of Pembroke. It was a lavish ceremony witnessed by many members of the nobility. Whether or not Henry conferred the title on Anne as a way of … [Read More...]
On this day in 1540 Thomas Cromwell was executed
On this day in 1540 Thomas Cromwell met a gruesome end on Tower Hill. Some would say he got what he deserved after having been crucial in the demise of many others. This is what Cranmer had to say to Henry VIII after Cromwell's arrest: “Who cannot be sorrowful and amazed that he should be a traitor against your majesty? He that was so advanced by your majesty, he whose surety was only by your majesty, he who loved your majesty, as I ever thought, no less than God; he who studied always to set … [Read More...]
Possible Portrait of Mary Tudor?
I have just read a very interesting post about this portrait of an 'English Princess' dated back to 1535. Originally it was implied that the sitter was Mary Tudor but of course this presents some problems because in 1535 Mary was not yet returned to favour and so would such a portrait have been commissioned? The other obvious issue is that in 1535 Mary is assumed to have been 19 years of age and this sitter to me looks much younger. So we are left with the question, if not Mary then … [Read More...]
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