On the Tudor Trail

Our exclusive interview with Alison Weir

Why are readers insatiable when it comes to the Tudor period? It's probably the most dramatic period in our history, with vivid, strong personalities. A king with six wives, two of whom were executed? You couldn't make it up! The Tudor period is the first one for which we have a rich visual record, with the growth of portraiture, and detailed sources on the private lives of kings and queens. This was an age that witnessed a growth in diplomacy and the spread of the printed word. With Henry … [Read More...]

The Early Loves of Anne Boleyn by Josephine Wilkinson

Having never read one of Josephine Wilkinson’s books before I was unsure of what to expect. I quickly discovered that her work is well researched and based on evidence but it is by no means as detailed as the work of Eric Ives or Alison Weir. In saying this, I should clarify that I did find a couple of historical inaccuracies in the work. Wilkinson does though offer an interesting insight into Anne’s time spent with the Archduchess Margaret and the young Queen Claude and the life long impact … [Read More...]

Catherine of Aragon’s Ghost

I have just finished writing an article about the ghost of Catherine of Aragon. Although her spectre is not as prolific as that of Anne Boleyn's she still makes her presence known in Castle Lodge, Ludlow where she and Arthur, Prince of Wales, spent the early months of their marriage and in Kimbolton Castle where she took her final breaths. Read the full article here. … [Read More...]

Maid of Honour cakes named after Anne Boleyn

I recently came across an interesting story that tells of how King Henry VIII named the 'Maid of Honour' cakes after seeing Anne Boleyn and other maids eating the sweet pastries at Richmond Palace. He was so delighted with the cakes that he imprisoned the cook and demanded she only produce the cakes for those of his choosing. He also ordered her to keep the recipe secret and some say even locked it up in an iron box in Richmond Palace. Another version of the story claims that the … [Read More...]

Stone Castle plays host to Anne Boleyn

With the addition of the beautiful Stone Castle to our ever growing list of Anne Boleyn places we have now reached a record 21 locations that you can visit with a connection to Anne. Follow in her footsteps and walk the grounds where kings, queens and courtiers have played out their lives. Join us on The Tudor Trail! Stone Castle in Kent is a magnificent building that is steeped in 800 years of history. Built between 1135 and 1140, the castle later fell into disrepair and was rebuilt in the … [Read More...]

On this day in history- Battle of Bosworth Field

On the 22nd August 1485 the penultimate battle of the War of the Roses took place. Henry Tudor, Earl of Richmond, led the house of Lancaster to victory against King Richard III and the house of York. Richard III was killed in battle and so ended the Plantagenet dynasty that had ruled for 331 years. Henry Tudor's victory and subsequent marriage to Elizabeth of York was the commencement of the Tudor dynasty. A house that would rule England and its realms for 118 years until the death of … [Read More...]

Our list of Anne Boleyn places reaches 20!

I first created On the Tudor Trail because of my interest (or obsession some would say...) with Anne Boleyn and the Tudors. When researching my Tudor Pilgrimage trip that I went on last year I scoured the internet for a resource that listed Anne Boleyn related places that I could visit on my trip. What I found was lots of short lists outlining the places I already knew about but no extensive list that detailed those places we don't automatically associate with Anne. As a result of not finding … [Read More...]

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...]