Recent Posts

Q & A with Hilary Mantel

It's taken me a while to add this post but it's better late than never I say! Last year my sister was lucky enough to interview the very talented Hilary Mantel for an article published in Australia's Who Weekly Magazine. I thought it might be nice to share with you the insights she offers. Why are readers insatiable when it comes to the Tudor period? And what drew you to it? Henry’s story has all the ingredients of great soap opera, but it’s also a deeply interesting era in English … [Read More...]

Ghost of Anne Boleyn?

Last September, after dreaming about this moment for a decade, I visited Hever Castle. Being in Anne Boleyn's childhood home; a place that was so dear to her was beyond belief. I kept imagining her walking through the gardens and into the castle, it was amazing to think that she'd been here and that only time separated us now. This was a wonderful thought- we were finally sharing the same space! Entering Anne's bedroom was a very surreal moment. A person's bedroom is so personal, so private and … [Read More...]

Haunted Gallery Hampton Court

A reader recently wrote in to share with me a paranormal experience she had in 1987 at Hampton Court and this got me thinking about my recent visit. In September last year I was lucky enough to spend the day wandering the corridors of Hampton Court and was even able to take part in the preparations for Henry VIII's wedding to Catherine Parr- more to come on this soon! My hopes of something 'paranormal' happening were of course increased as I approached the Haunted Gallery as one always hopes to … [Read More...]

Medieval treasures on display in Winchester exhibition

A copy of the petition that urged the Pope to allow Henry VIII to divorce Catherine of Aragon is currently on display at The Gallery Winchester Discovery Centre as part of the Treasures of Hyde Abbey exhibition. For more information visit: Visit Winchester … [Read More...]

Haunted Portrait of Anne Boleyn!

A reader recently wrote in to share with me a strange experience she had at Hampton Court in 1987. I find this a fascinating occurrence as I've never heard of an experience quite like it. Here is her story in her own words: "I will share with you a true experience that happened to me at Hampton Court in 1987. I came upon a portrait of Anne Boleyn (but instead of the traditional pose), she had a big grin on her face - I thought it was a caricature of the famous portrait we all know. I went … [Read More...]

A room with a view!

On my visit to Hever Castle last year, I was very surprised by how small and humble Anne's bedroom was as I had imagined it larger. But what was memorable was the lovely view from her window. I stood and wondered what Anne had seen when she looked out her window all those centuries ago. What had she been thinking of as she took in the beautiful castle surrounds? What I am sure of is that during her imprisonment in the Tower she must have dreamed and longed to be home at Hever in the picturesque … [Read More...]

Hever Castle- Kent

The very mention of the name ‘Hever Castle’ immediately sparks images of Henry VIII’s second wife, Anne Boleyn.  This fairy tale castle, in the beautiful Kent countryside, was her childhood home but was not the setting of her birth as is so often thought. The oldest part of the castle, built by William de Hever in 1270 as a defensive fortress, consists of a gatehouse and walled Bailey.  In 1451, Anne Boleyn’s great-grandfather purchased the castle and converted it into a comfortable private … [Read More...]

Tudor House- Hanworth Park

Next door to St. George’s Church lies Tudor House, built on the original site of the Manor House hunting lodge often referred to as Tudor Palace. The manor house, which had become the royal hunting lodge, played host to a score of Kings and Queens including: Henry VII, Henry VIII, Queen Anne Boleyn, Queen Catherine Parr, Queen Mary Tudor (as princess) and Queen Elizabeth (as princess and Queen). In July 1532, the park was granted with the manor house to Anne Boleyn. Although the … [Read More...]

Elsyng Palace

Elsyng palace was a former Tudor palace that I had heard very little about until I came across an article written by the Enfield Archaeological Society. This is supposedly the place where Edward and Elizabeth heard of their father's, death. Click here to read the full article. … [Read More...]

On this day in 1533

Just a quick post to commemorate the birth of Queen Anne Boleyn's first child, Elizabeth, at Greenwich Palace on September 7th 1533. Although not the male heir King Henry VIII was hoping for, she was healthy and robust. Happy birthday Elizabeth! … [Read More...]

Henry VIII’s Bible

I recently came across an article about Henry VIII's 500 year old prayer book that contains the writing of five Tudor monarchs! This is undoubtedly a one of a kind and true Tudor treasure! As well as writings by Henry VIII, there are writings by his son, Edward, his eldest daughter, Queen Mary, his last wife, Catherine Parr and his daughter, Queen Elizabeth I. Other parts of the book also contain prayers and psalms written by Henry VIII himself. The Proby family have owned the book for over a … [Read More...]

Lullingstone Castle- Kent

As I've mentioned before, I'm currently compiling a list of Tudor places that still stand today where Anne Boleyn is known to have visited. To see this list, visit my website 'On the Tudor Trail' and click on the Tudor Trail link. This is a work in progress and I will be adding new places regularly. My latest addition is Lullingstone Castle in Kent. This is one of England's oldest family estates dating back to the time of Domesday. It is also a castle that Henry VIII enjoyed visiting … [Read More...]