On the Tudor Trail

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...]

Has a new portrait of Mary Tudor been uncovered?

Canon Russ inherited the contents of Sawston Hall, including a 16th century portrait. Now, in order to save Sawston, he is willing to sell the portrait that some believe is of Mary Tudor! The painting is a full length portrait of a lady in black wearing no jewellery. When first exhibited in 1956 it was claimed to be Mary I but in a later exhibition it was downgraded to just A Lady in Black. A 16th century curator from the National Portrait Gallery claims that the portrait cannot be of … [Read More...]

Ghost of Mary Queen of Scots

While researching my upcoming 'Tudor Pilgrimage' tour of the UK, I came across an interesting hotel in Oundle, Northhamptonshire that is said to be haunted by the ghost of Mary Queen of Scots. The Elizabethan Talbot Hotel is home to the oak staircase that Mary Queen of Scots descended on the way to her execution on the 8th February, 1587! I was amazed to find out that the staircase, and other parts of the building, were brought from the ruins of Fotheringhay Castle; where Mary Queen of Scots was … [Read More...]

Something in common with Hilary Mantel

Earlier today I came across a wonderful article written by Hilary Mantel, the author of Wolf Hall. I was greatly moved by the piece because many of the sentiments she describes are those which I have experienced but perhaps cannot word as eloquently. The article is about how the past has a way of moving her and bringing her to tears. When talking about what makes her cry she says, "it was a view, a prospect, a picture in a museum, or some pinprick contact with the past - one of those moments … [Read More...]

Walk where Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII have walked!

Thornbury Castle is the only Tudor Castle in England to be opened as a hotel. It is situated in Thornbury, South Gloucestershire. In 1508, Edward Stafford 3rd Duke of Buckingham, obtained a license to build a castle on the site of the previous manor house. It was not designed to serve as a fortress and had only minimal defensive attributes. Unfortunately, only part of the Duke’s grand plans for his new home were realised before his distant cousin, King Henry VIII, ordered his … [Read More...]

The Lady in the Tower: The fall of Anne Boleyn Podcast

The British Library has made available some fantastic podcasts associated with the 'Henry VIII: Man and Monarch' exhibition. The latest one added to the collection is a talk by historian Alison Weir in which she discusses Anne Boleyn's imprisonment and execution. This is in connection to her next book titled 'The Lady in the Tower: The Fall of Anne Boleyn'. You can also learn about intimate details of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII's relationship revealed in messages inscribed in Anne's Book of … [Read More...]