Recent Posts
Henry VIII: Power, Passion, Parchment Online Exhibition
The National Archives has a fabulous online exhibition called- Henry VIII: Power, Passion, Parchment. Included is a wealth of information about Henry's life and his legacy. You can read a number of original documents relating to Henry's marriages and even the opening account of Anne Boleyn's trial for high treason! What a fabulous resource for all us amateur historians! Henry VIII Exhibition … [Read More...]
Does it really matter that ‘The Tudors’ is historically inaccurate?
I just finished reading an article about the BBC period drama, The Tudors, and how historically inaccurate it is. The fact that some of the Tudor personalities wear Elizabethan clothing and are transported in Victorian carriages has caused some historians to heavily criticise the show. One such critic is Dr David Starkey, who describes the show as "gratuitously awful". I myself am a big fan of the show, although I have to admit that the 'creative license' the writers have used at times has … [Read More...]
List of useful Tudor resources
For those of you that are interested in learning more about Tudor history, I've compiled a list of some of the books that I've used when writing articles for my website and posts for the blog. Only non-fiction books are included for now but I do plan to expand the list to include useful websites etc. Feel free to contact me about any resources that you think are useful and should be added. Link to list NG … [Read More...]
King Edward VI buried at Westminster
On this day, 8th August, 456 years ago (1553) King Edward VI was buried in the Henry VII Lady Chapel at Westminster Abbey. He was only 15 years old and King for 6 years. It is said that at the same time as his burial, Queen Mary attended mass for his soul at the Tower where Lady Jane Grey was already imprisoned. The cause of Edward's death is not certain but Tuberculosis is one cause suggested by some historians. … [Read More...]
Mary, Queen of Scots’ Chambers- Virtual tour
For those of you who don't know, I've been working very hard on an 11 day intinerary for an upcoming trip to the Uk that I refer to as my 'Tudor Pilgrimage'. The trip will take us (my sister and I) to many different places, almost all connected to the Tudors, with some exceptions. During my research tonight, I stumbled across a fantastic virtual tour of Mary, Queen of Scots' Chambers on the second floor of James V's Tower in the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh. Since I won't be visiting … [Read More...]
Rare 15th Century floor tiles excavated in Woking!
Excavation work on the site of Woking Palace has uncovered, among other things, rare Valencian pottery. Lady Margaret Beaufort, mother of King Henry VII, in 1464 was granted a manor house that was first recorded on this site in 1271. In 1508 the house was rebuilt as a palace. In 1509, Henry VIII received the palace and together with his second wife, Anne boleyn, carried out major rebuilding works in 1533-34. It is expected that the dig will uncover material from the Tudor period and from the … [Read More...]
Thornbury Castle
Building at Thornbury Castle in Thornbury started in 1511 as a home for Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham. … [Read More...]
On the Tudor Trail- Website
On the Tudor Trail is dedicated to retracing the steps of Queen Anne Boleyn. Like an exercise in time travel, this journey will take us through stately homes, chapels, parks and buildings- hidden treasures- that still stand today with a significant Tudor connection. It is also a space for sharing information about the Tudor monarchs and daily life in Tudor England, a place to discuss the ways in which the lives of historical figures from half a millennium ago still resonate powerfully with so … [Read More...]
Acton Court- A Tudor Treasure with a hidden secret!
In the summer of 1535 Queen Anne Boleyn accompanied her husband, King Henry VIII, on the royal Progress. One of their stops was Acton Court, the home of Nicholas Poyntz. On discovering that his home was on King Henry's summer Progress itinerary, Nicholas decided to build a new East Wing on the existing moated manor house that would take him 9 months to complete. The royal apartments were luxuriously and fashionably decorated demonstrating his loyalty and intent on impressing his Sovereigns … [Read More...]
Tudor ghost captured on camera in Norwich?
My sister emailed me a great article today about a cameraman who captured something odd on film while working on a photo shoot in a cinema in Norwich. Here is the link: Ghost captured on camera in Norwich I found it interesting how the staff had had some strange happenings since restoration work was done in the area. Often you will read of spirits being 'awoken', so to speak, by building work. And was he in Tudor style-dress? I can see where the idea comes from and truly love the thought … [Read More...]
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