Welcome to All Things Tudor!
Stay tuned for interviews, Tudor History posts, and special guests.
Subscribe below to get notified when new updates are posted.
Tudor Vid!
Short vid of our Tudor history trip last month.
Enjoy!
A Banquet at the Old Hall: an Invitation to Participate in Historic Cooking
Brigitte Webster is a culinary historian with a teaching degree in history & cookery. Four years ago she finally followed her dream of sharing Tudor history with like-minded people and swapped the classroom for her home, which she spent sixteen years into turning into a private Tudor heaven. There she welcomes small groups to experience Tudor history through material culture and actual home-made Tudor food in an all authentic Tudor residence.
Brigitte has devoted the last four years to the re-creation of late medieval-circa 1700 recipes from England, France, Italy, Germany, Austria and Spain. Each re-created dish was photographed and given to visitors to taste. Some recipes had modern measurements and cooking instructions added.
When Brigitte began to share her re-creations on social media, she noticed that there was a genuine demand for recipes. People started asking for a cook book. Finally, popular Tudor Janet Wertman, author of The Seymour Saga who, while visiting Brigitte and experiencing her food, encouraged Brigitte to collate recipes into a book.
A Banquet at the Old Hall is a hardback, limited edition recipe collection by Brigitte and invites Tudor history fans to participate in 16th century cooking. Hopefully it will inspire readers to create the recipes and in doing so, connect with people from the past as well as Brigitte and family at the Old Hall! The book features 21 recipes, each one showing a picture of the finished dish, and also gives the reader an insight in what the banqueting course entailed. Some recipes have their original text displayed to help the reader appreciate the challenges in following an 16th century recipe which regularly assumes certain steps. Each modernized recipe also gives the details of the original source.
According to Brigitte, “With this book, it is hoped that even total beginners and not very keen cooks are tempted to re-create a little bit of Tudor history for the forthcoming festivities.”
Brigitte also offers Tudor cooking classes on days and weekends, and is always happy to give advice from a distance for those who get a bit stuck in the depth of Tudor recipes.
At the moment she is busy translating an exciting 16th century royal Austrian recipe collection into English and further recipe books are in the pipe line. For the autumn of 2020, YouTube Tudor cookery clips are planned.
The cook books are only available directly from Brigitte at brigittewebster@tudorexperience.com and retail at $50 plus shipping. Each book is signed and can include any message of your choice.
If you are interested in staying at the Old Hall for a Tudor cooking experience or a Tudor History vacation, you may get in touch via the website:
www.tudorexperience.com
Shadow of Persephone: The Story of Catherine Howard
February 1542
A young woman awaits her execution in the Tower of London, sent to death on the orders of her husband, Henry VIII.
Daughter of the nobility, cousin to a fallen Queen, Catherine Howard rose from the cluttered ranks of courtiers at the court of Henry VIII to become the King’s fifth wife. But hers is a tale that starts long before the crown was placed on her head. A tale of tragedy and challenges, predators and prey; the story of a young girl growing up in a perilous time, facing dangers untold.
The fifth wife of Henry VIII would end her life on the block, like her cousin Anne Boleyn… But where did her story begin?
Shadow of Persephone is Book One in the series The Story of Catherine Howard, by G. Lawrence (Gemma Lawrence)
Purchase here:
Amazon US
Amazon UK
The Ultimate Tudor Christmas Package
From author Natalie Grueninger and illustrator Kathryn Holeman…
We are thrilled to announce the perfect, complete gift package for the Tudor queen or king in your life. Fans of Tudor history know well that gift-giving is a dangerous business, and this package allows you to curate your selections to ensure peace and joy in your realm on Christmas morning.
The Ultimate Tudor Christmas Package includes:
- 1 limited edition ornament. 3” x 3” frame with ribbon for hanging. Choose from 3 options: Elizabeth I, Anne Boleyn, or Elizabeth Woodville.
- 1 copy of Colouring History: Tudor Queens and Consorts.
- 1 box of 12 color pencils.
- 1 bookmark. Pick from 2 options: Anne Boleyn or Elizabeth I.
- 1 necklace. Pick from 3 options: Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth I, or Katherine of Aragon.
- 1 notepad. Pick from 2 options: Tudor Floral or Tudor Florals & Creatures.
- 1 coaster set. Pick from 2 options: 15th c. Tudor pattern or The Tudors.
- 1 notecard. Pick from 3 options: Henry VIII and his 6 wives (humor), 15th c. Tudor pattern, and Winter’s Evening at Hampton Court Palace. This card will be placed on the outside of your wrapped package so you can write your own message to the recipient. NOTE: If you want us to write your note for you, there is a spot on the form at check-out for you leave us instructions to do so.
- A beautifully gift-wrapped box including all items.
The limited edition package includes $100 worth of Tudor treasures for only $59.99 USD. It is gift wrapped with care using our illustrated Tudor pattern paper and ships for free within the United States. We also offer low international flat rate shipping.
The last day to order this package for Christmas Day is December 19, 2019.
Shop now!
Colouring Tudor History
The Ravenmaster
‘Packed with insight and anecdote, his story brings the Tower ravens to vivid life, each bird with a personality of its own. I’ve been fortunate enough to tour the Tower and meet the ravens a few times in years past; after reading this book, I cannot wait to go back’ George R. R. Martin
The first behind-the-scenes account of life with the legendary ravens at the world’s eeriest monument
The ravens at the Tower of London are of mighty importance: rumor has it that if a raven from the Tower should ever leave, the city will fall.
The title of Ravenmaster, therefore, is a serious title indeed, and after decades of serving the Queen, Yeoman Warder Christopher Skaife took on the added responsibility of caring for the infamous ravens. In The Ravenmaster, he lets us in on his life as he feeds his birds raw meat and biscuits soaked in blood, buys their food at Smithfield Market, and ensures that these unusual, misunderstood, and utterly brilliant corvids are healthy, happy, and ready to captivate the four million tourists who flock to the Tower every year.
A rewarding, intimate, and inspiring partnership has developed between the ravens and their charismatic and charming human, the Ravenmaster, who shares the folklore, history, and superstitions surrounding the ravens and the Tower. Shining a light on the behavior of the birds, their pecking order and social structure, and the tricks they play on us, Skaife shows who the Tower’s true guardians really are―and the result is a compelling and irreverent narrative that will surprise and enchant.
Get this book at these sites!
Amazon US
Amazon UK
With very special thanks to Peter Jones & The Ravenmaster, Christopher Skaife, for surprising me with a signed copy of this fantastic book during my recent visit to London. How great is that? It’s the best gift ever!
Queen Jane Seymour and St George’s Chapel
On October 12, 1537, King Henry VIII’s wife Jane Seymour gave birth at Hampton Court Palace to his only surviving legitimate son, the future King Edward VI. The labor had been exhausting, but Jane appeared to recover and wrote a letter to Thomas Cromwell announcing the birth of Henry’s heir. After a few day it was apparent that Jane was seriously ill. There are theories on the exact cause of her death but what we do know is that she died on October 24.
This week in 1537 saw the burial of the beloved third wife of Henry VIII.
After the beheading of Anne Boleyn, King Henry VIII and Jane were married quickly. The wedding ceremony took place only eleven days after the execution, with Jane being fitted for her wedding dress as Anne was beheaded.
Yet, as brief as her reign and marriage was, Jane Seymour did something that none of Henry’s previous wives had been unable to do-she gave him the long awaited legitimate male heir he wanted.
Henry was devastated by her death and withdrew to Windsor. By November 1, Henry decided Jane would be buried there, in St. George’s Chapel. The court was ordered into mourning with appropriate clothes issued from the Great Wardrobe.
After choosing the date and place of the burial, Henry delegated the plans for the funeral to the Duke of Norfolk and Sir William Paulet.
Jane was the first Queen of England to die in good estate since King Henry’s mother Elizabeth of York in 1503. Norfolk and Paulet followed the protocol set forth in her funeral. As per custom, the King did not attend the funeral.
The ceremony at St. George’s Chapel saw the Queen laid to rest with full honors beneath the Quire of the Garter Chapel.
After the coffin was lowered, the Queen’s officers broke their staves over the grave, symbolizing the end of their service to her. All the while the bells of London tolled for six hours.
Even today, on the roof of the chapel, sitting as quiet sentinels are heraldic statues known as the Queen’s Beasts. Among them are the lion of England, the red dragon of Wales, the falcon of York, and the panther of Jane Seymour.
British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk
Henry VIII: The King and His Court, Alison Weir
Jane Seymour: Henry VIII’s True Love, Elizabeth Norton
The Six Wives of Henry VIII, Antonia Fraser
The Six Wives of Henry VIII, Alison Weir
Windsor Castle, Royal Collection Trust https://www.rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle
Photos by the author from an October 2019 visit and shared by written permission of the Chapter Office, St. George’s Chapel.
About Me
New updates & more coming soon!
Thank you for dropping by All Things Tudor today. I’m author and historian Deb Hunter and I write as Hunter S. Jones.
I’m also a historian for Past Preservers Casting. When not writing, talking or tweeting about kings, queens and rock stars, I live in Midtown Atlanta with my Scottish born husband.
I’ve been involved in academic projects at Harvard University, The University of Texas, UCLA, Vanderbilt University, University of The South, University of Notre Dame, the University of Tennessee, and the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. I’ve been associated with the prestigious Society of Authors founded by Lord Tennyson, Royal Historical Society, Society for U.S. Intellectual History, Atlanta Historical Society, American Historical Association, Organization of American Historians, Society of Civil War Historians (US), Dangerous Women Project, Romance Writers of America (PAN member), and Historical Writers Association.
Currently I’m a Stage IV cancer warrior and can’t be very physically active, so…
View original post 45 more words
Ciphers, Secrets, and Spies in the Elizabethan Age
English history comes to Atlanta!
Join the Royal Oak Foundation as we explore the dark corners of Elizabethan history with Carol Ann Lloyd, who will reveal the spy network tasked with keeping Queen Elizabeth I safe.
after Marcus Geeraerts, the younger.
©National Trust Images
The Elizabethan era (1558-1603) is often depicted as the “Golden Age” in England’s history—an era of great exploration and military victories in which Queen Elizabeth I is represented in sumptuous clothing and jewels. But the reality, which included religious conflicts that tore families apart; political challenges to Elizabeth’s authority; high levels of poverty and crime; and vulnerability to foreign invasion, was far grimmer.
Numerous plots were hatched to dethrone Elizabeth I and replace her with the Catholic Mary Queen of Scots. William Cecil (later Lord Burghley) was the first to oversee the gathering of intelligence and was aided by Francis Walsingham, another of Elizabeth’s most loyal ministers known as the Spymaster. Walsingham’s network of clandestine agents moved throughout England and Europe using their contacts and skills in navigating court politics to safeguard their Queen.
National Trust houses that were involved in this period of intrigue Baddesley Clinton and Coughton Court in Warwickshire, Oxburgh Hall in Norfolk, and Scotney Castle in Kent. Carol Ann will describe this tumultuous time with its secret plots, intercepted and decoded messages, and assassination attempts and reveal how the ability to control information became the most potent tool of the realm.
Event is Monday, November 25
6:30 p.m. lecture followed by a reception
Tickets:
$35 members & co-sponsors; $45 non-members
Location: Atlanta Decorative Arts Center,
351 Peachtree Hills Avenue, NE
To Register: www.royal-oak.org/events or call Kayla Smith at 212-480-2889, ext. 201. Use code TUDOR 19 to receive a discounted price.
Carol Ann Lloyd is a popular speaker who shares the stories of Shakespeare and English history. She is the former Manager of Visitor Education at Folger Shakespeare Library, where she gave workshops and tours about Shakespeare and Early Modern England. Carol Ann has presented programs at the Smithsonian, Folger Shakespeare Library, Agecroft Hall, and TEDx, among other venues. Ms. Lloyd is a member of the National Speakers Association.
Thank you to our co-sponsors: ADAC; Spalding Nix Fine Arts; Culture Club; Holland MacRae; The English-Speaking Union, Atlanta Branch; Oxford University Society of Atlanta
Thank you to co-sponsors: ADAC; Spalding Nix Fine Arts; Culture Club; Holland MacRae; The English-Speaking Union, Atlanta Branch; Oxford University Society of Atlanta Additional support for Atlanta lectures is generously provided by Ms. Lynne R. Pickens
Who Is This?
This portrait of an unknown man hangs outside the Gallery at Hampton Court Palace. Who do you believe he is and why?
Let me know. Thanks!
Celebration of Life
One year ago today.
My husband’s voice on the phone to Emory Hospital’s ER, “Come & get my wife, she’s dying.”
They responded within minutes and had me somewhat stable within hours. Meanwhile, we were told that the illness that had been misdiagnosed for most of 2018 was stage IV colon cancer that had metastasized to my liver.
While most would see this as a death sentence, the physicians, surgeons and staff at Emory’s Winship Cancer Center viewed it as a challenge. So did my husband and I.
He remained at my side over the next few weeks, only leaving to eat or go to work. I went through various surgeries and procedures. A plan of treatment was set in place. Finally, in November, I was stable enough to go home.
Three months of chemo was followed by a grueling twelve hour surgery involving three medical teams. After spending most of March in the hospital, again with my husband there daily, I was free again by April.
August 2019 was the latest in the surgical saga. Luckily, I’ve progressed VERY well. In fact, we just returned from the trip of my dreams – a vacation to London to see family, friends and tour Tudor historical sites.
During this ordeal, reading and writing short stories has been my happy place. That’s why this blog was started – to share my love of All Things Tudor with others who have the same passion and quest for more knowledge about the era.
So when you see pics of our trip to Hampton Court Palace, the Tower of London at night, and Windsor Castle, please know that we aren’t showing off. It’s our Celebration of Life. The trip of a lifetime and a dream come true. We are sharing with you what can happen when the human spirit is surrounded by capable healers, positivity and support from around the world.
Thank you all very much for that.
Believe, always.
xoxo
Deb
