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.
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.
Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley and Mary, Queen of Scots by British National Trust Images
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.
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
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 AtlantaAdditional support for Atlanta lectures is generously provided by Ms. Lynne R. Pickens
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.
The history nerd
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.
Instagram moment?
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.
Paul & Deb at the White Tower the evening of October 19, 2019
A wonderful window into the mind of the iconic Anne Boleyn. Step into her world as she retells her story. We know what history has told us. But we are yet to know the woman behind the legend. Take a peek inside and see what she has to say about her life and legacy. “Many have tried to tell my story … but none have told the truth. I will have my say.” The book is written from a first person perspective and is a fresh look at the well known story of Anne Boleyn. Find out the truth about her love for Henry Tudor and the truth about how the tragedies in her world affected her.
About the author:
Holly-Eloise Walters is an author from Bristol, England. She debuted with her first book, The Most Happy on the 4th October 2019. She has always enjoyed writing and intends to continue her work within the historical fiction genre. Holly is 26 years old and has lived in Bristol her whole life. Her first book, The Most Happy is a historical fiction based upon the life of Anne Boleyn.
Holly wishes to breathe new life into historical figures and has quoted that her goal for The Most Happy was to “Give Anne back her voice.” She goes on to say.
“I have always disliked how some of our history is seen as nothing more than a name in a book. We forget that Anne, like many others was a real person with real thoughts and feelings.”
Holly-Eloise Walters
The Most happy is now available to purchase at these sites:
★★★★ “Seen through fresh eyes, and particularly from a 21st century perspective, (Katheryn’s) story is not just tragic but horrifying…A strong debut production… historically interesting and emotionally impactful” -The Blog of Theatre Things
Producer: Goosebite Theatre
Playwright: Catherine Hiscock
Director: Alex Pearson
Chorus Director: Emmanuela Lia
Casting Director: Natalie Harper
★★★★ “Contemporary and heartbreaking….Catherine Hiscock gives an outstanding performance as Katheryn” -London Pub Theatres
An all-female cast retells the story of seventeen year old Katheryn Howard, fifth wife of King Henry VIII, in this poignant examination of power, truth and blame
A young woman on trial
Locked within her rooms, whilst men investigate their conduct, the young queen and her ladies await the interrogations they know will come.
Set against the shallow and oppressive world of the Tudor court and influenced by classical Greek drama, Katheryn Howard is a new play that is both contemporary and hauntingly relevant.
There are men talking about me now
Talking about you but mainly about me
Written by Catherine Hiscock, Katheryn Howard was expanded from a short monologue that first appeared at Glass Splinters-a writing night at The Pleasance Theatre, dedicated to ‘untold stories’ of women from history. Developed into a full length production, the play enjoyed sell out shows at The Brockley Jack Theatre. The show is under the direction of Alex Pearson with movement direction by Emmanuela Lia.
Cast:
Catherine Hiscock ~ Katheryn Howard, Natalie Harper ~ Jane Boleyn, Emmanuela Lia ~ Kit Tilney, Francesca Anderson ~ Joan Bulmer, Srabani Sen ~ Isabelle Baynton
Catherine Hisbock as Katheryn Howard
“★★★★ “An intriguing assertion of Howard’s version of events” -London Theatre1
Wednesday, November 6th will be the anniversary of the day King’s men burst into Katheryn’s rooms at and informed her and her ladies that they were under house arrest. On this night the theatre will be holding an informal social. This will include a free drink from the bar and a chance to meet the cast and creatives with any questions. They will be raising money for the charity Tender that works with young people using drama and arts to end sexual abuse and domestic violence.
The all-female cast of Katheryn Howard
Theatre info here:
The Hope Theatre 207 Upper Street London N1 1RL 29 October – 16 November Tuesday – Saturday at 7.45pm Tickets £15 & £12
The Grey family was one of medieval England’s most important dynasties, serving the kings of England as sheriffs, barons and military leaders. Like many families, they were split by the Wars of the Roses, one man betraying Henry VI at the Battle of Northampton, whilst his cousin, Sir John Grey, died for Lancaster at the second battle of St Albans, leaving a widow, Elizabeth née Woodville, and two young sons, Thomas and Richard. Astonishingly, the widowed Elizabeth caught the eye of Edward IV and was catapulted to the throne as his wife. This gave her sons an important role after Edward s death. The Greys were considered rapacious, even by the standards of the time and the competing power grabs of the Greys with Richard, Duke of Gloucester led to Richard Greys summary execution when Gloucester became king. His brother, Thomas, vowed revenge and joined Henry Tudor in exile.
When Thomas Grey’s niece, Elizabeth of York, became queen, the family returned to court. Thomas married the greatest heiress in England, Cecily Bonville, their numerous children gained positions in the court of their cousin, Henry VIII, and his children Mary, and the Duke of Richmond. Mary. The 2nd Marquis was probably taught by Cardinal Wolsey but was a vigorous supporter of Henry VIII’s divorce from Katharine of Aragon. his son’s reckless involvement in Wyatt s rebellion ended in his own execution and that of his daughter, Lady Jane Grey, the ‘Nine Days Queen’. Weaving the lives of these men and women from a single family, often different allegiances, into a single narrative, provides a vivid picture of the English mediaeval and Tudor court, reflecting how the personal was always political, as individual relationships and rivalries for land, power and money drove national events.
Author Bio
Melita Thomas is the co-founder and editor of Tudor Times, a repository of information about Tudors and Stewarts in the period 1485-1625
Melita has loved history since being mesmerised by the BBC productions of ‘The Six Wives of Henry VIII’ and ‘Elizabeth R’, when she was a little girl. After that, she read everything she could get her hands on about this most fascinating of dynasties. Captivated by the story of the Lady Mary galloping to Framingham to set up her standard and fight for her rights, Melita began her first book about the queen when she was 9. The manuscript is probably still in the attic!
Whilst still pursuing a career in business, Melita took a course on writing biography, which led her and her business partner to the idea for Tudor Times, and gave her the inspiration for writing ‘The King’s Pearl: Henry VIII and his daughter Mary’. The research for this book led her to want to know more about the Tudors’ cousins, the Greys, who were prominent members of the court. The result was the House of Grey.
Currently, Melita is studying for a Master’s in Historical Research at the University of London, and beginning research for her third book.
In her spare time, Melita enjoys long distance walking. She is attempting to walk around the whole coast of Britain, and you can follow her progress here: https://mgctblog.com/
Today we had the honor of taking a private tour of Hampton Court Palace. My husband & I have been before but this was our first trip together. It’s been a magical day. Here are a few highlights.
Entry to the Tudor kitchens via the Grace & Favour apartmentsAnne Boleyn’s Gateway, Tudor brickwork & ceilingI’m so in love with this clock! ❤️The color, symbolism & pageantry of Henry VIIICeiling medallions of the Tudor Rose & Royal insignias from the Henrican CourtJane Seymour’s Phoenix Rising crestVictorian reproductions of Tudor stained glassThe Tudor’s Great Hall & tapestries Henry & Anne inscription Commerative memorial to Anne Boleyn outside the Queen’s QuartersThe turret room in the Anne Boleyn quarters where she prayed for days knowing that Henry had grown tired of her. Jane Seymour gave birth to Edward VI in the rooms on the top floor.Selfie in the William & Mary wing of the palace.The immortal Rainbow Portrait of Elizabeth IClose-up of the Bacton Altar Cloth. The fabric appears to be similar, possibly the same, as the bodice of the dress worn in the Rainbow Portrait. Henry VIII’s apartments
Rare surviving piece of dress once worn by Elizabeth I currently on display at Hampton Court Palace alongside world-famous Rainbow Portrait
Following a three-year conservation project by Historic Royal Palaces, the spectacular Bacton Altar Cloth is on display at Elizabeth I’s former home this autumn, united for the first time with the iconic portrait in which it may once have featured
An elegantly embroidered altar cloth which may once have been part of a dress worn by Queen Elizabeth I will is on display for the first time at Hampton Court Palace this October in an exhibition entitled The Lost Dress of Elizabeth I. The ‘Bacton Altar Cloth’, discovered in a church in rural Herefordshire, is now considered to be one of the rarest survivals of Elizabethan dress in existence. After undergoing extensive conservation work at Hampton Court Palace for the past two years, it is exhibited alongside a portrait of the ‘Virgin Queen’ featuring a dress of strikingly similar design.
The Lost Dress of Elizabeth I exhibition (c)Historic Royal Palaces David Jensen
The richly embroidered textile – named after the church in Bacton, Herefordshire where it was preserved for centuries – was identified by Historic Royal Palaces curator Eleri Lynn as being part of a high status sixteenth-century court dress back in 2016. The altar cloth has long been associated with Blanche Parry, one of Queen Elizabeth I’s most faithful servants who eventually became her Chief Gentlewoman of the Bedchamber, and who was born in Bacton. Records show that Elizabeth regularly gifted her discarded clothing to Parry as one of her closest confidantes, and for years there was speculation that the altar cloth may have a connection to the Queen. On examining the textile, Lynn – an expert in Tudor court dress – was able to identify previously unseen features, studying the seams of the fabric to confirm it had once formed part of a skirt.
Following the exciting discovery, Historic Royal Palaces – the independent charity that cares for Hampton Court Palace – agreed to commence a conservation programme to stabilise the fragile fabric in the palace’s world-class textile studio. Further examination of the cloth by experts has added weight to Lynn’s theory that it might once have belonged to the Tudor Queen. Its creation from high-status silver chamblet silk, use of professional embroidery including real gold and silver thread, and distinct evidence of pattern-cutting all suggest that the item could have formed part of Elizabeth’s lavish wardrobe. The conservation team were also able to test the dyes within the fabric, discovering that it contained expensive Indigo and red dye sourced from Mexico – the kind of materials only available to a person a very high status.
Displayed alongside the altar cloth is the iconic Rainbow Portrait (c. 1600-1602), on loan from Hatfield House, which depicts Elizabeth I wearing a gown that bears a tantalising resemblance. On display for the first time ever at Hampton Court Palace, the portrait – attributed to Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger – was commissioned by Robert Cecil and is filled with symbolism including motifs of eyes and ears. Accompanying the painting will be a selection of rare domestic print books dating from the Tudor period, which would have provided inspiration for many of the embroidered motifs fashionable during Elizabeth’s reign – including those found on the Bacton Altar Cloth – brought together for the first time with other stunning embroidery work from the period. Unpacking the Virgin Queen’s now iconic style, the exhibition will explore the artistry and majesty of the Tudor wardrobe, Elizabeth’s inner-circle of women, how embroidery served as a way of female bonding at court, along with the fascinating world of secret symbols and Elizabethan codes.
Eleri Lynn, Collections Curator at Historic Royal Palaces, said “After three-years of painstaking conservation and research, we’re thrilled to finally be putting this exquisite object on display at Hampton Court Palace, Elizabeth’s former home. To have an item of Tudor dress with such a close link to Queen Elizabeth I is extraordinarily rare, and we are very excited to display the Bacton Altar Cloth next to the legendary Rainbow Portrait, with its prominent similarities to the fabric of the cloth itself.”
The Lost Dress of Elizabeth I will run from October 12, 2019 until February 23, 2020 at Hampton Court Palace, on loan from St Faith’s Church, Bacton.
For more information and images, please contact Sophie Lemagnen in the Historic Royal Palaces Press Office: sophie.lemagnen@hrp.org.uk/ 0203 166 6304
Historic Royal Palaces is the independent charity that looks after the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, the Banqueting House, Kensington Palace, Kew Palace and Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. We help everyone explore the story of how monarchs and people have shaped society, in some of the greatest palaces ever built. We raise all our own funds and depend on the support of our visitors, members, donors, sponsors and volunteers. With the exception of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, these palaces are owned by The Queen on behalf of the nation, and we manage them for the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. Historic Royal Palaces cares for Hillsborough Castle and Gardens under a separate contract with the Northern Ireland Office. Registered charity number 1068852. For more information visit www.hrp.org.uk
All information is shared courtesy of Hampton Court Palace and Historic Royal Palaces.
Please welcome Sarah Morris as she makes a very special EXCLUSIVE announcement for those who love all things Tudor History! In addition, she reveals more info on the 1535 progress made by Henry VIII & Anne Boleyn, which she and Natalie Grueninger are taking and we can join virtually.
So you might be wondering who is The Tudor Travel Guide? Hello! My name is Sarah Morris and online I am The Tudor Travel Guide. I live in England, in the picturesque Oxfordshire countryside. I have been enthralled by the Tudors since I was a child, learning about them at school and spending many happy weekends and holidays touring historic properties with my parents. This was where my love of history began.
Anne Boleyn is my historical heroine: an intelligent and courageous woman who was well ahead of her time, in my opinion. I have long been fascinated by her, but unlike Henry VIII, my interest has never waned! In 2010, I began writing my first Tudor novel; Le Temps Viendra; a Novel of Anne Boleyn. This was published in 2012, followed closely thereafter by two non-fiction books; In the Footsteps of Anne Boleyn and In the Footsteps of the Six Wives of Henry VIII, co-authored with Natalie Gruneninger. I was also featured in A Tale of Two Sisters on Yesterday TV, as the ‘Boleyn expert’, talking about the relationship between Anne and Mary Boleyn, and this year took part in the filming of a documentary about the life of Mary I for France2 called, Les Secrets D’Histoire. This is due to air later this year.
I created The Tudor Travel Guide back in March 2018. I am fascinated by Tudor places and this idea that when we stand in a place, or building, with strong ties to the Tudor era, it is only time, and not space, which separates us from those who have gone before. With The Tudor Travel Guide, my aim is to help people connect more deeply with the sixteenth century through recreating places as they would have looked at the time. By doing so, I find it helps the imagination recreate events and characters more vividly, bringing us even closer to the past.
Alongside the blog, (where new articles are usually added weekly), I run a monthly podcast called The Tudor Travel Show. I have such incredible fun making these shows, as I head out on the road to historic properties with strong ties to the Tudor era. Usually, with a local expert or guide on hand, we go exploring the location and its history to give you a real sense of being there yourself. Oh, and then there is the TTG newsdesk, where we bring you all the latest breaking sixteenth century news. Not sure how this works? Then you must tune in. Recording it is one of my favourite blogging to-dos of the month!
Quite often, when I am on location recording the podcast, I will take the opportunity to shoot an accompanying video. You can find these on my YouTube channel: The Tudor Travel Guide. So whether you prefer to read, listen or watch your Tudor history, there will be something for you to lose yourself in and enjoy.
How can you get more involved? Well, of course, you will find me on all the main social media channels (links below). I love to hear from people: comments, feedback and questions. It’s great to have emails arriving in my inbox giving me feedback and sharing thoughts on what folk are enjoying. I always respond to email, although things get a little hectic to say the least, so while it might not be immediate, you will get a reply, I promise!
Although it doesn’t happen too much at the moment, I’d also be delighted to field more questions and read out feedback from listeners to the podcast. If you want to get really involved with the show, then The Tudor Travel Show’s Patron Programme might just be for you. Through sponsorship of the programme, The Tudor Travel Show will have a much greater chance of staying on the road. There are all sorts of levels of sponsorship starting at just $1 a month. However, if you wish to be a super-supporter, then at some of the higher levels of sponsorship you can influence the theme / content of a show, or even come on location while it is being recorded. That would be so much fun!
So, what’s coming up for you to enjoy? Well, regular blogs and podcasts. Themes over the next 3 months include Jane Seymour (we will be travelling to Wolfhall and hearing about the recent restoration of a fascinating painting of Jane at the National Portrait Gallery). We will also be touring Penshurst Place, and in December there will be a very special Christmas visit to Hever. I am SO looking forward to that! We will be recording both a podcast and video of the castle dressed for Christmas. If you haven’t seen Anne Boleyn’s childhood home at Christmas before, get ready for a real treat.
What else can you look forward to? In the very near future, I will be co-hosting a four-day virtual progress, based on the 1535 progress undertaken by Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. My co-author of In the Footsteps of Anne Boleyn and I will be filming four videos in which we explore six beautiful locations visited during the progress: Sudeley Castle, Tewkesbury Abbey, Gloucester Abbey, Leonard Stanley Berkeley Castle and Thornbury Castle. Enrollment to join the progress is free, and you can sign up here. At the end of the progress, we hope to hold a live chat. It should be a great adventure. Learn all about these places as visited by Henry and Anne, and hear why this period was so historic. I hope you will join us!
Finally, I can exclusively announce that next year I will be holding another virtual gathering. This time it will be a virtual summit to celebrate the 500th anniversary of The Field of Cloth of Gold.
There are some fabulous speakers lined up, including several leading experts in their field. I can’t say too much more for now, but it will be held next May and again, sign up will be entirely free. Here’s the important bit: if you sign up to my mailing list, you will be sure to be among the first to hear confirmation of dates and how to register.
It might also be worth saying that for those of you planning a real Tudor-themed vacation, and want to visit places steeped in Tudor history, alongside the In the Footsteps books, I have written a series of digital, full-colour mini-guides. I started writing these last year and will continue adding to the series over time. At the moment, you can pick up guides for Hampton Court Palace, Sudeley Castle, Kenilworth Castle and Dover Castle. There are also weekend away guides for Kent and Suffolk that include three locations and a couple of accommodation recommendations, perfect if you are planning to visit either county. In fact, if you subscribe to the blog, you will receive the Kent mini-guide, featuring Hever Castle, Penshurst Place and Pashley Manor Garden as you free gift – a ‘thank-you’ for becoming part of the community. Any of the other guides can be purchased from The Tudor Travel Guide shop.
Finally, I recently started taking private bookings for tailored tours. So, if you want an extra-special experience and your personal guide while on your Tudor vacation, I am now able to accompany you to most places. Tours can be for single locations, or in conjunction with British History Tours, I can arrange longer tours, where your transport and accommodation are also arranged for you. All you need to do is turn up and enjoy, while I help you recreate these fabulous places and the events that took place there. If you are interested, you can contact me via sarah@thetudortravelguide.com to discuss your specific requirements. All tours are tailor-made and developed according to your specific interests.
How do I get connected? There are many ways in which to join The Tudor Travel Guide community…The most important thing is to subscribe to the blog here. I have created three fab freebies that will be delivered to your inbox by way of welcome. I hope you love them! Being part of the community also gives you unrestricted access to my password protected resource library, reserved just for members.
If you are interested in my podcasts, you can catch up with all the episodes here, or via iTunes, Spotify or YouTube (just search for The Tudor Travel Show).
Thanks so much for taking the time to find out more about The Tudor Travel Guide. There are always new adventures to be had, and I’d love to virtually take you on the road with me as we learn about enchanting Tudor locations – and I very much hope that you will be inspired to plan your own Tudor adventure.
Please welcome Danegeld Historic Jewllery and the owner, George Easton to All Things Tudor. If this jewelry doesn’t tempt you, I don’t know…
The mission of Danegold is to accurately research and reproduce period metalwork. According to the owner, “I always try to make my pieces as close to the originals as possible using the techniques and materials of the time in question.”
Founded in 1997, Danegeld’s produce copies of historic metalwork focusing mainly on the dark age and medieval period. The products-jewelry and metalwork is available in all metals-from gold to pewter
They make replica jeweler from all periods of history but mainly the dark ages and medieval periods. “I am equally happy casting a bronze age axe in an open forge as i would be traditionally setting diamonds in a victorian necklace. I am a trained jeweller and have been working commercially in the trade for the last 16 years, producing jewellery and metalwork for collectors, film and TV production companies, museums and shops. I have a strong interest in history and a keen eye for detail, having trained in graphic design and illustration prior to my jewellery career i am happy to be able to combine them all together to produce fine pieces of jewellery.”
George’s resume is impressive. Twenty one years working with precious metals, fourteen of which have been spent running Danegeld.
In his own words, “I originally trained in illustration and design before specialising in jewellery. Combine this with my interest in history and you have a full research, design and production service. i have an extensive historical library and a passion for my subject. Since finishing my studies i have worked with several companies and most recently producing costume jewellery for designers and high street stores; Vivienne Westwood, Agent Provocateur, Paul Smith, Ted Baker, British Museum and others. I have also worked on pieces for the Harry Potter films, several of my own pieces have also featured on TV and Film. Most recently I have supplied pieces for Killing Eve, Victoria and Abdul and Good Omens. The designs on the website cover the 1st century to the 20th century. Almost all the pieces are copies of actual jewellery finds from museums and the remainder are designs of the time from wood or stone placed in a jewellery context. All of my pieces are hand made in my workshop in Sussex, they are either hand forged or cast. Cast pieces are mostly moulded from metal master models, however sometimes it’s more practical to carve the masters from wax. Commissions are always welcome, my interests and abilities cover every time period , so please don’t hesitate to ask for a quote on anything you may require, however out of period it may seem. “
You may contact him with any questions.
Please follow him on Facebook for all his latest news!
