For a dynasty that claimed the throne by right of conquest and a very tenuous blood claim, reinforcing the legitimacy of their claim was essential, …
The Beaufort Portcullis
The Berry-Hill Portrait of Elizabeth
This is a very unusual portrait of Elizabeth I, and not merely because it is one a very small handful painted before she became queen. …
WHO IS GETTING MARRIED?
This beautiful medallion has traditionally been said to commemorate the marriage of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York. Henry and Elizabeth were married on the …
The Grasshopper Ring
This beautiful signet ring was commissioned by Sir Thomas Gresham, an English merchant and agent of Henry VIII and all three of his children in …
A FAMILY LEGEND OF ANNE BOLEYN
Anne Boleyn is one of the most mythologised figures in English history. Rumours and accusations and legends have built up around her, and, particularly in …
A HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF HENRY VII BY JANE AUSTEN
Those of you who have been following me for a while know that one of my favourite histories of England is Jane Austen’s satirical prose …
CATHERINE PARR WAS NOT MARY’S LADY-IN-WAITING
There is a popular misconception that Henry VIII met his final wife, Catherine Parr, after she joined the household of his daughter, Mary, at some …
MARRIAGE DISPENSATION OF HENRY FITZROY AND MARY HOWARD
In 1529, the Duke of Norfolk informed the Spanish ambassador, Eustace Chapuys, that the King was arranging for his daughter, Mary Howard, to wed the …
THE TUDOR QUEENS’ CONSORT NECKLACE
The so-called ‘Consort Necklace’ is one of the most famous pieces of Tudor jewellery. Appearing in a number of portraits of Henry VIII’s wives, it …
ELIZABETH’S EARLY INFLUENCE
There is a popular misconception that Elizabeth was at best ignored, and at worst looked upon with disfavour by her father, Henry VIII, and only …
