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
Tudor
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 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 AND LADY JANE GREY’S RELATIONSHIP: AN ACCOUNT
In 1559, John Aylmer, humanist scholar and Protestant cleric, who would later go on to become the bishop of London, wrote an impassioned defence of …
HENRY VII AND ELIZABETH OF YORK: NAMING THEIR CHILDREN
In the past, I’ve discussed the children of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York. Today, I wanted to talk a little about their names. Henry …
A MYSTERIOUS SPANIARD AT THE TUDOR COURT
François Van der Delft served as the Spanish ambassador to the courts of Henry VIII and Edward VI. In this capacity, he had a certain …
