On this day in history events for 15 – 21 June.
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This week in history 15 – 21 June
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Henry Fitzroy, 1st Duke of Richmond and Somerset
Henry Fitzroy was the illegitimate child of Henry VIII, the second Tudor monarch, with his mistress Elizabeth Blount. In 1512, when Henry VIII was approximately twenty-one years of age a beautiful young woman came to court. Her name was Elizabeth “Bessie” Blount and at that time she had no idea the future that lay ahead of her. While the Blounts were not members of nobility, they were members of the gentry who through opportunity, connections and talent had earned a place at court. It is believed that it was William Blount, Lord Mountjoy, Queen Katherine of Aragon’s chamberlain, who acquired a place at court for Elizabeth Blount. Sometime between 1513 – 1514, Bessie became a maid of honour to the Queen. As a maid of honour, Bessie would have had to have been beautiful and well-mannered, with all the accomplishments suitable for a young lady of the time. She’d need to be able to play a musical instrument, to sing and dance, to sew and embroider, to know her place and, most importantly, be devout to the Catholic faith. It is reported that Bessie was a very talented singer and dancer, and it may have been these talents which attracted the young Henry VIII.
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Medieval and Tudor Armour and Weapons Quiz
Test your knowledge of the weapons and armour used in the medieval and Tudor periods with this fun quiz – Good luck!
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Congratulations to John Ashdown-Hill on his MBE
On behalf of all the members of the Tudor Society, I would just like to offer our sincere and warm congratulations to historian John Ashdown-Hill who has been awarded an MBE for services to Historical Research and the Exhumation and Identification of Richard III.
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The Procession and Pageants for the wedding of Catherine of Aragon and Prince Arthur
In today’s Claire Chats, I look at an event from Henry VII’s reign, the marriage of Catherine of Aragon and Arthur, Prince of Wales, and the pageantry involved in Catherine’s procession through London.
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Henry VIII and the Carthusian Monks
Between May 1535 and August 1540 eighteen monks from the Carthusian order were put to death for the same crime, for refusing to accept King Henry VIII as the Supreme Head of the Church.
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Cover reveal July 2015 Tudor Life Magazine
Here’s the cover for the forthcoming Tudor Life magazine. The theme for this magazine is loosely “Vulnerability” and covers an interesting range of topics as always. Thanks to all the contributors for this magazine.
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This week in history 8 – 14 June
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Field of Cloth of Gold Primary Sources
The Field of Cloth of Gold was an historic meeting between Henry VIII and Francis I of France to solidify the Treaty of London. It ran from 7th June 1520 until 24th June 1520 and was held on a field between the English stronghold of Guînes and the French town of Ardres, to solidify the Treaty of London.
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The Field of Cloth of Gold by Sarah Bryson
The Field of Cloth of Gold was a spectacular meeting between King Henry VIII of England and King Francis I of France. The meeting lasted from the 7th June to 24th June 1520 and was one of the most impressive, lavish meetings to ever be held between the two Kings. The meeting was held between the English stronghold of Guînes and the French town of Ardres, on a piece of land which was referred to as the Field of Cloth of Gold.
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Tudor and Plantagenet Badges, Arms and Mottoes Quiz
How much do you know about the badges, arms and mottoes used in the Tudor and Plantagenet eras?
Test your knowledge with this fun quiz.
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News – Archaeologists prepare to reveal the secrets of Bradgate Park
Archaeologists are starting a five-year project to reveal the secrets of Bradgate Park, the estate which was home to Lady Jane Grey and her family.
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Charles V’s visit to England in 1522
In today’s Claire Chat’s video I talk about the visit Charles V made to England in 1522, to make an alliance with Henry VIII against France, and all the pageantry and entertainment that he enjoyed.
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4 June 1550 – The marriage of Robert Dudley and Amy Robsart
On 4th June 1550 (some sources say the 5th), Robert Dudley married Amy Robsart at the royal palace of Sheen at Richmond, near London. The marriage was attended by the then king, Edward VI.
Both Amy and Dudley were a few days short of their 18th birthdays when they got married, and the marriage was a love-match, or a “carnal marriage” as William Cecil described it, rather than an arranged union. The couple were sweethearts and very much in love, but it was not to be a happy marriage and events conspired against them.
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Expert Talk: Gareth Russell – The Importance of Christianity
This month, historian Gareth Russell gives us a wonderful insight into the role of Importance of Christianity in the Medieval and Early Modern Period. As always, Gareth is charming and insightful with his examination of this important subject.
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11 June – Anne Boleyn Talk on London Eye
One of the curators behind 32 Londoners of the London Eye has contacted to let me know that Anne Boleyn has been chosen as one of their iconic 32 Londoners in 2015. Historian Tracy Borman, who is also Chief Curator of Historic Royal Palaces, will be talking about Anne Boleyn on 11th June and pointing out London landmarks associated with Anne.
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A Tomb fit for a King – Benedetto’s candelabra for Henry VIII
Cardinal Thomas Wolsey was patron to the Florentine scuptor Benedetto da Rovezzano (1474-1552) and commissioned him to make a lavish Renaissance style tomb for him. The project comprised a beautiful black marble sarcophagus and four bronze angels, each measuring around a metre in height, which are now known as Wolsey’s Angels.
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Primary sources for Anne Boleyn’s coronation – 1 June 1533
Here are some links for primary source accounts of Anne Boleyn’s coronation, and the pageants and processions that went with it, on 1st June 1533:
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This week in history 1 – 7 June
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Tudor and Plantagenet Monarchs Quiz
How much do you know about the Tudor and Plantagenet dynasties? Check your knowledge with this fun quiz on these kings and queens.
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Lady Margaret Beaufort
Margaret Beaufort, Countess of Richmond and Derby, and matriarch of the Tudor dynasty, was born at Bletsoe Castle in Bedfordshire on 31st May 1443. She was the daughter of Margaret Beauchamp of Bletsoe and John Beaufort, 1st Duke of Somerset, grandson of John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his mistress (and eventual wife) Katherine Swynford. Margaret was their only child. Although a 1397 act of Parliament legitimized the children of John of Gaunt and Katherine Swynford, Henry IV declared that they could never inherit the throne.
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Transcript of Claire Ridgway’s live chat
Here is the transcript from last night’s live chat in the chatroom with Claire Ridgway. Thanks to all those who attended!
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Reminder – Live Chat tonight (29 May) with Claire Ridgway
Just a reminder that Claire Ridgway will be in the chatroom tonight (29th May) to answer questions on her recent talk on Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII and the Fall of Anne Boleyn, or anything you want to ask her. The chat will be at midnight UK time on Friday, which works out as 1am Central European time on Saturday, 7pm in New York on Friday, 4pm in Los Angeles on Friday and 9am on Saturday in Sydney.
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1511 Celebrations for the birth of Prince Henry, Duke of Cornwall
I’m busy researching Tudor entertainment, revels and pageantry at the moment and so wanted to share with you some information on the 1511 celebrations for the birth of Prince Henry, Duke of Cornwall. I hope you enjoy these vivid descriptions which might just transport you back to early 1511.
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June 2015 Tudor Life Magazine
Here’s the latest magazine with all our regular items and contributors plus lots of fascinating articles about people and places from the Tudor period.
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Server needs to be sent to the Tower
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Expert Talk – Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII and the Fall of Anne Boleyn
In this month’s second expert talk, Claire Ridgway looks at the fall of Anne Boleyn in 1536 and examines the roles of Thomas Cromwell and Henry VIII in those bloody events. Did Thomas Cromwell plot all by himself or was he simply his master’s servant? Was Henry VIII ultimately responsible? Why did Anne Boleyn have to die?
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This week in history 25 – 31 May
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Tower of London Quiz
The Tower of London, or Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress, as it is officially called, is famous for being the site of much bloodshed and for being the prison of many hundreds, if not thousands, of people since it was first built, but how much do you know about it.
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Edward VI
Edward VI was born on 12 October 1537 at Hampton Court Palace. He was the son of Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour, who died twelve days after giving birth to him, probably of puerperal fever. He was tutored by scholars such as John Cheke, Richard Cox, Roger Ascham and Jean Belmain, and it appears that he was an intelligent child. By the age of twelve he was undertaking work on religious issues and controversies and had written a treatise about the Pope being the Antichrist.
Henry VIII, died on 28th January 1547, making Edward King Edward VI of England. Edward was only nine years old and far too young to rule over the country himself so a Council of Regency was set up, according to Henry VIII’s will. Sixteen executors had been named by Henry to act as a regency council until Edward came of age. The council members had been appointed as equals, but Edward’s uncle, Edward Seymour, took the lead and became Lord Protector of the Realm. Seymour was not content with just being Lord Protector, by 1547 he had convinced the young King to sign letters patent giving him the right to appoint members of his choosing to the Privy Council and to only consult them when he himself chose to.
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