The Tudor Society

  • Expert answer – What does “round machine” refer to in this quote?

    2 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
    2 Comments

    Thank you to Tudor Society member Stephanie for asking this question about something written by Estienne Perlin with regards to Mary, Queen of Scot, France and Scotland. Stephanie asks:

    “In the following quote do you know what the ’round machine” refers to:

    “How happy oughtest thou to esteem thyself, O kingdom of Scotland, to be favoured, fed and maintained like an infant, on the breast of the host magnanimous King of France, the greatest lord in the whole world, and the future monarch of the round machine, for without him thou wouldn’st have been laid in ashes, they country wasted and ruined by the English, utterly accursed by God.”

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  • 14 September – A Constable of the Tower and a destroyed shrine

    2 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    On this day in Tudor history, 14th September 1540, Sir William Kingston, Constable of the Tower of London, Knight of the Garter and comptroller of the King's household, died at his home in Painswick in Gloucestershire.

    Sir William Kingston was Constable of the Tower of London while Queen Anne Boleyn was imprisoned there in May 1536, and his letters to Thomas Cromwell are an excellent primary source for historians, but there's much more to this royal servant than that. He had a wonderful career in service to the king and benefited as a result.

    Find out more about Kingston...

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  • 13 September – A Tudor poet and Elizabeth I’s “spirit”

    2 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    On this day in Tudor history, 13th September 1503, poet and antiquary John Leland was born. Leland is known for his Latin poems and his antiquarian writings which included a defence of the history of King Arthur, which he presented to Henry VIII and his notes on his travels around England and Wales.

    Leland also wrote verses for Queen Anne Boleyn's coronation procession and was a royal chaplain. He had a very sad end, though, suffering some kind of mental breakdown and going mad.

    Find out more about John Leland, his life and works...

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  • Elizabeth I Places Crossword Puzzle

    2 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    This week has been the anniversary of the birth of Queen Elizabeth I on 7th September 1533, so I thought we’d mark the occasion by testing your knowledge of places linked to Elizabeth I.

    Test your knowledge of Elizabeth I places with this fun crossword puzzle.

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  • 12 September – A bridegroom dies suddenly and the trial of Archbishop Cranmer

    2 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    On this day in Tudor history, 12th September 1573, Protestant reformer, and leading politician in the reign of Mary, Queen of Scots, Archibald Campbell, 5th Earl of Argyll, died suddenly at Barbreck. He had got married six weeks earlier and had shown no signs of illness before retiring to bed.

    Argyll was the third most important noble in Scotland, the most important highland chief, and a founder of the Lords of the Congregation. He went from opposing Mary, Queen of Scots, to leading her troops in battle.

    Why?

    Find out all about this interesting Scot's life and career...

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  • 11 September – Edward VI’s good friend and a royal progress for Mary, Queen of Scots

    2 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
    2 Comments

    On this day in Tudor history, 11th September 1581, Barnaby Fitzpatrick, 2nd Baron of Upper Ossory, died in Dublin, at the home of surgeon, William Kelly.

    In his youth, Fitzpatrick had been friends with Prince Edward (the future Edward VI) and had been educated with him. Historians once believed him to have been the young king's "whipping boy". He went on to serve Edward as a Gentleman of the Privy Chamber when Edward became kin, but ended his days as a prisoner.

    Find out more about Barnaby Fitzpatrick, his life and career, and how he came to such a sad end...

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  • 10 September – A battle and Elizabeth I’s christening

    2 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    n this day in Tudor history, Saturday 10th September 1547, in the reign of King Edward VI, the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh, also known as the Battle of Pinkie, took place near Musselburgh, in Scotland, on the banks of the River Esk. The English forces, led by Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset, defeated the Scots, killing thousands.

    It was a bloody battle, but started off well for the Scots. In this video, I share an eye-witness account of how the battle changed so dramatically, leading to the loss of between 6,000 and 15,000 Scots.

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  • The Boleyns of Hever – Claire Ridgway and Owen Emmerson at Hever Castle

    2 years ago Author: ADMIN Tim
    8 Comments

    We've got hold of the video of Claire Ridgway and Owen Emmerson talking at Hever Castle in August, and it's a wonderful recording and presentation. Learn all about how the Boleyn family came to own and live at this stunning Kent castle.

    Thank you so much to the Festival Theatre, Hever Castle and Inside Hever patreon for permission to share this with our members-

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  • 9 September – Mary, Queen of Scots is crowned and the Battle of Flodden

    2 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    A miniature of Mary, Queen of Scots in captivity by Nicholas Hilliard

    On this day in Tudor history, 9th September 1543, the 30th anniversary of the Battle of Flodden, Mary, Queen of Scots, was crowned queen at the Chapel Royal of Stirling Castle. Mary was just nine months old.

    Find out more about how Mary came to the throne, her coronation ceremony, in which Mary howled, and how she was already promised in marriage to Henry VIII's son, the future Edward VI...

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  • 8 September – John Shakespeare and Amy Robsart’s mysterious death

    2 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    On this day in Tudor history, 8th September 1601, John Shakespeare, father of playwright William Shakespeare, was buried at Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon.

    John was a glover and whittawer, and also an important man in the town of Stratford-upon-Avon, serving as high bailiff, chief alderman and deputy bailiff, and being given the right to educate his children at the local grammar school for free. However, he also ran into trouble at times.

    Find out more about the life of William Shakespeare’s father, John Shakespeare…

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  • 7 September – Charles Brandon marries his young ward, and Elizabeth I is born

    2 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    On this day in Tudor history, 7th September 1533, just over two months after the death of his previous wife, Mary Tudor. Queen of France, forty-nine-year-old Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, married his ward, fourteen-year-old Catherine Willoughby.

    Find out more about this Tudor couple, how they came to be married, what their marriage was like, and what happened to them…

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  • 6 September – Martin Luther and Timothy Bright

    2 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    On this day in Tudor history, 6th September 1520, the famous reformer Martin Luther sent his pamphlet “On the Freedom of a Christian” (also known as “A Treatise on Christian Liberty”) to Pope Leo X. In the pamphlet, he emphasised the “two-fold nature” of Christians as saints and sinners, flesh and spirit.

    Luther is, of course, seen as the catalyst of the European Reformation, and in this video, I explain why, what he believed, how he ended up being excommunicated and made an outlaw, and what happened to him.

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  • Hever Chat – Facebook Live Video

    2 years ago Author: ADMIN Tim
    3 Comments

    Claire tells us about the adventure she had before getting on stage to talk to a sold-out audience at Hever Castle. The torrential rainstorms were unbelievable!

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  • Catherine Parr Places Word Search

    2 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    As today is the anniversary of Catherine Parr’s death on 5th September 1548, I thought we’d pay tribute to her by testing your knowledge of places linked to her.

    Grab your favourite snack and beverage, make yourself comfortable, and get those little grey cells working with this Word Search!

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  • 5 September – The deaths of Bloody Bonner and Catherine Parr

    2 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    On this day in Tudor history, 5th September 1569, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, Edmund Bonner, Bishop of London and a man nicknamed “Bloody Bonner”, died in Marshalsea Prison. He had started his career in Henry VIII’s reign and was not just a churchman, he was also a diplomat.

    In this video, I flesh out this Tudor bishop who got his nickname from being in charge of burning reformers in London. Find out about his life, career and how he ended up dying in prison…

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  • 4 September – Another marriage is arranged for Henry VIII and the death of Robert Dudley

    2 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    On this day in Tudor history, 4th September 1539, William, Duke of Cleves, signed the marriage treaty promising his sister, Anne of Cleves, in marriage to King Henry VIII.

    Anne would of course become Henry VIII’s fourth wife.

    Find out all about the marriage agreement and its terms, and what happened next…

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  • Uneasy Lies the Head by Jean Plaidy – Lil’s Book Reviews

    2 years ago Author: ADMIN Tim
    2 Comments

    Lil looks back at a wonderful book by Jean Plaidy - Uneasy Lies the Head is set the aftermath of the bloody Wars of the Roses, Henry Tudor has seized the English crown, finally uniting the warring Houses of York and Lancaster through his marriage to Elizabeth of York. But whilst Henry VII rules wisely and justly, he is haunted by Elizabeth's missing brothers; the infamous two Princes, their fate in the Tower forever a shrouded secret. Then tragedy strikes at the heart of Henry's family, and it is against his own son that the widowed king must fight for a bride and his throne... [Read More...]

  • 3 September – A clown and a playwright

    2 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    On this day in Tudor history, 3rd September 1588, or possibly the 5th September, actor and clown, Richard Tarlton, died in Shoreditch. He was buried in St Leonard’s Church, Shoreditch.

    Tarlton was a member of the Queen’s Men acting company, but is famed for his post-play jigs as a clown. He was also known for being able to cheer up Queen Elizabeth I – how wonderful.

    Find out more about Tudor clown Richard Tarlton, his life and career…

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  • 2 September – The deaths of an Irish earl and an explorer

    2 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    On this day in Tudor history, 2nd September 1534, Gerald Fitzgerald, 9th Earl of Kildare and Lord Deputy of Ireland, died in the Tower of London at around the age of 47. Kildare had been arrested on 29th June 1534, accused of corruption and causing rebellion in Ireland.

    Kildare seems to have spent most of his career being accused of crimes, but his son Silken Thomas’s rebellion was his final undoing.

    He was already ill when he was arrested and imprisoned, suffering from the after effects of being shot, but at least his wife was able to nurse him.

    Find out more about this Earl of Kildare, his life and career…

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  • Henry VII: The Man – Nathen Amin – Live chat transcript

    2 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    A photo of Nathen Amin with an image of his book cover Henry VII and The Tudor Pretenders

    Here is the transcript of last week’s live Q&A session with Nathen Amin on Henry VII: The Man for those of you who missed it. It was a wonderful chat.

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  • 1 September – Actor Edward Alleyn and Anne Boleyn becomes Marquess of Pembroke

    2 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    On this day in Tudor history, 1st September 1566, Edward Alleyn, a major figure in the Elizabethan theatre, was born in the parish of St Botolph without Bishopsgate, London, and baptised the following day.

    In this video, I share some facts about Edward Alleyn, including his personal life, the plays he was involved in, his theatre investments, and his desire to be appointed master of the bears, bulls and mastiff dogs!

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  • Catherine Brooks – The Advantageous Marriages of the Howards – Expert Talk

    2 years ago Author: ADMIN Tim
    9 Comments

    Catherine takes us back to the start of the Howard dynasty to show how the ancestors of the Howards of the Henrican court built up their standing not just from their military careers and loyalty to the monarch, but by realising marriage could be the quickest way to achieve status. But she also explains how this can backfire with tragic consequences.

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  • 31 August – The Bloody Flux and a burning

    2 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    On this day in Tudor history, 31st August 1545, a contagious disease known as the ‘Bloody flux’ hit the port of Portsmouth, killing many of the men serving on the ships in its port.

    But what was the Bloody Flux? What were its symptoms and why did it kill so many soldiers and sailors?

    Find out about the disease, famous victims of the Bloody Flux, and how it is still affecting people today…

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  • 30 August – A treaty and Catherine Parr gives birth

    2 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    On this day in Tudor history, 30th August 1525, the Treaty of the More was agreed between King Henry VIII of England and Louise of Savoy, who was acting as regent for her son, King Francis I of France, while he was imprisoned by imperial forces.

    Why was Francis in prison? What were the terms of the Treaty of the More? How did this treaty affect Henry VIII’s daughter, Mary? And what happened next.

    Find out all about the Treaty of the More and its consequences…

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  • Rioghnach O’Geraghty – In Memoriam

    2 years ago Author: ADMIN Tim
    1 Comment

    It is with a sad heart that we must write this post. Sadly, Rioghnach O’Geraghty passed away a few days ago in her home in South Australia.

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  • The Pole Family Crossword Puzzle

    2 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    As today is the anniversary of the arrest of Geoffrey Pole in 1538, I thought I’d test your knowledge of the Pole family, an important family in Tudor England.

    How much do you know about the Poles?

    Find out!

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  • 29 August – St John the Baptist and Geoffrey Pole

    2 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    Today, 29th August, is the Feast of the beheading of St John the Baptist. Lovely!

    In this video, I share the story behind this Tudor holy day, a story which is often depicted in illuminations in manuscripts and psalters.

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  • 28 August – Robert Dudley’s last letter to Elizabeth and Mary receives an unwelcome visit

    2 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    On this day in Tudor history, 28th August 1588, an ailing Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, wrote his final letter to his queen and childhood friend, Elizabeth I. He wrote it while on his way to Buxton, in Derbyshire, to take the waters for his health.

    The letter is very special because Elizabeth labelled it “His Last Letter” and kept it close by her until her own death in 1603.

    In this video, I share a transcript of Robert Dudley’s last letter, and talk about Elizabeth I’s reaction to his subsequent death.

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  • 27 August – Two Tudor battles

    2 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    On this day in Tudor history, 27th August 1557, St Quentin was stormed by English and Imperial forces. Admiral de Coligny and his French troops, numbering only a thousand, were overcome by around 60,000 soldiers, and St Quentin fell. Henry Dudley, the youngest son of the late John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland, was killed by a cannonball during the storming.

    Find out about the siege and battle, and what happened next…

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  • The Most Dangerous Place in England – Norham Castle – Julian Humphrys

    2 years ago Author: ADMIN Tim
    3 Comments

    For today’s video, we have our battlefields expert, Julian, telling us about Norham Castle, situated right on the border between England and Scotland. Not a safe place to be!

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