The Tudor Society

  • Mad people can be executed, a miscarriage of justice, problematic prophecies and William Waste All

    3 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    In this second part of This Week in Tudor History for week beginning 8th February, I talk about two parliamentary acts that allowed a king to execute his wife and to execute people showing signs of madness; a miscarriage of justice which led to a priest being executed in Elizabeth I’s reign; an Elizabethan astrologer who was ridiculed after his prophecies didn’t come true, and a man known as William Waste-all.

    11th February 1542 – King Henry VIII gave his assent “in absentia” to an act of attainder against his fifth wife, Catherine Howard, and her lady-in-waiting, Jane Boleyn, Lady Rochford. A bill allowing people showing signs of lunacy was also passed, an awful thing, but the king was determined to take revenge.

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  • Elizabeth Howard (née Stafford), Duchess of Norfolk (1497-1558)

    3 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    Elizabeth Stafford was born in 1497 and was the eldest daughter of Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham, and his wife, Eleanor, eldest daughter of Henry Percy, 4th Earl of Northumberland. Through her parents, Elizabeth was a descendant of King Edward III, and her paternal grandparents were Henry Stafford, 2nd Duke of Buckingham, and Lady Katherine Woodville, sister of Elizabeth Woodville. Her paternal grandfather was beheaded for treason against Richard III in 1483, which is a fate her father would suffer in 1521, beheaded for treason against Henry VIII.

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  • Learn more about: A discovery of witches and Tudor history

    3 years ago Author: Emma
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    In last week's Friday video, Claire talked about the All Souls trilogy of novels by Deborah Harkness, A Discovery of Witches, Shadow of Night and The Book of Life, and the TV adaptation. How do these novels link to Tudor history? 

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  • Watch: Mary Queen of Scots’ life in Edinburgh

    3 years ago Author: Merel
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    On this day in history Mary Queen of Scots was executed. 434 years ago, early in the morning, Mary was taken from her prison cell to the place of execution at Fotheringhay castle. To commemorate this day, we will be sharing a documentary that was made back in 2019 about her life in Edinburgh. For the first time it is now available for all to enjoy. 

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  • This week in Tudor history Part 1 – A man who refused a title, Lady Jane Grey’s reprieve, and a naughty earl with a magic ring

    3 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    In this first part of “This Week in Tudor History”, I introduce a chap named John, one of the many johns in his family, who turned down a title; explain why Lady Jane Grey’s execution was postponed and what happened, and introduce an earl who appears to have been a bit of a Tudor bad boy.

    8th February 1545, in the reign of King Henry VIII – Death of courtier and soldier Sir John Arundell of Lanherne, or John Arundell III, a man who turned down a barony from King Henry VIII. Find out why.

    9th February 1554 – Queen Mary I postpones Lady Jane Grey’s scheduled execution and gives her a three-day reprieve…

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  • Tudor Novels Quiz

    3 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    I do love getting lost in a good historical novel, especially at this time of year when I can snuggle in front of the log burner under a blanket with a nice mug of hot chocolate. A novel that transports me to the 16th century is just prefect.

    But how much do you know about Tudor-themed novels, series and authors?

    Find out, and perhaps get some reading ideas, in this week’s quiz:

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  • A Discovery of Witches and Tudor History

    3 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
    2 Comments

    In this week’s Friday video, Claire talks about the All Souls trilogy of novels by Deborah Harkness, A Discovery of Witches, Shadow of Night and The Book of Life, and the TV adaptation.

    How do these novels link to Tudor history? Find out more about them…

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  • This week in Tudor History Part 2 – A princess marries, a queen faces death, and a spy and lawyer die

    3 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    In this second part of “This week in Tudor history” for the week beginning 1st February, I talk about Tudor events and people associated with 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th February.

    4th February 1495, in the reign of King Henry VII – Anne of York, daughter of the late King Edward IV, marries Thomas Howard, Earl of Surrey, at Westminster Abbey in London…

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  • Teasel’s Tudor Trivia – Keeping warm Tudor style

    3 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    In this edition of Teasel’s Tudor Trivia, with a well-wrapped up Teasel, I share some tips on how to keep warm on cold days and nights Tudor style.

    Just how did medieval and Tudor people keep warm? What did they wear? How did they keep their houses warm? And what about their bedrooms and beds?

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  • Conducting Research for Historical Novels – Adrienne Dillard

    3 years ago Author: ADMIN Tim
    3 Comments

    This month we have the highly successful author Adrienne Dillard as our expert speaker. We know that there are a number of members who are writers and are writing historical pieces at the moment. We wanted to get Adrienne to share her experience in bringing history to life.

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  • Take down your Christmas decorations today or risk goblins!

    3 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    I’m sure many of you have taken down your Christmas decorations by now, with many people believing that they should be taken down by Twelfth Night, but if you have any lurking then today, Candlemas Eve, is the day to take them down, otherwise you might just get visited by goblins.

    Teasel and I explain…

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  • Welcome to Emma and Merel!

    3 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    A warm welcome to Emma and Merel who are joining the Tudor Society team today for a 5-month apprenticeship as part of their Journalism degree. We are thrilled to have them on board and you might remember them from the Mary, Queen of Scots video they produced for us back in 2019 – see below.

    Here are their bios…

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  • This week in Tudor history Part 1 – An alchemist, the Princes in the Tower’s doctor, and a duke who suffered a rigged trial

    3 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    In this first part of “This week in Tudor history”, I look at Tudor history events for 1st, 2nd and 3rd February.

    1st February 1552, in the reign of King Edward VI – The birth of Roger Cooke, an alchemist who worked for Dr John Dee, Francis Anthony, the Wizard Earl (Henry Percy, 9th Earl of Northumberland) and Sir Walter Ralegh, and a man with whom Dee shared the secret of a special elixir…

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  • Stoke – Livechat transcript – Julian Humphrys

    3 years ago Author: ADMIN Tim
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    Thanks as always to those who came to our live chat with Julian Humphrys. We had a spirited discussion and I think a lot was learned by all

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  • More Tudor Henrys Word Search

    3 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    Following on from last week’s Tudor Henry’s Crossword Puzzle, this week’s Sunday quiz tests your knowledge of Tudor Henry’s even further with a word search puzzle.

    Do remember that the words can go in any direction.
    Hint: The answers can all be found on the Tudor Society website!

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  • The Cornish Rebellion of 1497 with Julian Humphrys

    3 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
    2 Comments

    Thank you to battlefield historian Julian Humphrys for this week’s Friday video, which is on a rebellion that took place in the reign of King Henry VII, the Cornish Rebellion.

    Do remember that Julian is joining us in the Tudor Society chatroom later today to answer your questions on his expert talk on the Battle of Stoke Field…

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  • February 2021 – Tudor Life – Sloth

    3 years ago Author: ADMIN Tim
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    We continue our series of magazine themes based on the deadly sins with this month’s edition on sloth.

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  • This Week in Tudor History Part 2 – Elizabeth I’s guardian, a Master of Swans, a king’s death announced and more!

    3 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
    2 Comments

    In the second part of “This Week in Tudor History” for 25-31 January, I talk about events that happened on 28th, 29th, 30th and 31st January in the reigns of the Tudor monarchs. Find out more about the following Tudor people and events.

    28th January 1501 – The death of politician and administrator, John Dynham, 1st Baron Dynham, who managed to move smoothly from service to the Yorkists to Henry VII’s service, and who survived the falls of his brother-in-law and stepson.

    29th January 1559 – The death of Sir Thomas Pope, guardian of Princess Elizabeth (Elizabeth I), founder of Trinity College…

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  • Lucy Somerset, Baroness Neville (1524-1583)

    3 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    Lucy Somerset was born in around 1524 to Henry Somerset, 2nd Earl of Worcester, and his second wife, Elizabeth Browne, who is perhaps best known for her alleged role in Anne Boleyn’s downfall. Little is known of Lucy’s early life; however, as a noblewoman, it is assumed that she would have been accomplished in courtly manners. She was also involved with prominent courtiers, particularly the Brandon family through her aunt’s marriage to Sir Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk. This made Lady Anne Brandon and her sister Lady Mary Brandon her first cousins and important connections, both with prominent royal relations and friendships.

    It is believed that Lucy was sent to the court of Henry VIII around 1540 aged 16, where she served his fifth consort, Katherine Howard, as a Maid of Honour during her marriage to Henry VIII. In 1542, when Katherine Howard was awaiting execution for treason, Lucy was supposedly mentioned in a letter by the imperial ambassador, Eustace Chapuys.

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  • A priest in the Little Ease, death from plague, and heretics meet their ends – January 25 – 31, Part 1

    3 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    On 25th January 1540, Jesuit priest and martyr, St Edmund Campion, was born in London. Although he was close to the Earl of Leicester and William Cecil at one point, he ended up being thrown into the Tower of London’s Little Ease and being executed as a traitor. Let me tell you his story in today’s video.

    On 26th January 1528, diplomat and courtier Sir Francis Poyntz died of the plague.

    On 27th January 1556, in the reign of Queen Mary I, Bartholomew Green, also known as Bartlet Green, was burnt at the stake for heresy with six other Protestants. He could have got away with receiving communion according to Protestant rites, but he did something that brought him to the attention of the queen and her government. Find out what he did, and about his sad end…

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  • Tudor Henrys Crossword Puzzle

    3 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    Henry was a rather popular name during the Tudor period, with many sons being named after the two King Henrys.

    But how much do you know about the Henrys of the Tudor period?

    Test yourself with this fun crossword puzzle.

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  • Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey

    3 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    As it was the anniversary of Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey’s execution this week, I thought I’d pay tribute to this Tudor man by giving you an overview of his life and sharing some of his works.

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  • This week in Tudor History – 18-24 January – Part 2

    3 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    Part 2 of “This week in Tudor History” covers Tudor history events from 22nd to 24th January.

    22nd January 1561, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I – The birth of politician, philosopher, author and scientist Francis Bacon at York House, the Strand, London. Bacon is known as “the Father of the Scientific method” and Baconians believe that he was the true author of some or all of William Shakespeare’s plays…

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  • This week in Tudor History – 18-24 January – Part 1

    3 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    Part 1 of “This week in Tudor History” covers Tudor history events from 18th to 21st January.

    Find out all about these Tudor events…

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  • Quiz – Match the words to the Tudor monarch

    3 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
    1 Comment

    Who said what and to whom?

    How much do you know about the words written and spoken by the Tudor kings and queens?

    Test yourself with today’s fun quiz.

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  • Get involved in my videos

    3 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
    3 Comments

    As you know, I do regular Tudor history-themed videos for YouTube and I just wanted to share with you an idea Tim had for my channel.

    The idea is for viewers to actually be a part of my videos by recording themselves asking a question. The topic is the Tudors: fact or fiction?

    Do you have a burning question about a Tudor novel, TV series or movie? Well, here’s your chance to be in a video and get your question answered.

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  • The Royal Supremacy and the Break with Rome

    3 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
    3 Comments

    On this day in history, 15th January 1535, in his privy chamber, in the presence of men including Thomas Boleyn, Thomas Cromwell, the Duke of Norfolk, and Thomas Audley, Henry VIII proclaimed that he was now the supreme head of the Church in England.

    But why had he taken this title and what events had led to this proclamation?

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  • This week in Tudor History – 11 – 17 January – Part 2

    3 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
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    This second part of this week’s “This week in Tudor History” covers events that took place in the Tudor period on 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th January. Find out all about these Tudor events

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  • Off with her head – A History Channel Podcast including an interview with Claire

    3 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
    4 Comments

    Just before Christmas I recorded an interview with the History Channel podcast team, which was fun to do as it’s always lovely to talk about Tudor history, and especially Anne Boleyn.

    If you’re in an English speaking country, you should be able to find the podcast on your usual podcast platform. Here’s the blurb and a few links for you:

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  • This week in Tudor History – 11 – 17 January – Part 1

    3 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway
    3 Comments

    This week, I thought I’d split the week into two, so this video covers Tudor history events that took place on 11th, 12th and 13th January – the execution of a printer, the death of a baron, soldier and naval commander, the death of a godson of Henry VIII…

    Below, you’ll also find videos from previous years that cover these dates.

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