Christmas Day Tudor Style

Attendance at mass was a must whether you were rich or poor, religion was a serious business and observance of the holy days and a reverence of the holy family would ensure you a comfortable afterlife. Once their duties to God were performed the Tudor citizen could then enjoy the day as their status befitted. If you lived in the country (as did most) you would probably … Continue reading Christmas Day Tudor Style

British Monarchs and Their Spouses: from the Windsors to the Tudors

Queen Elizabeth II married Prince Philip of Greece – 20 November 1947 King George VI married Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon – 23 April 1923 King Edward VIII – abdicated the throne in December 1936 to marry twice-divorced Wallis Simpson – 3 June 1937 King George V married Princess Mary of Teck – 6 July 1893. She was originally engaged to his brother Prince Albert, who was … Continue reading British Monarchs and Their Spouses: from the Windsors to the Tudors

28 June 1491: the Birth of Henry VIII

Henry VIII was born on 28 June 1491 at Greenwich Palace, he was the second son of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York. When his elder brother Arthur died in 1502 he became heir to the English throne. Arthur had recently married Spanish princess Katherine of Aragon. After Arthur’s death, Henry became betrothed to his brother’s widow, maintaining the Spanish alliance with Ferdinand and Isabella, … Continue reading 28 June 1491: the Birth of Henry VIII

Hampton Court Palace: Cumberland Art Gallery

Hampton Court Palace is famous for being the former home of Henry VIII – it also houses the wonderful Cumberland Art Gallery that displays treasures from the Royal Collection. The gallery occupies the four remaining rooms of William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, the younger son of George II. Take a look at some of my favourite works of art housed therein, including a painting of … Continue reading Hampton Court Palace: Cumberland Art Gallery

Hampton Court Palace: a Glimpse of Tudor and Georgian Tapestries

For centuries tapestries were used as a decorative status symbol at royal courts. They were emblematic of the power and grandeur of the royal house and offered a luxury that few could afford. Tapestries were a sumptuous demonstration of status and their exorbitant price reflected the skill and materials needed, such as gilt and silk, to make such works of art. Easily transportable they would … Continue reading Hampton Court Palace: a Glimpse of Tudor and Georgian Tapestries

Hampton Court Palace: Young Henry VIII’s Story

I recently visited Hampton Court Palace. It is cared for by Historic Royal Palaces – the charity that looks after HCP and 5 other royal residences in Britain: Tower of London, Kensington Palace, Kew Palace, Banqueting House and Hillsborough Castle. I’m lucky enough to live a short drive from Hampton Court Palace, in fact I volunteered there four years ago for a few months after … Continue reading Hampton Court Palace: Young Henry VIII’s Story