The National Portrait Gallery is having an amazing exhibit on Lady Jane Grey, the infamous “Nine Days Queen.” Tora from the National Portrait Gallery was kind enough to provide me with the press release for the exhibit which begins Feb. 24th. She stated that “the exhibition will re-examine one of the nations best-loved paintings, The Execution of Lady Jane Grey, and will show Delaroche’s sketches in preparing for it as well as exploring how 19th-century French artists looked to dramatic moments in English history for inspiration.”

Here is the press release:

I was perusing the AC website and found two very interesting articles on Anne Boleyn.

The first focuses on her reproductive history. Why did she only have one healthy child? Why did she miscarry her others? Was it a physical or mental condition? The article explores these questions and offers some interesting theories.

Here’s the link.

The second article focuses on Anne’s downfall and some of the theories behind it. I enjoyed reading it, though it didn’t offer too much I didn’t already know. But check it out for yourself! It’s still interesting!

Here’s the link.

I found this interesting article on an astrolab currently housed at the Royal Observatory at Greenwich. According to the article, the globe “was made in about 1552 for Edward VI and is engraved with the royal arms, the garter and a Tudor rose. The maker, who gave himself the name Thomas Gemini, settled in London around 1540 from the continent. He was the first important maker of scientific instruments in England.” Here’s the link to the full article.

1) Every want to decorate your house to look “Tudoresque” with dark panelling, rich fabrics, and stained glass? Funny Portal has posted some good tips and tricks to get the look! Here’s the link.

2) Sadly, Show Time’s The Tudors is coming to an end! Filming for the final season has just wrapped and will be released in April. However, IFTN has interviewed Michael Hirst (writer, director, and creator) and gotten some good perspective on the show, as well as his upcoming drama, Camelot!

Here’s the link.

3) Bonhams is selling two beautiful miniature portraits, one of Elizabeth I and one of Robert Dudley. The two portraits are from about 1557 and are painted by Hilliard. According to Camilla Lombardi, Head of the Portrait Miniature department, “To hold in the palm of your hand a pair of portraits that would have undoubtedly rested in the palm of the hand of the Queen of England five centuries ago is an extraordinary feeling. The intense personal nature of these miniatures, gives you a clear sense of the passionate woman behind the carefully cultivated public image.”

Wow, one can only dream!!! Here’s the link to the full article which has some nice pictures of the portraits.

On Nov. 14, 1501, Catalina, Princess of Aragon was married to Arthur, Prince of Wales and heir to the throne of England. The marriage seemed to be a success from the start, with each partner liking the other. However, sadly after only a few months of marriage Arthur was dead. Katherine found herself a widow and lived in poverty until the death of Henry VII and accession of Henry VIII who made her his first wife. Scandalous Women has done a nice write up about the couple and Katherine’s life as a widow here.

Young Katherine

Prince Arthur

I have been terribly neglecting the News Blog! I am sorry! But I am trying to get back into the swing of things now that school has died down a bit

The Battle of Bosworth is the beginning marker for the Tudor dynasty. It is where Henry Tudor (later VII) won the English crown from Richard III. Below I have accumulated a number of different articles related to this battle.

Here’s an article about Richard III.

Here is short video from BBC about the Battle site.

Article on how the battle of Bosworth was lost.

There has been recent controversy over the site of the battle, with many archaeologists claiming it is actually 2 miles from the present day “site.” Here are two articles here and here about the moving of the battle site two miles from its present location.

Henry VII who won the battle

And Richard III who lost the battle

Ever wonder what it was like to be at one  of Henry VIII’s weddings? Now you can find out! Hampton Court is hosting Henry VIII’s last marriage to his sixth wife Catherine Parr. You can follow either the king or future queen on their wedding day.

Here’s the link to an article for more info.

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JRM, playing King Henry VIII in “The Tudors” has given a nice 3 page interview  which discusses him in the role as well as his interactions with writer Michael Hirst and other actors on the show.

Here’s the link.

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The House of Lords is finally receiving paintings commissioned by Prince Albert over 160 years ago! The paintings were commissioned to replace Elizabethan Tapestries depicting the defeat of the Spanish Armada (made in 1590). The new tapestries will also depict this victory.

Here’s the link to an article

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I posted a while back about a mass that hasn’t been heard since Henry VIII’s day. The mass was performed at Rame Church, consecrated in 1259. The mass was sung to celebrate the church’s 750th anniversary. The 13th century pre-Reformation Sarum High Mass was sung in Latin.

Here’s the link to an article with some nice pictures.

I am probably going to just be doing one long post every few days now because of time I spend a lot of time posting at the Tudor Book Blog as well as working on the many pages for the site (I am currently trying to add a ton of primary sources :)!!!!) I am also busy with school, work, and other day to day stuff. But, keeping this site (and this blog in particular because I have been neglecting it) running is very important to me!!!

So, with that said, here are the newest pieces of news:

1) As I have posted before and I am sure many of you have heard, 19,000 relics were recovered from the ship giving us a glimpse into ordinary everyday life in Tudor times. Many of these Mary Rose relics (including clothing, shoes, bowls, combs, and a very old violin) are soon to go on display!

Here is a great article with some beautiful pictures of some of the highlights of the exhibit.

And here is a video of some of the artifacts. It is really fascinating!!!!

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2) Here’s a nice article on Holbein’s famous Henry VIII portrait and how he helped shape the famous “Tudor Image” of the king.

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3) Ever want a private tour of Hampton Court, or just want to stay the night? Here is your chance!

“On this private guided tour, which takes place on Saturday morning, lead by one of Hampton Court’s knowledgeable guides, you will be given a unique insight into the history of the Palace’s most famous areas including the Tudor Kitchens, the King’s Apartments, the beautiful Baroque rooms of William III, the Queen’s Apartments and the Georgian Rooms. Included will be a visit to the new Young Henry exhibition which visitors will be free to enjoy  after the tour, along with the other elements of Hampton Court Palace.

2009 is the 500th anniversary of King Henry VIII’s accession to the throne.  The Tudor areas of Hampton Court Palace will bring Henry’s court and the story of his reign back to life at his most famous residence.

Package includes:

• A private guided tour of approx 2 hours 30 munutes of Hampton Court Palace
• A copy of the Illustrated History of Hampton Court Palace, per person
• 10% discount off purchases in the shop*
• overnight accommodation and full breakfast on Friday night at the four-star Kingston Lodge Hotel”

Here’s the link for more info.

On Oct. 12, 1537, Edward, Prince of Wales (later Edward VI) was born to Jane Seymour and King Henry VIII. Edward was born and Christened at Hampton Court Palace. Sadly, his mother died two weeks later on the 24th of Oct. due to an infection.

Christening Procession of Prince Edward

Baby Edward