Tudor Times

On Whitsunday, 1549, the English Book of Common Prayer written by Thomas Cranmer was first introduced during the reign of Edward VI, son of Henry VIII. 

Here is an interesting article I found about the Book of Common Prayer, as well as pictures! Here’s the link.

On this day, eleven days after the execution of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII and Jane Seymour were formally married by Bishop Gardiner in the Queen’s Closet at Whitehall Palace. The ceremony, as most of Henry’s were, was very quiet and small.  

You can read more about Jane Seymour here.

Jane Seymour by Hans Holbein

If you want to see a really historical site, Basing House is a must! It has experienced many of the great events of English history! It was built during Norman times, visited by royalty in Tudor times (as well as being the largest private residence), and is one of the best examples of the effects of the English Civil War on a place. 

According to this article, “funding has been approved to adapt the existing farm buildings to provide new visitor facilities, transform the stable block into a new learning centre and improve access for disabled visitors.The educational centre will be built in converted farm buildings next to the Great Barn, a Tudor building with roof timbers dating back to 1535.”

I can’t wait to see it!

Here is the link to the article for more info.

Cambridge is hosting a 12 day festival highlighting its contribution to the world. Famous Tudor historian David Starkey is going to be participating in debates and hosting events during the festival. According to an article I found, ”The aim is to open up Cambridge University to the public and inspire people to learn more about the ideas in arts, humanities and social sciences which have shaped and are shaping the world. The debates, talks and events, most of which are free, will be set in university lecture halls, museums, art galleries and other venues around the town, and the biggest day of the festival will be Family Day on October 24, which will offer a range of activities for people of all ages, including talks by children’s authors Michael Morpurgo, Anna Perera, Patrick Ness and Caroline Lawrence.”

Cambridge and Starkey have strong Tudor connections. This festival sounds really interesting! I would love to go! 

Here is the link to the article for more info.

Hampton Court is set to open a new garden this summer to mark the anniversary of Henry VIII’s ascension to the throne. The garden is inspired by the famous Tudor family portrait. I am excited about learning more about this! 

Unfortunately, there isn’t much info. on this yet. I really would like to know more, especially see a picture! If you know more please let me know! You can leave a message on this post, or contact me here.

Here is the link to the article.

Here is a very interesting article about a man who cycled through London to the remaining Tudor sites. He gives info. on each site, its connection with the Tudors, and what cyclists (or pedestrians) can expect to find there. I hope when I am in London next summer I can do this!
Here’s the link. It also has some great pictures.

Here is and interesting article about Bridget Fitzgerald, an great niece of Elizabeth I and cousin of Katheryn Howard. She was left behind in Ireland during the “Flight of the Earls.” This article tells about her life. I hadn’t heard of her before, so this was very interesting to me!

Here’s the link.

I had seen these a while back, but ran across them again last night. I thought they were quite entertaining, so here they are!

Life in the Tudor/Middle Ages Part One

Life in the Tudor/Middle Ages Part Two

Here is a very interesting article about Whitehall (where Whitehall/York Palace used to be in Tudor times). The article talks a bit about Wolsey and relates his political downfall with some in more modern history and even today. It is really interesting and worth reading!

Here’s the link with several pictures.

Here is an interesting article about the history of nursery rhymes, many of which originated in Tudor times. I had heard a few of these before, but not the London Bridge or Jack and Jill rhymes.

Here’s the link.