the TUDOR TUTOR
Your cheeky guide to the dynastyArchive for Anne Boleyn
Blondes Like Natalie Dormer Have More Fun at the British Library
Image via Wikipedia
A definite place for fun (no matter your locks) for us Tudorphiles! Rockin’ video from Showtime with Natalie Dormer touring the Tudor goodies at the British Library for Henry VIII’s 500th anniversary. Thanks to Claire at The Anne Boleyn Files for the tip!
A Not-So-Sweet Spot
Image via Wikipedia
Nestled on the inner grounds of the Tower of London is a darling little stretch of grass called the Tower Green. Today it may strike you as a cozy place to get a fresh air break during your tour of the Tower, but in the Tudor period it played host to a handful of beheadings.
Most of the poor souls who were beheaded at that time met their fate on Tower Hill, just northwest of the Tower of London and a place that today is…well, the Tower Hill tube station. But a few very special prisoners were given the gift of a private execution on the secluded spot within the Tower walls. “Private” was a relative concept, as there could have been a hundred or so people present. The seven “priviledged” victims of a private Tower Green beheading were:
- William, Lord Hastings in 1483 (two years before the Tudor dynasty began)
- Anne Boleyn in 1536
- Margaret, Countess of Salisbury in 1541
- Katherine Howard in 1542
- Jane, Viscountess Rochford (Anne Boleyn’s brother’s wife, and royal busybody who arranged for Kitty Howard to get a bit on the side) in 1542
- Lady Jane Grey in 1554
- Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex (a former Liz I fave who became too big for his britches) in 1601
Today a plaque marks the spot where the Famous Seven lost their heads, the only grisly reminder in an otherwise sweet and seemingly-peaceful spot.
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Wedding Band
Image by cliff1066™ via Flickr
The Six Ladies of Henry VIII were part of a fraternity that fascinates history buffs as well as those who just plain love a good, juicy soap opera. While it may have seemed the Massive Monarch blew through the line quickly, the amount of time he was married to each may surprise you. Here’s how long each gal wore that traveling wedding band:
1. Catherine of Aragon About 24 years, not together for the last few (June 1509 – May 1533)
2. Anne Boleyn 3 1/2 years(January 1533 – May 1536)
3. Jane Seymour 1 1/2 years (May 1536 – October 1537)
4. Anne of Cleves A measley six months (January 1540 – June 1540)
5. Katherine Howard 1 1/2 years (July 1540 – February 1542)
6. Catherine Parr 3 1/2 years (July 1543 – January 1547)
♥ A Very Tudor Valentine’s Day ♥
Out of Henry VIII’s six wives, who do you think was his true love? Get a quick rundown of all the Real Housewives of Tudor Court here, and cast your vote below!
Viva les Tudors!
I just love this fan-made video, combining an excellent song (Coldplay’s “Viva la Vida”) with well-edited scenes from “The Tudors.” The lyrics really nail the essence of our favorite dysfunctional family. Enjoy!
Tudor Ghost-du-Jour: Anne Boleyn
Image via Wikipedia
In life she was sassy, smart, and bold – not much has changed! Anne Boleyn has proven to be as tenacious and sensational without a head as she was with one attached.
Her spirit has been seen wafting across the river’s bridge on the grounds of Hever Castle, her childhood home. On a more energetic note, she sometimes leads ghostly processions in and around the Tower of London, where she was executed. Who doesn’t love a parade? Perhaps not the Tower guard in 1864 who ran through her spirit with his bayonet and prompted received a shock so strong it temporarily knocked him out.
Bringing the drama, as usual, ghostly Anne appears on her death anniversary at Blickling Hall, in a coach pulled by headless horses steered by a headless horseman. The coach reportedly leaves her off at the front door of the building (chivalry is not dead, even when the horseman is), her dripping head tucked under her arm, and she then wanders the hallways all bloody night long. Get this girl some Ambien!
