Give Away Reminder!

Posted by Sarah
GIVE AWAY!
Just a reminder about the upcoming Give Away which will be drawn next week! To be in the running to win a beautiful pack of five greeting cards with a painted image of Henry and Anne's 'HA' motif - all you have to do is like my facebook page. It’s as simple as that!





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If you are interested in purchasing this pack of cards or others from the set then you can do so at On The Tudor Trail. The cards are absolutely beautiful and I think they will make such a wonderful gift to anyone who loves Anne Boleyn or has an interest in Tudor history. The cards are strong and sturdy and the images are quite stunning to look at and so intricately drawn. The illustrations on the cards were designed by Kate Holeman using watercolour ink. Each image is related to Anne Boleyn, from her famous falcon perched upon a stump to her most recognisable necklace. 


Once again to be in the chance to win this stunning pack of cards all you have to do is like my facebook page – simple at that!
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Tuesday's Tudor Tableau - Tudor Bookmark

Posted by Sarah
This week’s Tudor Tableau although small has quite a significant meaning for me. Below is my Tudor bookmark. It’s a simple bookmark made of leather, coloured blue with the names of Henry VIII’s wives and their dates of birth and death. It’s very simple but it’s very important to me. I bought this bookmark from the Tower of London and it is the only bookmark I will use when I am reading any Tudor related book. It sounds crazy but if I’m reading a Tudor book I HAVE to use this bookmark! A Tudor bookmark for a Tudor book! If I read any other book I’ll use another bookmark, but if it’s a Tudor book then it HAS to be this bookmark!

I wish I had bought two bookmarks because I cannot find this bookmark on the Historic Royal Palaces gift shop webpage! And since I live in Australia it’s a little hard for me to get back to the Tower anytime soon! 

I love my Tudor bookmark so much! It sounds silly and it’s just a simple thing but I really do love it! 


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Anne Boleyn In Her Own Words & the Words of Those Who Knew Her by Elizabeth Norton

Posted by Sarah
Anne Boleyn In Her Own Words & the Words of Those Who Knew Her by Elizabeth Norton 

Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII, caused comment wherever she went. Through the chronicles, letters and dispatches written by both Anne and her contemporaries, it is possible to see her life and thoughts as she struggled to become queen of England, ultimately ending her life on the scaffold. Only through the original sources is it truly possible to evaluate the real Anne.
George Wyatt's Life of Queen Anne provided the first detailed account of the queen, based on the testimony of those that knew her. The poems of Anne's supposed lover, Thomas Wyatt, as well as accounts such as Cavendish's Life of Wolsey also give details of her life, as do the hostile dispatches of the Imperial Ambassador, Eustace Chapuys and the later works of the slanderous Nicholas Slander and Nicholas Harpsfield. Henry VIII's love letters and many of Anne's own letters survive, providing an insight into the love affair that changed England forever. The reports on Anne's conduct in the Tower of London show the queen's shock and despair when she realized that she was to die. Collected together for the first time, these and other sources make it possible to view the real Anne Boleyn through her own words and those of her contemporaries.

I was very excited when I first heard about this book by Elizabeth Norton. I have a copy of the love letters Henry VIII wrote to Anne Boleyn and also copies in other books of letters written by Anne or about her, but I did not have any book which compiled all of these valuable resources together. Often when researching or simply trying to find out something about Anne I would have to skip from one book to another looking for a particular letter or document; while the more books the merrier, I have to admit it was a little time consuming. Now for the first time I have all of the letters, documents, accounts of Anne Boleyn’s life etc. compiled into one fantastic book.

I absolutely adored reading this book. It was marvellous to get such in depth details and accounts of Anne Boleyn and her life from her own letters, sources close to her and from accounts written in the years following her death. Within the pages of this book Norton not only included the accounts that were most favourable to Anne, she also included biographies and records that spoke ill of Anne and tried to cast her life in a very negative shadow. I thought this was quite an intelligent inclusion as it gave the reader a chance to decide their own thoughts and feelings about Anne Boleyn and the type of woman she was.

Although I must state that I do not believe this is one book that necessarily needs to be read from cover to cover. At the beginning of each letter, document, account etc. Norton includes a short summary of why the letter was written, whom it was written by, when it was written etc. etc. This gives the reader the ability to jump from one chapter to another, from one account of Anne’s life to another and still be able to understand the context of the letter or document.  I think rather than a book to be read from front cover to back, this would be better used as a resource book. The reader has the ability to search through the book to find out a particular piece of information they are searching for or to simply flick to a page and read something that catches their interest.

Norton also includes a selection of stunning photographs and images within her book. These images are not just of Anne Boleyn but also of other people who were prominent in her life, places that she lived and also images of the actual letters Anne wrote. All of these images are very interesting and quite beautiful and most certainly worth having a good look at. They add a great deal to the book as these images give the reader a chance to picture the place or person which a letter or document talks about.

The only downside to this book would have to be the font size. I purchased the hard copy version of this book and I found that the font size of the text was so tiny that sometimes I had to squint when reading. It was almost ridiculous how small the text was! I am not sure if the text was made this small to save on printing costs or exactly why the text was so tiny, but it would have been a little easier to read if the text was one or two sizes larger. Yet I have to say if this is the only complaint I have about the book then it is a rather trivial one!

Elizabeth Norton’s book is a fantastic resource to any lover of Anne Boleyn or in fact any person interested in Tudor history. It is easy enough to read as I do not think the reader is required to read it from front to back, but has the ability to skip from chapter to chapter as they wish. I am very glad that I purchased this book and already I have found it a valuable resource which compiles all of the letters, accounts and documents related to Anne Boleyn in one easy to access book.



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GIVE AWAY!!

Posted by Sarah

GIVE AWAY!


Since it’s my birthday today I thought a fun way to celebrate would be to do another GIVE AWAY!! This time I have a beautiful pack of greeting cards to give away! The pack contains five glossy greeting cards with a hand painted image of the HA emblem created for Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn.  (After Anne Boleyn’s fall Henry ordered all the insignia’s to be removed, but you can still see one on Anne Boleyn’s gateway at Hampton Court Palace!) 

To be in the running to win this stunning pack of cards all you have to do is like my facebook page, it’s as simple as that! 




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If you are interested in purchasing this pack of cards or others from the set then you can do so at On The Tudor Trail. The cards are absolutely beautiful and I think they will make such a wonderful gift to anyone who loves Anne Boleyn or has an interest in Tudor history. The cards are strong and sturdy and the images are quite stunning to look at and so intricately drawn. The illustrations on the cards were designed by Kate Holeman using watercolour ink. Each image is related to Anne Boleyn, from her famous falcon perched upon a stump to her most recognisable necklace. 

The cards were dispatched shortly after I put my order in and arrived in no time. I am so happy with these cards and Natalie at On The Tudor Trail is very professional and such a wonderful person. 

Once again to be in the chance to win this stunning pack of cards all you have to do is like my facebook page – simple at that!


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Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk

Posted by Sarah
Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk

22nd August 1545: On this day in history Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk and long-time friend of Henry VIII died unexpectedly at Guildford. Henry VIII stated to his council that 'for as long as Suffolk had served him, he had never betrayed a friend or knowingly taken unfair advantage of an enemy. None of those present could say as much' (Henry VIII King & Court by Alison Weir, 2008 p. 485).

Charles Brandon was the son of Sir William Brandon who was the standard bearer of Henry VII and was slain in the battle of Bosworth Field. Brandon was raised at court and became a close and loyal friend to Prince Henry and then continued to hold this friendship and loyalty throughout most of the King’s reign.  Both Brandon and Henry VIII were excellent jousters and enjoyed hunting and shared many other interests. 

In 1515 Charles Brandon did the unthinkable and married Henry’s younger sister Mary without the King’s permission. Intercession by Cardinal Wolsey managed to save Charles’ head from becoming detached from his shoulders, although Brandon did have to pay Henry VIII a large fine. 

Throughout his life Charles Brandon fought in many battles for his King and country and continued to serve Henry VIII throughout his many annulments of marriage and his adamant religious upheaval. He died of unexplained causes on 22nd August 1545 and was buried at St George’s Chapel at Winsor at Henry VIII’s expense. 

I have always been utterly fascinated with Charles Brandon, a man who defied the Henry VIII by marrying his sister and yet was one of the only men to stay close to the King throughout his life. Some might state that Charles Brandon did not have a glorified political career or make a stand out name for himself, but for me I think he is one of the most fascinating people in history. Brandon was one of the only men to remain a close and loyal friend to Henry VIII throughout his entire life. While others fell around him, becoming victims of different factions at court or from religious upheaval, Brandon always managed to keep his friendship with the King.  Personally I think the Duke's greatest skill was knowing how to read Henry and how to play his cards correctly! That in itself is an incredible talent!

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Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk.

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Anne Boleyn's Scaffold Speech

Posted by Sarah
“Good Christian people, I am come hither to die, according to law, for by the law I am judged to die, and therefore I will speak nothing against it. I come here only to die, and thus to yield myself humbly to the will of the King, my lord. And if, in my life, I did ever offend the King’s Grace, surely with my death I do now atone. I come hither to accuse no man, nor to speak anything of whatof I am accused, as I know full well that aught I say in my defence doth not appertain to you. I pray and beseech you all, good friends, to pray for the life of the King, my sovereign lord and yours, who is one of the best princes on the face of the earth, who has always treated me so well that better could not be, wherefore I submit to death with good will, humbly asking pardon of all the world. If any person will meddle with my cause, I require them to judge best. Thus I take my leave of the world, and of you, and I heartily desire you to all pray for me. Oh Lord, have mercy on me! To God I commend my soul.”(Taken from The Lady in The Tower The Fall of Anne Boleyn by Alison Weir, 2009 p. 266-267).

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Natalie Dormer as Anne Boleyn from the TV show The Tudors. 
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The Anne Boleyn Files Tudor Places Calendar 2012

Posted by Sarah
Look what arrived for me in the mail today….

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My copy of The Anne Boleyn Files Tudor Places Calender for 2012! I have been so excited about this calendar since it was first advertised on the website and couldn’t wait to get my own copy! I have to just say that I am absolutely thrilled! The calendar is even more beautiful than I imagined! The pictures are just breathtaking and as an added surprise on each month are listed all the important dates in Tudor history! I thought that was very clever as now I will never forget all the dates of significant Tudor events! The quality of the calendar is just amazing with glossy pages and sturdy paper. I am so glad that I was able to get a copy of this calendar, now the only problem is waiting until 2012 to display it! (Oh what am I saying, I will be putting it up this evening!) 

If you are interested you can purchase your very own 2012 Tudor Palaces calendar from the Anne Boleyn Files. The calendar is 28 pages and is sized 8½ by 11 inches (215.9 mm × 279.4 mm), with one of the beautiful pictures for each month. It is made of heavy weight glossy paper and the images are all in colour and look spectacular! Better yet it only costs £11.99!

In addition to this The Anne Boleyn Files are giving $1.50 (£1.00) from the sale of each calendar to The Mary Rose Appeal which will help with the building and development of a museum dedicated to Henry VIII’s flag ship The Mary Rose and all of the artefacts found on board of this magnificent ship.

I would certainly recommend this to any lover of Tudor history, English history or architecture. The calendar would make a fantastic and unique present for any Tudor enthusiast!



The Anne Boleyn Files Tudor Places Calendar 2012


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Tuesday's Tudor Tableau - Royal England Wall Chart

Posted by Sarah
This week’s Tuesday Tudor Tableau is one of my all-time favourite, most treasured Tudor related possessions.  When I went to London in 2009 I visited Westminster Abby (as you must!) and I happened to purchase a Royal England Wall Chart. Initially I wasn’t going to buy it but then I changed my mind and I am so glad that I did. When I got home I put the wall chart up on my wall and even now, two years later, I am still utterly captivated by it. The Wall Chart shows all of the members of the Royal Families throughout English history; from Egbert King of Wessex in 802 all the way to Queen Elizabeth II who rules as Queen today. This chart is utterly amazing, not only are the Kings and Queens listed but their children, their uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews. The tree branches off in a multitude of different direction and extends on more than just the direct line of royalty. It also shows many of the Royal Coats of Arms that each King and Queen has used throughout their reigns. 

I LOVE this wall chart, it is one of the best resources of English history that I ever bought and I am SO glad that I ended up buying it. I often find myself walking past the chart, pausing and loosing myself in it. A name will catch my attention and I will be off, seeing how this person is related to this person and who succeeded them and how the family tree branches off. Twenty minutes later I will realise that I was supposed to be on my way doing something else! I have even caught my husband staring at the wall chart, his finger tracing the line of royal succession and he often turns around to me and asks who such and such a King or Queen was. 

My Royal England Wall Chart is one of my prized Tudor possessions and an item that I am so glad to own! 


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Tuesday's Tudor Tableau - A Little About Me

Posted by Sarah
Hello! For this week’s Tuesday’s Tudor Tableau I thought I would do something slightly different and  write a little bit about myself. I’ve posted a picture or two of me before so most of you know what I look like (and you still like the page, you are brave!) But not many people know a great deal about me so I thought I would just write a few words about my life.

My name is Sarah; I’m twenty eight – twenty nine in two weeks (EEEK!) I live in Adelaide Australia and apart from being so incredibly far away from so many amazing Tudor sights and attractions I really do love where I live. I’m happily married to an incredible man (who often reminds me of Henry VIII – well he’s at least as large as Henry! He he he.) My husband and I have been together for almost nine years and we have one beautiful little girl. My daughter just turned three on Sunday and she is the light and joy of my life. She’s a cheeky little monkey who just loves life and never lacks energy and constantly keeps me on my feet. Unfortunately she needs her tonsils and adenoids removed and grommets put in her ears. She also suffers from sleep apnoea which is very draining as my husband and I don’t get a lot of sleep at night.

I work full time at a child care centre and I am the team leader of the Kindergarten room. Twenty plus 3 – 5 year olds certainly keep me on my toes and I admit that it is a lot of responsibility. There is always something to do so I never stop and my day is made up of being a teacher, doctor, therapist, organiser, artist, designer, negotiator and about a million other jobs! But I love what I do even though it is very tiring. 

I suffer from depression which unfortunately affects me in every aspect of my life. Some days I feel as though I am unable to function and other days I make it through. I’m not going to lie, it is difficult and I do find myself getting down quite often. I also have very low self-esteem and am quite shy. Making a facebook page about Anne Boleyn (especially when there are so many brilliant pages already out there) was a big step for me. I had a great deal of support from Natalie from On The Tudor Trail, who is a very treasured friend. I am often nervous and worry about my posts but there are so many wonderful people on the page and I feel honoured every day to be table to talk and share with them all.

I can honestly say I don’t remember when I feel in love with Anne Boleyn, it just seems as though she has always been part of my life. She is my idol and the woman whom I aspire to be like. What I love most about Anne is that she was flawed, she did have a temper and was jealous but she was also a loving mother and friend. What I find such strength in is that she took the opportunities presented to her and grasped them with both hands. She latched on and fought hard, she wanted better, had a goal, had dreams and desires and she used everything in her power to keep striving forward. I think that is something absolutely incredible, such strength and such determination and will. For me personally that is something I admire so greatly in Anne.

I also just love Tudor history, specifically the reign of Henry VIII. I adore Mary Boleyn and would have to say after her sister Anne she is the second most inspirational person for me. I have been lucky enough to read quite a few books about Tudor history and I am slowly building up my ‘Tudor Library’; (although between you and me, I don’t think I’ll EVER be able to stop buying and reading books on Tudor history!) 

I am certainly no professional, I’m just a mother, a wife, a friend who enjoys reading about Tudor history and has a passion for Anne Boleyn. I admit that I don’t have a lot of free time in my life, most of my life is taken up with my daughter, husband, friends and job, but when I do have time I enjoy reading my Tudor books. I absolutely LOVE reading everyone’s comments on my facebook page. I have been fortunate enough to meet some incredible people and have many wonderful in depth conversations. It means a great deal to me to have so much support from so many beautiful people. 

I guess that’s me in a nutshell. As I said I’m just a wife, a mother, a worker, a friend who has a passion for Anne Boleyn and Tudor history and am fortunate enough to be able to share my passion with others. 

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My husband and I. I often call him my Henry VIII (before he turned all Tyrannical!) 


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