Another book that features Lady Jane to look forward to….


30 April – Edward VI: Henry VIII’s Overshadowed Son by Stephanie Kline


(c) Pen and Sword


‘For too long, King Edward VI has been pushed to the very edges of Tudor history – overlooked in favour of some of the more vibrant personalities of his family members, such as Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. Known as the ‘boy king’ of the Tudor dynasty, he is often remembered for little more than the ambitious councillors who governed England during his minority. His reign, however, and the significant religious changes that took place as he furthered the Protestant Reformation in England, had great influence over the remaining decades of the Tudor period and even modern Britain as we know it today. ‘Boy king’ though he may have been, Edward VI and his government were more significant to the history of England than he is often given credit for, and it is long past time for careful and thoughtful study of his life and reign. Edward VI: Henry VIII’s Overshadowed Son aims to reopen the pages of his story, arguing that however brief it may have been, Edward VI’s reign had lasting impacts on the religious landscape in England, and is certainly a Tudor reign worth remembering.’

From Amazon.co.uk

Further details – Pen and Sword

Further details – Amazon.co.uk



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My review of ‘The Granddaughters of Edward III’ by Kathryn Warner


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Kathryn Warner’s latest book, is a fascinating look at the 11 granddaughters of King Edward III and Queen Philippa of Hainault. While I knew a little about Edward III and his sons, I did not know very much about his granddaughters. Two granddaughters (Philippa and Catalina of Lancaster) became the much beloved Queens of Portugal and Castile & Leon, others married into the nobility and one became a nun. All had to weather changes of fortune during the turbulent years after the death of Edward III, when first Richard II and then Henry IV took the throne. Thanks to this very readable and skilfully woven together account, these 11 women can take their places in the spotlight

Thank you to NetGalley and Pen and Sword Books for my review copy.



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‘Women and Power at the French Court, 1483-1563’ by Susan Broomhall added to the website…


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‘Women and Power at the French Court, 1483-1563’ by Susan Broomhall added to the General Works section of the bibliography.

Entry added to the following:

Places – Items – Tapestries



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Books 2023 – a book that features Lady Jane – Educating the Tudors by Amy McElroy, on sale now…


(c) Pen and Sword


‘Education during the Tudor era was a privilege and took many forms including schools, colleges and apprenticeships. Those responsible for delivering education came from a variety of backgrounds from the humble parish priest to the most famed poet-laureates of the day. Curriculums varied according to wealth, gender and geography. The wealthy could afford the very best of tutors and could study as much or as little as they chose whilst the poorer members of society could only grasp at opportunities in the hopes of providing themselves with a better future. The Tudors were educated during a time when the Renaissance was sweeping across Europe and Henry VIII became known as a Renaissance Prince but what did his education consist of? Who were his tutors? How did his education differ to that of his elder brother, Prince Arthur and how did Henry’s education change upon the death of his brother? There is no doubt Henry was provided with an excellent education, particularly in comparison to his sisters, Margaret and Mary. Henry’s own education would go on to influence his decisions of tutors for his own children. Who had the privilege of teaching Henry’s children and did they dare to use corporal punishment? Educating the Tudors seeks to answer all of these questions, delving into the education of all classes, the subjects they studied, educational establishment and those who taught them.’

From Amazon.co.uk

Further details – Pen and Sword Books

Further details – Amazon.co.uk


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Books 2023 – on sale now – Elizabethan Rebellions: Conspiracy, Intrigue and Treason by Helene Harrison


(c) Pen and Sword


‘Elizabeth I. Tudor, Queen, Protestant. Throughout her reign, Elizabeth I had to deal with many rebellions which aimed to undermine her rule and overthrow her. Led in the main by those who wanted religious freedom and to reap the rewards of power, each one was thwarted but left an indelible mark on Queen Elizabeth and her governance of England. Learning from earlier Tudor rebellions against Elizabeth’s grandfather, father, and siblings, they were dealt with mercilessly by spymaster Francis Walsingham who pushed for the execution of Mary Queen of Scots due to her involvement, and who created one of the first government spy networks in England. Espionage, spying and hidden ciphers would demonstrate the lengths Mary was willing to go to gain her freedom and how far Elizabeth’s advisors would go to stop her and protect their Virgin Queen. Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots were rival queens on the same island, pushed together due to religious intolerance and political instability, which created the perfect conditions for revolt, where power struggles would continue even after Mary’s death. The Elizabethan period is most often described as a Golden Age; Elizabeth I had the knowledge and insight to deal with cases of conspiracy, intrigue, and treason, and perpetuate her own myth of Gloriana.’

From Amazon.co.uk

Further details – Pen and Sword

Further details – Amazon.co.uk



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