Book Review: The Queen's Gambit

Hi fellow Tudorphiles,

Ages since I posted and ages since I actually did any Tudor stitching but life has been crazy busy and just crazy around here lately!  So sorry!

However, I have had time to listen to a great Tudor novel on Audible (when I go for my walk on my way home from work).

It is the first in a trilogy about "forgotten" Tudors.  This first one is about Katherine Parr, Henry Viii's sixth wife.  Here is the publisher's blurb about the novel:

Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived: This is the story of the one who survived. 

Widowed for the second time at age thirty-one Katherine Parr falls deeply for the dashing courtier Thomas Seymour and hopes at last to marry for love. Instead, she attracts the amorous attentions of the ailing, egotistical, and dangerously powerful Henry VIII. No one is in a position to refuse a royal proposal so, haunted by the fates of his previous wives—two executions, two annulments, one death in childbirth—Katherine must wed Henry and rely on her wits and the help of her loyal servant Dot to survive the treacherous pitfalls of life as Henry’s queen. Yet as she treads the razor’s edge of court intrigue, she never quite gives up on love.

And here is  a link to a review in The Guardian and to Elizabeth Fremantle's website.

As I said, I actually listened to the novel on Audible, and I enjoyed the narration immensely.  If you are into "talking" books, then I can highly recommend "reading" it in that way.

I intend to download the 2nd and 3rd novels in the trilogy to listen to whilst I am away on our trip.  The second novel is about Lady Jane Grey's two sisters (who survive her execution) and the third is set in Elizabeth II's court, towards the end of her reign.  Both sound really good and are read by the same narrator as the first, whom I really enjoyed listening to.

Anyway, enough from me for now.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, 

hugs, Kaye

Book Review: Root of the Tudor Rose

This was a thoroughly entertaining and great read by Mari Griffith. It's the tragic story of Henry V and his young bride, Catherine de Valois. They truly loved each other and had a son, Henry VI. Finding herself widowed at a young age, Catherine needed to protect her young son from the intrigues and manipulation of those who want to seize power.  I'd give it FIVE STARS.

The case of the disappearing wives.....

Thanks to my dear friend, Ewa, these fantastic mugs from the BBC shop were brought to my attention!

History comes alive with our remarkable Disappearing Wives of Henry VIII Mug. This large mug features images of King Henry and all six of his wives. When you pour in any hot beverage, the poor wives vanish, leaving behind their outlines, names, and the manner in which they departed Henry's company. 3 1/4" diameter, 10oz.

Here is the link:  BBC shop

Hmm! I wonder how much shipping to Australia is - I so want/need/have to have one!   lol!

Have a great day everyone, 

hugs, 

Time for another Tudor Quiz...

.... just click on the link below and don't forget to let us know how you went.... I got 80% right! Yay!

TUDOR QUIZ

Hugs, Kaye

Happy Birthday, Liz

September 7th is the birthday of Queen Elizabeth I.....

Elizabeth I, Ermine Portrait by Nicholas Hilliard

Great portrait, isn't it?

hugs, 

Life Size Anne Boleyn Wax Figure

Oh dear - you MUST take a look at this Q & A with Emily Pooley over at On the Tudor Trail. She created a life size figure of Anne Boleyn now on display at Hever Castle.  Here's Anne's face:

Isn't she beautiful?!?!? No wonder Henry fell for Anne. Take a peek at The Tudor Trail . It's amazing!!

Goldwork

I love exploring the history behind things. I got hooked on gold work when taking a seminar from The Royal House of Needlework several years ago.  Here's my second project in the works. It's from an ANG Correspondence Course called "English Heart I":

Goldwork is believed to have originated in China centuries ago.  It spread to Egypt, to Italy and Spain, Western Europe and eventually to North America. Goldwork can even be found in the tombs of the pharaohs.

Gold has historically been a symbol of affluence and high social status. It’s one of the oldest form of English embroidery with records dating before the 10^th century. Goldwork was traditionally created for church vestments and trappings. Because specially trained groups created this embroidery, only the very wealthy could afford to retain the artisans. It was classed as a great art, because of its fine art concept and historical properties.

“Then came Henry the VIII’s reign, which brought an end to this glorious period in English Goldwork Embroidery. With his split from the Catholic Church, the destruction of all things connected with Goldwork Embroidery was the order of the day.

“As with everything Catholic, they were destroyed or melted down for their gold content value. The loss of all these valuable garments the quality of which will never be reproduced again was inestimable."  Information Courtesy of The Golden Hinde

Though Henry VIII destroyed thousands of valuable garments, he didn’t flinch when it came to his own attire. He had his clothing embellished to gold and jewels. Elizabeth I was known for her richly embellished dresses and robes.

Unfortunately, today it’s an uncommon skill, as few embroiderers work this fine art today. I encourage you to go to The Golden Hinde for more information. The website is rich with information about this fabulous form of embroidery. 

“Try it – You might like it!”