Hello fellow history lover!

I apologise for the lack of a newsletter last week. Life became quite hectic unexpectedly for a week but now I am back, so let’s talk history!

This week:

Henry VIII’s brush with death in 1524, was this a turning point in his attitude to Catherine of Aragon?
‘Tea Time History Chat Live’ - click here to watch on Youtube.
Watch my livestream from Gloucester Cathedral - click here to see on Instagram
Round Up #2 of Deceased Gits - History After Dark. Scroll down for the link.

Historical Events & Tours - News

Less than 2 weeks to go until ‘The Georgians’ Online History Festival Click Here to get your ticket

The Anne Boleyn Tour, 16th - 20th May 2024. The tour is already 75% Full - Book soon to avoid disappointment.
The following tours will be running in 2023 only. Take a look at the itineraries and see if you’d like to come along!
- The Private Life of Anne Boleyn Tour, 29th June - 4th July
- The Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots Tour, 10th - 15th September

Tea Time History Chat Live

There were a few notable anniversaries to talk about this week during my Tea Time History Chat Live (which takes place on Instagram, Facebook and Youtube every Wednesday at 1pm UK time). I talked about Queen Anne coming to the throne, the brutal murder of Mary, Queen of Scots’ private secretary, Rizzio, in front of her, and Henry VIII’s near-death experience.

Henry VIII’s brush with death on 10th March 1524, aged 33.

Henry VIII had two notable jousting accidents during his life, one of which took place before his divorce from Catherine of Aragon and subsequent marriage to Anne Boleyn. This was a close-death experience. While running at the lists (jousting) against his best friend Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, Brandon’s lance made contact with the King’s head. That sounds bad enough but on this occasion Henry’s visor had been left up by mistake, exposing his entire face. As Brandon’s lance splintered, the king fell from his horse. Servants rushed over, fearing the worst as blood was seen coming from the King’s head. Incredibly none of the sharp fragments of wood had penetrated the king’s face or eyes. A similar accident at the French court in June 1559 would see splinters penetrate Henry II of France’s face and right eye leading to a slow and painful death.

Henry VIII brushed off the accident, jousting a further six times that day. It shook up Brandon however, who vowed he would never run against the King in the lists ever again.

Henry may have shown a brave face on the day (no pun intended) but one wonders if it led to his determination to replace his wife in a bid to sire a male heir and more spares? Did Henry interpret this as a message from God that he must find a way to get a legitimate male heir? Who knows, but over the next few years the King became adamant that his marriage to Catherine of Aragon was against God and that it must be annulled to make way for him to marry Anne Boleyn, who would surely provide him with sons.

What do you think would have happened if Henry VIII had died that day, aged 33, with Mary as his only legitimate child?

Watch Tea Time Live

My next livestream will be on Wednesday 15th March at 1pm.

Join Me - Set a reminder on YouTube by clicking here.

In case you missed it

My Interview with Deb Roil, editor of Tudor Times magazine ‘Underneath the Covers’ is available to view on Youtube

Remember that members of the British History Patreon Club get a 10% discount on Tudor Places magazine!

The Georgians Online History Festival - less than 2 weeks to go!

Tickets on sale until 24th March - Watch live or catch up anytime until 31st May.

24-26th March 2023

Tickets include access to all talks from eminent historians which will take you into the bawdry, hilarious, shocking, and engrossing world of Georgian Britain and the Hanoverians.

All talks will be available to ticket holders until 31st May 2023.

Click Here to Buy Tickets

The Speaker Line up

Tracy Borman - King's Mistress, Queen's Servant: the life and times of Henrietta Howard

Gareth Russell - Abolitionists, Aristocrats and Adventurers. Georgian Ireland and the Birth of the United Kingdom,

Eleri Lynn - Dressing the Georgians

Dr Katrina Marchant - Barenucklers. The World of Georgian Barenuckle Boxers.

Antonia Keaney - Saints, Sinners & Scoundrels. The Colourful Characters of Blenheim Palace's Past.

Anne Stott - Princess Charlotte. The ‘People’s Prncess’

There are also 2 live events on Sunday 26th March

Discussion Panel

Closing event - Fun Quiz

What's Included

All Historian Talks
Entry into the Free Prize Draw
- Win your ticket price back
- Win a signed copy of Tracy Borman’s book on Henrietta Howard
- Win a £15/$15 Amazon Voucher
Live Discussion Panel
Live Quiz to close the Event on Sunday evening
Buy Tickets

The Anne Boleyn Tour 2024

Three-quarters full already!

Please book soon to avoid disappointment. See below for tour details.

Fully Escorted Tours | Small Groups As Standard | Financial Failure Protection cover on all Tour Bookings | All Breakfasts and Dinners Included | Admissions, Guided Tours and Speakers

Stay at Anne Boleyn's childhood home of Hever Castle for 4 nights of history and luxury on 'The Anne Boleyn Tour', run by British History Tours.

As part of a small group, you will explore the life and death of Anne Boleyn, the ill-fated second wife of Henry VIII, and mother to Elizabeth I. We explore places key to her story and are joined along the way by eminent historians and expert guides, including Tracy Borman and Kate McCaffrey.

Gareth Russell, historian and best-selling author accompanies Philippa, your dedicated Tour Manager, as resident historian and co-host.

Our itinerary includes a visit to Hampton Court Palace and the Tower of London where we enjoy exclusive guided tours by expert guides. During our time at Hever Castle you will have the opportunity to dress as Tudor Royalty before getting 'behind the ropes' during an after-hours 'Hidden Hever' tour, followed by a 3-course banquet in Hever Castle's Great Hall!

Enjoy exclusive access to the Astor Wing including the music room, billiard room, lawns, tennis court and outdoor swimming pool!

You will arrive everywhere in comfort and style in our luxury air-conditioned coach, included for the duration of the tour.

All dour details, and information on how to book, can be found on the British History Tours website.

The Anne Boleyn Tour May 2024

History After Dark

This week we recapped the past 4 Git Candidates and scored them!

Watch History After Dark

A lorry overturning on the motorway, and then snow, have so far scuppered my planned visit to Belvoir Castle, the real-life setting for the events which inspired Tracy Borman’s Witches Trilogy. Hopefully, I will be getting there this week! Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Philippa x

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