Tudorcon is coming! Online tickets still available! This year, I’ll be participating in an author/publishing roundtable, chatting about my books, The Tudors by Numbers and Courting the Virgin Queen. Send me any questions about writing nonfiction today!

On 30 Sept 1553, Mary I, accompanied by Princess Elizabeth and Anne of Cleves, processed into London Mary traveled as a Queen, dressed in royal clothing and jewels in a jeweled carriage The next day, she was crowned Queen of England, the first woman crowned as Sovereign

Medieval Monday Meet Ealhswith Remembered as “the true and beloved lady of the English” Wife of Alfred the Great Helped Alfred become King She founded several nunneries She is mother of Ætheflaed

Throwback Thursday: my Lake District adventure! One of my favorite places to visit is Lanercost Priory, founded in the 12th century and dedicated to Mary Magdalene. It’s located near Hadrian’s wall, and stones from the abandoned wall were used to build the church.

One of the most misunderstood English Queen Consorts is Mary of Modena, second wife of James II. Breeze Barrington joins us on Royals, Rebels, and Romantics to discuss what an extraordinary influence Mary was on English society, apart from her role as queen.

We’re continuing to celebrate the birthday month of Elizabeth I. Queen Elizabeth, the much-courted Virgin Queen, celebrated lots of birthdays. In fact, Elizabeth was nearly 70 years old when she died in 1603, which made her the oldest monarch in English history at the time!

Meet Æethelflæd. She ruled as “Lady of the Mercians” from 911 to 918. She transformed the balance of power in the 10th century, fortifying against the Vikings. Her becoming ruler after her husband's death in 911 has been called one of the most significant events of medieval history.

Fun Facts about September 18th! Francis II and Mary Queen of Scots were crowned King and Queen Consort of France OTD in 1559. Unfortunately, Francis died in December 1560. At 18, Mary was Queen of Scots and a widow.

Quiz Time! Which Thomas did not serve in court during the reign of Henry VIII? .... A: Thomas Spenser

More fun facts! Walter Raleigh, one of Elizabeth’s favorites, named the colony he founded the new world Virginia, after the Virgin Queen. You should not show up at a New Year’s celebration without a gift. Giving a gift to the Queen was a possible way to gain favor.

Meet Ursula Southeil, better known as Mother Shipton. She became skilled in using plants and herbs and married Toby Shipton. When he died, some accused her of murder. Mostly, her story is made of folklore and rumors, which grew after her death in 1561.

Lanercost Priory was built in the twelfth century, possibly with stones gathered from Hadrian’s wall. Close to Scotland, the priory was a key point in the ongoing battles between England and Scotland. Robert the Bruce made the priory his headquarters in 1311.

My motto is “History shows us what’s possible.” But what does that mean? This week, we kick off Season Six of Royals, Rebels, and Romantics with a discussion of what history is and why making space for more stories in history is so important.

More fun facts about Elizabeth I. She loved to hunt, ride, and dance. She was very active right up until her death. Many think Elizabeth was afraid of the dark. She always had one of her attendants sleep in her room.

Meet Elizabeth de Clare of the de Clare family, born in 1295 After her brother’s death in 1314, Elizabeth and her sisters inherited the family estate Elizabeth called herself “Lady of Clare and lived mainly in her grand estate in Suffolk

How well do you know the Elizabeths? 1. (BOTH) 2. (Elizabeth II; Elizabeth I had two half-siblings) 3. (BOTH; Henry VIII and George V were the Duke of York before they became King.) 4. (Elizabeth II; Elizabeth I was named after her grandmother.)

Royals, Rebels, and Romantics season 6 premieres in just one week from today! Mark your calendars for Wednesday, September 10 for the season premiere, episode 228: Making Space for More Stories in History with Carol Ann. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a new episode!

This month is Elizabeth I's birthday! She could speak French, Latin, Greek, Spanish, German, and Italian (as well as English). She liked to communicate with ambassadors in their own language. She was a natural redhead. Many women wore red wigs to compliment the Queen.

Meet Bertha, Queen of Kent. She lived in the sixth century and came to England to marry Æthelberht. She supported the Gregorian mission, which brought Christianity to Anglo-Saxon England. Her memory is honored in Canterbury by the “Bertha trail,” a series of 14 plaques.

Win a free book! Answer in replies! 1-Robert Dudley staged a huge production as a last effort to get Elizabeth to marry him. Where was it held? 2- Which famous woman did Elizabeth suggest that Robert Dudley marry? 3- What was Elizabeth’s name for her final (French) suitor?

Royals, Rebels, and Romantics celebrates the end of summer tomorrow with our final Summer Special mini-pod. Who doesn't love a good Elizabethan murder?!?!

Shakespeare gets it right again.

Summer’s coming to an end, but there’s always time for a good mystery. This week I’m sharing a couple of Elizabethan mysteries. Can a queen solve a mystery? Come find out! Join me tomorrow for a special episode: Royal Elizabethan Mysteries, on Royals, Rebels, and Romantics!

Meet Mildred Cooke Cecil, the second wife of William Cecil. She was known for her humanist education, intelligence, and huge library! She collected books in English, Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and French. At her death, her books were donated to colleges at Oxford and Westminster.

Matilda was the first woman to be named heir to the English throne. She fought hard for her throne, which her cousin Stephen had taken in a coup. She defeated and captured Stephen and called herself “Lady of the English,” but she was unable to be crowned Queen.

Thank you all for playing. “All About the Virgin Queen.” It’s easy to enter. Just reply to this post with the answer to question 3: What was Queen Elizabeth’s nickname for her final (French) suitor?

Now LIVE! Dr Helena Kelly explains why Jane Austen was a secret radical. This week on Royals, Rebels, and Romantics, learn how Jane Austen wrote novels that addressed, questioned, and challenged the changes happening in her time.

Happy Tudor Tuesday OTD 1561, Mary Queen of Scots returned to Scotland She had spent more than 10 years at French court Her husband, Francis II, had died in 1560, leaving her a widow She returned to take up rule of Scotland

Edward III established The Order of the Garter in 1348. His wife, Queen Philippa, was made a “Lady of the Garter” ten years later. She was the first woman to be included in the Order. She was a popular queen and devoted to her husband, family, and the crown.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the first round of All About the Virgin Queen! It’s easy to enter. Just reply to this post with the answer to this week’s question:

You’ll never guess which author I’m celebrating this month on the podcast. Next week, Dr Helena Kelly joins us to share the radical side of Jane Austen’s novels. What does she have to say about your favorite novel? Join us for Fun with Fiction on Royals, Rebels, and Romantics.

OTD in 1596, Henry Carey, 1st Baron of Hunsdon, was buried. Carey was the son of Mary Boleyn and Queen Elizabeth I’s cousin. He was knighted and created Baron when Elizabeth I came to the throne. Later in his life, Carey had an affair with Emilia Lanier.

Meet Christine de Pisan Court writer for Charles VI of France and many nobles. Most famous work was The Book of the City of Ladies. Her book describes a symbolic city where women are appreciated and explores the debate about whether the virtues of men and women differ.

New Contest this month! Answer the question in comments. I’ll be posting another question each week this month, and the first person to get all the right answers will win a signed copy of Courting the Virgin Queen.

Several of my friends recommended Katherine by Anya Seton. I love it! It’s the story of Katherine Swynford, mistress then wife of John of Gaunt. Seton wrote many novels, but Katherine is considered her most famous. Have you read Katherine? What are some of your favorites?

Thomas Wyatt served Henry VIII; he was also a famous poet. His poetry shows the tension of changing political times: tradition versus “newfangleness” (a great word he uses in his poems. He is credited with introducing the sonnet into English literature.

Medieval Monday Meet Berengaria of Narvarre, Queen of England (1191-1199) Wife of Richard I, ‘the Lionheart’ Accompanied Richard on start of the Third Crusade Never visited England while Queen, might have visited after Richard’s death

Ever been to a Renaissance Faire and enjoyed a bit of jousting? Here are some frequent questions about the joust!

Thank you to everyone who played The Tudors by Numbers trivia! And the winner of a signed copy of The Tudors by Numbers is Amy Turner! A signed copy of The Tudors by Numbers is on the way. #TheTudorsbyNumbers #TudorTrivia

OTD in 1565, Mary Queen of Scots married Henry, Lord Darnley. Both had a claim to the English throne, making Queen Elizabeth I a bit concerned. 😳 Darnley died in 1567, and Mary was implicated in his murder. Complicated! 😮

St Margaret of Scotland! Her family fled to Scotland. She married King Malcolm III & became Queen of Scotland. She was known for all her charitable acts. In 1250, Pope Innocent IV made her a saint.

What is true about the number 42? a: number of progresses in Henry VIII’s reign b: percentage of dynasty under the rule of a woman c: number of Spanish ships destroyed during the Armada battle in 1588 d: number of days Jane Grey spent in the Tower before her execution e: none

I’m thrilled so many people enjoyed my discussion with Annie Garthwaite on the podcast. Don’t miss episode 225: Cecily and Other Royal Mothers with Annie Garthwaite! Cecily deserved to have her story told! Which other women in history need a novel about their lives?

OTD in 1536, Henry Fitzroy, the illegitimate son of Henry VIII, died in London. Fitzroy’s death was part of a horrible year for Henry: Katherine of Aragon died, Anne Boleyn miscarried a male child, Anne Boleyn had been executed, and now Fitzroy was dead.

Anne Neville was born in 1456, she was the daughter of the Earl of Warwick, known as “The Kingmaker” He arranged for her to marry Prince Edward Henry VI’s forces were defeated and Prince Edward was killed In July 1483, she was crowned Queen of England, wife of Richard III

a: number of progresses in Henry VIII’s reign b: percentage of dynasty under the rule of a woman c: number of Spanish ships destroyed during the Armada battle in 1588 d: number of days Jane Grey spent in the Tower before her execution e: none of the above

I’m thrilled to share my conversation with Annie Garthwaite, author of wonderful books about Cecily Neville and the women around her The women of the Wars of the Roses come into focus in Annie’s novels, and we see how they shaped the history

I’ve been reimagining my bookshelves after getting new carpet in my office I started with my Tudor collection, of course What do you think of my organization? Do you spy any of your favorite Tudor books? Am I missing anything? (Of course, there’s lots on my Kindle, but I can’t display them 🤨)

Latest #RoyalsRebelsRomantics #patron post! A sneak peek into my new book. Want to take a look? Join today. bit.ly/RRRpatreon #LoveMyPatrons ❤️

One of the most amazing women in Medieval England was Cecily She was the daughter of Joan Beaufort She married Richard, third Duke of York and became matriarch of the house of York Later this week, I’ll be sharing my conversation with the amazing Annie Garthwaite, a Cecily expert