by Heather R. Darsie, J. D. By February 1528, Henry and Anne’s romance was in full swing, judging from his seventh letter. A far cry in some ways from the first letter, Henry tries less to appeal to Anne Boleyn’s sympathy and outright addresses her as his beloved when Henry VIII writes, By the British School, before 1626; via Wikimedia Commons. “Darling, these shall only … Continue reading Henry VIII’s Seventh Letter to Anne Boleyn
by Heather R. Darsie Oh, the romantic kiss under the mistletoe. The viridian, sturdy, parasitic mistletoe. Varieties of the plant are found all over the world, growing on trees and shrubs. The mistletoe eventually kills the branch of the host plant upon which it is preying, feeding on the host plant throughout the winter. Mistletoe is an Anglo-Saxon word meaning “dung twig.” So how … Continue reading Why do We Kiss Under the Mistletoe?
by Heather R. Darsie, J. D. Henry VIII’s tumultuous relationship with Anne Boleyn is very well exemplified by the contrast between his fifth and sixth letters to her. As seen in the fifth letter, Henry is very confident in the relationship and jubilant because of Anne’s gift and the meaning behind it. In the sixth letter, Henry VIII seems worried about a cooling of affection … Continue reading Henry VIII’s Sixth Letter to Anne Boleyn
by Heather R. Darsie Christina Oldenburg, born a Princess of Denmark and Norway, entered the world in November of 1521 or 1522. Being the daughter of Isabella of Austria, Christina was the niece to the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. Her father was King Christian II of Denmark and Norway. Christian II was deposed in January 1523, when the infant Christina was still quite small, … Continue reading Christina of Denmark, Duchess of Milan and Lorraine, Lady of Tortona
by Heather R. Darsie, J. D. In the next letter from Henry to Anne Boleyn, Henry is devoid of anxiety after having received an expensive gift from Anne. Henry finds Anne’s interpretation of the symbolism behind her gift intoxicating, and writes to Anne: Wellcome Library, London, via Wikimedia Commons. “For a present so beautiful that nothing could be more so (considering the whole of it), … Continue reading Henry VIII’s Fifth Love Letter to Anne Boleyn
by Heather R. Darsie, J. D. Lucas Horenbout, painted between June 1526-June 1527. Royal Collection Trust. Henry VIII’s fourth letter to Anne Boleyn seeps romantic language, and is lacking the anxious tone of previous letters. Henry adopts an overall more romantic tone, and seems more confident in their relationship. The letter to Anne Boleyn starts with, “My Mistress and Friend, my heart and I surrender … Continue reading Henry VIII’s Fourth Love Letter to Anne Boleyn
by Heather R. Darsie Dorothea Oldenburg, Princess of Denmark and Norway***, was born to King Christian II of Denmark and Norway, and Isabella of Austria on 10 November 1520. Isabella of Austria was younger sister to Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, and a niece of Katherine of Aragon. Dorothea was a niece of Charles V. Portrait by Michael Coxcie, 1545 Dorothea’s father, Christian … Continue reading Dorothea of Denmark and Norway
by Heather R. Darsie The Hoopoe is a very family-oriented bird, according to the Bestiary. “When it sees its parents growing old and their eyes growing dim, the bird…pulls out their feathers, licks their eyes, and warms them until they are rejuvenated.” The logic behind why this description was given is unclear, but is another fanciful illustration of how little was known about animal behavior. … Continue reading From the Bestiary: Hoopoe
by Heather R. Darsie, J. D. In this letter likely from 1527, Henry seems upset that Anne Boleyn failed to follow through on a promise she gave and did not give Henry positive emotional support the last time he saw her. Henry also asks after Anne’s current health. Henry writes, “Although, my Mistress, it has not pleased you to remember the promise you made me … Continue reading Henry VIII’s Third Love Letter to Anne Boleyn
by Heather R. Darsie On 30 October 1485, Henry VII’s coronation was held, and he became the first Tudor monarch. The date of 30 October was chosen in part because he wished to be crowned king before the next sitting of Parliament, which took place on 7 November. By having his coronation before the next sitting of Parliament, which was the first to take place … Continue reading The Beginning of a Dynasty: the Coronation of Henry VII
Maidens and Manuscripts: Taking a fresh look at people and events from 1347 to 1625, with a focus on women and illuminated manuscripts 