Palaces & Buildings

New secrets unveiled at Anne Boleyn's childhood home

New information has been unveiled about the history of Hever Castle in Kent, a property once owned by the Boleyn family and Anne of Cleves. Recently, architectural historian and former chief executive of English Heritage, Simon Thurley, researched how the castle was actually built in 1383 for John de Cobham. Initially, it was believed the castle was built nearly 100 years prior, in 1270 for…
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Features

The many weddings of King Henry VIII

Henry VIII is famous for many things but perhaps the most talked about is his penchant for weddings. The king with six wives clearly enjoyed being married even if those he tied the knot with ended up less than impressed. However, Henry didn’t like to make a fuss about…
FeaturesHistory

The end of the House of Tudor

On 24 March 1603 Queen Elizabeth I breathed her last and – left with no legitimate heir – the House of Tudor came to an end after more than 100 years on the English throne. Beginnings The House of Tudor was founded in 1485 when Henry Tudor defeated King Richard III in…
FeaturesHistoryInsight

Finding the Grave of Anne of Cleves

For those interested in retracing the steps of Henry VIII’s fourth wife in England, they can of course do so at Hever Castle, the Boleyn seat which was granted her as part of her annulment settlement, at the site of Richmond Palace, which remained hers until her death, together with the Kentish residences of Dartford and Penshurst, the latter of which was offered to her in exchange for…
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FeaturesHistory

Monarchy Rules: A look at King Henry VIII

One of Britain’s most colourful King’s and is easily most well known- but not for his heart-warming personality. Henry VIII most extraordinary claim to fame would be six wives and their unfortunate fates. Henry accomplished a lot more in his time as King, like…
History

Monarchy Monday: The Wives of King Henry VIII

Today you may not have to worry about the hazards of being married to a King, but it wasn’t always that way. King Henry VIII’s wives suffered fates that would far outweigh the perks of being Queen! Here is a guide of each of six wives and their unfortunate destinies. Catherine of Aragon King Henry’s first wife was the Spanish princess, Catherine of Aragon. She and Henry had a…
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