History

Tales of the Tower: Lady Jane Grey

She is more popularly known as the ‘Nine Days Queen’ though is also remembered for her untimely demise within the walls of the Tower of London. Lady Jane Grey short-lived reign began on 10th July 1553 following the death of King Edward VI, who had personally named Lady Jane Grey as his successor in the ‘Devise for the Succession’. Though Jane became Queen, the widespread support of Mary…
Read more
History

The common illness that killed a Queen

In the early autumn days of 1537, King Henry VIII was celebrating as his court welcomed a prince. His longed for son and heir, Edward, had been born on October 12th at Hampton Court Palace to widespread rejoicing.  Preparations were in full swing for an elaborate…
History

The 1940s: The Queen Mother's finest decade

Though the 1930s brought about tumultuous change for the country and for Queen Elizabeth, the 1940s would soon become a decade that nobody would ever forget. It would also be the decade that Elizabeth would be dubbed ‘the most dangerous woman in Europe’ and many argue it was her finest decade. The Second World War had broken out in September 1939 and it was this conflict that would…
Read more
History

Stories of the Stuarts: The Pendle Witches

It is the most famous witch trial of the 17th century, the case of the Pendle Witches. Twelve women were accused of witchcraft, and while one died, eleven went to trial. One was tried and found guilty at York while ten of the ‘witches’ were tried at Lancaster.
History

The story of the Princes in the Tower

The mystery surrounding the fate of young brothers, Edward V of England and Richard of Shrewsbury, Duke of York is still one that stands today. Many believe that the boys were murdered and continue to haunt rooms in the Bloody Tower. The Bloody Tower is also home to the…
History

Tales of the Tower: Anne Boleyn

Royal Central’s Halloween season begins with a story of adultery, beheadings, and ghostly apparitions. Here is Anne Boleyn’s Tale of the Tower. She was the second wife of King Henry VIII and the mother of Queen Elizabeth I, but ultimately Anne Boleyn met her fate in the Tower of London on May 19th, 1536. After several years of marriage to King Henry, in 1536 Anne Boleyn was arrested on…
Read more
History

Monarchy Rules: a look at James II

James was not born to be a King. He was the third, but second surviving son of Charles I and Henrietta Maria, born on 14 October 1633. Though he was styled as Duke of York from birth, he was not formally created so until 1643. His father was executed on 30 January 1649 but by then James had already fled to The Hague. James later followed his brother Charles to France, where he served in the…
Read more