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In the Footsteps of Anne Boleyn
On the morning of 19 May 1536, a French blade stilled the heart of an English queen. Her name was Anne Boleyn and her story has made an indelible mark on history. This book will take you through stately homes, castles, chapels and artefacts with a connection to Anne.
Explore Hever Castle, Anne's childhood home where two breathtaking Book of Hours both signed and inscribed by Anne Boleyn herself are housed; Thornbury Castle where Henry VIII and Anne stayed during their 1535 royal progress and see the octagonal bedchamber where they slept; stand in the very room in Windsor Castle where Anne was made Marquis of Pembroke. Each location is covered by an accessible and informative narrative, which unearths the untold stories and documents the artifacts.
Accompanied by an extensive range of images, including photographs, portraits, letters, sketches and artifacts, this book brings the sixteenth century vividly to life - and takes you on your own personal and compelling journey in the footsteps of Anne Boleyn.
Explore Hever Castle, Anne's childhood home where two breathtaking Book of Hours both signed and inscribed by Anne Boleyn herself are housed; Thornbury Castle where Henry VIII and Anne stayed during their 1535 royal progress and see the octagonal bedchamber where they slept; stand in the very room in Windsor Castle where Anne was made Marquis of Pembroke. Each location is covered by an accessible and informative narrative, which unearths the untold stories and documents the artifacts.
Accompanied by an extensive range of images, including photographs, portraits, letters, sketches and artifacts, this book brings the sixteenth century vividly to life - and takes you on your own personal and compelling journey in the footsteps of Anne Boleyn.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 10, 2013
I'm giving this 4.5 stars.
A very informative guide to places that Anne Boleyn inhabited and occupied during her life time.I plan to use this as a resource when I'm doing further reading about her.I thought most of the photographs of palaces,stately homes and churches were gorgeous and intriguing.The black and white drawings and engravings especially caught my attention because they told of what the buildings actually looked like in Anne's time.The stories associated with each property are well researched and very interesting.
They follow Anne on her journey from Blicking Hall,where she was born to The Tower of London,where she was executed.Also included are visitor's information,authors' favorites,and what to expect to see at the location today.If you like Anne Boleyn and are fascinated with her life don't miss the opportunity to read this book.
A very informative guide to places that Anne Boleyn inhabited and occupied during her life time.I plan to use this as a resource when I'm doing further reading about her.I thought most of the photographs of palaces,stately homes and churches were gorgeous and intriguing.The black and white drawings and engravings especially caught my attention because they told of what the buildings actually looked like in Anne's time.The stories associated with each property are well researched and very interesting.
They follow Anne on her journey from Blicking Hall,where she was born to The Tower of London,where she was executed.Also included are visitor's information,authors' favorites,and what to expect to see at the location today.If you like Anne Boleyn and are fascinated with her life don't miss the opportunity to read this book.
March 6, 2014
This is a beautiful piece of work, thoroughly researched and easy to use. Having spent many years reading historical pieces and guides, it's refreshing to feel that you can relax into a book and simply enjoy it, as the book is solidly referenced and the authors are not afraid to say "We simply do not know" when appropriate. It is a very personal guide and the authors' love for their subject matter beams through every words and photograph but never threatens to overpower the work with fanaticism or obsession. Instead, there is a sense of "Because we love this woman, we will get this right" and what more could you wish for from a work of this nature?
Some of the places in this book I know like the back of my hand, others I know through reference books alone whilst yet others I had barely heard of. Safe to say, not only will I be making a few extra daytrips this Spring/ Summer, I also feel that this book has opened another little window into that world and that makes it very special indeed.
Some of the places in this book I know like the back of my hand, others I know through reference books alone whilst yet others I had barely heard of. Safe to say, not only will I be making a few extra daytrips this Spring/ Summer, I also feel that this book has opened another little window into that world and that makes it very special indeed.
September 16, 2013
In the Footsteps of Anne Boleyn is described as "the visitor's companion to the palaces, castles and houses associated with Henry VIII's infamous wife" and it really is just that. Unlike a normal guide book, it does not sort the places into geographical areas, although there are useful maps at the beginning to show the areas covered, it examines the places in relation to the chronology of Anne Boleyn's life. Sarah and Natalie give a detailed guide to each place, covering things like:
- The building's history
- It's link to Anne Boleyn - When did she visit? What's the evidence?
- What Tudor artefacts the place has
- The must-see parts of it
- Nearby attractions - eg. a church with the resting places of key Tudor people
- Visitor information - Where to find it etc.
There is nothing left of some of the places Anne Boleyn knew and visited, but die-hard Tudor history fans will still enjoy walking in Anne Boleyn's footsteps and using the information in this book, and sometimes old drawings/plans, to help build a picture in their minds of what used to be there in Anne's lifetime.
What I loved about this book is that it didn't just focus on the main Anne Boleyn attractions like Hampton Court Palace, the Tower of London and Hever Castle, Sarah and Natalie have looked at all the places linked to Anne, many that readers will never have heard of. I know what many British readers will be doing at weekends now! It will also be an invaluable resource for those planning a history themed holiday in the UK. Of course, you don't need to go anywhere, you can simply enjoy reading about the history of these places from the comfort of your favourite chair.
All-in-all, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in Anne Boleyn and/or historic places. Well done, Sarah and Natalie.
Disclosure: I received an Arc of this book in return for a review.
- The building's history
- It's link to Anne Boleyn - When did she visit? What's the evidence?
- What Tudor artefacts the place has
- The must-see parts of it
- Nearby attractions - eg. a church with the resting places of key Tudor people
- Visitor information - Where to find it etc.
There is nothing left of some of the places Anne Boleyn knew and visited, but die-hard Tudor history fans will still enjoy walking in Anne Boleyn's footsteps and using the information in this book, and sometimes old drawings/plans, to help build a picture in their minds of what used to be there in Anne's lifetime.
What I loved about this book is that it didn't just focus on the main Anne Boleyn attractions like Hampton Court Palace, the Tower of London and Hever Castle, Sarah and Natalie have looked at all the places linked to Anne, many that readers will never have heard of. I know what many British readers will be doing at weekends now! It will also be an invaluable resource for those planning a history themed holiday in the UK. Of course, you don't need to go anywhere, you can simply enjoy reading about the history of these places from the comfort of your favourite chair.
All-in-all, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in Anne Boleyn and/or historic places. Well done, Sarah and Natalie.
Disclosure: I received an Arc of this book in return for a review.
September 18, 2013
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ANNE BOLEYN is a MUST read for all fans of the Tudors and, especially, for those of us who are fascinated by England’s most notorious queen. But this book is unique–for it is both a study of the life of Anne Boleyn and a study of her travels. The authors combine a love of history with a love of architecture as they trace Anne’s life through it’s stages and across countries. They also include information about how to get to these sometimes remote areas and who to contact for more information. Part guidebook, part biography, and part art and architectural study, this book is a fount of information, all 285 pages.
The book is divided into five parts: Early Life, The Courting Years, Anne the Queen, The 1535 Progress, and Boleyn Treasures. In each section, the authors have meticulously researched Anne’s life and, using various sources, have determined where Anne most likely travelled. The result is a tour of England, The Low Countries and France no Anne Boleyn fan would want to miss. I intend to use this book as my own guide for my trip to England next year.
Not only do the writers describe the places they visit with great detail and accuracy, they include wonderful photos to whet the appetite of the traveler, whether the traveler be an arm-chair tourist or whether she is planning a real trip. There are maps from the 16th century to help readers see how the places have changed over time. And in their journey to discover as much as possible about the mysterious queen, they have uncovered some new information about where Anne traveled and how she lived.
This is a MUST READ for history buffs and Tudor fans, for travelers and explorers, and for anyone who wants to learn more about Anne Boleyn.
The book is divided into five parts: Early Life, The Courting Years, Anne the Queen, The 1535 Progress, and Boleyn Treasures. In each section, the authors have meticulously researched Anne’s life and, using various sources, have determined where Anne most likely travelled. The result is a tour of England, The Low Countries and France no Anne Boleyn fan would want to miss. I intend to use this book as my own guide for my trip to England next year.
Not only do the writers describe the places they visit with great detail and accuracy, they include wonderful photos to whet the appetite of the traveler, whether the traveler be an arm-chair tourist or whether she is planning a real trip. There are maps from the 16th century to help readers see how the places have changed over time. And in their journey to discover as much as possible about the mysterious queen, they have uncovered some new information about where Anne traveled and how she lived.
This is a MUST READ for history buffs and Tudor fans, for travelers and explorers, and for anyone who wants to learn more about Anne Boleyn.
March 6, 2015
Our surroundings are said to shape us. Scientists have shown that buildings with natural elements (light, air, plantings) help reduce stress and stimulate learning and productivity, that high ceilings and large rooms promote expansive and creative thinking. We have even seen that living in close-knit communities can promote small anonymous acts of charity. We intuit many of these effects based on our own experience of the rooms themselves. That is the particular genius of this book.
In the Footsteps of Anne Boleyn describes itself as “[t]he visitor’s companion to the palaces, castles and houses associated with Henry VIII’s infamous wife.” The authors describe their insatiable curiosity for the buildings and locations associated with Anne, the fact that “when we stand in a building or space where someone from the past once stood, it is only time, and not space, that separates us.” The book is organized in chronological order, based on Anne’s early life, the “Courting Years”, her time as Queen, and the 1535 Progress. Each entry includes a brief history of the place, covering the original building, what it would have looked like in Anne’s time, and what remains of it today. There is also a “Visitor Information” section outlining the details needed to visit each location and the highlights to not be missed. This makes it a cross between a guidebook and a narrative of Anne’s life – and an indispensable reference on both counts.
In the Footsteps of Anne Boleyn describes itself as “[t]he visitor’s companion to the palaces, castles and houses associated with Henry VIII’s infamous wife.” The authors describe their insatiable curiosity for the buildings and locations associated with Anne, the fact that “when we stand in a building or space where someone from the past once stood, it is only time, and not space, that separates us.” The book is organized in chronological order, based on Anne’s early life, the “Courting Years”, her time as Queen, and the 1535 Progress. Each entry includes a brief history of the place, covering the original building, what it would have looked like in Anne’s time, and what remains of it today. There is also a “Visitor Information” section outlining the details needed to visit each location and the highlights to not be missed. This makes it a cross between a guidebook and a narrative of Anne’s life – and an indispensable reference on both counts.
October 17, 2014
This book is absolutely fantastic, it will really take you as far into the world of Anne Boleyn as you are ever going to get. Here you learn about every Palace, Castle, Stately home, Church, Abbey etc that Anne ever visited, and with as much information as possible. Many places do not survive and have been long forgotten, but this book will really bring them back to life. It is perfect not just for those fascinated by Anne Boleyn and Tudor history in general, but also for those who love architectural history as well. Personally i think it's a great shame that something like this has not been done for more historical figures as imagine how many other long lost buildings would get brought back to life. I personally cannot wait to go exploring all these fascinating places now, and to walk in the footsteps of Anne and the Tudor court.
October 23, 2013
What if you could put names to the places that Anne Boleyn visited?
In The Footsteps of Anne Boleyn takes you on an amazing journey of manors, castles and palaces that Anne visited.
Each entry has been meticulously researched and gives the reader a mental picture of what it would have looked like during Tudor times.
I loved it and now have the task of adding these wonderful places onto a very long list of places to visit.
Well done Sarah & Natalie.
In The Footsteps of Anne Boleyn takes you on an amazing journey of manors, castles and palaces that Anne visited.
Each entry has been meticulously researched and gives the reader a mental picture of what it would have looked like during Tudor times.
I loved it and now have the task of adding these wonderful places onto a very long list of places to visit.
Well done Sarah & Natalie.
September 17, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. As a longtime Anne Boleyn fan I was interested to read of some of the places she had visited. Some of which I had not ever considered as associated with Anne Boleyn before!
The amount of research that has gone into this book is staggering and I enoyed reading it.
I hope to visit some of the lesser known places listed in the book once I have some free time!
The amount of research that has gone into this book is staggering and I enoyed reading it.
I hope to visit some of the lesser known places listed in the book once I have some free time!
January 1, 2014
As someone who has read hundreds of books about the Tudor period, I was thrilled to see how much new (or forgotten) information surfaced in this book. I'm ready to go to England right now and check all these places out!
January 21, 2014
This excellent book is well researched and is an interesting read. From the air chair traveler to the person able to physically visit a site, this book will open up Anne's world. Filled with pictures, it is a wonderful help for any Anne Boleyn fan.
January 29, 2014
Love it
October 3, 2013
Anne Boleyn remains one of the most controversial and thought-provoking figures of Henry VIII’s court. As a sophisticated beauty, her rise to fame ruffled many feathers amongst the supporters of Catherine of Aragon and challenged the expectations of queenship. The tempestuous marriage that followed, the birth of her daughter and her shocking death at the hands of her husband, on blatantly trumped-up charges, have rightly earned her a following dedicated to studying her life and defending her name. Many good books have been published on Anne in recent years; biographies, novels and studies of the way she has been portrayed in popular culture but this is the practical guide that the Queen’s devotees have been waiting for. With Morris’s and Grueninger’s meticulous research in your hands, it is possible to step even closer to the real Anne Boleyn.
Taking a biographical approach, this book walks the reader gently through the differing locations of Anne’s life. Following the authors’ lead, it allows you to become fully immersed in what survives of the England she knew as well as recreating a sense of it in the past. Including maps and visitors’ information, it is easy to plan your own itinerary from these pages, as the authors literally tell you where to park and how far to walk, what to see and where to go next. They share their own experiences of meeting people along the way; what to see, where to eat and where to stay; and they prove to be considerate, informed and dedicated guides. Plus, the authors repeatedly go off the beaten track to explore less well known locations, beyond the usual Castles associated with Anne and Henry. Their own extensive travels give the text an immediacy and accessibility often lacking in more academic studies, all the more remarkable for Grueninger being based in Australia. Most of all, this book sings with the passion of its writers; just within the first few pages you can feel how much they both enjoyed researching and writing it.
If you can’t get to England or undertake the full Anne experience, this book also allows you to travel from the comfort of your armchair. The level of detail given of the buildings, surroundings and objects is vivid enough to be pictured, and provokes the reader to want to find out more. The very useful section on the Boleyn treasures includes websites and information about how to access these manuscripts and images; it would form an excellent basis for readers to take their enjoyment of Anne further. The authors use a wealth of primary sources to vividly recreate Anne’s world through the eyes of her contemporaries, in letters, records and accounts as well as drawing on the work of more recent historians. Plus there are two very full sections of images, many previously unpublished, from the authors’ own collections. It is usefully divided into small sections, with easily navigable headings, making it an ideal book to dip in and out of, a veritable Aladdin’s cave of gems about Anne. I particularly enjoyed the section about the progress of 1535, as an area often explored in less detail.
It is hard to find anything new on Anne these days, however In the Footsteps of Anne Boleyn fills a definite gap in the market. It provides the reader with a different kind of Anne experience, facilitating a greater sense of ownership of the Queen and her life, making more of a direct personal connection between reader and subject. And you couldn’t hope for better guides than Morris and Grueninger. If you have any interest in Anne Boleyn at all, you will not regret buying this stunning new book.
September 29, 2013
In The Footsteps of Anne Boleyn by Sarah Morris and Natalie Grueninger caught my eye as it combined my love of visiting old buildings with an ever more growing interest in Tudor history. (To be fair, the book had already caught my eye through facebook and twitter, but the sight of author Sarah Morris dressed as Anne Boleyn to sell the book at an open day at Bramshill meant I couldn’t resist buying it!) The authors have developed the wonderful idea of following the trail of Anne Boleyn’s life through the various buildings she lived in and visited from her childhood home, through her time in France and onto her travels with Henry VIII’s Court. It is fascinating to follow the rise and fall of Anne Boleyn in connection to the places the events occurred in.
Unfortunately many of the buildings Anne visited are no longer standing, but the authors do a wonderful job of describing what Anne would have experienced regardless of the current status of the site, enabling the reader to form a clear mental picture. Where possible, the authors highlight key things to see at each site and provide background information to each site and the evidence of Anne’s visit. I particularly enjoyed the section following the route of Anne’s Coronation Procession through the streets of London. I could picture the wonderful scene and plan on following the route myself one day.
The only downside of this book is that I now have a huge list of places I need to visit! Some of the places listed I have been to already, but now I feel the need to visit again with this wonderful guidebook in hand in order to view it through the eyes of a Tudor Queen.
For any reader interested in old castles, palaces and houses or in Tudor history, this book is an absolute must! Thank you to the authors for sharing your travels and research with me – can I join you on your next adventure please?!
Unfortunately many of the buildings Anne visited are no longer standing, but the authors do a wonderful job of describing what Anne would have experienced regardless of the current status of the site, enabling the reader to form a clear mental picture. Where possible, the authors highlight key things to see at each site and provide background information to each site and the evidence of Anne’s visit. I particularly enjoyed the section following the route of Anne’s Coronation Procession through the streets of London. I could picture the wonderful scene and plan on following the route myself one day.
The only downside of this book is that I now have a huge list of places I need to visit! Some of the places listed I have been to already, but now I feel the need to visit again with this wonderful guidebook in hand in order to view it through the eyes of a Tudor Queen.
For any reader interested in old castles, palaces and houses or in Tudor history, this book is an absolute must! Thank you to the authors for sharing your travels and research with me – can I join you on your next adventure please?!
June 23, 2013
What a wonderful book! It was so worth the cost ordering it from England. The authors literally take us through Anne's footsteps from her beginnings at Blicking Hall to her death. For those of us traveling to England this is our travel guide. Everything from where Anne visited, lived and prayed to tourist's information. The authors added pictures of each destination (some I have never seen.) If you're not planning at trip to England you can follow in Anne's footsteps throughout this beautiful book. This will make a great gift for any Tudor fan, a wonderful coffee table book and a detailed traveling companion. Thank you to the authors for putting this together.
July 3, 2014
A thoroughly researched look at the many places and artifacts visited or touched by one of the most famous Queens of England. I quite enjoyed getting a glimpse of the many places that Anne Boleyn visited, as well as many of the possessions of hers that still exist. The latter was especially surprising to me, as I had been under the impression that nearly everything that she had owned had been destroyed by a vengeful Henry VIII.
A great read, and a great guide should you ever wish to walk in the footsteps of Anne Boleyn (no pun intended).
A great read, and a great guide should you ever wish to walk in the footsteps of Anne Boleyn (no pun intended).
September 13, 2014
A useful resource for novelists as well as tourists. Two minor quibbles, which aren't really the authors' fault. The print was on the small side and made reading much at a time frustrating. And although there were a lot of illustrations I would have found them more useful if they had been larger and placed with the text describing the location. I especially liked the section on the progress of 1535. Throughout the book the authors' enthusiasm for their subject is obvious and that alone makes it worth taking the trip in Anne's footsteps with them.
August 10, 2013
What a fantastic book - so enjoyed reading it.
The research that was done for this book is amazing as well as the attention to detail.
Love the idea that buildings that no longer exist made it into the book - with the authors description of what was once there you truly get a feel of the original building. This is a complete tour guide for any Anne Boleyn fan. This is a 'must read'.
Congratulations Sarah & Natalie - wishing you both every success with this book.
The research that was done for this book is amazing as well as the attention to detail.
Love the idea that buildings that no longer exist made it into the book - with the authors description of what was once there you truly get a feel of the original building. This is a complete tour guide for any Anne Boleyn fan. This is a 'must read'.
Congratulations Sarah & Natalie - wishing you both every success with this book.
July 15, 2015
Non-fiction describing the places Anne Boleyn visited in France and England. I am a die-hard English history fan. I've read about these places for years. At last I got a better understanding of them -- where they were, what they were like, and what happened to the ones that no longer exist. Fascinating book for Tudor fans.
April 6, 2014
I enjoyed this book very much. It is a guide to the places associated with Anne Boleyn. Some still exist and many do not, but the book retraces where she was chronologically. It is an invaluable resource for a "Tudor" trip to England and will function as an "Anne Boleyn Guidebook."
December 7, 2014
What a brilliant book, wherever I travel that Anne has been I take the book with me. My Anne Boleyn bible!
November 3, 2015
Great read if you're planning a Tudor tour of London!
February 27, 2022
The closest you can get to Anne without being in England
Having read Sarah Morris' series on Anne, I was excited to find and read this book. I am a lover of English history and one day hope to visit, but until then this book made me feel like I was on a journey already. The book follows the sites Anne visited and lived in, from childhood to her untimely death. The timeline has been meticulously researched, even showing points of interest where Henry and Anne stayed on their progresses through England. The details and pictures really help to show how different places affected Anne's life. I would definitely use this as a guidebook when visiting historical sites in England. If you can't ever make it England, this is the next best thing for fans of Anne Boleyn.
Having read Sarah Morris' series on Anne, I was excited to find and read this book. I am a lover of English history and one day hope to visit, but until then this book made me feel like I was on a journey already. The book follows the sites Anne visited and lived in, from childhood to her untimely death. The timeline has been meticulously researched, even showing points of interest where Henry and Anne stayed on their progresses through England. The details and pictures really help to show how different places affected Anne's life. I would definitely use this as a guidebook when visiting historical sites in England. If you can't ever make it England, this is the next best thing for fans of Anne Boleyn.
April 29, 2024
[15 Nov 2016] There are multiple books about Anne Boleyn and the Tudors and most people with an interest in this period know something of her life. This book attempts to briefly tell her story by looking at the places that were important or featured in her life. It describes each place in some detail and paints vivid pen-pictures of what Anne would have known or would have seen. It then, for each site, brings you up to date with visitor information - including places no longer existing or privately owned. There is a Boleyn family tree, some rather odd & inaccurate maps (Middlesex in particular is completely wrong) and hundreds of photographs and drawings. It is well written, easy to read and the enthusiasm, or perhaps obsession, of the authors shines through.
I thought this was such an unusual approach that it was gripping and absorbing and a very enjoyable read. I personally believe it would have been improved by the use of an index. The book also includes a list of Boleyn related treasures, further reading and details on how to contact the authors if you want to share your own experiences. Overall, a very good book for those you enjoy biography with a twist.
I thought this was such an unusual approach that it was gripping and absorbing and a very enjoyable read. I personally believe it would have been improved by the use of an index. The book also includes a list of Boleyn related treasures, further reading and details on how to contact the authors if you want to share your own experiences. Overall, a very good book for those you enjoy biography with a twist.
June 2, 2020
This is an amazing look at everywhere that Anne Boleyn traveled throughout her life. The authors give valuable tips for travelling to any and all of the places. Everything from where to park, where bathrooms are, where to get refreshments. Even where to avoid. I loved learning the state of the places now and where there is evidence of Anne's passing.
September 2, 2022
More footsteps that I wish I could take a walk in. Such an informative book about the many locations that Anne spent time at. It is a helpful companion to other books I have read about Anne. Thanks to my Goodreads friend Juliew for bringing it to my attention.
September 5, 2013
I am pleased to be reviewing 'In the Footsteps of Anne Boleyn' by Sarah Morris and Natalie Grueninger (originally) on the Tudor Book Blog, as part of their Virtual Book Tour. This nifty handbook to Anne Boleyn locations grabbed my attention from the first entry. The book is organized in chronological order, covering Anne Boleyn's:
Early Life (including locations in France where Anne spend part of her childhood/teen years)
The Courting Years
Anne the Queen
The 1535 Progress
and ends with a section on Boleyn Treasures. The authors were kind enough to discuss some of these treasures further in a special post here.
The chronological order appeals to me, as I have a running timeline in my head and tend to keep track of facts that way.
Each entry has a quote of some kind, many from contemporary Tudor sources, to start you off. One of my favorites was for Hampton Court Palace. Of course, I am slightly biased as Hampton Court is probably my favorite place on earth. The quote reads:
"This is the most splendid and magnificent royal palace that may be found in England or indeed in any other kingdom. - Jacob Rathgeb, 1592."
I couldn't agree more!
Each entry is then followed by a brief history of the place, from its initial building to what remains of it today. Sub sections explaining Anne's connection generally make up the bulk of each entry, detailing how Anne would have used or known each location. For example, the entry on Windsor Castle, where Anne spent a great deal of time, breaks down into specific rooms. Thus, when one is visiting a location, they can take this book as a guide and find these Tudor-connections that may not be in the average Guide Book. Though Windsor, for example, has changed drastically over the years, the book takes you on a tour of the modern setting, pointing out where Tudor locations once were and how they have been transformed into what they are today. Though much has changed since then, one can use their imagination, and the bits and pieces that survive, to envision how the place would have looked when Anne was there.
Another section that I enjoyed within each entry is the "Authors' Favorites." Taking Windsor as my example again, the author discusses one of the most important events of Anne's life; her elevation as Marquess of Pembroke, which happened at Windsor in 1532. The authors layout where this event happened, and how you can (at least somewhat) stand where Anne once stood, imagining what she might have felt that day.
Each entry ends with a "Visitor Information" section, outlining how one can visit each location, and some of the interesting things one can do there.
Many locations discussed in the book no longer exist, sadly. However, the authors have researched and discovered a plethora of information about these sites, including any archaeological finds in the area, and information on what the buildings would have looked like. Greenwich Palace is a good example of this. Sadly, this favorite Tudor palace no longer exists. It witnessed many historical events, including the birth of Elizabeth I. Though it no longer stands, the authors are able to give us insight into its remains, archaeological finds at the site, and tidbits of history.
My only gripe with the book is that it does not have an index in the back for quick reference. One must skim the Table of Contents to find particular entries. It isn't a major problem, just takes a few seconds longer to find things. However, this is honestly the only complaint I have! The `Further Reading' section, however, is a great resource for those who are looking for both primary and secondary sources. I particularly liked the recommended guide books listed in this section.
One of my favorite sections of the book covered the Tower of London. The Tower is not an easy site to visit, as it is a maze of buildings from various time periods. As someone who knows a bit about Tudor history, I found I still got confused while roaming about, and missed a few key places I had hoped to see! This book, which walks you through the grounds, will keep that from happening next time. The most fascinating part of the Tower entry included "Myths" about Anne Boleyn at the Tower, including where she stayed, where she was executed, and the events surrounding her time there. The details and research that went into this book are proven with each entry, causing me to be unable to put it down!
This is one of the most interesting and original Tudor books I've read, a deserves the full 5/5 Tudor Roses! I thoroughly enjoyed reading about places I have visited, imagining myself back there and confirming in my mind what I thought I saw (for example, the ceilings of the "Wolsey Rooms" at Hampton Court), but that the guidebooks didn't really cover. I discovered many new tidbits that I did not know before, and discovered many new places I hope to visit in the future. I will certainly be packing this book, using it to plan my itinerary, and taking it with me to each Tudor place I visit in the future! This is a must read for those who are planning to travel to Tudor-related locations, or who are interested in the history of the locations surrounding Anne Boleyn.
Early Life (including locations in France where Anne spend part of her childhood/teen years)
The Courting Years
Anne the Queen
The 1535 Progress
and ends with a section on Boleyn Treasures. The authors were kind enough to discuss some of these treasures further in a special post here.
The chronological order appeals to me, as I have a running timeline in my head and tend to keep track of facts that way.
Each entry has a quote of some kind, many from contemporary Tudor sources, to start you off. One of my favorites was for Hampton Court Palace. Of course, I am slightly biased as Hampton Court is probably my favorite place on earth. The quote reads:
"This is the most splendid and magnificent royal palace that may be found in England or indeed in any other kingdom. - Jacob Rathgeb, 1592."
I couldn't agree more!
Each entry is then followed by a brief history of the place, from its initial building to what remains of it today. Sub sections explaining Anne's connection generally make up the bulk of each entry, detailing how Anne would have used or known each location. For example, the entry on Windsor Castle, where Anne spent a great deal of time, breaks down into specific rooms. Thus, when one is visiting a location, they can take this book as a guide and find these Tudor-connections that may not be in the average Guide Book. Though Windsor, for example, has changed drastically over the years, the book takes you on a tour of the modern setting, pointing out where Tudor locations once were and how they have been transformed into what they are today. Though much has changed since then, one can use their imagination, and the bits and pieces that survive, to envision how the place would have looked when Anne was there.
Another section that I enjoyed within each entry is the "Authors' Favorites." Taking Windsor as my example again, the author discusses one of the most important events of Anne's life; her elevation as Marquess of Pembroke, which happened at Windsor in 1532. The authors layout where this event happened, and how you can (at least somewhat) stand where Anne once stood, imagining what she might have felt that day.
Each entry ends with a "Visitor Information" section, outlining how one can visit each location, and some of the interesting things one can do there.
Many locations discussed in the book no longer exist, sadly. However, the authors have researched and discovered a plethora of information about these sites, including any archaeological finds in the area, and information on what the buildings would have looked like. Greenwich Palace is a good example of this. Sadly, this favorite Tudor palace no longer exists. It witnessed many historical events, including the birth of Elizabeth I. Though it no longer stands, the authors are able to give us insight into its remains, archaeological finds at the site, and tidbits of history.
My only gripe with the book is that it does not have an index in the back for quick reference. One must skim the Table of Contents to find particular entries. It isn't a major problem, just takes a few seconds longer to find things. However, this is honestly the only complaint I have! The `Further Reading' section, however, is a great resource for those who are looking for both primary and secondary sources. I particularly liked the recommended guide books listed in this section.
One of my favorite sections of the book covered the Tower of London. The Tower is not an easy site to visit, as it is a maze of buildings from various time periods. As someone who knows a bit about Tudor history, I found I still got confused while roaming about, and missed a few key places I had hoped to see! This book, which walks you through the grounds, will keep that from happening next time. The most fascinating part of the Tower entry included "Myths" about Anne Boleyn at the Tower, including where she stayed, where she was executed, and the events surrounding her time there. The details and research that went into this book are proven with each entry, causing me to be unable to put it down!
This is one of the most interesting and original Tudor books I've read, a deserves the full 5/5 Tudor Roses! I thoroughly enjoyed reading about places I have visited, imagining myself back there and confirming in my mind what I thought I saw (for example, the ceilings of the "Wolsey Rooms" at Hampton Court), but that the guidebooks didn't really cover. I discovered many new tidbits that I did not know before, and discovered many new places I hope to visit in the future. I will certainly be packing this book, using it to plan my itinerary, and taking it with me to each Tudor place I visit in the future! This is a must read for those who are planning to travel to Tudor-related locations, or who are interested in the history of the locations surrounding Anne Boleyn.
November 7, 2022
DNF. Didn't realize this was a research source, not an Anne Boleyn novel.
Read
August 28, 2018Overall, a very interesting book that details, photographs, floor plans and sketches that brings the 16th century to the life and times of Anne Boleyn. You follow along the footsteps of Anne thru her lifetime. Each location is covered by an accessible and informative narrative. There are, also, websites you can visit, along with travel and accommodation information if you plan/or planning to go to England and see the places where she lived and traveled. Anne Boleyn and her story has made an indelible mark in history, along with Henry VIII.
Recommend this book highly!!!
Recommend this book highly!!!
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