Sunday, April 26, 2009

Questions from Roland - Tudor "20 Questions"

Hi every, a few months ago someone started a ‘get to know you’ thread, which I regrettably never got around to filling out. With Lara’s ok, I’d like to start a new one. Please copy the questionnaire, delete the previous answers, and put in your own. Great way to learn more about each other and about our common interest in all things Tudor. Have fun!

---------------

1) Name (or web ID):

Roland

2) How did you get into the Tudors?

When I was small, my family went on vacation to England. We went to ‘Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum’. I don’t remember much about that first visit except that the ‘Chamber of Horrors’ scared the **** out of me! Anyway, we bought a guidebook. Some years later, I went through it, and became absolutely fascinated with the picture of the wax group of Henry VIII and his wives. I started reading up on them, and have been hooked ever since.

3) Favorite Tudor book(s)?

‘Anne Boleyn’ by Marie Louise Bruce, ‘Anne Boleyn’ by E. Ives, and the various ones on Tudor art by Roy Strong.

4) What Tudor book(s) are you currently reading, or have read most recently?

‘Edward VI’ by Chris Skidmore, and ‘Lost Faces: Identity and Discovery in Tudor Royal Portraiture’ pub. by the Philip Mould Gallery.

5) Favorite Tudor personality, and why?

Anne Boleyn. Her life was filled with so much high drama, and she was a fascinating and powerful figure in her right.

6) Favorite Tudor films or tv series?

: ‘Anne of the 1000 Days’, ‘Henry VIII and His Six Wives,’ ‘Mary Queen of Scots’, ‘Elizabeth’, ‘Elizabeth – The Golden Age’, ‘The Six Wives of Henry VIII’, ‘Elizabeth R’, ‘Lady Jane’, ‘A Man For All Seasons’ (1966 version), and ‘Elizabeth I’.

7) Best portrayal of Henry VIII (Richard Burton, Robert Shaw, Ray Winstone, Charles Laughton, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Eric Bana, Keith Michell, Charlton Heston, etc.)?

Keith Michell (no comparison!)

8) Best portrayal of Elizabeth I (Cate Blanchett, Bette Davis, Glenda Jackson, Anne Marie Duff, Flora Robson, Judi Dench, Helen Mirren, Judith Anderson, Florence Eldridge, Jean Simmons, etc.)

Glenda Jackson!

9) Best portrayal of Anne Boleyn (Natalie Portman, Dorothy Tutin, Helena Bonhan Carter, Genevieve Bujold, Johdi May, Merle Oberon, Vanessa Redgrave, Natalie Dormer, Barbara Kellerman, Charlotte Rampling, etc.)?

Genevieve Bujold (though I like Vanessa Redgrave as Anne in ‘A Man For All Seasons’ too. I thought Vanessa looked a lot like what the historical Anne was supposed to look like.

10) Best portrayal of Mary Queen of Scots (Vanessa Redgrave, Vivian Pickles, Barbara Flynn, Samantha Morton, Katharine Hepburn, etc.)?

For me, a tie between Vanessa Redgrave and Samantha Morton.

11) Do you think Anne Boleyn was guilty of adultery?

No. I think she was framed by Thomas Cromwell. But I also think she helped get herself in hot water by having unwise, indiscreet conversations with Henry Norris and Francis Weston before her arrest.

12) Do you think Katheryn Howard was guilty of adultery?

Yes. I think her denials under interrogation were just a frantic attempt to save herself.

13) Do you think Mary Stuart was involved in the Babington Plot to assassinate Elizabeth I

Yes, despite her many denials. Though I don’t blame her. If I was confined for close to 20 years, I would be desperate for escape too.

14) Imagine it was the beginning of February 1587 - if you were Elizabeth I, what you have done with Mary Stuart (execution, secret assassination, continued imprisonment, exile, pardon, etc.)?

I would have seriously considered washing my hands of Mary and sending back her to Scotland. There, I know her son King James would keep her under very close watch saving me the expense and headache. For me, Mary’s execution would be risky as the Pope, France, and Spain might retaliate with force. Lastly, executing a fellow monarch would have moral and legal ramifications.

15) Do you think Richard III murdered his nephews?

I think so. Frankly, killing one’s rivals to the throne was hardly new news. King John murdered his nephew Arthur, Edward IV killed Henry VI, and Henry VIII wiped out a few of his Yorkist relatives.

16) Have you ever visited Tudor related places? Or if not, where would you like to go?

I’ve been to the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Hever Castle, Greenwich, Hampton Court, and Edinburgh Castle.

17) Have you seen any Tudor related exhibitions?

Yes, the 1991 Henry VIII one at Greenwich, and the 2003 Elizabeth I one also at Greenwich. I’d like to see the Henry VIII one in New York City (the Grolier Club) this year if I can.

18) If you can own (yes, own!) any Tudor related museum piece, what would it be?

I would love to have the locket ring with the portraits of Elizabeth I and Anne Boleyn inside.

19) What legally obtained (LOL) Tudor related items do you have if any?

I have shelves of books, and I collect movie memorabilia (photos, press books, posters, etc. on Tudor films I enjoy. As for actual 16th century Tudor items, I have some Tudor era coins.

20) What interests do you have outside Tudor history?

I like to paint/draw and work in stained glass. I like to travel (Britain and California are my fave destinations). I like old Hollywood films (especially ones with Bette Davis or Joan Crawford), and I’m a huge Stevie Nicks fan.

17 comments:

DeclareJeNos said...

1) Name (or web ID):
DeclareJeNos

2) How did you get into the Tudors?
My head of music at school was a) director of the school early music chamber choir of which I was a member) b) head of a famous Latin association and c) a complete 'beard' (early music nut). His particular interest was the Italian Renaissance but we briefly covered the English Renaissance which piqued my interest... My fate was sealed when I went to a university which prides itself on its history of ‘beardiness’ and was privileged to have as my tutor and director of music (chapel choir) one of the world’s leading Renaissance music scholars* and under his passionate and animated guidance my knowledge and interest flourished and I have never stopped reading/studying since!

*Although my essays often infuriated him as I concentrated more on history than musical analysis...


3) Favourite Tudor book(s)?
Music and Poetry in the Early Tudor Court – Stevens
The Stripping of the Alters –Duffy
Weir’s Tudor Studies
Starkey’s Tudor Studies
Plus I will always have a soft spot for “The Renaissance” Ed. Fenlon (for seeing me through Alevel and getting me hooked)

4) What Tudor book(s) are you currently reading, or have read most recently?
Henry: Virtuous Prince - Starkey

5) Favourite Tudor personality, and why?
My current primary research interest: Thomas Tallis* is an enigma... We know not from whence he came or where he trained, he survived the job insecurity of the dissolution of the monasteries (always managing to find another job rather quickly –probably due to his easy manner & superior musical skills etc), survived the admiration Henry VIII (a dangerous thing!), faithfully served the crown through the religious/musical preferences of five monarchs(!), taught and later collaborated with the rather dangerous but lovable William Byrd and throughout his life produced some of the most exquisite music (IMHO!) ever to be sung or played..... only to have an epitaph that reads: “As he did live, so also did he die, In mild and quiet Sort (O! happy Man)”

*Who was almost certainly NOT homosexual! This is a fabrication by that programme ‘The Tudors’ which constantly causes me to suffer when people try to lecture me on my subject using incorrect information based purely on their watching of said programme! I become sore vexed! I assume others suffer similarly...

6) Favorite Tudor films or tv series?
Non fiction:
-BBC “Sacred Music: Tallis, Byrd and the Tudors”
-BBC “Playing Elizabeth's Tune - Sacred Music by William Byrd (with performances by the Tallis Scholars in Tewkesbury Abbey)
-Channel 4 “Henry VIII: Mind of a Tyrant” (with David Starkey)

7) Best portrayal of Henry VIII (Richard Burton, Robert Shaw, Ray Winstone, Charles Laughton,
8) Best portrayal of Elizabeth I
9) Best portrayal of Anne Boleyn
10) Best portrayal of Mary Queen of Scots
Sorry to be a killjoy but I really don’t do ‘fictional’ portrayals as the inaccuracies make me angry/cringe. Historical re-enactment is a BRILLIANT idea...just not in documentaries when I’d rather see images of MSs/objects/woodcuts/other source materials etc

11) Do you think Anne Boleyn was guilty of adultery?
I agree with Roland here... Probably framed but may have bought some of the trouble on herself.

12) Do you think Katheryn Howard was guilty of adultery?
Quite possibly although I know little about this area

13) Do you think Mary Stuart was involved in the Babington Plot to assassinate Elizabeth I
Quite possibly although I know little about this area

14) Imagine it was the beginning of February 1587 - if you were Elizabeth I, what you have done with Mary Stuart (execution, secret assassination, continued imprisonment, exile, pardon, etc.)?
Secret assassination!

15) Do you think Richard III murdered his nephews?
See Starkey’s interesting summary of this in ‘Virtuous Prince’. I know too little to comment.

16) Have you ever visited Tudor related places? Or if not, where would you like to go?
-I spend a lot of time in the City of London (Square Mile). I am also a British Library Reader Pass holder, member of the National Trust and ‘Historic Royal Palaces’.
Reasonably recently off the top of my head:
-Palaces/Houses/Castles: Windsor, Tower, Hampton Court, St James’, Hatfield, Hever, Edinburgh, Warwick, Dover etc etc
-Ruins/site of: Greenwich, Whitehall, Castle Baynard, the Royal Wardrobe, St Paul’s (obviously rebuilt post 1666!), Somerset place (ne House), Richmond Palace, plus a LOT of monasteries (dissolved or otherwise...
-Other: Golden Hinde reconstruct, Globe reconstruct, V&A for objects, National Gallery & Portrait Gallery, Eton College, Stratford-upon-Avon, North Bucks, Battle of Bosworth site etc etc
-Plus most UK Cathedrals of course... (for singing as well as research!)

I would like a research trip to the Canterbury/Dover area... need to do a bit more rooting...


17) Have you seen any Tudor related exhibitions?
Many. I am going to the British Library one next weekend which is VERY exciting.

18) If you can own (yes, own!) any Tudor related museum piece, what would it be?
The Eton Choir Book

19) What legally obtained (LOL) Tudor related items do you have if any?
According to my insurance quote, too many academic textbooks, musical scores, copies of MSs, and music recordings (CD/DVD/LP/Tape).

20) What interests do you have outside Tudor history?
Singing, instrumental music'ing, horse-riding, art (ancient & modern), outdoor persuits.

Lara said...

1) Name (or web ID):

- Lara

2) How did you get into the Tudors?

- I was pretty much born an Anglophile (probably partly because I had an aunt married to an Englishman) and then my 8th grade American History teacher did a two-day lesson on Henry and the wives and I was hooked!

3) Favorite Tudor book(s)?

- My favorite fictional book is Susan Kay’s “Legacy”. For non-fiction, I really like Simon Thurley’s “Royal Palaces of Tudor England”, Alison Sims’ “Food and Feast in Tudor England” and Diana Scarisbrick’s “Tudor and Stuart Jewelry”.

4) What Tudor book(s) are you currently reading, or have read most recently?

- Listening to the audiobook of “Jane Boleyn” by Julia Fox (about half-way through as of this writing)

5) Favorite Tudor personality, and why?

- Always hard for me to answer this one! Current main interest is Jasper Tudor, but Elizabeth I has been a favorite since nearly the beginning of my interest in the period.

6) Favorite Tudor films or tv series?

- I have a soft spot for the oldies, such as “Young Bess” and “A Man for All Seasons” and “Mary Queen of Scots” (with Vanessa Redgrave in the title role)

7) Best portrayal of Henry VIII (Richard Burton, Robert Shaw, Ray Winstone, Charles Laughton, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Eric Bana, Keith Michell, Charlton Heston, etc.)?

- Keith Michell (although I liked Robert Shaw in “A Man for All Seasons” too)

8) Best portrayal of Elizabeth I (Cate Blanchett, Bette Davis, Glenda Jackson, Anne Marie Duff, Flora Robson, Judi Dench, Helen Mirren, Judith Anderson, Florence Eldridge, Jean Simmons, etc.)

- Glenda Jackson (although I also really enjoyed Helen Mirren in the series on HBO)

9) Best portrayal of Anne Boleyn (Natalie Portman, Dorothy Tutin, Helena Bonhan Carter, Genevieve Bujold, Johdi May, Merle Oberon, Vanessa Redgrave, Natalie Dormer, Barbara Kellerman, Charlotte Rampling, etc.)?

- Dorothy Tutin (although I really enjoyed Natalie Dormer’s performance in the last few episodes of her story on “The Tudors”. And ditto what Roland said about Vanessa Redgrave in “A Man for All Seaons”!)

10) Best portrayal of Mary Queen of Scots (Vanessa Redgrave, Vivian Pickles, Barbara Flynn, Samantha Morton, Katharine Hepburn, etc.)?

- Vanessa Redgrave

11) Do you think Anne Boleyn was guilty of adultery?

- No.

12) Do you think Katheryn Howard was guilty of adultery?

- Probably.

13) Do you think Mary Stuart was involved in the Babington Plot to assassinate Elizabeth I

- Probably (yes, I’m being pretty non-committal this evening!)

14) Imagine it was the beginning of February 1587 - if you were Elizabeth I, what you have done with Mary Stuart (execution, secret assassination, continued imprisonment, exile, pardon, etc.)?

- tough decision. I probably would have leaned towards continued imprisonment, but I like Roland’s idea of sending her back to Scotland

15) Do you think Richard III murdered his nephews?

- I keep thinking that some Henry II/Thomas Becket “Will no one rid me of this meddlesome priest” moment might have led some of Richard’s supporters to do the deed thinking (probably accurately) that he wanted rid of them.

(My more tongue-in-cheek theory is that the boys were roughhousing and died in an accident, giving Richard an “OH CRAP!” moment, forcing him to have them declared bastards, etc. since no one would believe it was an accident. Not that I really believe this, but it would be kind of funny if something like that is what actually happened instead of some murder plot.)

16) Have you ever visited Tudor related places? Or if not, where would you like to go?

- Bunches!! Probably my most obscure was the little church up in Wales where some of the early Tudor ancestors are buried.

17) Have you seen any Tudor related exhibitions?

- The 2003 Greenwich Elizabeth I exhibition

18) If you can own (yes, own!) any Tudor related museum piece, what would it be?

- Ditto Roland - I would love to have the locket ring with the portraits of Elizabeth I and Anne Boleyn inside. My second choice would be the “Elizabeth I as Princess” portrait

19) What legally obtained (LOL) Tudor related items do you have if any?

- The only 16th century item I have is a page out of Foxe’s “Book of Martyrs” that I bought at a Book and Paper show. Other than that- lots and lots of books, some posters, reproduction coins, stamps, needlework items and patterns.

20) What interests do you have outside Tudor history?

- Science, in particular astronomy (what my degree is in), geology, and paleoanthropology. Needlework – mostly cross stitch and blackwork.

Colleen said...

1) Name (or web ID):
Colleen

2) How did you get into the Tudors?
Believe it or not, a historical romance novel I found in my mom's bookcase when I was 12 got me into Elizabeth I. Believe me, I know how that sounds, but this author has remained a particular favorite of mine and as I've branched out into Plantagenet and Stuart history, I've found that her detail and historical accuracy is remarkable when compared to most other historical fiction writers - especially those who write what are still (inaccurately) known as "bodice-rippers".


3) Favourite Tudor book(s)?
"I, Elizabeth" by Rosalind Miles
"Skye O'Malley" by Bertrice Small - the one that got me hooked

4) What Tudor book(s) are you currently reading, or have read most recently?
I'm currently reading "The Concubine" by Norah Lofts

5) Favourite Tudor personality, and why?
Anne Boleyn - I've always found her to be such a tragic figure. (I feel like my choice should have been someone more obscure, but I can't help it - she's always interested me the most!)

6) Favorite Tudor films or tv series?
"Elizabeth I" with Helen Mirren

7) Best portrayal of Henry VIII?
Charles Laughton. He was exactly as I pictured the aging Henry VIII

8) Best portrayal of Elizabeth I
Helen Mirren, and I loved Jean Simmons in "Young Bess"

9) Best portrayal of Anne Boleyn
Although I'm familiar with the popular opinion of "The Tudors", I thought Natalie Dormer did an excellent job as Anne Boleyn

10) Best portrayal of Mary Queen of Scots
I actually am not all that interested in her as an historical personality...but Vanessa Redgrave was good.

11) Do you think Anne Boleyn was guilty of adultery?
Absolutely not.

12) Do you think Katheryn Howard was guilty of adultery?
I do.

13) Do you think Mary Stuart was involved in the Babington Plot to assassinate Elizabeth I
I don't know enough about Mary Queen of Scots to have a really educated opinion, although my knowledge of Elizabeth I leads me to believe that she did.

14) Imagine it was the beginning of February 1587 - if you were Elizabeth I, what you have done with Mary Stuart (execution, secret assassination, continued imprisonment, exile, pardon, etc.)?
Imprisonment

15) Do you think Richard III murdered his nephews?
No, I do not.

16) Have you ever visited Tudor related places? Or if not, where would you like to go?
I've never managed a trip to London, or England, although it's definitely on my list of things to do before I die. Of course Westminster Abbey is on my list, and of course as many palaces as I could possibly get to. I've never thought too hard about it because I don't know when I'll get to go over there. But if it ever becomes possible, I'm going to need a month just to prepare a list of places to TRY and visit!


17) Have you seen any Tudor related exhibitions?
No :( Not many come through Philadelphia.

18) If you can own (yes, own!) any Tudor related museum piece, what would it be?
Again, I feel like I should have dug for something more obscure...but I would just love to have Anne Boleyn's "B" necklace

19) What legally obtained (LOL) Tudor related items do you have if any?
Does this include books? If so, I've got about 50 - both fiction and non-fiction. I also splurged last year on a necklace with a Tudor rose pendant.

20) What interests do you have outside Tudor history?
Writing, art and graphic design, crafting, and the Discovery Health channel

Rachael said...

1) Name (or web ID):
Rachael

2) How did you get into the Tudors?
When I was in year 4 of junior school (age 8 or 9), our homework over half-term was to make a 'fact-finding sheet' on Henry VIII's six wives. I got so into it that my page turned into a major project and I've been addicted ever since!


3) Favourite Tudor book(s)?
All of Starkey's books, Ives' Life and Death of Anne Boleyn, Weir's Six Wives, Fraser's Mary Queen of Scots and many more.

4) What Tudor book(s) are you currently reading, or have read most recently?
I'm currently reading Linda Porter's Mary Tudor.

5) Favourite Tudor personality, and why?
I think I'd have to say Anne Boleyn. She's always fascinated me, I think because she was so strong and willful in an age when women were meant to be demure. I also like Elizabeth I, Elizabeth of York and, I know she's not really a Tudor, but Isabella of Castile.

6) Favorite Tudor films or tv series?
Helen Mirren's Elizabeth, Starkey's TV series, Shakespeare in Love... I can't think of any more!

7) Best portrayal of Henry VIII?
Ooh, tough one. I suppose I'd say Richard Burton, I think he got Henry's mercurial temper completely right.

8) Best portrayal of Elizabeth I
Helen Mirren, for the same reason that I chose Burton for Henry VIII.

9) Best portrayal of Anne Boleyn
Genevieve Bujold, in my opinion, looked more like Anne Boleyn, but I can't think of anyone who really captured her personality.

10) Best portrayal of Mary Queen of Scots
Barbara Flynn was probably more realistic (fat and French-accented), but Samantha Morton fitted the romantic idea of MQOS better.

11) Do you think Anne Boleyn was guilty of adultery?
Not at all.

12) Do you think Katheryn Howard was guilty of adultery?
I think it's more than likely.

13) Do you think Mary Stuart was involved in the Babington Plot to assassinate Elizabeth I
If the opportunity to off Elizabeth presented itself, I can't see Mary refusing it.

14) Imagine it was the beginning of February 1587 - if you were Elizabeth I, what you have done with Mary Stuart (execution, secret assassination, continued imprisonment, exile, pardon, etc.)?
Well imprisonment wasn't really going to work, exile would just encourage Mary's plotting. I think I'd have kept her at court as a virtual prisoner. Friends close, enemies closer and all that.

15) Do you think Richard III murdered his nephews?
I really couldn't say. I don't know if Richard would have risked the deaths being discovered.

16) Have you ever visited Tudor related places? Or if not, where would you like to go?
I've been to Hampton Court and Westminster Abbey. I used to live around the corner from Pembroke Castle and went there a good few times. Is the Alhambra Tudor-related? I've been there. I've went to Windsor and sat outside, but didn't get to go inside. I'd like to go to the Tower of London.


17) Have you seen any Tudor related exhibitions?
No, sadly, but I'll be going to the British Library exhibition.

18) If you can own (yes, own!) any Tudor related museum piece, what would it be?
ALL OF IT!

19) What legally obtained (LOL) Tudor related items do you have if any?
Lots of books! I've also got a 500th anniversary commemorative coin on the way, and special Tudor stamps.

20) What interests do you have outside Tudor history?
I'm also fascinated by Georgiana Duchess of Devonshire, Marie Antoinette and the Louis XIV era.

TheAnneBoleynFiles said...

1) Name (or web ID):

TheAnneBoleynFiles

2) How did you get into the Tudors?
I've been fascinated by Tudor history since doing History O' and A' level at school in the UK. I also grew up near Stratford-upon-Avon with its lovely Tudor buildings. My interest in the Tudors was reborn when I started reading the Philippa Gregory books and then again by "The Tudors" on TV.

3) Favorite Tudor book(s)?

"The Life and Death of Anne Boleyn" by Eric Ives, "Anne Boleyn: A New Life of England's Tragic Queen" by Joanna Denny.

4) What Tudor book(s) are you currently reading, or have read most recently?
I'm reading "The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn" by Robin Maxwell and "Henry VIII: Personalities and Politics" by David Starkey.

5) Favorite Tudor personality, and why?

Anne Boleyn - The way that she managed to keep Henry chasing her for so long, the fact that she changed the course of history and had such influence over this powerful monarch completely fascinates me.

6) Favorite Tudor films or tv series?
"The Tudors" - OK, so it's not brilliantly accurate but I thought Natalie Dormer was fantastic at Anne - feisty and intelligent.

7) Best portrayal of Henry VIII:

Keith Michell

8) Best portrayal of Elizabeth I -
Tough one! I'm not sure!

9) Best portrayal of Anne Boleyn -
Natalie Dormer

10) Best portrayal of Mary Queen of Scots - not sure!

11) Do you think Anne Boleyn was guilty of adultery?
No, she was framed. Thomas Cromwell needed to get her out of the way before she got rid of him. Anne was having way too much influence over Henry and was mucking up Cromwell's foreign policiy plans. She also wasn't doing her job at providing Henry with a male heir.

12) Do you think Katheryn Howard was guilty of adultery?

Yes. The poor girl was just too young to survive at court and Henry was not the most attractive of men by this time.

13) Do you think Mary Stuart was involved in the Babington Plot to assassinate Elizabeth I

Yes.

14) Imagine it was the beginning of February 1587 - if you were Elizabeth I, what you have done with Mary Stuart (execution, secret assassination, continued imprisonment, exile, pardon, etc.)?

Ooh tough one. Send her back to Scotland.

15) Do you think Richard III murdered his nephews?

Yes. They didn't just disappear into thin air and I think they were just too "dangerous" to leave alive.

16) Have you ever visited Tudor related places? Or if not, where would you like to go?

I want to go to Hever Castle to see Anne Boleyn's Book of Hours.

17) Have you seen any Tudor related exhibitions?

Years ago but not recently. Would love to be in London at the moment to see Henry's love letter to Anne on display at the British Library.

18) If you can own (yes, own!) any Tudor related museum piece, what would it be?

Definitely Anne's Book of Hours.


19) What legally obtained (LOL) Tudor related items do you have if any?

A load of Tudor fiction, biographies and history books. Oh and my Anne Boleyn website if that counts!

20) What interests do you have outside Tudor history?

Writing. I'm a freelance writer and love writing.

Katlyn R. said...

1) Name (or web ID):
Katlyn R.

2) How did you get into the Tudors?
Sadly enough, my interest was sparked by the trailer for "The Other Boleyn Girl" that I saw early last year (it's an EPIC trailer!) - I picked up a copy of the book, saw the movie, started to research, read another few fiction novels about some characters, then sort of looked around and said, "I wonder what the REAL story is." And so began the obsession.

3) Favorite Tudor book(s)?
"Anne Boleyn" by Eric Ives, "The Six Wives of Henry VIII" by Antonia Fraser, "Anne Boleyn: A New History of England's Tragic Queen" by Joanna Denny (although I am critical of some of her more extreme interpretations) and "The Autobiography of Henry VIII" by Margaret George (obviously fiction).

4) What Tudor book(s) are you currently reading, or have read most recently?
Fiction: "In the Shadow of the Crown" by Jean Plaidy; "Vengeance is Mine" (the story of Jane Rochford) by Brandy Purdy; "The Autobiography of Henry VIII" by Margaret George; and "The Lady in the Tower" by Jean Plaidy.
NonFiction: "Jane Boleyn: The True Story of the Infamous Lady Rochford," by Julia Fox; "Anne Boleyn" by Eric Ives; currently in the middle of "The Lost Prince: The Survival of Richard of York" by David Baldwin (I know it's not Tudor, but it's the same time period - and fascinating!); and "Elizabeth and Mary: Cousins, Rivals, Queens" by Jane Dunn.
Next on the List: "A Tudor Tragedy: The Life and Times of Katheryn Howard" by Lacey Baldwin Smith; "Henry VIII" by AJ Pollard; "Four Years at the Court of Henry VIII" by Sebastian Giustinian; "Katherine Swynford: The Story of John of Gaunt and his Scandalous Duchess" by Alison Weir; "The Rise and Fall of Anne Boleyn" by Retha Warnicke... And hopefully more on Mary I, and something on the pre-Tudor ancestors (someone mentioned a title on here but I can't remember what it was!) There are so many, I'll have to stop here.

5) Favorite Tudor personality, and why?
Oh, no. Um... I love Henry VIII. I also love, love Anne Boleyn - their personalities were such an interesting combination, both so fiery. I feel terrible for Catherine of Aragon, and wish someone would make a movie where she is not old and black-haired but the young, beautiful Catherine that Henry loved. I also like Katheryn Howard a lot because I feel that she is understood (maybe, hopefully) and I want to learn more about her... And Cromwell. And Wolsey. And the Seymour brothers. I'll stop. But Henry is still my #1.

6) Favorite Tudor films or tv series?
I like both Cate Blanchett Elizabeth movies - the second one more so. "Anne of the Thousand Days" is classic, and I love that Henry wears a 20th-century white collared dress shirt. I like "The Other Boleyn Girl" for Portman's performance although it is so laden with inaccuracies that I almost can't bear to enjoy it... And "The Tudors" purely because their ability to play with history is astounding and entertaining.

7) Best portrayal of Henry VIII? Richard Burton, so far.

8) Best portrayal of Elizabeth I:
I have only seen Jonathan Rhys Meyers (NO!), Eric Bana (too sulky and moody), and Richard Burton - the latter was my favorite.

9) Best portrayal of Anne Boleyn
I truly enjoyed Natalie Portman - I think she was fiery, controlled, yet passionate - everything Anne was. Natalie Dormer's more serious performances of Anne were also remarkable, but I disagree with the critique that she had more "sizzle" than Portman - I think this is only because she was naked. Genevieve Bujold was also quite good, but I honestly loved Portman's portrayal.

10) Best portrayal of Mary Queen of Scots (Vanessa Redgrave, Vivian Pickles, Barbara Flynn, Samantha Morton, Katharine Hepburn, etc.)?
Samantha Morton.

11) Do you think Anne Boleyn was guilty of adultery?
No. I think she was much too aware of her situation - not to mention her religious and, I think, quite moral character - to have even considered something so stupid.

12) Do you think Katheryn Howard was guilty of adultery?
Absolutely.

13) Do you think Mary Stuart was involved in the Babington Plot to assassinate Elizabeth I
Yes. I think there is much convincing evidence to that end.

14) Imagine it was the beginning of February 1587 - if you were Elizabeth I, what you have done with Mary Stuart (execution, secret assassination, continued imprisonment, exile, pardon, etc.)?
I think I would have wished that I could send her back to Scotland - but after having her in captivity that long and after her implication in trying to overthrow me, I would have no choice but to do what Elizabeth did.

15) Do you think Richard III murdered his nephews?
Not personally. I think he had them murdered. Although there are many intriguing theories to the contrary, I just don't think they are feasible. If they had died of natural causes, Richard would have said something publicly. The ideas of Richard of York escaping and living a life in obscurity are tempting but unlikely... and I have yet to be convinced that Warbeck could have been Richard, although I am planning to read a book to that effect soon.

16) Have you ever visited Tudor related places? Or if not, where would you like to go?
I've never been out of the US =( I want to visit there so much! I would give anything, but I am just a poor college student, ha ha.

17) Have you seen any Tudor related exhibitions?
The first and only one was this past March at the Grolier Club in NYC, the "Vivat Rex!" Exhibition. The former curator, Martin Antonetti, is curator of my college's Rare Books. He set me up with a family tour that the current curator, Arthur Schwartz, was giving at the Club when I went to see it. Mr. Schwartz was FASCINATING and so knowledgeable; he spoke for two hours. The exhibit was unbelievable, I have never enjoyed something so much. (The exhibit is done in just a few days but will be in DC in fall 2010, in case anyone didn't know... I am hoping to intern at the Folger Shakespeare Library next summer to help set it up!)

18) If you can own (yes, own!) any Tudor related museum piece, what would it be?
I would love to have the schoolbook of Henry VIII where he wrote, "Thys boke is myne Prynce Henry" at the bottom of one page (if only no one had been looking at the Grolier Club, maybe I could have made off with it... kidding) - and also, the letters of Henry to Anne Boleyn - "Un-H-Rex-Changeable."

19) What legally obtained (LOL) Tudor related items do you have if any?
I don't have anything. =( I would love to get some reproductions of portraits and such!

20) What interests do you have outside Tudor history?
I love languages - I am a Russian Lit major also studying German, start Latin in the fall, and have studied Spanish for six years. I want to learn French also and will have to for Graduate school. I enjoy running and lifting, naps, and Sunday afternoons. I'm awful at math and science. I also love dogs and planning things =)

Hello all!

Haven said...

1) Name (or web ID):
Haven

2) How did you get into the Tudors?
I think it started with a book I checked out of the library about Anne Boleyn. I didn't know it was a real story, but when I finished it I thought it was spectacular. The story sounded familiar and it turned out I read the story before in a book about princesses. I'm now like obsessed about Anne Boleyn.

3) Favorite Tudor book(s)?
The Other Boleyn Girl, A Lady Raised High

4) What Tudor book(s) are you currently reading, or have read most recently?
Murder Most Royal
5) Favorite Tudor personality, and why?
Anne Boleyn. She's so interesting!

6) Favorite Tudor films or tv series?
I don't know

7) Best portrayal of Henry VIII (Richard Burton, Robert Shaw, Ray Winstone, Charles Laughton, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Eric Bana, Keith Michell, Charlton Heston, etc.)?
I don't know

8) Best portrayal of Elizabeth I (Cate Blanchett, Bette Davis, Glenda Jackson, Anne Marie Duff, Flora Robson, Judi Dench, Helen Mirren, Judith Anderson, Florence Eldridge, Jean Simmons, etc.)
I don't know

9) Best portrayal of Anne Boleyn (Natalie Portman, Dorothy Tutin, Helena Bonhan Carter, Genevieve Bujold, Johdi May, Merle Oberon, Vanessa Redgrave, Natalie Dormer, Barbara Kellerman, Charlotte Rampling, etc.)?
Natalie Dormer

10) Best portrayal of Mary Queen of Scots (Vanessa Redgrave, Vivian Pickles, Barbara Flynn, Samantha Morton, Katharine Hepburn, etc.)?
I don't know

11) Do you think Anne Boleyn was guilty of adultery?
No

12) Do you think Katheryn Howard was guilty of adultery?
Yes

13) Do you think Mary Stuart was involved in the Babington Plot to assassinate Elizabeth I
No

14) Imagine it was the beginning of February 1587 - if you were Elizabeth I, what you have done with Mary Stuart (execution, secret assassination, continued imprisonment, exile, pardon, etc.)?
Exile

15) Do you think Richard III murdered his nephews?
Yes

16) Have you ever visited Tudor related places? Or if not, where would you like to go?
I would like to go Hever

17) Have you seen any Tudor related exhibitions?
No

18) If you can own (yes, own!) any Tudor related museum piece, what would it be?
I don't know if it's in a museum, but I would like Anne Boleyn's B choker

19) What legally obtained (LOL) Tudor related items do you have if any?
I don't have any

20) What interests do you have outside Tudor history?
The Beatles

Kathy said...

1) Name (or web ID):

Kathy

2) How did you get into the Tudors?

I always have been in some ways. When I was just learning to read, I always gravitated to books with pictures of knights and castles on them instead of the ones with cute animals that all my friends were attracted to. I still do! *LOL* I was a drama major for while in college until I discovered that I loved theatre but hated acting. I switched my major to English and ended up getting an M.A. specializing in Elizabethan drama. I love Tudor literature as much as I love Tudor history.

3) Favorite Tudor book(s)?

I haven't read it yet. As a general book that I recommend to people asking for one, I usually suggest Alison Weir's Henry VIII: the King and his Court because it covers a lot of diverse material in a fair manner and she doesn't seem to have an agenda of any kind. I cannot stand authors who sacrifice accuracy for the sake of (perceived) wit or publicity (yes, David Starkey, I'm looking at you!). Nor can I stand authors who take a sensational or "tabloid" approach to Henry VIII (Joanna Denny, I'm looking at you!). Also I have read some of the most inane drivel from members of the Richard III society. Anybody who starts out "knowing" the truth and fitting the facts around that truth is not anybody I am prepared to like or want to read.


4) What Tudor book(s) are you currently reading, or have read most recently?

House of Treason by Robert Hutchinson. It's a history of the Howards and the Dukes of Norfolk. I haven't gotten far enough into it yet to give an opinion yet. One thing I did do was look at the genealogical charts and there were at least 16 people in the 16th century named Thomas Howard. I'm amazed they could keep each other straight. I certainly have trouble with it.

5) Favorite Tudor personality, and why?

Three of them really: 1 and 2) Charles Brandon and Mary Tudor. They were both amazing anomalies for their time, especially in that they managed to marry for love and not reasons of state. I was reading a long newspaper story not long ago about the current Elizabeth (II)'s sister, Margaret, who married a commoner back in the 1950's. There was a short quote stating that the last time an English princess had married non-royalty was 500 years earlier. Obviously they meant Mary. That just shows how extraordinary she was. 3) Christopher Marlowe. If you start reading 16th century drama in order from beginning to end, you will see what an unbelievably talented writer he was. There is a huge leap forward from previous writers to Marlowe, far greater than the leap between Marlowe and Shakespeare. I've always found Marlowe amazing and still do.

6) Favorite Tudor films or tv series?
I don't think I've seen a great one yet. I am leaning to Helen Mirren's movies and Cate Blanchette's. Neither is particularly accurate, but they all have elements in them that are true.

7) Best portrayal of Henry VIII

Robert Shaw. He's the only one who stands out in my mind as being real. I haven't seen Keith Michell's Henry in ages, so I might like him more if I see it again. Incidentally I still think the absolute worst portrayal I've ever seen of Henry is Eric Bana. He seemed to be asleep through most of The Other Boleyn Girl. He might have been told to do that though, as it was supposed to be a movie about Anne and Mary, not Henry. But I never for a second accepted him as Henry.

8) Best portrayal of Elizabeth I (Cate Blanchett, Bette Davis, Glenda Jackson, Anne Marie Duff, Flora Robson, Judi Dench, Helen Mirren, Judith Anderson, Florence Eldridge, Jean Simmons, etc.)

I think Cate Blanchette looked more like Elizabeth than any of the others. And she is a good enough actress to play the role. I accepted her without question from her first minute on the screen. I haven't seen Glenda Jackson in ages and don't really remember her. I would need to see her again to make a valid assessment of her as Elizabeth.

9) Best portrayal of Anne Boleyn (Natalie Portman, Dorothy Tutin, Helena Bonhan Carter, Genevieve Bujold, Johdi May, Merle Oberon, Vanessa Redgrave, Natalie Dormer, Barbara Kellerman, Charlotte Rampling, etc.)?

Quite honestly, I haven't found an Anne that I really like yet. I think Vanessa Redgrave in A Man for All Seasons came as close as I've seen to the best Anne, but she only had one scene and no lines. I would like to have seen more of her in the role.

10) Best portrayal of Mary Queen of Scots (Vanessa Redgrave, Vivian Pickles, Barbara Flynn, Samantha Morton, Katharine Hepburn, etc.)?

I don't have a favorite and, honestly, don't really care. She doesn't interest me much

11) Do you think Anne Boleyn was guilty of adultery?

Probably not. I think more than anything, she didn't realize that Henry wanted something different in a wife than he did in a girl friend, and that her personality caused her to make very powerful enemies. Honestly, I think she and Katherine of Aragon were both far more absorbed in themselves than they were in Henry or England's needs and that caused the downfall of both.

12) Do you think Katheryn Howard was guilty of adultery?

More than likely. I think she was far too young and immature to be Queen of England and acted very stupidly.

13) Do you think Mary Stuart was involved in the Babington Plot to assassinate Elizabeth I

Yes, I don't doubt it for a minute. I just find it interesting that Elizabeth agonized for years over killing Mary, but Mary blithely involved herself in plots to kill Elizabeth. That speaks volumes about both women to me. (Also, not really part of the question, but I think Mary was extremely stupid to flee to England in the first place. Really, did she think she could expect anything more than what she got?)

14) Imagine it was the beginning of February 1587 - if you were Elizabeth I, what you have done with Mary Stuart (execution, secret assassination, continued imprisonment, exile, pardon, etc.)?

I don't think Elizabeth had any choice but to execute Mary. Mary was always going to be a very attractive magnet for anybody, i.e. Catholics, wishing to depose Elizabeth. As long as Mary was alive, she was a threat whether she herself was actively engaged in the plots or not.

15) Do you think Richard III murdered his nephews?

Honestly it's hard to imagine anybody except Richard (or his minions) doing it. I've read so much drivel from the Richard III Society saying they weren't a threat to him because they weren't legitimate. Oh, really? Well, why did he imprison them? And more drivel saying Henry Tudor murdered them. Oh, really? If he knew they were dead, why didn't charge Richard with the crime? He didn't because he had no clue where they were.

16) Have you ever visited Tudor related places? Or if not, where would you like to go?

Tons and tons of Tudor related places, more than I can even begin to name. My favorite time was actually in 2006, crawling around in a muddy field in Westhorpe, Suffolk, looking for the Tudor bridgework at the manor that was the main residence of Charles Brandon and Mary Tudor (I found it). I am an archeologist at heart and wish I could excavate there!

17) Have you seen any Tudor related exhibitions?

Yes, the 2003 Elizabeth I exhibit at Greenwich and the 2006 Holbein in England exhibit at the Tate Britain. I will be in England this June and July and am looking forward to seeing absolutely every Henry VIII exhibit I can get to.

18) If you can own (yes, own!) any Tudor related museum piece, what would it be?

Well, it's not quite a museum piece, but I would love to own all the letters that went between Charles Brandon, Mary Tudor, and Cardinal Wolsey in 1515 while the first two were in Paris.

19) What legally obtained (LOL) Tudor related items do you have if any?

Not really Tudor, but I have a page from an early 17th century work that has an engraving from a picture I hadn't seen before of Charles Brandon, the Duke of Suffolk. The book lover in me cringed when I received it as a present from a good friend, but she assured me that the rare book dealer she dealt with said the original book was fragmentary and they were selling it off in parts. I also have several hard-to-find 19th century works about Mary Tudor that I managed to buy before book prices went into the stratosphere.

20) What interests do you have outside Tudor history?

I'm a software engineer who loves computers and maintains several websites. I also love to travel, especially to England. I am a published writer who was the runnerup in the Tudor Ghost Story Contest last year. (I have a really bizarre idea for this year's story if they have one). Also I am writing a time-travel novel set in Greenwich in April/May 1514.

Diane said...

1. Name: Diane

2. How did you get into the Tudors? When I first started to read I used to go through the World Book encyclopedia we had and just look up random entries. It seemed back then that all interesting queens and princesses were named Catherine, Mary, Anne or Elizabeth. I'd read about them at home, then go check out books from the library to find out more.

3. Favorite Tudor book? I guess it would be "the Tudor Wench" by Elswyth Thane.

4.What Tudor book are you currently reading, or read most recently? "Anne Boleyn" by Eric Ives

5. Favorite Tudor personality and why? Anne Boleyn, because there's so many lessons about ambition and betrayal to be learned from her life.

6. Favorite Tudor film or TV series?
"The Six Wives of Henry VIII" and "Elizabeth R."

7. Best portrayal of Henry VIII? Keith Michell

8. Best portrayal of Elizabeth? Glenda Jackson

9. Best portryal of Anne Boleyn? Dorothy Tutin

10. Best portrayl of Mary Stuart? Vanessa Redgrave

11. Do you think Anne Boleyn was guilty of adultery? No. She would not have risked her position and Elizabeth's future on that.

12. Do you think Catherine Howard was guilty of adultery? Yes. She was first acknowledged as Francis Dereham's wife so relations with the King and anyone else would make her an adulteress. I think she had a relationship with Culpepper before the King made her Queen but not during her time with Henry.

13. Do you think Mary Stuart was involved in the Babington plot to assassinate Elizabeth? Absolutely. Remember Darnley?

14. If you were Elizabeth in February, 1587, what would you have done with Mary Stuart? Just what the real Elizabeth had to do. Search frantically for a way to spare Mary's life, while protecting her own, then realizing that there was no other way to be safe. Mary had to die.

15. Do you think Richard III murdered his nephews? "It may be history. It may be only a legend...a tradition. It may have happened; it may not have happened. But it could have happened." Mark Twain

16. Have you visited any Tudor related places? No. The closest I've been is two long layovers at Heathrow Airport!

17. Have you seen any Tudor related exhibitions. No.

18. If you could own any Tudor museum piece, what would it be? The portrait of Elizabeth as a young girl. She's wearing a pink gown.

19. What legally obtained Tudor items do you have? Dolls, figurines, CD's, DVD's, records, VCR tapes and lots of books.

20. What interests do you have outside of Tudor history? Genealogy, legal and historical research and victim's advocacy.

TudorRose said...

1.TudorRose

2.I got interested in the Tudors when I was eleven at primary school.I became interested in a familly tree timeline that was hung up on the back of one of the classroom doors detailing the start of the royal familly to the present day.I ammediately became interested and attracted to a certain part of this timeline.!the part where it started 1485 -1603.I started looking at the monarchs names and the dates of when their reigns begun and ended.Then it was straight to the library to find and get books on the Tudor period but I didn't realise their surname was Tudor until I started geeting books out and doing some research.

3.My favourite Tudor books are any books to do with Anne Boleyn.Joanna Dennys Anne Boleyn A story of englands most tragic queen.Eric Ives Anne Boleyn.Also books on Catherine Howard.Joanna Dennys catherine Howard.Henry VIII and his six wives by David Starkey.Focus on history at The time of Mary Queen of Scots.David Starkeys Elizabeth Apprentiship.

4.I am currently reading Anne Boleyn by Eric Ives.

5.My favourite person from the Tudor era is Anne Boleyn Catherine Howard Henry VIII lady Jane Grey Mary Queen of Scots Elizabeth and Thomas Culpepper.
I like Anne Boleyn because she has an interesting character and she was a lutheran/prodestant.I like Catherine Howard because she interests me.I like lady Jane Grey because she was a prodestant and I am interested in her.I like Mary Queen of Scots because she is an interesting character all the plots during her lifetime and the fact she was the longest captive prisoner of the time.(18 years)anybody else of the time would have been arrested put on trial imprisioned and executed whithin the space of a couple of weeks.Well within a week or two. And Elizabeth because she was Englands greatest monarch and never married or had children which was something different for the times.Whearas the majority of the other noblemen and nobleladies at court would have been courted.As for most of the monarchs before and after her.Also she was a prodestant.I like Thomas Culpepper because even though not much information about him exsists and no picture of him exsists I find him an interesting character.

6.My favourite Tudor films are Henry VIII and his six wives starring Keith Mitchell.Anne of a thousand days starring Richard Burton. Lady Jane starring Helena Bonham Carter.Elizabeth and Elizabeth the golden age staring Cate Blanchett.
My favourite Tudor series is Elizabeth R starring Glenda Jackson.The Tudors starring John Ryhs meyers.

7.My best portrayal of Henry VIII is Keith mitchell.i think he played the part well he suited the part both in looks height and performance.8.My best portrayal on Elizabeth is Glenda Jackson and Cate Blanchett.9My best portrayal of Mary queen of Scots is Katherine hepburn.10.My best portrayal of Anne Boleyn id Genevive Bujold Charlotte Rampling and Natalie dormer.

11.No I dont think Anne was guilty of adultery at all.I think it was a fabricated story that was made up about her by cromwell just to get rid of her.I know Anne and cromwell fell out.Also I think her only real crime was not producing a male heir but that wasnt her fault.

12.I think Catherine was guilty of adultery.She had been previously linked with Francis Dereham but this dosent mean she was still continuing the relationship while she was married to the king.According to Catherine the courtship ended when the king married lady Anna of Cleves but she appointed him to be her private secretary as queen.So this may have looked like the courtship was continuing.I think that the affair was with Thomas culpepper because there is the love letter that she wrote to him in 1541 that clearly indicates that there was something going on.Also there is word that under torture Dereham claimed that culpepper had suceeded him in Catherines affections.Also Catherine is reported to have said but whether true or not I die a queen but would rather die the wife of Culpepper.

13.I do think Mary was involved in the plot to overthrow Elizabeth.After all she had no throne of her own anymore since she had to abdicate and give her throne to James which she couldn't have liked much.but it was only due to the fact the scots didn't like her or Bothwell because of the murder of her husband Darnley.Her only hope was when Elizabeth ordered and told the scots to free her in 1567 she saw this as her only oppertunity to rule.I think that is why Mary was after the Queen of Englands throne so much because she had lost her own throne.

14.If it was the begging of Febuary 1587 and it was coming to a decision as what to do about Mary I would have kept her imprisioned or tryed corresponding with scotland and getting her put back on her own throne that is if her own people wanted her back to ruling them.She could have ruled as regent with her son.

15. I think Richard III did have something to do with the dissapearance and murder of his nephews Edward and Richard.


16..I havent visited many Tudor Historical places apart from Hampton court.I would like to go to hampton court again and to The British library and The Tower of london and Hever castle.

17.i havent seen any Tudor related exhibits unfortunately but I will be doing so soon.

18.If I could own any Tudor related items it would be Anne Boleyn's book of hours.Anne Boleyns B necklace.Some Tudor portraits and Henrys book of prayer.Also the love letters Henry wrote to anne during their long courtship.

19. I have books on the Tudor period and some Tudor inspired jewellery.also a cameo collection depicting Henry's wives and a copy of Mary queen of scots death warrant.Which I cannot find.

20.Its just Tudor history and thats it.!Ha Ha.Apart from that I like cats and Dracula.Liking dracula and cats came before my interest in liking for Tudor history.I also like shopping for clothes particulary when a sale is on.Jewellery and make up.

Elizabeth M. said...

1)Name
Elizabeth Martiniak

2)How did you get into The Tudors?
As a child when I first saw The Six Wives of Henry VIII and Elizabeth on PBS.

3) Favorite Tudor book(s)?
THE LIFE AND DEATH OF ANNE BOLEYN by Eric Ives.
MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS by Antonia Fraser

4) What Tudor book(s) are you currently reading, or have read most recently?
Currently reading CATHERINE OF ARAGON by Garrett Mattingly

5) Favorite Tudor personality, and why?
Hands down ANNE BOLEYN. She was definitely a woman hundreds of years before her time. She had to have been an astounding woman for henry to fall so madly in love with for so long and to be the catalyst for the events that set the Reformation going in England.

6) Favorite Tudor films or tv series?
The aforementioned THE SIX WIVES OF HENRY VIII and ELIZABETH R. But I also enjoyed Anne of the Thousand Days and Mary, Queen of Scots. And I am loathe to admit it, but I do very much enjoy The Tudors. Despite the show taking liberties with historical fact, which the producers make no bones about, I find the acting very good and the photography stunning.

7) Best portrayal of Henry VIII (Richard Burton, Robert Shaw, Ray Winstone, Charles Laughton, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Eric Bana, Keith Michell, Charlton Heston, etc.)?
Keith Michell--he is Henry VIII in reincarnation.

8)Best portrayal of Elizabeth I (Cate Blanchett, Bette Davis, Glenda Jackson, Anne Marie Duff, Flora Robson, Judi Dench, Helen Mirren, Judith Anderson, Florence Eldridge, Jean Simmons, etc.)

Glenda Jackson, by far! Like Keith Michell, she IS Elizabeth.

9) Best portrayal of Anne Boleyn (Natalie Portman, Dorothy Tutin, Helena Bonhan Carter, Genevieve Bujold, Johdi May, Merle Oberon, Vanessa Redgrave, Natalie Dormer, Barbara Kellerman, Charlotte Rampling, etc.)?

Dorothy Tutin for my money. Though I have really come to like Natalie Dormer as Anne--especially in the last few episodes of the second season, and her performance in the Tower, it is a tour de force, especially from such a young actress. She gives the character a vitality missing in lot of portrayals. And I do like Genevieve Bujold--her portrayal was outstanding.

10) Best portrayal of Mary Queen of Scots (Vanessa Redgrave, Vivian Pickles, Barbara Flynn, Samantha Morton, Katharine Hepburn, etc.)?
Vanessa Redgrave, though I think Vivian Pickles in Elizabeth R should get more attention, as for the small part, the actress did a wonderful job.

11) Do you think Anne Boleyn was guilty of adultery?
Absolutely not. She was framed on trumped up charges and executed in an act of judicial murder.

12) Do you think Katheryn Howard was guilty of adultery?
Yes. Though I do feel sorry for her. She was too young and scatter-brained for the role of Queen. She definitely did not have the smarts of her cousin Anne Boleyn. Basically, mentally, she was a child in a woman's body. And unfortunately, the royal wheels of justice did not account for that fact. She offended the King, and that was that. Myself, I think she could have been gotten rid of by placing her in a nunnery.

13) Do you think Mary Stuart was involved in the Babington Plot to assassinate Elizabeth I?
Yes. But I agree, who could blame her? She was trying anything to gain her freedom.

14) Imagine it was the beginning of February 1587 - if you were Elizabeth I, what you have done with Mary Stuart (execution, secret assassination, continued imprisonment, exile, pardon, etc.)?
I would probably have imprisoned her more securely--in the Tower--and totally cut off her access to any communication from the outside.

15) Do you think Richard III murdered his nephews?
Yes. He had no compunction about usurping his nephew's throne, so I do not think he spared even a thought to getting rid of the boys once he had done so, as they were liabilities around whom future rebellions could be formed around. Witness Henry VII having to chase down pretenders who claimed to be one or the other of these boys.

16) Have you ever visited Tudor related places? Or if not, where would you like to go?
Unfortunately, I have never been to England. But I would dearly love to go, and make a pilgrimage to the gravesites of each of the wives of Henry VIII. Maybe if I am lucky and visit the Tower, I will run into the ghost of Anne Boleyn and have a chat with her :)She would be so fascinating for me to be able to talk to.
I would also like to visit Scotland and see many of the places associated with Mary Queen of Scots, especially Loch Leven castle.

17) Have you seen any Tudor related exhibitions?
Sadly no.

18) If you can own (yes, own!) any Tudor related museum piece, what would it be?
A portrait of Anne Boleyn and a lock of Mary "Rose" Tudor's hair.

19) What legally obtained (LOL) Tudor related items do you have if any?
A library of probably 70 books on the Tudor era--different biographies.

20) What interests do you have outside Tudor history?
I live in Janesville, Wisconsin.
I love horses, and I write essays for a website called Thoroughbred Heritage. I also live cats. My husband and I have six of them--no human children, we could not have any, but the kitties--Casey, Ivy, Penelope, Lily, Polly, and Emmy (a 19-year-old black cat--are our children.
I work as an advocate at a womens' shelter for women who have been victims of domestic violence.

Sara said...

1) Name (or web ID):

Sara

2) How did you get into the Tudors?

My aunt bought me "Elizabeth I: Red Rose of the House of Tudor" when I was twelve, and I loved it! That's when it all started... :)

3) Favorite Tudor book(s)?


4) What Tudor book(s) are you currently reading, or have read most recently?

The book I'm reading right now is somewhat related to the Tudors, it's during Elizabeth's reign but in France. "Queen Margot". The last actual Tudor book I read was "The Lady Elizabeth" by Alison Weir.

5) Favorite Tudor personality, and why?

Elizabeth I! She was independent and intelligent, and she went through a lot.

6) Favorite Tudor films or tv series?

I like a lot of films but one of my favorites is "Elizabeth I" starring Helen Mirren.

7) Best portrayal of Henry VIII (Richard Burton, Robert Shaw, Ray Winstone, Charles Laughton, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Eric Bana, Keith Michell, Charlton Heston, etc.)?

I don't have a preference, but not Jonathan Rhys Meyers (no offense to him, just not a Henry kind of guy)!

8) Best portrayal of Elizabeth I (Cate Blanchett, Bette Davis, Glenda Jackson, Anne Marie Duff, Flora Robson, Judi Dench, Helen Mirren, Judith Anderson, Florence Eldridge, Jean Simmons, etc.)

I haven't seen all of these actresses, but from the ones I have, I still stick with Helen Mirren as one of my favorites.

9) Best portrayal of Anne Boleyn (Natalie Portman, Dorothy Tutin, Helena Bonhan Carter, Genevieve Bujold, Johdi May, Merle Oberon, Vanessa Redgrave, Natalie Dormer, Barbara Kellerman, Charlotte Rampling, etc.)?

I actually like Natalie Dormer in the part, despite my general dislike of "The Tudors" TV series.

10) Best portrayal of Mary Queen of Scots (Vanessa Redgrave, Vivian Pickles, Barbara Flynn, Samantha Morton, Katharine Hepburn, etc.)?

Vanessa Redgrave!

11) Do you think Anne Boleyn was guilty of adultery?

No. Henry was her protector. What would she have planned to do with him gone? She needed him, and was too intelligent to put herself in that kind of jeopardy.

12) Do you think Katheryn Howard was guilty of adultery?

Yes. She was just too young and didn't realize what she was doing.

13) Do you think Mary Stuart was involved in the Babington Plot to assassinate Elizabeth I

Yes, I think she probably was. She was too desperate to be free, and wanted to be Queen of England too much to think it all through.

14) Imagine it was the beginning of February 1587 - if you were Elizabeth I, what you have done with Mary Stuart (execution, secret assassination, continued imprisonment, exile, pardon, etc.)?

Possible exile? Let someone else deal with her, I guess.

15) Do you think Richard III murdered his nephews?

I think he probably did, but who knows?

16) Have you ever visited Tudor related places? Or if not, where would you like to go?

No, but I'd like to visit as many as I can.

17) Have you seen any Tudor related exhibitions?

No :(

18) If you can own (yes, own!) any Tudor related museum piece, what would it be?

Oooh, tough one. I'd just be so happy to have something, I wouldn't care what! I would like a portrait, though, if that's allowed. Any one is fine with me!

19) What legally obtained (LOL) Tudor related items do you have if any?

So many books and movies!!! Also some earrings and small things like that.

20) What interests do you have outside Tudor history?

Reading, writing, and playing the clarinet. I love cats and all animals. And movies, lots of movies!!! Disney is the best.

Gareth Russell said...

1) Name (or web ID):
GarethR

2) How did you get into the Tudors?

On a family holiday to southern Ireland, we were trapped on a rainy afternoon and I watched 'Anne of the Thousand Days' on television. I was hooked - and 8 years old, if I remember correctly.

3) Favorite Tudor book(s)?

'The Life and Death of Anne Boleyn,' by Eric Ives
'The Rise and Fall of Anne Boleyn,' by Retha M. Warnicke
'Elizabeth & Mary' by Jane Dunn
'Elizabeth: A Study in Power & Intellect,' by Paul Johnson and special mention to the novels by C.J. Sansom.

4) What Tudor book(s) are you currently reading, or have read most recently?

'Elizabeth the Queen' by Alison Weir,
'Charles Brandon, duke of Suffolk' by Dr. S.J. Gunn,
and,
'Jane Boleyn' by Julia Fox.

5) Favorite Tudor personality, and why?

Anne Boleyn. I think she was a fascinating and charismatic woman - gifted, brave if neurotic and above all, she had spirit and joie de vivre.

6) Favorite Tudor films or tv series?

'Anne of the Thousand Days'
'Elizabeth R'

7) Best portrayal of Henry VIII (Richard Burton, Robert Shaw, Ray Winstone, Charles Laughton, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Eric Bana, Keith Michell, Charlton Heston, etc.)?

Keith Michell or Richard Burton

8) Best portrayal of Elizabeth I (Cate Blanchett, Bette Davis, Glenda Jackson, Anne Marie Duff, Flora Robson, Judi Dench, Helen Mirren, Judith Anderson, Florence Eldridge, Jean Simmons, etc.)

Glenda Jackson and Cate Blanchett. I have a soft spot for Bette Davis's too, and Anne-Marie Duff's.

9) Best portrayal of Anne Boleyn (Natalie Portman, Dorothy Tutin, Helena Bonhan Carter, Genevieve Bujold, Johdi May, Merle Oberon, Vanessa Redgrave, Natalie Dormer, Barbara Kellerman, Charlotte Rampling, etc.)?

Genevieve Bujold, Merle Oberon and Natalie Dormer.

10) Best portrayal of Mary Queen of Scots (Vanessa Redgrave, Vivian Pickles, Barbara Flynn, Samantha Morton, Katharine Hepburn, etc.)?

Samantha Morton

11) Do you think Anne Boleyn was guilty of adultery?

No.

12) Do you think Katheryn Howard was guilty of adultery?

I'm not sure. I used to be certtain on the yes side. But not any longer.

13) Do you think Mary Stuart was involved in the Babington Plot to assassinate Elizabeth I

I think it more than likely.

14) Imagine it was the beginning of February 1587 - if you were Elizabeth I, what you have done with Mary Stuart (execution, secret assassination, continued imprisonment, exile, pardon, etc.)?

I would have prevaricated, like Elizabeth hoped to. How I would have acted in the final game-play is anyone's guess.

15) Do you think Richard III murdered his nephews?

Yes. It is the only explanation that logically fits and his seizure of power in 1483 shows that he was more than capable of vicious bloodshed.

16) Have you ever visited Tudor related places? Or if not, where would you like to go?

I've seen many in Oxford and also London, but I have to see Hever Castle and Blickling Hall one day.

17) Have you seen any Tudor related exhibitions?

No.

18) If you can own (yes, own!) any Tudor related museum piece, what would it be?

I would love to own the clock Henry VIII gave Anne Boleyn in 1531 and a letter in Queen Elizabeth's hand

19) What legally obtained (LOL) Tudor related items do you have if any?

None from the period, alas.

20) What interests do you have outside Tudor history?

Acting, writing, politics, literature, theology and modern culture.

Anonymous said...

1) Name (or web ID):

Lisa

2) How did you get into the Tudors?

When I wasin the 6th grade, my teacher read us a fiction story about Queen Mary I. It sparked my interest a lot. Otherwise, therewouldnt be an interest.

3) Favorite Tudor book(s)?
Six Wives by David Starkey. I use it for research papers.


4) What Tudor book(s) are you currently reading, or have read most recently?

I havent read anything recently, but I want to read a new one soon!

5) Favorite Tudor personality, and why?

Tie between Mary I and Catherine of Aragon. I think Mary is misunderstood with today's people. I think she wouldve been a good queen if england remained Catholic. Catherine's story is so romantic and dramatic that I cant help but have a soft spot for her.

6) Favorite Tudor films or tv series?

The Tudors on HBO is so far the best of what I've seen, but I want to watch more movies soon.

7) Best portrayal of Henry VIII (Richard Burton, Robert Shaw, Ray Winstone, Charles Laughton, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Eric Bana, Keith Michell, Charlton Heston, etc.)?

Keith Michell

8) Best portrayal of Elizabeth I (Cate Blanchett, Bette Davis, Glenda Jackson, Anne Marie Duff, Flora Robson, Judi Dench, Helen Mirren, Judith Anderson, Florence Eldridge, Jean Simmons, etc.)

Honestly, I have never watched a movie/tv show about Elizabeth. For some reason, she doesnt interest me as an historical figure.

9) Best portrayal of Anne Boleyn (Natalie Portman, Dorothy Tutin, Helena Bonhan Carter, Genevieve Bujold, Johdi May, Merle Oberon, Vanessa Redgrave, Natalie Dormer, Barbara Kellerman, Charlotte Rampling, etc.)?

in all honesty, I thought Natalie Portman did an amazing job.

10) Best portrayal of Mary Queen of Scots (Vanessa Redgrave, Vivian Pickles, Barbara Flynn, Samantha Morton, Katharine Hepburn, etc.)?

Vanessa Redgrave

11) Do you think Anne Boleyn was guilty of adultery?

No. Anne Boleyn was smart. she would've never intentionally ruined her future that way.

12) Do you think Katheryn Howard was guilty of adultery?

Yes. She was young, and her husband must have seemed dreadfully old to her.

13) Do you think Mary Stuart was involved in the Babington Plot to assassinate Elizabeth I

yes.

14) Imagine it was the beginning of February 1587 - if you were Elizabeth I, what you have done with Mary Stuart (execution, secret assassination, continued imprisonment, exile, pardon, etc.)?

I agree with whoever said to keep her son under my watchful eye. I'd send her back to Scotland.

15) Do you think Richard III murdered his nephews?

I wouldnt know. I havent started studying that yet.

16) Have you ever visited Tudor related places? Or if not, where would you like to go?

No, I live in the middle of Montana, so nothing Tudor related here.

17) Have you seen any Tudor related exhibitions?

No

18) If you can own (yes, own!) any Tudor related museum piece, what would it be?

a portrait would be nice. I could hang it in my den. :)

19) What legally obtained (LOL) Tudor related items do you have if any?

a few books, some movies. I'm broke all the time so it's hard for me to get Tudor related things.

20) What interests do you have outside Tudor history?

Reading, crocheting, baking and singing. I dont have many talents, but singing is the thing I am best at. I am also fond of science.

djd said...

Interesting. Most of my answers follow yours. Just recently, I overheard a group of people talking about what Anne's part was in all the events leading up to the excecution. Some even believe she is guilty as charged. I don't, but like all folks that pass on, we tend to overlook the errors and faux pas of the decedant and almost cannonize them. I would love to read a book about the real Anne Boleyn, along with all her mistakes, errors, stupid comments, etc. Some authors do much better than that than others.

Anonymous said...

wow this is great i also love tudors

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
1) Name (or web ID):

Michael

2) How did you get into the Tudors?

As a small child, my parents took me to Eltham Palace.

3) Favorite Tudor book(s)?

Eric Ives's The Life and Death of Anne Boleyn
Alison Weir's Elizabeth the Queen
David Starkey's Six Wives
Antonia Fraser's The Six Wives of Henry VIII

4) What Tudor book(s) are you currently reading, or have read most recently?

I've just finished Ives.
5) Favorite Tudor personality, and why?

Anne Boleyn - the reason being that I have just finished Ives's biography of her, and I feel more fascinated than ever.

6) Favorite Tudor films or tv series?

A Man for All Seasons, Shakespeare in Love, The Six Wives of Henry VIII, Elizabeth R, Fire Over England, and Wolf Hall.

7) Best portrayal of Henry VIII (Richard Burton, Robert Shaw, Ray Winstone, Charles Laughton, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Eric Bana, Keith Michell, Charlton Heston, etc.)?

Keith Michell. Robert Shaw, Richard Burton, and Damian Lewis are all strong contenders. Charles Laughton is superb, but that version is pure fantasy. I have little time for any of the others.

8) Best portrayal of Elizabeth I (Cate Blanchett, Bette Davis, Glenda Jackson, Anne Marie Duff, Flora Robson, Judi Dench, Helen Mirren, Judith Anderson, Florence Eldridge, Jean Simmons, etc.)

Glenda Jackson! Helen Mirren, Flora Robson, and Judi Dench are also very good.

9) Best portrayal of Anne Boleyn (Natalie Portman, Dorothy Tutin, Helena Bonhan Carter, Genevieve Bujold, Johdi May, Merle Oberon, Vanessa Redgrave, Natalie Dormer, Barbara Kellerman, Charlotte Rampling, etc.)?

Dorothy Tutin. I think that Charlotte Rampling is the best physical match; Genevieve Bujold is spirited and charismatic; Merle Oberon is moving; and Vanessa Redgrave is very promising (such a shame that she didn't get to speak!) Claire Foy is also good, but I don't like the others, including the overrated Natalie Dormer.

10) Best portrayal of Mary Queen of Scots (Vanessa Redgrave, Vivian Pickles, Barbara Flynn, Samantha Morton, Katharine Hepburn, etc.)?

Vanessa Redgrave. Barbara Flynn's execution scene is similar to how I imagine it.

11) Do you think Anne Boleyn was guilty of adultery?

No.

12) Do you think Katheryn Howard was guilty of adultery?

Probably not technically. She was almost certainly guilty of having had a relationship with Francis Dereham before she was married, and that was what really hurt Henry: he had assumed that she was a virgin when he fell for her. Of course she had an intimate friendship with Culpepper, but I doubt that it was consummated. I think that, after Anne Boleyn's example, they would have been too scared to have done so. I agree with David Starkey's interpretation.

13) Do you think Mary Stuart was involved in the Babington Plot to assassinate Elizabeth I

Yes, but I don't entirely blame her. She was very badly treated.

14) Imagine it was the beginning of February 1587 - if you were Elizabeth I, what you have done with Mary Stuart (execution, secret assassination, continued imprisonment, exile, pardon, etc.)?

Exile.

15) Do you think Richard III murdered his nephews?

I can't think of any other explanation - although he probably didn't murder them personally.

16) Have you ever visited Tudor related places? Or if not, where would you like to go?

So many! My favourites include Leeds Castle and Windsor Castle.

17) Have you seen any Tudor related exhibitions?

Many.

18) If you can own (yes, own!) any Tudor related museum piece, what would it be?

The love letters of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn.

19) What legally obtained (LOL) Tudor related items do you have if any?

Third seal of Henry VIII, in use 1542-1547; statues of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I.

20) What interests do you have outside Tudor history?

Travel, literature (my MA is in Victorian literature), languages, theatre, all periods of history, cultural differences, art, classical music, and anything to do with food!