Question from Megan - Causes of death

Has there been any papers published about the illness that caused the death of Arthur Tudor, Henry FitzRoy, Edward VI, and Henry Brandon, Earl of Lincoln. I can't remember where I read it, but diabetes could have been the genetic cause of death, thanks

Question from Lisa - Patrick Williams book on Catherine of Aragon

I am wondering about Patrick Williams' book on Catherine of Aragon, I have not been able to get a copy of it, I am wondering if anyone else has been able to get a copy of it, or if they know how I could get one?

Reminder! Survey and Book Give-away

Go here for the details:

http://tudorhistory.org/blog/2012/10/26/new-survey-and-anne-of-hollywood-book-give-away/

Question from Ben - Evidence of Tudor homosexuality

Tudor Homosexuality - Has My Mum Made an Interesting Discovery?

My Mum enjoys researching local history and I think she may have discovered an interesting reference in a 1547 will.

A noble, Henry Marwood, apparently unmarried leaves various rings and valuable possession to his mother, brothers and a few others. What caught my Mum's eye was when he left:-

Mr. Peter Osborne, my bedfellowe and specyall frynde, my sealynge rynge of golde, whervvythe I have sealyd this my last wyll.

"Bedfellow and special friend" seems a delightful way to refer to a gay partner. As Marwood's mother was executor, presumably the family accepted the relationship. But are such references rare enough to make them interesting?

My Mum was looking at the book it in a local library, but the full text(Charles Worthy, Devonshire Wills 1896.), is online. The Marwood will is on page 2:-

http://archive.org/details/devonshirewillsc00wortiala

Thank you

Ben


A few related threads are linked below. - Lara

http://queryblog.tudorhistory.org/2008/03/question-from-angie-homosexuality-in.html

http://queryblog.tudorhistory.org/2009/01/question-from-gervase-homosexuals-in.html

Question from Katie - Women's hunting outfits

I have trying to research hunting outfits in early Tudor England. I came across a note in a book that said women occasional would wear men's breeches and boots while hunting or hawking, but I have been unable to find any other reference to support this. Is this true? Would women of standing ever wear breeches or pants of some sort.
Thanks!!

Question from Lenora - Perceptions of red hair

I have a questioning regarding red hair--I know that the Tudors were redheads and that red hair became a really popular color during Queen Elizabeth's reign (as she of course was a redhead.)

However, I recently read that redheads in the UK today are often discriminated against and disparaging called "gingers."

Also, the Puritans believed that red hair people were more likely to be witches.

How did red hair go from being a sign of royalty to something considered evil or undesirable?

Also, this is un-Tudor related but I was wondering if people in the UK really don't like "gingers" or if its some kind of odd joke. I read the whole "ginger prejudice" thing on wiki so I am unsure if its true.

Thanks for reading/answering my question!

Question from Stacey - Crown wearing

Lara, just watching the video on Henry's crown, loving it! Thank you for posting it.
How often were the crowns actually worn? Especially for the royal women....the only paintings you see have them in hoods. Also,(men & women), is there a size/design difference based on their rank?

Question from Sarah - Mary Tudor Brandon and Anne Boleyn's Coronation

I've read several times that Mary Rose Tudor died just before the coronation of Anne Boleyn. I have also read that she didn't die until three weeks after the ceremony, and that she did refuse to go. What is the truth?

Question from Jan - The Regale of France

The Regale of France, donated by Louis VII, and purloined by Henry VIII from the Shrine of Thomas Becket, was made into a ring for Henry. Somewhere - and I cannot now find the source - it was mentioned that this jewel found its way into a collar for Queen Mary (Bloody Mary). Does anyone know the whereabouts of the Regale now or did it just disappear.

Also information and description is confusing. The Regale is most often referred to as a Cabuchon Ruby but elsewhere I've seen it referred to as a diamond. Could anyone elucidate please.

Thank you in anticipation.

Question from Caitlin - Burial and mourning customs

Trying to research for a novel set in the late Medieval - early Tudor period. The Duke has died shortly after announcing the engagement of his grandson (then earl, now marquis). I am trying to make sure I get all the details about burial and mourning correct.

First libations are said, then there is a wake, then burial in the church. Black was the color of mourning. Is there a mourning period where celebrations such as a wedding would be put on hold or is that only for a widow to ensure she isn't pregnant. Any other details about how the household would be run or "decorated" (i.e. cloth on mirrors such as in Judaism)?

Thanks!!


Related thread linked below. - Lara

http://queryblog.tudorhistory.org/2008/07/question-from-ashley-mourning-and.html

Question from Reyna - Henry VIII's possible divorce of Katherine Parr

I learned that Cathrine Parr was Henry VIII's sixth and last wife. I also heard rumors he wanted to divorce her and marry someone else. Is this true?
Thanks. :)

Question from Courtney - Introductions

I'm trying to find out some information about introductions - namely, how people introduced themselves to each other. My particular interest is in the nobility and how they would have been introduced to each other at court. Did a man just walk up to a girl he liked and say "Hi, I'm the earl of So-and-So"? And how would she respond? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Question from Sarah - Backlash against Spaniards

When Henry VIII was annuling his marriage to Katherine of Aragon, was there a backlash against other Spaniards at Court and in London?

Question from Bron - Men's rings

Men wearing rings in Tudor portraits.

I am intrigued by Holbein's Man with a Lute and I note the young man is wearing a ring on the 'ring finger' of his right hand.

And yet I can find very little information on men's rings at this time. Does anyone have more information, please?