Question from Theresa - Margaret Beaufort's labor

I am absolutely obsessed with anything Tudor and further back and have set myself to learning as much as possible about this subject. I have read Phillipa Gregory's book "The Red Queen" for the umpteenth time and have been confused each time by something I've read. During Margaret Beaufort's labour with Henry VII, it said that Margaret was "tossed in a blanket" to help labour progress. I understand that some of this book is fiction, but something like that can't just come out of the blue - there must be a grain of truth about this somewhere. As a mum of seven kids, I can't understand for the life of me how that is supposed to help. Can anyone give me some insight on this? Thank you very much!

Question from Kyra - Prince Arthur in Calais in 1498

Did Prince Arthur go to Calais in 1498? I was reading the Spanish state calendar papers and came across a section..

"Henry said that God alone knows how much, and for how long a time, he has desired the marriage of the Princess Katharine with the Prince of Wales. As soon as the Prince of Wales, who is in Calais, arrives, the marriage ceremony will be performed, and all things will change from good to better" was Arthur in Calais in July 1498 or I am misunderstanding the passage?

“A Queen of a New Invention” – Q&A with J. Stephan Edwards

Hello all!

I wanted to post a note over here that there is a post on the News blog with a Q&A that Foose did with PhDHistorian about his new book. I know some people only check this blog so I wanted to make sure everyone saw the post. And if you have any follow-up questions or comments, please leave them on that post (I'll close comments on this post so they all stay together on that one).

Question from Anthony - Need for Monarch and Court in proximity

The large size of the Tudor court, including servants, made food supply a constant problem and required kings to be almost nomadic for parts of their reigns, I think. Why was it then so essential for eg Henry the Eighth to have his court in close physical proximity?

Question from Roslyn - Descendants of the Poles

My grandmother was born Alice Mary Pole in 1876(?). We were always told we were descendants from the de la Poles! My grandmother was born in Bristol,from a banking family, and one of 9 children. Her father went bust and she came to Southern Africa to nurse, met my grandfather, John James Seton-Rogers, and had 4 children. Any links to either of the Pole families that you have found?
May be too modern! But worth a try- I have spent ages without much luck!
Thanks,
Ros

Question from Sarah - Resources on crime in 16th century England and Wales

Can anyone recommend a book on crime in 16th century England and Wales - is there an area which has been well-explored?

Question from Sarah - Working class 16th century people

Can anyone recommend a good article or book on working class 16th-century English and Welsh people? Has much research been done in this area?