Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Question from Kathy - Superstitions about clothing and jewelry from the dead

With the expense of clothing and jewelry in the Tudor times, I am guessing that many articles of clothing and jewelry were passed on after death. But I also wonder if there were people had superstitions about taking on clothing or jewelry of someone that had passed away. Also, how would (say clothing) have been given out. When Catherine of Aragon, Ann Boleyn, Jane Seymour, etc. died, did their children, their servants, receive their clothing or was it just broken down for the next Queen's clothing? Thank you!

Friday, April 10, 2015

Question from RH - Henry VII and Elizabeth of York's marriage medal

Hi everyone,

I'm doing some research on a medal showing Henry VII and Elizabeth of York:

http://www.reformation.org/henry-liz-medallion.jpg

My question is - does anyone know where (museum, institution, etc.) this medal can be found?

Thanks!

Thursday, April 09, 2015

Question from A.R. - Mary Boleyn's financial situation after William Carey's death

Hello everyone,

I have a question regarding Mary Boleyn. I'm re-reading Alison Weir's biography of Mary, but I can't find the explanation why Mary was so poor after William Carey's death? Carey was an up-and-coming, wealthy courtier and it is hard to understand why his widow was left destitute after his death. Shouldn't she receive some an annual income (I think it's called jointure) as all widows in the Tudor period? Is it because her dowry was not settled? or because her husband died intestate? I don't really understand why a widow of such a wealthy man would have been so poor after his death. Can anyone explain? Than you in advance! :-)