Question from Helena - Katherine of Aragon costume

For an upcoming faire I intended to masquerade as a young Katherine of Aragon (with by boyfriend as Henry VIII and a friend as Cardinal Wolsey). As such I was hoping you could help me answer some costuming questions. I have done my own research of course, but it's always nice to get answers from a real-time person, not a long stagnant website.

First, I want to put it out there that I am a college student and do not have the money to spend on a completely accurate costume. As such I am leaning heavily towards a pattern that is relatively simple to sew. As of now I have two, which I have included below. One is based off the famous Princess Elizabeth portrait, while the other is more generic and more Elizabethan. Your input of which to use (or an alternative) would be greatly appreciated.

http://www.joann.com/simplicity-pattern-3782hh-misses-costumes-sz-6-12/11102480.html#prefn1=brand&prefn2=type&sz=54&start=1&prefv1=Simplicity&prefv2=Costume+Patterns

http://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/29387

For colors I was thinking green, it seems fresh and young and fitting of a Queen. Katherine seems to favor red in her portraits, so that is an option, along with blue. Fabric is where I am really stuck though. Because this event is in the summer (late August/early September) I would like it to be as light as possible. I have read everything from wool, to silk, to velvet, and I was really hoping I could have your expert opinion there.

Thank you so very much,
Helena

Question from Myreen - Marshall Tunstall

I am seeking information on Marshall Tunstall, a descendant of Edward I, and some archbishops and Nevilles, related to most of the crowns of England and Europe, and direct thru his father from Brian the Shining Knight. He was in Virginia during the 1670s and died in the late 1690s. He intermarried with the Barons of de la Warre, who are direct descendents of Mary Boleyn. Also, seeking information on the Quarles of Virginia.

Traveling for work July 9 through 12

Hello all! It's once again time for me to make the journey west to McDonald Observatory for our summer board meeting, so I'll have limited time to post new questions and approve comments during that time. I'll be back to a regular schedule on Monday July 13.

Question from Nan - Catherine Willoughby and Anne Boleyn

Hello!

I've been reading about Catherine Willoughby, Duchess of Suffolk. Something I haven't been able to find is any reference to her feelings about Anne Boleyn. I know Willoughby's mother was Maria de Salinas (dear friend of Catherine of Aragon), but that Catherine Willoughby's religious attitudes came to be much closer to those of Anne than the Catholic Catherine of Aragon.

This question was sparked for me by Wendy Dunn's novel The Light in the Labyrinth, which poses Willoughby as one of Anne's supporters. Yet the version of her in The Tudors series is very anti-Anne. While I know that historical facts cannot always be gleaned by fiction, I am wondering if there is any information about Catherine Willoughby's actual feelings regarding Anne Boleyn.

Thank you!

Question from Peter - Record of claims on lands of Thomas de Hasilden

Dear Tudor Q&A the following is a catalogue entry for a 15th/16th Century manuscript.

Can anyone advise on what grounds Roger Banastre et al are likely to have had a claim to the lands and tenements mentioned and/or why the lands should go to them in particular rather than anyone else?


Dean and college of the free chapel of St Stephens Westminster to Roger Banastre Richard Altham, and Robert Broun of Wakefield.

To take seizen of lands and tenements in Wakefield which ought to revert to them on the death of Thomas de Hasilden, the father, by reason of the bastardy of the said Thomas. Which Thomas is dead without legitimate issue.

Many thanks.
Peter

Question from Peter - Duties of the position of chapman

At the time of Henry VII what did a "chapman" do?
I have a record of one Richard Pek who was "chapman" and "yeoman" of H. VII who was listed in H.VIII Pardon Rolls.

Many thanks.
Peter