Question from Beth - Tudor gardens

Why did the tudors have neat gardens?

Question from Nancie - More on Sir Francis Bryan

I am seeking information about the family line of Sir Francis Bryan. I am from his line. Is there a definitive published line? Where may I see the line? Also, is there a connection to Sir Guy de Bryan buried in Tewksbury Abbey? He fought in the Seige of Calais and lived in mid 1300's.

Thank you,
Nancie Cole Sutter

Question from John - Henry VII's deathbed

Is it true that when Henry VII was about to die that he told his son Henry VIII that the most important thing he could do as king was to have a son to provide a male heir to the throne? A Masterpiece Theater production about Henry VIII on PBS show a scene where this happens, but I cannot find any documentation for it, if it really happened

Question from Anna - Henry VIII's deathbed

I read recently somewhere that Henry VIII called out Jane Seymour's name on his deathbed and I was wondering A) was this true and B) who was the source of this news?

Question from Karin - Elizabeth hearing of Anne's execution

What is known about how and when Elizabeth I found out about the fate of her mother?

Question from Tony - Info on Sir William Tyrwhitt

Can anybody tell me 1)who was Sir William Tyrwhitt, 2)what position did he hold in Wolsey's household, and 3)what happened to him after his unsuccessful suit for the hand of Margaret Vernon, widow of Sir Richard Vernon of Haddon Hall, in 1517?

Question from ? - Accuracy of "Mary, Bloody Mary"

Does anyone know the historical accuracy of the book Mary, Bloody Mary. People in the book (Lady Susan,Salisbury, Lady Julia,Charels, Chapuys, Cromwell,and Reginald) real people that were a part of Mary's life?

Question from ? - Links for ancestors at court

Are there any particular websites or links for those who may have had ancestors who were members of courts of royalty?

Question from Kerry - Portrait of Sir Francis Bryan

I am a descendant of Sir Francis Bryan (1490-1550), boy-companion and courtier to Henry VIII. Sir Francis was the man who petitioned the Pope for Henry VIII's divorce from Catherine of Aragon, and he was also a cousin of Anne Boleyn. Bryan was a poet, author, cypherer, diplomat, soldier, and the closest confidante of the King. I am seeking a portrait of Sir Francis Bryan. He was painted by the famous court painter Hans Holbein, but the portrait has never been found. Does anyone have any idea where it may repose? He is distinguished by wearing an eye-patch, one eye having been put out in a jousting match.

Question from Elizabeth - Edwards family

Is there any information on the DNA for the Edwards Family? Richard Edwards is said to be the son of Henry Vlll. How can one do research on this?

Question from Isha - Renaissance-themed Valentine cards

Hello! I was wondering if anyone has information on where I can get Renaissance-themed Valentine cards? I was thinking of cards with maybe old quotes, kings and queens, or basically anything historical related. The Tudor era is of course my favorite period, but any related information is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your help!

Question from Hannah - Tudor New Year

Hi,

I've become increasingly confused about Tudor dating in my reading - some authors (such as Joanna Denny) say that the Tudor year began in March (I think the date is 25th), and she sticks to the Tudor dating in her book, which would mean that (for example) 2 Feb 1525 in Tudor times would be 2 Feb 1526 according to our calender - right?

Yet recently I read David Starkey's book on Henry VIII's six wives, and he asserts that Anne presented Henry with the carving of a maiden on a storm-tossed sea in new year 1526/7 - he then goes on to say that this was on 1st January. Can someone please help me unwind this riddle!

When was the Tudor New Year? If it was in March does this mean Starkey's dating of the letters is wrong?

Sorry if this is a bit technical and involved!

Thanks for any help!

Catching up... new questions coming soon!

Sorry I've gotten behind on posting the more recent submissions, but I'll get them up tonight.