Question from Nancy - Tudor teeth

I recently read Alison Weir's Children of Henry VIII. She mentioned a few times that both Mary and Elizabeth had bad luck in the tooth department. Elizabeth even stuffed her mouth with cotton to fill in the gaps. I read on this site of another q&a that perhaps her black teeth may have been something of a trend. My question is this: How many teeth were missing in these ladies?! What did the artists have Mary and Elizabeth do so their portraits wouldn't come out with them looking like they have "bitter beer face?" And, if having black teeth was en vogue, why did Elizabeth 'stuff' with white rags?
P.S. I'm so glad this blog exists. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[Note from Lara - you're welcome Nancy!]

Question from Diana - Frances and Eleanor Brandon in the succession

Why were Frances and Eleanor Brandon passed over in the line of succession to the throne in favor of their "heirs of the body" in both Henry VIII's will and Edward VI's Devise for the Succession?

Question from Anonymous - Contemporary perception of Thomas More

I am a Sophmore in High School and I am doing a summer project about Sir. Thomas More. I was wondering how the Tudor society precieved More. From reading the book "The Daughter of Time" and "A Man for All Seasons", I think they liked More, but I am uncertain. Furthermore, if they did like More, why was he put to death?

Question from Mark - Additional sources on the last two years of Henry VIII's reign

I am studying, in depth, the last two years of Henry VIII's reign. I've exhausted secondary sources and the main primary sources, such as Letters and Papers. Where else should I look? I'm particularly interested in the role of Catherine Parr and her relationship with, and influence on Henry VIII, and the truth about her possible arrest. Thanks in advance for any answers.

Question from Marie - When did adultery of a Queen become treason

In most Anne Boleyn biographies, it seems that historians suggest adultery was a treasonous offense for a queen and that the irony in Anne Boleyn's case was that she signed away that her marriage was never valid, thereby making it a non-treasonous offense.

I just noticed in Allison Weir's "Six Wives" she claims that even adultry by a queen was not yet at that time consider treason and that's why Cromwell added in the additional charges of conspiracy to murder.

Which is accurate?

Question from Marie - Period poetry of the Sweating Sickness of 1528

Does anyone know if there is any period poetry written dealing directly with the Sweating Sickness that hit England in the summer of 1528?

Question from Macy - Titles of younger sons of kings

I have a question about the royal sons. I know the eldest is naturally the Prince of Wales. But is the second always destined for the church? What titles do they traditionally hold of any? And third or fourth sons? I would assume they hold dukedoms but are their wives have a princess title?

Question from Tyler - Medal of Anne Boleyn vs. painting of her sister Mary

Im new to the this site, and i wanted to ask a question. Im once did a history report on this peroid and i loved it ever since. I have seen many supposed "authentic" portraits of Anne Boleyn, but i believe one is right in front of us. if you compare the image in her medal struck to honour the birth of a son http://www.geocities.com/boleynfamily/anne/abmedal.jpg (that sadly never happend) and of a portait thats called her sister Mary Boleyn http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b0/Mary_Boleyn.jpg, in my opinion the portraits of Anne and NOT Mary. the coin seems to confirm my beliefs, the only differnces are the necklace and maybe the brooch. The dress in the actual portrait also fits the description of Anne's gown she wore to her execution in May and i also believe she wore a Gable Hood to show the People she was still the english Queen after Henry had her marriage anulled by Cranmer on the 17.

So alls i ask is what is your opionion and what not.

Sorry it took me so long.. by the way im 14.

Question from Teja - Treatment of women of various classes

Hi I am doing a history project on Tudor England(particularly Elizabethan times) and need help with a few questions.
Q. To what extent were women treated differently in various classes of society in Tudor England?
Q. How were women/men in lower classes disadvantaged to those in upper classes in the legal system in Tudor England?

I need as much help as possible and any type of helpful would be much appreciated. I'm an Yr 13 student(NZ) and am 17yrs old.

Question from Zoe - Drinking habits of Tudor people

I've just read a book by Anthony Burgess on Shakespeare in which he says that people in Tudor times were walking around half tipsy due to the fact that they drank nothing but beer and wine.
Is that right? I wouldn't have thought it was possible for anyone to function like that - although it might explain some of the wackier Tudor behaviours.
They must have drunk at least some water!
Also, while we're on the subject of health and hygiene - how did women manage with their monthlies?
My curiosity has just gone into overdrive!

[Note - related threads listed below]

http://tudorhistory.org/queryblog/2008/04/question-from-beth-womens-underwear-and.html

http://tudorhistory.org/queryblog/2008/08/question-from-krissy-effect-of-wine-on.html

http://tudorhistory.org/queryblog/2008/09/question-from-kelly-heavy-alcohol.html

Question from Tracey - Attendance of Henry VIII events this year

With all the hoopla surrounding Henry VIII this year in England, how many Englishpersons are actually participating in the festivities?

Do most events seem to be geared towards visitors, or are the ancestors of the people Henry ruled just as interested?

Has "The Tower" reported an increase in tourists since the focus has shifted to Hal? How about The British Library, the country homes which have scheduled events, or art/portrait galleries? Is Hampton Court inundated with lookie-loos?

All things Tudor seems to be overwhelming the U.S. so just wondered if all things Henry in England were driving the natives crazy (grin).

Question from tudor fanatic - Catherine Howard's connections with Dereham and Culpepper

I am a bit confused as the connections that Catherine Howard had with Francis Dereham and Thomas Culpepper. I read in one book that Dereham was a distant relation of Catherine's, and that Culpepper was her first cousin on her mother's side (which I know could be possible in view of the fact that Catherine's mother's maiden name was Culpepper). On the other hand, another book says that Dereham had no connection with Catherine at all and that Culpepper was only very very distantly connected to her. Which is more correct? Does anyone know?

Question from Jana Pac - Tudor English

Hello,
I have already ask for help on this web page but it was long time ago.Unfortunately I still haven´t found any material about the topic of my Bachelors theses so I would like to ask for your help again. I am supposed to write about English language in Tudor times, how it was used at schools, in the offices, church... It would be great if someone could give me a hint. Thank you so much for help.

Previous thread linked below -
http://tudorhistory.org/queryblog/2009/03/question-from-jankapac-english-in-tudor.html

Cross-post from News Blog: Kathy's report from Steven Gunn's lecture

Just in case you guys don't read the news blog, here is a link to Kathy's write-up of the lecture on Charles Brandon by Steven Gunn at Gainsborough Old Hall.

Question from Brittany Ann - Opinions on two Tudor books

I picked up two Tudor-related books at a used bookshop this week, and would like to know some opinions on them...

"A Tudor Tragedy: The Life and Times of Catherine Howard" by Lacey Baldwin Smith

"Tudor History and the Historians" by F. Smith Fussner

How accurate should I expect them to be?

Thanks,
Brittany Ann

Question from salve radix - Descriptions of Henry VIII's medical issues and examinations

I'm investigating HenryVIII for my graduation in a branch of alternative medicine, and I need to find records with description of his symptoms, as detailed as possible, physical examination ( ie. urine, etc)as well as treatment prescribed. Can anyone point me in the right direction? thanks.

Question from tudor fanatic - Tudor wedding ceremony

Can anyone tell me anything about the Tudor style wedding ceremony? I read somewhere that the bride would have bridemen as well as bridesmaids, and that it wasn't traditional for the bride to wear white as it is now, but I was just wondering if there were any specific customs/traditions etc. that have got lost through time. Also, if anyone knows the actual words of the ceremony, then that would be great. Thanks!

PS This isn't for a homework or anything; it's just out of interest.

Question form Laura - Henry VIII doubting Elizabeth's paternity

First of all, I want to thank you so much for this site. I'm obsessed with Tudor England and being homebound (with Lupus and a few other fun conditions) it's hard for me to get to a decent library to research all that I want to know.

I've read nearly every post on the site and I haven't seen this question...Did Henry VIII ever truly doubt Elizabeth's paternity? I know that Mary I believed or said she believed that Mark Smeaton was Elizabeth's father, but did Henry? I can't imagine him ever putting her back in the line of succession if he had doubts, but then, as is often mentioned, getting into Henry's head is a difficult task.

Question from Haven - English control of Calais

When did England gain and lose Calais? And is it still around now, or does it go by a different name now?

Question from tudor fanatic - Henry Carey and the Lord Chamberlain's men

I was looking in a book about Shakespeare, and I found a reference to Henry Carey, Lord Hunsdon (presumably meaning Mary Boleyn's son, though they had his birthdate wrong by a couple of years). Apparently, he became Lord Chamberlain a few years before his death, and he helped to organise and fund the Chamberlain's Men, which was the early name for the company of players (actors) that Shakespeare belonged to and wrote his plays for. I was just wondering if anyone else knew anything about this, because I haven't seen a reference to it anywhere else.

Question from Winnie - Efficacy of Tudor medicine

Hi, I am currently doing a project on Tudor medicine.
I was just wondering.. how effective was the medicine used in that period?

Question from uk lady - Position of Anne at her execution

After finally watching the last episode on Video of the Tudors season 2 , I know Anne was executed by the sword , was it a samurai type of execution where the person is standing or did she lie on the block, obviously a sword is used differently to an axe so I was curious

Question from Elizabeth M - Autopsy or embalming of Anne Boleyn

After the execution of Anne Boleyn, was there any record of an autopsy being done? After the execution of Mary Queen of Scots, an autopsy was performed and the body was embalmed. Was this standard procedure, or was Anne just buried with no post-mortem examination of her remains?

[Note from Lara - I'm adding in the embalming to Anne's body in the question subject heading, since I was kind of wondering about that myself!]

Question from Liz - Mistresses of the nobility

I was wondering if it was common for nobility in the Elizabethan era to keep mistresses. If a man's infidently came to light, would that hurt his repuation like it does today?

Question from Nikki - Weir's "The Lady Elizabeth"

I just read the first few pages of Alison Weir's, "The Lady Elizabeth." I just picked up the book in a store and assumed it would be a true account of Elizabeth. I didn't realize it was fictional until I started reading!

I'm only 12 pages in and Weir has Mary telling Elizabeth of her mother's death. Who really told Elizabeth?

Has anyone read this, and what are your thoughts?

Question from Katie - Anne's coat of arms

I'm curious about the origin's of Anne Boleyn's coat of arms. I understand that this comprised of a falcon wearing a crown on a blue background, is this correct? Is it known whether she chose/designed this herself or was it perhaps inherited?
I also understand that she herself chose her motto "The most happy", again any confirmation/comments on this would be greatfully received.

Question from Ann - Anne and Henry's secret marriage ceremony

Hello, I have another question for all you sparks out there.
I have been researching Henry VIII's marriage to Anne Boleyn and somewhere I read that Thomas Cramner officiated at the secret ceremony, yet other sources say it was an unnamed priest who performed the service. Do any of you know? Thanks.

Question from Ann - Relationship between Anne and her uncle Norfolk

I have had help from these pages in the past, as I am writing what I hope will be a published novel eventually, so thank you everyone for your assistance.
I now need to know, was the Duke of Norfolk friend or foe to Anne Boleyn? I have conflicting information on this subject, and I would like to know whether there was any friction between uncle and niece.
Thanks everyone.

Question from Marilyn R. - Questions for Gunn lecture on Charles Brandon

I'm meeting up with Kathy for the Steven Gunn lecture on Charles Brandon at Gainsborough Old Hall on Friday. My own interest is in the earlier Brandons rather than Charles, so if anyone has a question for Dr. Gunn I'd be glad to ask it on your behalf.

Question from Elizabeth M - Food for prisoners

I know this is an unusual question. I enjoy watching The Tudors, despite its inaccuracies. When Anne is kept in her Tower room, her waiting women throw out her food--some fruit, bread and cheese. Was that staple fare for imprisoned people. As Queen, would she not have been given something a bit better? Granted, she probably did not eat much, but as a high ranking prisoner, wouldn't she have received better sustenance than ordinary prisoners?

Question from Bron - Construction of horse litters

We read regarding Tudor times that the elderly, the unfit and the recalcitrant were sometimes transported by horse litter. I wonder how these litters were constructed? I suspect they had wheels towards the rear, and were a little like modern trotting vehicles, with two long shafts going up either side of the horse. I would be most interested to know how a horse litter actually was made.

Question from Abby - Joan v. Jane

I love Tudor history and love to look at the picture galleries on this site. While browsing through pictures of Jane Seymour, I came across a sketch of her with her name given as "Iohanna." (it is the bottom picture in her gallery.) I know from studying latin myself that the letter I is often used instead of the letter J, but using the J instead so the name reads Johanna sounds more like the name Joan instead of Jane. Were the names Joan and Jane interchangeable or am I interpreting the name wrong?

Question from Sharon - Websites with photos of Tudor artifacts

I have not yet been to England but when i go I plan on visiting historic Tudor sites. In the meantime, I have been trying to find websites that have photos of Tudor artifacts (jewels, clothing, writing) much like what is included in this site. The only thing I have found so far is the Showtime Series "The Tudors" website. Does anyone know of any other sites?

Question from Jean (Anne's Fan) - Comments on the Bell "St. Peter ad Vincula" book

I have been reading the Bell book about the chapel of St Peter Ad Vincula, in the Tower of London. I understand that while the bones of several people were not able to be identified were co-mingled for re-burial. Some remains were found buried where it was said they were. Among those identified were those of Anne Boleyn. The bones that were identified were put in their own containers with their name on it and reburied where they were found.
Therefore not co-mingled.

It is also interesting to note that there appeared to be evidence of the "extra" nail, that Anne was supposed to have had.

Question from Gervase - Princess Diana's vs Prince Charles' royal blood

Can anyone tell me how Princess Diana had more royal blood than Prince Charles. I had read and heard that many times. I am curious as to the bloodline she had from the royals.