British History: Royals, Rebels, and Romantics

From special summer food to the Banqueting House, and from harvest days to feasting, Tudor summers were a time of working hard and celebrating. Brigitte Webster, owner of Tudor and 17th Century Experi...

11 Aug 202130min

When we think of Jane Austen’s novels, we often think of life in the parlor. Well-dressed Bingley sisters making pointed comments in the grand rooms of Netherfield Hall. Mr. Knightley visiting Emma an...

4 Aug 202125min

In 1800, Queen Charlotte, wife of George III, erected the first known Christmas tree at Windsor Castle. She hosted a party for the children of Windsor families. According to Dr. John Watkins, who wrot...

28 Jul 202117min

When Victoria and Albert married in 1840, they consciously set about improving the image of the monarchy. Creating a family Christmas, with children gathered around the tree, was an essential part of ...

21 Jul 202121min

For the Tudors, Christmas was a highlight of the year. It was a time of feasting on especially grand dishes, of dancing and singing, of enjoying the antics of the Lord of Misrule and special holiday r...

14 Jul 202119min

We're celebrating Christmas in July! Unlike today, Medieval Christmas decorations did not start going up mid-October! In fact, because of Advent, the 40 days before Christmas were pretty bleak. Once ...

7 Jul 202116min

She was surrounded by men: daughter of a Duke, sister of an Earl, and wife of the King's illegitimate son! But Mary Howard, daughter-in-law of Henry VIII, was not about to be pushed around. She stood ...

30 Jun 202126min

The whole idea of the royal succession was for the throne to pass from the King to his adult, prepared, son. That’s the pattern that makes the “The King is dead, long live the King” thing work. But in...

23 Jun 202126min