It’s been a while!! Work has reached fever pitch right now so I’m still just trying to keep my head above water, but I’ve really missed engaging with history, so here’s a new Bitesized Source.

Part of the reason I made a last-minute decision to visit Kenilworth Castle last week was because I saw that a new art installation had been installed in the Great Hall as part of the events to commemorate the 450th anniversary of Elizabeth I’s visit to the castle in 1575.

Yesterday, I finally got to catch the annual Medieval Pageant Parade in Canterbury! It was delightful fun, but this moment in particular was actually pretty awe-inspiring 🤩

One can only wonder just how much drumming this Cathedral has seen in this existence.

A while ago, I shared my personal rankings of portrayals of Elizabeth I on screen - at last, here is Robert’s version! The one I’ve put as my least favourite may be an unpopular opinion 🫣 Check it out on my blog and let me know what you think!

Check out today’s bitesized source on my blog where I posit whether it might have been possible for Robert and Elizabeth to communicate in the rare instance their time at court during Mary’s reign might have overlapped.

By the reign of Edward VI, the last time England had experienced a public and lavish royal wedding was that of Prince Arthur to Catherine of Aragon at Old St Paul’s Cathedral in November 1501.

For my first bite-sized source, I wanted to share this excerpt from John Foxe’s “Acts and Monuments” which details the kindness shown to Elizabeth by John Williams when she was en route from the Tower to Woodstock to be out under house arrest.

Trying something new! Been feeling a bit disconnected from the history world because so much of my time is eaten up by work and editing my book. So I’ve decided I’m going to start sharing short source excerpts with a little blurb contsining my thoughts on it. Bite-sized Sources! 😄

I posted about this on my instagram, but I got myself a physical copy of BBC’s The Virgin Queen because it seems to have been removed from all streaming services, and I am so stinkin happy right now - long live physical media!

Have you ever heard people claim that Elizabeth I was a “man’s woman? That she never had positive relationships with other women and was constantly jealous of them? That she flew into a rage whenever any of them dared to get married?

To celebrate my birthday today, I’ve decided to share a little sneak peek into my upcoming book, White Bear Red Rose, including some character art done by the incomparable @hmn.andreea and some cheeky dialogue that inspired it.

I’m really sorry to be sharing this news, but I promise it’s for the best! After speaking to my editor in January, it’s become clear to me that my novel needs a lot more work before it’s ready to be published. The good news is, I’m now armed with a solid outline so I’m feeling more confident!

And here is podcast number two! I was invited back onto Talking Tudors by the wonderful @onthetudortrail.bsky.social, a privilege I was honoured to have. This time round, we’re discussing Robert and Elizabeth post-1560, focusing on their later years. An era that I think deserves more attention.

For those who are keen on podcasts, have I got a treat for you – I’ve recorded for two different ones over the past two weeks! The first was on The Tudor HerSTORY with the lovely Jessica Faulkner, where I got to chat about one of my favourite topics ever: Kenilworth 1575

Bit late to the party with this one, but I hope 2025 has been treating everybody kindly so far! I’ve just made a new post on by blog all about my aims and goals for this year as well as an update on my book, White Bear Red Rose. Bit of a milestone has been passed!

On November 17th, 1558, Queen Mary I breathed her last at St James’ Palace in London. Her reign had been short and controversial, but her dedication to England could not be doubted.

While I’m here (and slightly on a roll), here is the official cover and blurb for my upcoming debut novel - an alternate history story based on the question, “What if Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley had gotten married?”