This excerpt gives a bit of insight into Robert’s role in the Jane Grey Coup and how involved he actually was. I touch upon the implications this could have had for his relationship to Elizabeth, and how surprising there was even one at all given this context!

Really illuminating stuff! Check out by blog for my full thoughts on the installation as well as what the rest of my visit was like at the castle!

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These wonderfully eerie ceramic statues were created by artist Lindsey Mendick who explores the nature of these festivities through the female gaze and how they can be seen as a part of Elizabeth’s struggle for control.

Honestly, it's more to do with the writing than with Fiennes' actual portrayal, so perhaps I should be kinder to him but its the only one on the list that fills me with actual fury, so it had to be done 😭 Pleased to hear, would so highly reccomend The Virgin Queen!

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Do give it a listen!

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We discussed Elizabeth I’s reputation and legacy and how it morphed over the years depending on the context of society around her as well as who was doing the talking. It was such a fun and stimulating conversation!

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Check out my website for a bit more insight into this sneak peek! And of course, as always, shout out to Andreea Homan for creating the wonderful artwork which matches this excerpt! ❤️
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But after that, all of Henry VIII’s weddings were either private, intimate affairs or were held inside court palaces, well away from the public eye. In White Bear Red Rose, the English public are treated to their first public royal wedding in decades.

Check out my blog to see my thoughts on this source and how it actually relates to Anne Boleyn, especially on the anniversary of her execution 💔

Foxe’s works is part history, part propaganda so care must always be taken when reading at face value, but in this case he got his basic facts correct. Where he might have embellished is on exactly what words were spoken between them all.

I elaborate more on this here if anyone is interested!

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For women’s history month, I’ve made a post where I outline about list of women who Elizabeth was close to and had positive relations with. It is not exhaustive because I’m almost certain I’ve missed some!

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Well, I’m here to tell you it’s complete nonsense. Elizabeth had plenty of female friends who she had positive relationships with. This myth is annoying at best and misogynistic at worst.