Sylvia Barbara Soberton
@sylviabso.bsky.social
Biographer of #TheForgottenTudorWomen. Independent researcher. Best-selling author. Research on Anne Boleyn's female household.
Day #2 of my blog tour.
Today I'm sharing the article I wrote for Erika Gaffney's wonderful website Art Herstory, celebrating women artists of centuries past.
"The Lost Works of Susanna Horenbout, Female Artist at the Tudor Court".
artherstory.net/the-lost-wor...
Today I'm sharing the article I wrote for Erika Gaffney's wonderful website Art Herstory, celebrating women artists of centuries past.
"The Lost Works of Susanna Horenbout, Female Artist at the Tudor Court".
artherstory.net/the-lost-wor...
April 15, 2025 at 11:03 AM
Day #2 of my blog tour.
Today I'm sharing the article I wrote for Erika Gaffney's wonderful website Art Herstory, celebrating women artists of centuries past.
"The Lost Works of Susanna Horenbout, Female Artist at the Tudor Court".
artherstory.net/the-lost-wor...
Today I'm sharing the article I wrote for Erika Gaffney's wonderful website Art Herstory, celebrating women artists of centuries past.
"The Lost Works of Susanna Horenbout, Female Artist at the Tudor Court".
artherstory.net/the-lost-wor...
Day 1 of my blog tour!
I was hosted by the amazing Amy McElroy & Rebecca Batley from The Tudor Notebook.
Head on to their blog to read my article entitled: "Portraiture of Mary Tudor, Dowager Queen of France & Duchess of Suffolk".
👇
amymcelroy.substack.com/p/portraitur...
I was hosted by the amazing Amy McElroy & Rebecca Batley from The Tudor Notebook.
Head on to their blog to read my article entitled: "Portraiture of Mary Tudor, Dowager Queen of France & Duchess of Suffolk".
👇
amymcelroy.substack.com/p/portraitur...
April 13, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Day 1 of my blog tour!
I was hosted by the amazing Amy McElroy & Rebecca Batley from The Tudor Notebook.
Head on to their blog to read my article entitled: "Portraiture of Mary Tudor, Dowager Queen of France & Duchess of Suffolk".
👇
amymcelroy.substack.com/p/portraitur...
I was hosted by the amazing Amy McElroy & Rebecca Batley from The Tudor Notebook.
Head on to their blog to read my article entitled: "Portraiture of Mary Tudor, Dowager Queen of France & Duchess of Suffolk".
👇
amymcelroy.substack.com/p/portraitur...
On 31 March 1515 Charles Brandon and Mary Tudor were officially married in France.
Louise of Savoy recorded: “Saturday the last day of March, the Duke of Suffolk, a person of low estate whom Henry VIII had sent as ambassador to the King, married Mary of England.”
Louise of Savoy recorded: “Saturday the last day of March, the Duke of Suffolk, a person of low estate whom Henry VIII had sent as ambassador to the King, married Mary of England.”
March 31, 2025 at 5:17 PM
On 31 March 1515 Charles Brandon and Mary Tudor were officially married in France.
Louise of Savoy recorded: “Saturday the last day of March, the Duke of Suffolk, a person of low estate whom Henry VIII had sent as ambassador to the King, married Mary of England.”
Louise of Savoy recorded: “Saturday the last day of March, the Duke of Suffolk, a person of low estate whom Henry VIII had sent as ambassador to the King, married Mary of England.”
On this day in 1603 Elizabeth I died. Her portraits are masterpieces, showing her as ageless, radiant, goddess-like Virgin Queen.
I've had so much fun writing about Elizabeth in "Secrets of the Tudor portraits".
Which is your favourite portrait of Elizabeth?
👇👇👇
I've had so much fun writing about Elizabeth in "Secrets of the Tudor portraits".
Which is your favourite portrait of Elizabeth?
👇👇👇
March 24, 2025 at 1:44 PM
On this day in 1603 Elizabeth I died. Her portraits are masterpieces, showing her as ageless, radiant, goddess-like Virgin Queen.
I've had so much fun writing about Elizabeth in "Secrets of the Tudor portraits".
Which is your favourite portrait of Elizabeth?
👇👇👇
I've had so much fun writing about Elizabeth in "Secrets of the Tudor portraits".
Which is your favourite portrait of Elizabeth?
👇👇👇
The most thrilling discoveries often happen by accident. Recently, I came across documents written and signed by a Boleyn woman with close ties to the Crown. For now, I’ll keep you in suspense. More about these remarkable documents will be revealed soon.
March 19, 2025 at 5:52 PM
The most thrilling discoveries often happen by accident. Recently, I came across documents written and signed by a Boleyn woman with close ties to the Crown. For now, I’ll keep you in suspense. More about these remarkable documents will be revealed soon.
It’s here! My new book, "Secrets of the Tudor Portraits", is officially OUT today! 🎉
Available in paperback, hardcover, Kindle, and audiobook, you can order your copy now from Amazon US, UK, and other international stores—with more retailers coming soon!
🍾❤️🙌🎇
Available in paperback, hardcover, Kindle, and audiobook, you can order your copy now from Amazon US, UK, and other international stores—with more retailers coming soon!
🍾❤️🙌🎇
March 14, 2025 at 4:59 PM
It’s here! My new book, "Secrets of the Tudor Portraits", is officially OUT today! 🎉
Available in paperback, hardcover, Kindle, and audiobook, you can order your copy now from Amazon US, UK, and other international stores—with more retailers coming soon!
🍾❤️🙌🎇
Available in paperback, hardcover, Kindle, and audiobook, you can order your copy now from Amazon US, UK, and other international stores—with more retailers coming soon!
🍾❤️🙌🎇
"New" discovery? Not really, the association of this portrait with Jane Grey dates back to 1681.
Jane Grey? Probably not; current identification of the sitter as Mary Fiennes by J.S. Edwards is compelling & based on solid evidence. Overall, not impressed.
thetudors.substack.com/p/lady-jane-...
Jane Grey? Probably not; current identification of the sitter as Mary Fiennes by J.S. Edwards is compelling & based on solid evidence. Overall, not impressed.
thetudors.substack.com/p/lady-jane-...
March 7, 2025 at 7:09 PM
"New" discovery? Not really, the association of this portrait with Jane Grey dates back to 1681.
Jane Grey? Probably not; current identification of the sitter as Mary Fiennes by J.S. Edwards is compelling & based on solid evidence. Overall, not impressed.
thetudors.substack.com/p/lady-jane-...
Jane Grey? Probably not; current identification of the sitter as Mary Fiennes by J.S. Edwards is compelling & based on solid evidence. Overall, not impressed.
thetudors.substack.com/p/lady-jane-...
I'm so excited to release my new book, "Secrets of the Tudor Portraits", on 14 March.
This is my most captivating work yet, revealing the hidden messages & forgotten stories behind iconic Tudor portraits.
You can pre-order here: tinyurl.com/8a6wwd8m
This is my most captivating work yet, revealing the hidden messages & forgotten stories behind iconic Tudor portraits.
You can pre-order here: tinyurl.com/8a6wwd8m
February 19, 2025 at 7:51 PM
I'm so excited to release my new book, "Secrets of the Tudor Portraits", on 14 March.
This is my most captivating work yet, revealing the hidden messages & forgotten stories behind iconic Tudor portraits.
You can pre-order here: tinyurl.com/8a6wwd8m
This is my most captivating work yet, revealing the hidden messages & forgotten stories behind iconic Tudor portraits.
You can pre-order here: tinyurl.com/8a6wwd8m
My new book is launching on 14 March, and you can pre-order the Kindle edition now! 📖✨
It will also be available in paperback, hardcover, and audiobook formats. I can't wait to share it with you!
tinyurl.com/8a6wwd8m
It will also be available in paperback, hardcover, and audiobook formats. I can't wait to share it with you!
tinyurl.com/8a6wwd8m
February 15, 2025 at 1:58 PM
My new book is launching on 14 March, and you can pre-order the Kindle edition now! 📖✨
It will also be available in paperback, hardcover, and audiobook formats. I can't wait to share it with you!
tinyurl.com/8a6wwd8m
It will also be available in paperback, hardcover, and audiobook formats. I can't wait to share it with you!
tinyurl.com/8a6wwd8m
It's today! Join me for the live conversation with my friend Rebecca Larson from the Tudors Dynasty podcast & learn more about my upcoming book!
It's free and open to everyone. Do join us if you can!
It's free and open to everyone. Do join us if you can!
February 9, 2025 at 1:41 PM
It's today! Join me for the live conversation with my friend Rebecca Larson from the Tudors Dynasty podcast & learn more about my upcoming book!
It's free and open to everyone. Do join us if you can!
It's free and open to everyone. Do join us if you can!
During my research of Mary Boleyn's life (to be part of a paper and accompanying book) I realised that not only Mary's reputation has to be cleared from slander. Her 1st husband is so often maligned too.
Cuckold. Pimp. A non-entity.
He wasn't any of those things.
#StayTuned
Cuckold. Pimp. A non-entity.
He wasn't any of those things.
#StayTuned
February 2, 2025 at 5:16 PM
During my research of Mary Boleyn's life (to be part of a paper and accompanying book) I realised that not only Mary's reputation has to be cleared from slander. Her 1st husband is so often maligned too.
Cuckold. Pimp. A non-entity.
He wasn't any of those things.
#StayTuned
Cuckold. Pimp. A non-entity.
He wasn't any of those things.
#StayTuned
I’m so excited by the incredible interest sparked by my re-identification of Holbein’s 'Lady Parker' as Susanna Horenbout. ❤️
This inspires me more than ever to continue my mission of bringing forgotten Tudor women back into the narrative.
Watch this space for more info!
This inspires me more than ever to continue my mission of bringing forgotten Tudor women back into the narrative.
Watch this space for more info!
January 27, 2025 at 2:50 PM
I’m so excited by the incredible interest sparked by my re-identification of Holbein’s 'Lady Parker' as Susanna Horenbout. ❤️
This inspires me more than ever to continue my mission of bringing forgotten Tudor women back into the narrative.
Watch this space for more info!
This inspires me more than ever to continue my mission of bringing forgotten Tudor women back into the narrative.
Watch this space for more info!
A portrait of William Carey, Mary Boleyn's first husband, was sold to an unknown collector in November 2024.
Scientific analysis carried out in 1971 showed that the present panel comes from a tree felled after 1570.
More info below.
👇
Scientific analysis carried out in 1971 showed that the present panel comes from a tree felled after 1570.
More info below.
👇
January 22, 2025 at 6:33 PM
A portrait of William Carey, Mary Boleyn's first husband, was sold to an unknown collector in November 2024.
Scientific analysis carried out in 1971 showed that the present panel comes from a tree felled after 1570.
More info below.
👇
Scientific analysis carried out in 1971 showed that the present panel comes from a tree felled after 1570.
More info below.
👇
🔊My new book "Secrets of the Tudor Portraits" is coming out in 2025!
This project was sparked by my fascinating discovery of a sketch of Susanna Horenbout ("Lady Parker") among Hans Holbein's drawings.
Stay tuned for updates as we get closer to the release!
🥰👇
This project was sparked by my fascinating discovery of a sketch of Susanna Horenbout ("Lady Parker") among Hans Holbein's drawings.
Stay tuned for updates as we get closer to the release!
🥰👇
December 20, 2024 at 6:02 PM
🔊My new book "Secrets of the Tudor Portraits" is coming out in 2025!
This project was sparked by my fascinating discovery of a sketch of Susanna Horenbout ("Lady Parker") among Hans Holbein's drawings.
Stay tuned for updates as we get closer to the release!
🥰👇
This project was sparked by my fascinating discovery of a sketch of Susanna Horenbout ("Lady Parker") among Hans Holbein's drawings.
Stay tuned for updates as we get closer to the release!
🥰👇
I'm delighted to announce that my new paper is out NOW!
I propose that the 'Lady Parker' depicted in Holbein's sketch, often misidentified as Jane Boleyn, may in fact be Susanna Horenbout — a renowned miniaturist, painter and manuscript illuminator at the Tudor court.
👇
I propose that the 'Lady Parker' depicted in Holbein's sketch, often misidentified as Jane Boleyn, may in fact be Susanna Horenbout — a renowned miniaturist, painter and manuscript illuminator at the Tudor court.
👇
December 18, 2024 at 7:04 PM
I'm delighted to announce that my new paper is out NOW!
I propose that the 'Lady Parker' depicted in Holbein's sketch, often misidentified as Jane Boleyn, may in fact be Susanna Horenbout — a renowned miniaturist, painter and manuscript illuminator at the Tudor court.
👇
I propose that the 'Lady Parker' depicted in Holbein's sketch, often misidentified as Jane Boleyn, may in fact be Susanna Horenbout — a renowned miniaturist, painter and manuscript illuminator at the Tudor court.
👇
The reverse of the Phoenix Jewel shows phoenix emblem Elizabeth I used to commemorate her mother Anne Boleyn & monogram spelling Elizabeth's name.
But the monogram is also a cipher & ambiguously designed to look like EAB, a silent tribute to Anne Boleyn.
More below.
👇
But the monogram is also a cipher & ambiguously designed to look like EAB, a silent tribute to Anne Boleyn.
More below.
👇
December 6, 2024 at 9:24 PM
The reverse of the Phoenix Jewel shows phoenix emblem Elizabeth I used to commemorate her mother Anne Boleyn & monogram spelling Elizabeth's name.
But the monogram is also a cipher & ambiguously designed to look like EAB, a silent tribute to Anne Boleyn.
More below.
👇
But the monogram is also a cipher & ambiguously designed to look like EAB, a silent tribute to Anne Boleyn.
More below.
👇
This is a quick rundown of my article published in Daily Art Magazine, summarizing the key takeaways.
More info in the comment.
More info in the comment.
December 6, 2024 at 1:29 PM
This is a quick rundown of my article published in Daily Art Magazine, summarizing the key takeaways.
More info in the comment.
More info in the comment.
Was 'Semper eadem' really Anne Boleyn's motto? Here are the results of my investigation of this fascinating subject.
Perhaps we can start a debate & get to the bottom of this - is there any connection between Anne Boleyn & the 'Semper eadem' motto?
thetudors.substack.com/p/was-semper...
Perhaps we can start a debate & get to the bottom of this - is there any connection between Anne Boleyn & the 'Semper eadem' motto?
thetudors.substack.com/p/was-semper...
December 4, 2024 at 4:43 PM
Was 'Semper eadem' really Anne Boleyn's motto? Here are the results of my investigation of this fascinating subject.
Perhaps we can start a debate & get to the bottom of this - is there any connection between Anne Boleyn & the 'Semper eadem' motto?
thetudors.substack.com/p/was-semper...
Perhaps we can start a debate & get to the bottom of this - is there any connection between Anne Boleyn & the 'Semper eadem' motto?
thetudors.substack.com/p/was-semper...
✨ Big news! ✨ My latest paper is officially published in The Court Historian! I challenge the myth that Anne Boleyn was granted the male title of Marquis of Pembroke. Curious about the truth behind this iconic moment in Tudor history? Dive in and discover what really happened!
November 22, 2024 at 2:21 PM
✨ Big news! ✨ My latest paper is officially published in The Court Historian! I challenge the myth that Anne Boleyn was granted the male title of Marquis of Pembroke. Curious about the truth behind this iconic moment in Tudor history? Dive in and discover what really happened!
...both Mary and Elizabeth may have been portrayed wearing jewels that originally belonged to their executed mothers.
👇
👇
November 21, 2024 at 12:32 PM
...both Mary and Elizabeth may have been portrayed wearing jewels that originally belonged to their executed mothers.
👇
👇
In 1997, costume historian Herbert Norris suggested that the necklace worn by Princess Elizabeth in the painting "Family of Henry VIII" (c. 1545) once belonged to Anne Boleyn.
In my book, "Rival Sisters: Mary & Elizabeth Tudor" (2019), I expanded on Norris's idea, proposing that...
In my book, "Rival Sisters: Mary & Elizabeth Tudor" (2019), I expanded on Norris's idea, proposing that...
November 21, 2024 at 12:31 PM
In 1997, costume historian Herbert Norris suggested that the necklace worn by Princess Elizabeth in the painting "Family of Henry VIII" (c. 1545) once belonged to Anne Boleyn.
In my book, "Rival Sisters: Mary & Elizabeth Tudor" (2019), I expanded on Norris's idea, proposing that...
In my book, "Rival Sisters: Mary & Elizabeth Tudor" (2019), I expanded on Norris's idea, proposing that...
Some time ago I suggested that the little jewelled beads in Jane Seymour's girdle could be interpreted as ointment jars associated with St Mary Magdalene.
Dr Charlotte Bolland mentioned my research and further explored Jane's connection with Mary Magdalene. How exciting!
Dr Charlotte Bolland mentioned my research and further explored Jane's connection with Mary Magdalene. How exciting!
November 20, 2024 at 12:49 PM
Some time ago I suggested that the little jewelled beads in Jane Seymour's girdle could be interpreted as ointment jars associated with St Mary Magdalene.
Dr Charlotte Bolland mentioned my research and further explored Jane's connection with Mary Magdalene. How exciting!
Dr Charlotte Bolland mentioned my research and further explored Jane's connection with Mary Magdalene. How exciting!
Has anyone watched "Those About to Die"? I didn't expect I would love this show so much!
November 20, 2024 at 9:55 AM
Has anyone watched "Those About to Die"? I didn't expect I would love this show so much!
I love the fact that in #WolfHall Jane Seymour's rise in status is so brilliantly emphasised by her clothing.
As a maid of honour to Katherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn, she dressed humbly.
As queen, she was entitled to wear opulent materials and colours like purple and cloth of gold.
As a maid of honour to Katherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn, she dressed humbly.
As queen, she was entitled to wear opulent materials and colours like purple and cloth of gold.
November 19, 2024 at 1:50 PM
I love the fact that in #WolfHall Jane Seymour's rise in status is so brilliantly emphasised by her clothing.
As a maid of honour to Katherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn, she dressed humbly.
As queen, she was entitled to wear opulent materials and colours like purple and cloth of gold.
As a maid of honour to Katherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn, she dressed humbly.
As queen, she was entitled to wear opulent materials and colours like purple and cloth of gold.
I love the fact that in this magnificent portrait, Polish queen Barbara Zápolya (d. 1515) wears necklace & belt with the initials S & B. How lovely!
November 19, 2024 at 1:28 PM
I love the fact that in this magnificent portrait, Polish queen Barbara Zápolya (d. 1515) wears necklace & belt with the initials S & B. How lovely!