8 September 1560 – The Death of Amy Dudley, wife of Robert Dudley
On Sunday 8th September 1560, Amy Dudley (nee Robsart) died at Cumnor Place near Abingdon, her rented accommodation. Her death…
7 September 1533 – The Birth of Elizabeth I at Greenwich Palace
On 7th September 1533, Queen Elizabeth I was born at Greenwich Palace. Her parents were King Henry VIII and his…
Celebrating Shakespeare’s Birth
Although it is not actually known which day in 1564 William Shakespeare was born, his birth is celebrated on 23rd…
26 February 1564 – Baptism of Christopher Marlowe
On this day in history, 26th February 1564, Christopher Marlowe, poet, translator and playwright, was baptised at St George’s Canterbury….
8 February 1587 – The Execution of Mary, Queen of Scots
On this day in history, on the morning of the 8th February 1587, Mary, Queen of Scots, was escorted to…
Execution of Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset – 22 January 1552
On 22nd January 1552, between 8am and 9am, the former Lord Protector of England, Edward Seymour, Duke of Seymour, was…
Elizabeth I’s Coronation – 15 January 1559
At midday on January 15th 1559, Elizabeth I was crowned Queen of England at Westminster Abbey – Long Live the…
30 November 1601 – Elizabeth I’s Golden Speech
On this day in history, 30th November 1601, Elizabeth I delivered her famous Golden Speech to the House of Commons,…
17 November 1558 – This is the Lord’s doing: it is marvellous in our eyes
“This is the Lord’s doing: it is marvellous in our eyes”. These are the words from Psalm 118 said to…
10 October 1562 – Elizabeth I Contracted Smallpox
On 10th October 1562, the twenty-nine year-old Elizabeth I was taken ill at Hampton Court Palace, with what was thought…
1 October 1553 – The Coronation of Mary I
On this day in 1553, Mary I, eldest daughter of Henry VIII, was crowned Queen at Westminster Abbey by Stephen…
7 September 1533 – Birth of Elizabeth I, the Virgin Queen
Today marks the 479th anniversary of Elizabeth I’s birth on 7th September 1533 at Greenwich Palace. How wonderful that nearly…
4 September 1588 – The Death of Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester
Today is the anniversary of the death of Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. He died on 4th September 1588 at…
24 August 1572 – St Bartholomew’s Day Massacre
On this day in history, 24th August 1572, during the reign of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn’s daughter Elizabeth I,…
Elizabeth I’s Earliest Surviving Letter
On 31st July 1544, the future Elizabeth I wrote her earliest surviving letter to her stepmother, Catherine Parr. It was…
25 July 1554 – The Marriage of Mary I and Philip of Spain
On this day in history, 25th July 1554, Mary I married Philip of Spain, son of Charles V, Holy Roman…
19 July 1553 – Mary Proclaimed Queen in London
On the 19th July 1553, thirteen days after the death of her half-brother, Edward VI, Mary was proclaimed Queen in…
Happy 485th Birthday John Dee!
Today marks the 485th anniversary of the birth of one of my favourite Tudor men, John Dee. Happy 485th birthday,…
10 July 1553 – Lady Jane Grey Proclaimed Queen
On the afternoon of Monday 10th July 1553 a party of people arrived at the Tower of London by barge….
9th July 1553 – Mary Writes to the Privy Council and Lady Jane Grey is Informed that She is Queen
After declaring herself as Queen the day before, in front of her household at Kenninghall, Mary wrote the following letter…
