Henry, like most men, always thought with the wrong head. Of course, he also had the power to separate anyone's head from the rest of their body, which, as it turns our, can be a pretty awesome power...if you're the one wielding it.
The story goes that Henry composed "Greensleaves" as a lament for Anne (who, evidently, favored such raiment.) (I would also note that once you got past the chemise -- common term for the long shirt, both for men and women -- the sleeves on one's garments were tied on at the shoulder, and hence could be interchanged according to style and will.)
Phillipa Gregory, an excellent historian and novelist, has a book, "The Other Boleyn Girl," about Mary.
Mary Tudor -- "Bloody" Mary -- as ruthless and brutal as her regime was, probably murdered fewer "heretics" then Henry's chief minister Thomas More, the so-called and much valorized "Man For All Seasons." The "Smithfield Fires" were scarcely a candle compared to More's self-righteous savagery.
It didn't pay to be a "Thomas" associated with the Tudors. Thomas Seymour, Jane's brother, tried to hijack the crown by more or less kidnapping Edward (Henry's only male heir with a claim to the thrown.) Thomas More, Thomas Cromwell ... as they say, we should all strive to get a head. And the above mentioned Thomas Wyatt, led a rebellion against Mary that was crushed in an instant, and almost sent Elizabeth to the block (because the rebels were shouting her name.)
The phrase "nine day wonder" is in "honor" of the teenager Lady Jane Grey, who was briefly installed on the thrown prior to Mary's entrance into London. (For all of nine days.) Mary was inclined to show her mercy, but after Wyatt's rebellion no pretenders could be tolerated. She and her fop of a child husband Guildford Dudley went to the block on the same day. Guildford's older brother Robert would survive to become Elizabeth's life long friend and counselor.
You've written some laudable historical portraits Stacey, but this one is a jewel among your gems. It's such an insightful and enjoyable read that having finished it, the reader comes away satisfied and smarter to boot.
Henry, like most men, always thought with the wrong head. Of course, he also had the power to separate anyone's head from the rest of their body, which, as it turns our, can be a pretty awesome power...if you're the one wielding it.
So much fun to just arbitrarily order a hit job on your "enemies."
The story goes that Henry composed "Greensleaves" as a lament for Anne (who, evidently, favored such raiment.) (I would also note that once you got past the chemise -- common term for the long shirt, both for men and women -- the sleeves on one's garments were tied on at the shoulder, and hence could be interchanged according to style and will.)
Phillipa Gregory, an excellent historian and novelist, has a book, "The Other Boleyn Girl," about Mary.
Mary Tudor -- "Bloody" Mary -- as ruthless and brutal as her regime was, probably murdered fewer "heretics" then Henry's chief minister Thomas More, the so-called and much valorized "Man For All Seasons." The "Smithfield Fires" were scarcely a candle compared to More's self-righteous savagery.
It didn't pay to be a "Thomas" associated with the Tudors. Thomas Seymour, Jane's brother, tried to hijack the crown by more or less kidnapping Edward (Henry's only male heir with a claim to the thrown.) Thomas More, Thomas Cromwell ... as they say, we should all strive to get a head. And the above mentioned Thomas Wyatt, led a rebellion against Mary that was crushed in an instant, and almost sent Elizabeth to the block (because the rebels were shouting her name.)
The phrase "nine day wonder" is in "honor" of the teenager Lady Jane Grey, who was briefly installed on the thrown prior to Mary's entrance into London. (For all of nine days.) Mary was inclined to show her mercy, but after Wyatt's rebellion no pretenders could be tolerated. She and her fop of a child husband Guildford Dudley went to the block on the same day. Guildford's older brother Robert would survive to become Elizabeth's life long friend and counselor.
You've written some laudable historical portraits Stacey, but this one is a jewel among your gems. It's such an insightful and enjoyable read that having finished it, the reader comes away satisfied and smarter to boot.
THANK YOU for being every bit as "nerdy" as I am, my friend.
You're so welcome, Stacey!