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Sixteenth century musings

A Parakito for the Queen — Sir John Gilbert

February 14, 2025

In the spring of 1596 Sir John Gilbert presented Queen Elizabeth I with an exotic gift.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He was responding to a request from Sir Robert Cecil, Principal Secretary of State, conveyed by his brother Adrian. Queen Elizabeth apparently heard that Sir John had a 'parakito'. Parrots and parakeets were rare and desirable at this time, and the queen wanted one for herself.

The record does not tell us what species of parrot, parakeet or macaw, was involved. The photo shows a …

The St Bartholomew’s Day Massacre.

September 02, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The St Bartholomew’s Day Massacre by Francois Dubois (c 1572-84) image sourced via Wikimedia Commons

Sir Francis Walsingham, the English Ambassador to the French Court, sent a letter to Sir Thomas Smith, the Secretary of State to Queen Elizabeth I, on 2 September 1572. In his letter, Walsingham used the typical diplomatic language, but there was one passage where he couldn't hide his anger.

Walsingham  doubted the King’s promise that his troops would punish those who killed the three Englishmen. He …

The Death of Katherine Raleigh’s Youngest Son, Sir Walter and The Red Velvet Bag

October 28, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

Portrait of Sir Walter Raleigh (painted around 1598) National Gallery of Ireland via Wikimedia Commons

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There was an autumnal chill in the air as Sir Walter Raleigh left the cell in the Gatehouse near the West end of Westminster Abbey where he had spent what was to be his last night on earth.

On the morning of the twenty-ninth day of October 1618, the feast of Saint Simon and Saint Jude and the day of Lord …

Valentine’s day and the Tudors

February 12, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valentine’s day and the Tudors

Nowadays, in England and many other countries, February 14 is traditionally the day to present gifts like chocolates and flowers or to send cards and messages to those we love — all in the name of St Valentine. By the late 15th century, the date recognised as the occasion to choose a Valentine and exchange gifts. The tradition continued and in 1537 King Herny VIII declared the 14th day of February a public holiday.

But who exactly …

Did Henry VIII eat turkey for Christmas dinner?

December 12, 2022

Did Henry VIII eat turkey for Christmas dinner?

It’s a question that often comes up at my Tudor Christmas events. So here’s a bit about the history of our favourite Christmas dish and a few personal memories of the noble turkey bird.

A Christmas feast at the court of King Henry VIII must have been a truly magnificent spectacle. Every type of meat, fish and fowl you can imagine — including some that seem very strange to us today — found its way on to the groaning tables at Greenwich Palace and Hampton Court. But …

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