Events
I love bringing history to life through my unique blend of theatre, history and re-enactment, which draws on my extensive research into Devon’s sixteenth century past, and intoTudor life and Tudor/Elizabethan dress.
I offer a flexible range of talks and costume demonstrations, all over the West Country and beyond. I am also available for living history/re-enactment events and to talk about my writing at book club meetings. For bookshops I offer talks or can simply come along to sign copes of my books.
While I’m often dressed in clothing of the time which I create myself, but am also happy to present in twenty-first century attire when appropriate.
Talks available include:
An Audience with the Lady Katherine and a peep inside her wardrobe Travel back in time with the Lady Katherine and learn about her life in Tudor Devon and the amazing clothes she wore. Includes a full demonstration of the costume of a wealthy sixteenth century woman.
A Woman of Noble Wit Devon produced some larger-than-life sixteenth century characters and the stories of men like Drake and Raleigh are well known. But behind those famous men stood wives, sisters, daughters, and mothers who also have a story to tell. In this presentation I introduce Katherine Champernowne, the mother of both Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Humphrey Gilbert and discuss the research that underpins my historical novel of her life A Woman of Noble Wit
Bessie’s tale — the life of a typical sixteenth century serving woman Adopting the clothing and persona of a Tudor working woman I give a flavour of life for the lower and “middling” sorts. Includes a full costume demonstration and discussion of fabrics, needlework and knitting.
A Tudor Christmas with the Lady Katherine Appearing in full period costume I bring the festivities, feasting and fun of a Tudor Christmas to life in a lively presentation interspersed with songs from the peasant David. As a guest invited to join Sir Philip Champernowne’s Christmas feast at the Court House Modbury you will discover the etiquette, menu and customs of the twelve days of a sixteenth century Christmas.
Daughters of Devon Join me for a unique blend of history, theatre and re-enactment. Appearing in full sixteenth century dress and drawing on extensive research into 16th century Devon, Tudor and Elizabethan life and the clothing of the time, I introduce some of the fascinating women I have discovered amongst families whose influence stretched beyond the West Country. Meet the forgotten women of history. The wives, sisters, daughters and mothers who played their part during those tumultuous Tudor years: The Daughters of Devon.
Contact me to discuss your group's particular interests
Contact me Leave a reviewMeet Sir Walter Raleigh's mother
March 19, 2025, 11:49 a.m. by Phil Ashworth, Friends of Fairlynch Museum, Budleigh Salterton... to bring the past to life, you must inhabit their world.
Budleigh Salterton’s Fairlynch Museum was lucky enough to hear a fascinating talk from Rosemary on Wednesday 5th March.
In a rather simplistic tabloid way I billed March’s talk as “Meet Sir Water Raleigh’s mother“.
But Rosemary Griggs was so much more than that, like the multiple layers in the painstakingly recreated Tudor costume she wore.
In the world of historical fiction, there is no one more revered than Budleigh’s own, the late Hilary Mantel. Rosemary paid great tribute to her by quoting one of her great principles, that to bring the past to life, you must inhabit their world.
Rosemary …
Bessie’s tale
Feb. 28, 2025, 11:38 a.m. by Paul ButlerFabulous presentation last night in Altarnun. Really captivating and informative. Brought the era to life. Super. Thank you. This is the second time I have heard this speaker talk. Both times were outstanding!!
A Wonderful afternoon at South Milton Thursday Club March 10, 2023, 11:34 a.m.by South Milton Thursday Club
Feb. 23, 2024, 9:41 a.m. by March 10, 2023, 11:34 a.m.by South Milton Thursday ClubIt's good to find a speaker who can hold the attention of both the men and the women in the audience so well.
a Wonderful afternoon at South Milton Thursday Club
March 10, 2023, 11:34 a.m.by South Milton Thursday Club
Thank you so much for giving us such a wonderful afternoon yesterday.
I have been getting messages from lots of people, saying how much they enjoyed your presentation, how informative it was and what fun it all was. Appearing in full period costume which you make yourself, you brought your book on the life of Lady Katherine Champernowne 'A Woman of Noble Wit' to life through a fascinating and fun presentation. I think we all learnt something, and we certainly had a good laugh!!
We …
An Audience with the Lady Katherine - talk for Kenton WI Dec. 4, 2021, 10:52 a.m.
Feb. 23, 2024, 9:39 a.m. by Kenton WIYour research, attention to detail, and your performance as Lady Katherine are outstanding -
An Audience with the Lady Katherine - talk for Kenton WI
Dec. 4, 2021, 10:52 a.m.A review for 'A Woman of Noble Wit', by Kenton WI
Your research, attention to detail, and your performance as Lady Katherine are outstanding -
I can't tell you how much I enjoyed your presentation last night - it was absolutely fascinating.
Several of our members sew and embroider (me included) so the details of fabrics, stitches, social etiquette in dress etc were most interesting.
Your research, attention to detail, and your performance as Lady Katherine are outstanding -
I can't wait to read your book!
Talk for Tremanton WI - An Audience with the Lady Katheirne - 16th November 2021
Feb. 23, 2024, 9:37 a.m. by Original review from Tremanton WI memberEveryone very much enjoyed your enthusiasm and the unique way you share your knowledge.
Talk for Tremanton WI - An Audience with the Lady Katheirne - 16th November 2021
Nov. 18, 2021, 2:52 p.m.A review for 'A Woman of Noble Wit', by Tremanton WI member
Brilliant is the only word to describe you
Dear Rosemary
Thank you again for your delightful talk to our WI on Tuesday evening. Everyone very much enjoyed your enthusiasm and the unique way you share your knowledge. Brilliant is the only word to describe you. Thank you again.
I have also started reading your lovely book and I was immediately transported back into the meadow on the estate,............
Original review from Tremanton …
Talk for the Exeter Forum - partner event with the Exeter Literary Festival - 3 November 2021
Feb. 23, 2024, 9:35 a.m. by The Exter Forum... much appreciated by members
Nov. 8, 2021, 10:52 a.m.by The Exeter Forum
Thank you very much for your excellent presentation to the Exeter Forum today. It was very impressive how you switched from Catherine to “the impersonator” and how much information about her and the history you covered. The talk was very much appreciated by members.
https://www.exeterforum.org/
Diary
| Date | Location | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Feb. 3, 2026 | For Bickington Tuesday Group | Bessie's Tale |
| Feb. 9, 2026 | The Garden Cafe, Dartington Hall - 2.30 - 4pm - tickets via The Garden Cafe and Eventbrite | Teatime Talks at the Garden Cafe -- Daughters of Devon |
| Feb. 11, 2026 | For Shiphay Ladies club | Bessie's Tale |
| Feb. 12, 2026 | For Dawlish Ladies Guild | Bessie's Tale |
| Feb. 17, 2026 | For East Devon Luncheon Club | A Woman of Noble Wit |
| March 20, 2026 | Dartington Hall | Dartington Garden Tour |
| March 24, 2026 | For Trinity Ladies Fellowship | An Audience with the Lady Katherine |
| March 26, 2026 | For Friends and Neighbours Group, Exeter | An Audience with the Lady Katherine |
| April 8, 2026 | For Stoke Fleming Ladies Group | Bessie's Tale tbc |
| April 14, 2026 | For Tavistock Local History Group | An Audience with the Lady Katherine |
| April 15, 2026 | For Newton Abbot Trefoil Group | Dartington Garden Tour |
| April 28, 2026 | For Brixham Ladies Forum | Daughters of Devon |
| May 1, 2026 | Dartington Hall | Dartington Garden Tour |
| May 6, 2026 | Pym Court, Topsham, Devon. | An Audience with Lady Katherine |
| May 9, 2026 | For Devon and Cornwall Richard III Society - Plymouth | Daughters of Devon |
| May 12, 2026 | For Salcombe Book Club | Dartington Garden Tour |
| May 13, 2026 | For Crediton Trefoil Guild | An Audience with the Lady Katherine |
| May 14, 2026 | For Christow WI | An Audience with the Lady Katherine |
| May 20, 2026 | For Wellswood Ladies Club | Bessie's Tale |
| June 1, 2026 | For the Autumn Group (at Wotcombe) | An Audience with the Lady Katherine |
| June 4, 2026 | For The Devon Rural Archive at 7pm | Bessie's Tale |
| June 6, 2026 | All Hallows by the Tower | Wolf Hall Weekend - June 6 & 7 |
| June 9, 2026 | For Stoke Climsland WI | Daughters of Devon |
| June 12, 2026 | Buckland in the Moor Community Village Hall | Daughters of Devon |
| June 16, 2026 | For Yeovil U3A | Bessie's Tale |
| June 17, 2026 | For Honiton U3A | An Audience with the Lady Katherine (TBC) |
| June 22, 2026 | East Chinnock WI | An Audience with the Lady Katherine |
| June 24, 2026 | With Moretonhampstead History group | Visit to Dartington Hall |
| July 3, 2026 | For Appledore WI | Bessie's Tale |
| July 7, 2026 | For Sherborne Castle Ladies Probus | An Audience with the Lady Katherine |
| July 9, 2026 | For Pelynt WI , Nr Looe. | An Audience with the Lady Katherine |
| July 15, 2026 | For Churston and Galmpton Ladies Club | Bessie's Tale |
| July 21, 2026 | For Plymstock U3A History Group | A Woman of Noble Wit |
| July 22, 2026 | For Preston and Livermead U3A | Daughters of Devon or A Woman of Noble Wit - TBC |
| Sept. 14, 2026 | For Bishop's Nympton History Group - tbc | Daughters of Devon |
| Oct. 8, 2026 | For Exe Valley U3A History Group | An Audience with the Lady Katherine - tbc |
| Oct. 14, 2026 | For West Bay WI, Nr. Bridport | An Audience with the Lady Katherine |
| Oct. 15, 2026 | For Wembury History Society | An Audience with the Lady Katherine |
| Nov. 4, 2026 | For Feniton WI | A Tudor Christmas with the Lay Katherine tbc |
| Nov. 5, 2026 | For Woodbury History Society | A Woman of Noble Wit |
| Nov. 18, 2026 | For Newton Abbot Trefoil Group | A Tudor Christmas with the Lady Katherine |
| Nov. 24, 2026 | For Trinity Ladies Fellowship | A Tudor Christmas with the Lady Katherine |
| Nov. 26, 2026 | For Broadclyst WI | A Tudor Christmas with the Lady Katherine |
| Dec. 2, 2026 | For Yealmtpton and Brixton WI | A Tudor Christmas with the Lady Katherine |
| Dec. 5, 2026 | Dawlish Library | A Tudor Christmas with the Lady Katherine |
| Dec. 9, 2026 | For Crediton Ladies Circle | A Tudor Christmas with the Lady Katherine |
| Dec. 14, 2026 | For Erme WI, Ivybridge. | A Tudor Christmas with the Lady Katherine |
| Feb. 17, 2027 | For Harrowbarrow WI | Bessie's Tale |
| March 3, 2027 | For Widecombe in the Moor History Group | Daughters of Devon |