Artists of Northern Europe, Books, portrait miniature, Portraiture, Renaissance, Tudor portraiture

The Cromwell Enigma – A Review

The Cromwell Enigma by Derek Wilson, published by MaryleboneHouse. When it comes to Thomas Cromwell (1485 – 1540), what more of an enigma can there be than the paucity of detail for the years he spent abroad prior to becoming the indispensable secretary to Cardinal Wolsey and then the man who administered the affairs of… Continue reading The Cromwell Enigma – A Review

Books, Original Documents, study days, Subjects for discussion

The Importance of Wills and Other Original Documents.

Gill Whitlock’s article highlights the significance of wills as historical documents that provide insights into personal relationships and societal norms. She discusses Shakespeare’s will, suggesting deep connections to his family and possibly his works. The piece emphasizes the value of examining wills for understanding historical context and the evolution of probate law.

Books, Guest Posts, short stories, Subjects for discussion, Uncategorized

Macbeth and The Mafia

I was intrigued by Gill Whitlock's story, "What Fools!" that I posted last month, and knowing that she has taught drama at a comprehensive school for thirty years I wondered just how she managed to engage some of those teenagers, most of whom would probably never go to a performance of a Shakespeare play. The… Continue reading Macbeth and The Mafia

Books, Guest Posts, Renaissance, short stories

What Fools! by Gill Whitlock

The sky was virtually black,  and the rain was hammering down,  when Henley Street came into view on the horizon. The sense of home filled his head so that he forgot all thoughts of the dampness of his clothes or the constant dripping of raindrops onto his forehead. Home - safety, love, family - Will knew he… Continue reading What Fools! by Gill Whitlock

Books, poetry and portraiture, Subjects for discussion, Tudor portraiture, Uncategorized

The Tudors Dynasty Decameron 2020 project

            Recently, Rebecca Larson of www.Tudor’sDynasty.com and I were communing about how to amuse ourselves during this Covid-19 crisis and what we could do if we ended up having to self-isolate.  We came up with the idea of creating a new Decameron, the first version was written by Giovanni Boccaccio (1313-1375) in around 1353.  So we are throwing it out… Continue reading The Tudors Dynasty Decameron 2020 project