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In the Footsteps of the Six Wives of Henry VIII: the Visitor’s Companion to the Palaces, Castles and Houses Associated with Henry VIII’s Iconic Queens
This guidebook takes a fresh perspective on the tale of Henry VIII's six wives, by taking you on a journey through a selection of manors, castles, and palaces that played host to Henry's unforgettable queens. Explore the Alhambra Palace in Spain, childhood home of Katherine of Aragon; stand in the very room at Acton Court, where Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII publicly dined; walk the cobbled grounds of Hampton Court Palace, which bore witness to both triumph and tragedy for Jane Seymour; visit Dusseldorf in Germany, birthplace of Anne of Cleves; travel to Gainsborough Old Hall in Lincolnshire, where Henry VIII and Catherine Howard rested on their way to York in 1541 and wander the picturesque gardens and panelled rooms of Sizergh Castle in Cumbria, where Katherine Parr spent time in mourning, after the death of her first husband. Each location is covered by an accessible and informative narrative, which unearths the untold tales and documents the artifacts, as well as providing practical visitor information based on our first-hand experiences of visiting each site. Accompanied by an extensive range of images, including family trees, maps, photographs and sketches, this book brings you closer than ever before to the women behind the legends, as it takes you on your own personal and illuminating journey in the footsteps of the six wives of Henry VIII.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published May 19, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 18, 2016
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and I'm very pleased to say I loved it. The book takes us on a journey to each of the places (castles, houses, palaces, etc) most associated with Henry VIII's six wives: Katherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard and Katherine Parr.
Although I normally don't read Tudor history, this book satiated my appetite for Early Modern History very nicely indeed. I enjoyed the beautifully-made diagrams of important dates associated with the various properties such as the well-known Whitehall Palace and Hampton Court Palace, but also the lesser-known ones like Eltham Palace (the fate of which was described as falling into ruin during the seventeenth century). Under each property, there is a section which includes some very handy visitor information.
One of the greatest things about this book is the fact that it is only based on English sites, but takes us to Catherine of Aragon's Spain, Anne Boleyn's early years in France, and Anne of Cleves' Low Countries. I knew almost nothing about the latter but because of this book, I can happily say I know where she lived. The images selected for this book are fabulous and combined with the information really brings it all to life.
Sometimes a book with two authors doesn't work, but the combined talents of Sarah Morris and Natalie Grueninger are seamless and written in an approachable and informative manner. In short, this book is a fun and enlightening read - perfect for both ardent Tudor fans and general history buffs alike.
Although I normally don't read Tudor history, this book satiated my appetite for Early Modern History very nicely indeed. I enjoyed the beautifully-made diagrams of important dates associated with the various properties such as the well-known Whitehall Palace and Hampton Court Palace, but also the lesser-known ones like Eltham Palace (the fate of which was described as falling into ruin during the seventeenth century). Under each property, there is a section which includes some very handy visitor information.
One of the greatest things about this book is the fact that it is only based on English sites, but takes us to Catherine of Aragon's Spain, Anne Boleyn's early years in France, and Anne of Cleves' Low Countries. I knew almost nothing about the latter but because of this book, I can happily say I know where she lived. The images selected for this book are fabulous and combined with the information really brings it all to life.
Sometimes a book with two authors doesn't work, but the combined talents of Sarah Morris and Natalie Grueninger are seamless and written in an approachable and informative manner. In short, this book is a fun and enlightening read - perfect for both ardent Tudor fans and general history buffs alike.
September 30, 2016
Henry VIII must be England’s most examined monarch. But although his was a pivotal reign, his celebrity has little to do with the Dissolution of the Monasteries, or the break with Rome. No, what makes him compulsive reading are his six wives.
Even if you are not obsessed with Henry’s marriages, In the Footsteps of the Six Wives of Henry VIII by Sarah Morris and Natalie Grueninger will fascinate. Ostensibly a survey of places associated with the six wives, the book delivers a vivid and detailed picture of the world they lived in, the spirit of the times, and much of the complex political and social context in which their stories were played out.
We hear much about the lives of Henry’s wives, as his wives, but their previous lives are usually skimmed over or ignored. Through diligent and sometimes very recent research our authors have opened the historical gates on the worlds the wives grew up in. Spain, the Low Countries, France, the Rhine valley in Germany, England’s West Country and North, each colours in the picture of who these women were, how they thought, and what might have been their ambitions and expectations.
Stories of people, castles, manors, cathedrals, halls, cities and towns are brought seamlessly together, allowing us to see Henry’s wives as their contemporaries would have. Extracts from diaries and letters remind us that these were real people, unaware that nearly five hundred years later we would be following their lives. And indeed their footsteps.
The first section of the book covers the Principal Royal Residences, including the two that everyone has heard of, Hampton Court and Windsor Castle, plus others that have not survived. While the buildings may have gone, contemporary accounts of them allow the authors to bring them back to life for us.
The second section follows each wife in turn, from birth to death, weaving history, anecdote, archaeology and architecture together to great effect. Each entry includes the historical background to the building and the events that took place within and around it.
Entries includes visitor information, plus detailed instructions for viewing the site, and for walks in the vicinity.
The book is well illustrated with photographs, paintings, and reconstructions. Often, even if the palace or castle is gone, there is still much to be seen with the aid of this book.
Each site is marked on a map, showing its relation to national and internal borders, and to major towns or cities.
Small enough to carry about, In the Footsteps of the Six Wives of Henry VIII would make a splendid companion for a tour of England and the Continent, as most of the places are worth visiting on their own account, and the information in the book will often be more comprehensive than in the standard brochures. Or just dip into it, the self contained entries make this an ideal book for browsing.
Review written by Andy Goss for Backstory Journal: http://www.backstoryjournal.com.au/20...
Even if you are not obsessed with Henry’s marriages, In the Footsteps of the Six Wives of Henry VIII by Sarah Morris and Natalie Grueninger will fascinate. Ostensibly a survey of places associated with the six wives, the book delivers a vivid and detailed picture of the world they lived in, the spirit of the times, and much of the complex political and social context in which their stories were played out.
We hear much about the lives of Henry’s wives, as his wives, but their previous lives are usually skimmed over or ignored. Through diligent and sometimes very recent research our authors have opened the historical gates on the worlds the wives grew up in. Spain, the Low Countries, France, the Rhine valley in Germany, England’s West Country and North, each colours in the picture of who these women were, how they thought, and what might have been their ambitions and expectations.
Stories of people, castles, manors, cathedrals, halls, cities and towns are brought seamlessly together, allowing us to see Henry’s wives as their contemporaries would have. Extracts from diaries and letters remind us that these were real people, unaware that nearly five hundred years later we would be following their lives. And indeed their footsteps.
The first section of the book covers the Principal Royal Residences, including the two that everyone has heard of, Hampton Court and Windsor Castle, plus others that have not survived. While the buildings may have gone, contemporary accounts of them allow the authors to bring them back to life for us.
The second section follows each wife in turn, from birth to death, weaving history, anecdote, archaeology and architecture together to great effect. Each entry includes the historical background to the building and the events that took place within and around it.
Entries includes visitor information, plus detailed instructions for viewing the site, and for walks in the vicinity.
The book is well illustrated with photographs, paintings, and reconstructions. Often, even if the palace or castle is gone, there is still much to be seen with the aid of this book.
Each site is marked on a map, showing its relation to national and internal borders, and to major towns or cities.
Small enough to carry about, In the Footsteps of the Six Wives of Henry VIII would make a splendid companion for a tour of England and the Continent, as most of the places are worth visiting on their own account, and the information in the book will often be more comprehensive than in the standard brochures. Or just dip into it, the self contained entries make this an ideal book for browsing.
Review written by Andy Goss for Backstory Journal: http://www.backstoryjournal.com.au/20...
February 11, 2019
Review - I really liked this book, and there are some really handy visitor tips and recommendations of where to go for food or hotels nearby. I know this book is about the places related to the queens of Henry VIII, but I would have liked some additional historical background, for example on Thomas Seymour and Katherine Parr at Sudeley Castle, although I suppose people who would buy a Tudor guidebook would likely have the historical background. Nevertheless, it would have been interesting to see the author's takes on some events. A very illuminating book, raising several places I wouldn't have thought of before.
General Subject/s? - Tudors / Travel / Architecture / Buildings / History
Recommend? – Yes
Rating - 18/20
General Subject/s? - Tudors / Travel / Architecture / Buildings / History
Recommend? – Yes
Rating - 18/20
March 29, 2016
Within the pages of this book, Starting with Katherine of Aragon in Spain, down to Katherine Parr and taking her last breath at Sudeley Castle, you will take a mental journey with all of these women who each have different backgrounds, different personalities, and very different journey’s to becoming the wife of Henry VIII and Queen of England. In each section the Authors have given brief biographies of each inevitable Queen, from their birth place, parents, education, religious practices, the people they were connected to, myths that surround them (both proven and unproven), and how, why and where they drew their lat breath, and where there final resting place is.
I was drawn in by the beautiful palaces associated with Katherine of Aragon, in the beautiful cities of Spain, the fragrant gardens she once knew flourishing under the ever present days of sunshine…the authors bring one to think of how hard of an adjustment it must of been for her to leave such a wonderful life behind of endless beauty to travel to the cold and drafty rainy country of England. However, Katherine had a certain poise and grace about her, that she drew from that made her determined to adjust to her new life, even if it gave her discomfort. From her story I learned about a stand off between her and an English noble I had never read about, and how exciting a read that was.
Some of Henry’s Queens not much is known about since there was very little evidence left behind, or not much was documented because there time as Queen was so short as was the case for Jane Seymour. I was very excited to read about Anne of Cleves because she seems to be one of those Queens that is overlooked and not given much attention to in Tudor History. What a culture shock she must have gone through coming from a very regimented and strict court of rules, even on how long fun and festivities would last and when the last cup of wine was poured, to the English court where revelry, drinking and dancing would last from sundown to sunup. Anne of Cleves was one of the more fortunate Queens, to keep her life and to be Graced by the King with titles, lands, grand houses and a very generous stipend, after he cast her aside. The authors even uncovered a mysterious find associated with Anne of Cleves which led to quite the suprising conclusion.
You will read about Castles you may not have ever heard of before, mainly because most of them have been either altered, are privately owned, or nothing remains but ruins, but none the less you will hear about these places, what they once looked like, what was in them and what momentous events are associated with them as well as how and when to visit them. As an aid to help you for the picture in your mind of some of these places there is a wonderfully illustrated section of photographs in the book, of buildings as they once were. It is bittersweet for me sometimes to hear of such sumptuous palaces like Whitehall and NonSuch that no longer stand, as they would of been such precious jewels to behold in Tudor History, but thanks to these authors and there painstaking research they were brought back to life through the details, sketches and accounts left behind and included in this most splendid of Tudor literary works. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is a Tudor enthusiast, and I also recommend you take the time to read the first in this series In the footsteps of Anne Boleyn, as some of the more common castles and palaces you may know of are also extensively detailed in that book and it is a must for any fan of Anne Boleyn.
If there was ever a way to re-live the past, to be in the presence of a great time and civilization long past, to be able to alight the senses and challenge the imagination, these authors through their books do it in the most superior way it could ever be done.
I was drawn in by the beautiful palaces associated with Katherine of Aragon, in the beautiful cities of Spain, the fragrant gardens she once knew flourishing under the ever present days of sunshine…the authors bring one to think of how hard of an adjustment it must of been for her to leave such a wonderful life behind of endless beauty to travel to the cold and drafty rainy country of England. However, Katherine had a certain poise and grace about her, that she drew from that made her determined to adjust to her new life, even if it gave her discomfort. From her story I learned about a stand off between her and an English noble I had never read about, and how exciting a read that was.
Some of Henry’s Queens not much is known about since there was very little evidence left behind, or not much was documented because there time as Queen was so short as was the case for Jane Seymour. I was very excited to read about Anne of Cleves because she seems to be one of those Queens that is overlooked and not given much attention to in Tudor History. What a culture shock she must have gone through coming from a very regimented and strict court of rules, even on how long fun and festivities would last and when the last cup of wine was poured, to the English court where revelry, drinking and dancing would last from sundown to sunup. Anne of Cleves was one of the more fortunate Queens, to keep her life and to be Graced by the King with titles, lands, grand houses and a very generous stipend, after he cast her aside. The authors even uncovered a mysterious find associated with Anne of Cleves which led to quite the suprising conclusion.
You will read about Castles you may not have ever heard of before, mainly because most of them have been either altered, are privately owned, or nothing remains but ruins, but none the less you will hear about these places, what they once looked like, what was in them and what momentous events are associated with them as well as how and when to visit them. As an aid to help you for the picture in your mind of some of these places there is a wonderfully illustrated section of photographs in the book, of buildings as they once were. It is bittersweet for me sometimes to hear of such sumptuous palaces like Whitehall and NonSuch that no longer stand, as they would of been such precious jewels to behold in Tudor History, but thanks to these authors and there painstaking research they were brought back to life through the details, sketches and accounts left behind and included in this most splendid of Tudor literary works. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is a Tudor enthusiast, and I also recommend you take the time to read the first in this series In the footsteps of Anne Boleyn, as some of the more common castles and palaces you may know of are also extensively detailed in that book and it is a must for any fan of Anne Boleyn.
If there was ever a way to re-live the past, to be in the presence of a great time and civilization long past, to be able to alight the senses and challenge the imagination, these authors through their books do it in the most superior way it could ever be done.
March 25, 2016
Guide books like this are a particular favourite of mine. I not only enjoy reading history, I enjoy visiting history and judging from the continued survival of many of Britain’s historic treasures, this seems to be a widely held sentiment. Being able to picture a location from words alone can be rewarding, but to physically visit a site is even better. For those unable to, due to time, distance or otherwise, books like this are an invaluable aid in furthering ones knowledge. But do not be mistaken, this is not a basic guide book light on historical content.
The book is split into seven sections, with one covering the principal royal residences known to all, followed by an individual section dedicated to each queen. In total we are provided eighty locations, with a detailed history of each along with information on any interesting artefacts or features still extant. This is bolstered by over 130 pictures of the sites for those unable to physically visit. A welcome inclusion is the plethora of family trees, maps and timelines that augment the text. Each entry has also been visited by the authors, which is evident in their narrative as they paint a vivid mental picture with their words. Furthermore each queen is introduced with a short biography so even if you have no prior knowledge of the personalities involved, you are catered for. It’s information-overload in the best sense of the word.
The old favourites are here; Hampton Court Palace, Whitehall Palace and Windsor Castle. But where this book stands on its own is the inclusion of the lesser known sites which once hosted queens of England. Acton Court near Bristol has a room where Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII dined in whilst for the first time that I’m aware of we are introduced to the various locations in Germany and Spain with Tudor connections. Dusseldorf features prominently in reference to Anne of Cleves with Spanish sites such as the Royal Palace of Medina del Campo, Alcazar of Seville or the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral providing a thorough account of the early life of Katherine of Aragon. An example of the detailed narrative can be found in the entry for the Archbishop’s Palace, Alcala de Henares in Madrid, where Katherine was born. The authors describe the palace as;
“a vast complex of buildings, gardens and courtyards, more than double the size of the original fortress. It comprised several patios (courtyards), towers, galleries and chambers, including la sala de la Reyna, the queen’s chamber, elaborately decorated in Gothic-Mudejar style, and on the floor above, el Salon de Concilios, or Council Wing”.
Elsewhere, I hadn’t heard of the Echateau d’Amboise or the Schloss Dusselforf for example, so these were fascinating to discover. Closer to home, I hadn’t come across places such as Beddington Place, the Manor of Bletchingley or Thornton Abbey before. The research cannot be faulted.
In the introduction to the book, the authors note that In the Footsteps… takes the reader ‘from the sun-baked plains of Spain in the south, through the lush mountains of the Rhine Valley in Germany to the east, via the great abbeys of England’s West Country to the medieval cities of northern England’. They’re not wrong. Thoroughly enjoyable read, that can be used as and when you need it as a handy reference guide. I’ll certainly be taking it out and about next time I’m visiting any Tudor sites.
The book is split into seven sections, with one covering the principal royal residences known to all, followed by an individual section dedicated to each queen. In total we are provided eighty locations, with a detailed history of each along with information on any interesting artefacts or features still extant. This is bolstered by over 130 pictures of the sites for those unable to physically visit. A welcome inclusion is the plethora of family trees, maps and timelines that augment the text. Each entry has also been visited by the authors, which is evident in their narrative as they paint a vivid mental picture with their words. Furthermore each queen is introduced with a short biography so even if you have no prior knowledge of the personalities involved, you are catered for. It’s information-overload in the best sense of the word.
The old favourites are here; Hampton Court Palace, Whitehall Palace and Windsor Castle. But where this book stands on its own is the inclusion of the lesser known sites which once hosted queens of England. Acton Court near Bristol has a room where Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII dined in whilst for the first time that I’m aware of we are introduced to the various locations in Germany and Spain with Tudor connections. Dusseldorf features prominently in reference to Anne of Cleves with Spanish sites such as the Royal Palace of Medina del Campo, Alcazar of Seville or the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral providing a thorough account of the early life of Katherine of Aragon. An example of the detailed narrative can be found in the entry for the Archbishop’s Palace, Alcala de Henares in Madrid, where Katherine was born. The authors describe the palace as;
“a vast complex of buildings, gardens and courtyards, more than double the size of the original fortress. It comprised several patios (courtyards), towers, galleries and chambers, including la sala de la Reyna, the queen’s chamber, elaborately decorated in Gothic-Mudejar style, and on the floor above, el Salon de Concilios, or Council Wing”.
Elsewhere, I hadn’t heard of the Echateau d’Amboise or the Schloss Dusselforf for example, so these were fascinating to discover. Closer to home, I hadn’t come across places such as Beddington Place, the Manor of Bletchingley or Thornton Abbey before. The research cannot be faulted.
In the introduction to the book, the authors note that In the Footsteps… takes the reader ‘from the sun-baked plains of Spain in the south, through the lush mountains of the Rhine Valley in Germany to the east, via the great abbeys of England’s West Country to the medieval cities of northern England’. They’re not wrong. Thoroughly enjoyable read, that can be used as and when you need it as a handy reference guide. I’ll certainly be taking it out and about next time I’m visiting any Tudor sites.
April 3, 2016
A magical trip to the past, with the best guidebook ever.
In the Footsteps of the Six Wives of Henry VIII, is the second book by Sarah Morris and Natalie Grueninger, after their previous gem "In the Footsteps of Anne Boleyn".
This book takes readers to some of the key locations associated with each wife, the Castles, Palaces, and Manor Houses, that experienced triumph and tragedies for each wife. My personal favourites are the locations of Spain for Catherine of Aragon, France and what is now modern-day Belgium for Anne Boleyn, Germany for Anne of Cleves, and the Castles and Manors in the North of England for Katherine Parr, as it was these locations that shaped these fascinating women. Our favourite and well known sites are featured, including the Tower of Lomdon, Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace, Hever Castle, Sudeley Castle, and Leeds Castle. Locations which either barely survive, or have disappeared entirely such Greenwich Palace, Whitehall Palace, Richmond Palace, Eltham Palace etc. Are all featured. Every location has details of what the places would have looked like to every Queen, so you MUST take this book with you when you visit them. For example, although only the Great Hall of Eltham survives, as you are walking there, whip out this trusty guide, and discover where the Tiltyard, Moat, and lodgings of Cardinal Wolsey, and Thomas More would have stayed in. When I used visited the site where Richmond Palace once stood, although only the Gatehouse survives, by taking along their previous book "In the Footsteps of Anne Boleyn", I was able to look past the modern-day Richmond and be transported back in time to the 16th century, with the Palace brought back to life.
Other gems in this book include, Wolf Hall, the Seymour residence in Wiltshire, now made famous thanks to the best-selling novels. And Oatlands Palace in Surrey, where Henry VIII married his fifth wife Catherine Howard. Again, barely anything of Oatlands survives, but Sarah and Natalie, bring the Palace back to life beautifully.
Other highlights include the discovery of the Anne of Cleves heraldic panels, which Sarah worked with Dr Jonathan Foyle on, and the many pictures drawings and sketches, of the locations, street plans, reconstructed lost locations, and in particular, the Coronation Procession of Anne Boleyn and many more.
Like "In the Footsteps of Anne Boleyn", Sarah and Natalie bring the past beautifully to life, I shall now be carrying this book with me whenever I visit any of the locations listed- as well as "In the Footateps of Anne Boleyn". Sarah and Natalie are a splendid team, their accounts and writings draw you in and bring the past back to life for you. This really is a gem of a book, and it is perfect for anyone with an interest in buildings, architecture, history, Tudors and rediscovering the past. Walking in the footsteps of those that have lived before us, helps us understand these people better, it is an amazing concept of a book.
In the Footsteps of the Six Wives of Henry VIII, is the second book by Sarah Morris and Natalie Grueninger, after their previous gem "In the Footsteps of Anne Boleyn".
This book takes readers to some of the key locations associated with each wife, the Castles, Palaces, and Manor Houses, that experienced triumph and tragedies for each wife. My personal favourites are the locations of Spain for Catherine of Aragon, France and what is now modern-day Belgium for Anne Boleyn, Germany for Anne of Cleves, and the Castles and Manors in the North of England for Katherine Parr, as it was these locations that shaped these fascinating women. Our favourite and well known sites are featured, including the Tower of Lomdon, Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace, Hever Castle, Sudeley Castle, and Leeds Castle. Locations which either barely survive, or have disappeared entirely such Greenwich Palace, Whitehall Palace, Richmond Palace, Eltham Palace etc. Are all featured. Every location has details of what the places would have looked like to every Queen, so you MUST take this book with you when you visit them. For example, although only the Great Hall of Eltham survives, as you are walking there, whip out this trusty guide, and discover where the Tiltyard, Moat, and lodgings of Cardinal Wolsey, and Thomas More would have stayed in. When I used visited the site where Richmond Palace once stood, although only the Gatehouse survives, by taking along their previous book "In the Footsteps of Anne Boleyn", I was able to look past the modern-day Richmond and be transported back in time to the 16th century, with the Palace brought back to life.
Other gems in this book include, Wolf Hall, the Seymour residence in Wiltshire, now made famous thanks to the best-selling novels. And Oatlands Palace in Surrey, where Henry VIII married his fifth wife Catherine Howard. Again, barely anything of Oatlands survives, but Sarah and Natalie, bring the Palace back to life beautifully.
Other highlights include the discovery of the Anne of Cleves heraldic panels, which Sarah worked with Dr Jonathan Foyle on, and the many pictures drawings and sketches, of the locations, street plans, reconstructed lost locations, and in particular, the Coronation Procession of Anne Boleyn and many more.
Like "In the Footsteps of Anne Boleyn", Sarah and Natalie bring the past beautifully to life, I shall now be carrying this book with me whenever I visit any of the locations listed- as well as "In the Footateps of Anne Boleyn". Sarah and Natalie are a splendid team, their accounts and writings draw you in and bring the past back to life for you. This really is a gem of a book, and it is perfect for anyone with an interest in buildings, architecture, history, Tudors and rediscovering the past. Walking in the footsteps of those that have lived before us, helps us understand these people better, it is an amazing concept of a book.
Read
March 8, 2017Sarah Morris and Natalie Grueninger are the authors behind the fascinating book “In the Footsteps of Anne Boleyn”, which explores the places and locations that Anne Boleyn, second wife of King Henry VIII visited during her life. Following on from this book Morris and Grueninger have written a new book which presents the various locations that each of Henry VIII’s six wives visited or lived at during their lives.
I was eager to read this book as I thoroughly enjoyed Morris and Grueninger’s first book and I can say with confidence that not only did this book live up to expectations I feel it surpassed their first.
Moving in sequence Morris and Grueninger explore the locations, sites, palaces, manors etc. that each of Henry VIII’s wives would have known throughout their lives starting with Henry VIII’s first wife, Katherine of Aragon. The authors then examine each of Henry VIII’s subsequent wives, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard and Catherine Parr, detailing each woman’s life and their involvement with the locations listed.
The authors provide an abundant amount of information about each location and this allows the reader to gain a wonderful insight into what the houses, places, manors etc. would have looked like during the time that each of Henry VIII’s wives visited or lived. In addition Morris and Grueninger detail where each woman would have slept, eaten, spent their past times as well as important events that took place at each location. The authors also explain why each woman visited or lived at the various locations and approximately how long she stayed or how many visits she made. They then move on to talk about what the location looks like in modern times, if it survives, or what part of the building still stands. At the end of each location the authors provide a fantastic addition called ‘Visitors Information’ which outlines addresses, contact details, visitor information and any other little bits and pieces visitors may need to know. This is a wonderful addition as it gives the reader valuable information if they wish to visit the site.
The multitude of high quality photos, paintings, manor layouts and images of the different places that are described and detailed within the book are simply fascinating. They are a fantastic edition as they allow the reader to not only read about each location but to also look at a picture or painting and gain an idea of what it looks like in today’s times or even better what it would have looked like during the Tudor age. The images are very captivating and I have to say I spent a great deal of time studying each image and imagining each of Henry VIII’s wives walking through the gardens or halls of each location.
“In the Footsteps of the Six Wives of Henry VIII” is a wonderful overview of the lives of six incredible women who are forever etched into the pages of history. It is obvious that this book is extremely well researched and because of this the reader is able to gain a greater understanding and knowledge of Tudor England and make a personal connection with each wife through the locations listed.
Sarah Morris and Natalie Grueninger’s second collaboration is utterly brilliant. I recommended their first book “In the Footsteps of Anne Boleyn” and I would also highly recommend this book. Written with an eye for detail this is the perfect guide for visitors wishing to learn more about the locations and places associated with the wives of Henry VIII.
I was eager to read this book as I thoroughly enjoyed Morris and Grueninger’s first book and I can say with confidence that not only did this book live up to expectations I feel it surpassed their first.
Moving in sequence Morris and Grueninger explore the locations, sites, palaces, manors etc. that each of Henry VIII’s wives would have known throughout their lives starting with Henry VIII’s first wife, Katherine of Aragon. The authors then examine each of Henry VIII’s subsequent wives, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard and Catherine Parr, detailing each woman’s life and their involvement with the locations listed.
The authors provide an abundant amount of information about each location and this allows the reader to gain a wonderful insight into what the houses, places, manors etc. would have looked like during the time that each of Henry VIII’s wives visited or lived. In addition Morris and Grueninger detail where each woman would have slept, eaten, spent their past times as well as important events that took place at each location. The authors also explain why each woman visited or lived at the various locations and approximately how long she stayed or how many visits she made. They then move on to talk about what the location looks like in modern times, if it survives, or what part of the building still stands. At the end of each location the authors provide a fantastic addition called ‘Visitors Information’ which outlines addresses, contact details, visitor information and any other little bits and pieces visitors may need to know. This is a wonderful addition as it gives the reader valuable information if they wish to visit the site.
The multitude of high quality photos, paintings, manor layouts and images of the different places that are described and detailed within the book are simply fascinating. They are a fantastic edition as they allow the reader to not only read about each location but to also look at a picture or painting and gain an idea of what it looks like in today’s times or even better what it would have looked like during the Tudor age. The images are very captivating and I have to say I spent a great deal of time studying each image and imagining each of Henry VIII’s wives walking through the gardens or halls of each location.
“In the Footsteps of the Six Wives of Henry VIII” is a wonderful overview of the lives of six incredible women who are forever etched into the pages of history. It is obvious that this book is extremely well researched and because of this the reader is able to gain a greater understanding and knowledge of Tudor England and make a personal connection with each wife through the locations listed.
Sarah Morris and Natalie Grueninger’s second collaboration is utterly brilliant. I recommended their first book “In the Footsteps of Anne Boleyn” and I would also highly recommend this book. Written with an eye for detail this is the perfect guide for visitors wishing to learn more about the locations and places associated with the wives of Henry VIII.
September 3, 2017
It's such a refreshing change to read something different about the six wives of Henry VIII. So much has been written about them both individually and collectively that sometimes I feel that there is nothing more to discover about any of them.
And then along comes .. In the Footsteps of the Wives... which delighted me in a different sort of way. I was thrilled to learn something new, with the added bonus of also being able to picture the wives 'in situ' at their various residences. From the sunshine gardens of the Alhambra Palace in Spain, the childhood home of Katherine of Aragon, through to the cold of Gainsborough Old Hall in Lincolnshire, once the home of Katherine Parr, the book takes us on a real journey of discovery. Also stopping off at Hever Castle in Kent, Wolfhall in Wiltshire and the Schloss Dussefdorf in Germany and points in between, the book is imaginatively and professionally developed so that each individual journey becomes one of discovery.
The book is easy to navigate which is an added bonus if, like me, you tend to dip in and out of factual books. There's a good index of contents which makes it easy to locate whichever wife you have a fancy to follow and a series of clear maps helps to put them in their place.The illustrations both colour and black and white give added depth and help to place the locations in context. There are also some important visitor details so that if you have an interest in visiting any of the residences, and places of interest, you can find out more by following links to websites and using the necessary post codes.
The book is very much more than just a collection of historic houses and castles, it also gives an interesting and concise history of each Queen, so that if you don't know too much about the six wives, then there is more than enough information to get you started.
If you like Tudor history and visiting the sites of Tudor castles and palaces, and also have a fascination for the six wives of Henry VIII, then I'm sure you'll enjoy this one as much as I did.
And then along comes .. In the Footsteps of the Wives... which delighted me in a different sort of way. I was thrilled to learn something new, with the added bonus of also being able to picture the wives 'in situ' at their various residences. From the sunshine gardens of the Alhambra Palace in Spain, the childhood home of Katherine of Aragon, through to the cold of Gainsborough Old Hall in Lincolnshire, once the home of Katherine Parr, the book takes us on a real journey of discovery. Also stopping off at Hever Castle in Kent, Wolfhall in Wiltshire and the Schloss Dussefdorf in Germany and points in between, the book is imaginatively and professionally developed so that each individual journey becomes one of discovery.
The book is easy to navigate which is an added bonus if, like me, you tend to dip in and out of factual books. There's a good index of contents which makes it easy to locate whichever wife you have a fancy to follow and a series of clear maps helps to put them in their place.The illustrations both colour and black and white give added depth and help to place the locations in context. There are also some important visitor details so that if you have an interest in visiting any of the residences, and places of interest, you can find out more by following links to websites and using the necessary post codes.
The book is very much more than just a collection of historic houses and castles, it also gives an interesting and concise history of each Queen, so that if you don't know too much about the six wives, then there is more than enough information to get you started.
If you like Tudor history and visiting the sites of Tudor castles and palaces, and also have a fascination for the six wives of Henry VIII, then I'm sure you'll enjoy this one as much as I did.
June 25, 2017
A Good read all round!
Saw this book advertised & heard of many of the
places connected with Henry VIII & his six wives but had not seen them, this book takes you to take these wonderful places & homes connected with them! Very well put together with a wealth of information without being over factual a good book all round!
Saw this book advertised & heard of many of the
places connected with Henry VIII & his six wives but had not seen them, this book takes you to take these wonderful places & homes connected with them! Very well put together with a wealth of information without being over factual a good book all round!
March 21, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I think I spent as much time on Google Earth as I did actually reading!
February 2, 2024
I loved this book so much! It gave an incredible glimpse into the places and lives that each of the Six Wives had. I wish I could see all of those places.
December 2, 2019
Take a journey from the Alcalá de Henares in Spain, to Sudley Castle in Gloucestershire, England. In between, journey through France and Germany, and numerous sites in England.
In The Footsteps of the Six Wives of Henry VIII is a thorough account of the places where the women lived and the places they knew. Rather than concentrate on well-known sites, such as the Tower of London, information about lesser-known places are included. It makes history more accessible; more tangible.
Beautifully written, this book is thoroughly recommended.
In The Footsteps of the Six Wives of Henry VIII is a thorough account of the places where the women lived and the places they knew. Rather than concentrate on well-known sites, such as the Tower of London, information about lesser-known places are included. It makes history more accessible; more tangible.
Beautifully written, this book is thoroughly recommended.
April 10, 2016
Absolutely love this book! It is well written and brings the past back to life. Unfortunately some of the buildings have not survived but you only need to close your eyes & have a little imagination and you can see it all! For each location there is a brief history, then the association and ending with the 'visitor information' - the layout of this book is perfect.
This book is a 'must read' for all Tudor fans.
Many congratulations to Sarah & Natalie on another amazing book. :-)
This book is a 'must read' for all Tudor fans.
Many congratulations to Sarah & Natalie on another amazing book. :-)
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