Month: October 2010
Mary Queen of Scots – Tragic Heroine?
On this day in history, 29th October 1586, four days after a commission had found Mary Queen of Scots guilty…
John Dee and the Telescope
One of my favourite Elizabethan characters is John Dee, the famous scholar, astrologer, astronomer, mathematician and scientist, a man who…
Elizabeth Returns to Hatfield
On this day in history, the 18th October 1555, Elizabeth finally received permission from her half-sister, Mary I, to leave…
The Death of Philip Sidney
On this day in history, 17th October 1586, the poet, courtier and soldier, Sir Philip Sidney, died as a result…
The Burnings of Ridley and Latimer
On this day in history, the 16th October 1555, during the reign of Mary I, Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley…
The First Day of the Gregorian Calendar
The 15th October 1582 was the first day of the Gregorian calendar following the last day of the Julian calendar,…
The Trial of Mary Queen of Scots
On this day in history, 14th October 1586, the trial of Mary Queen of Scots began at Fotheringhay Castle in…
Happy Birthday Edward VI – Venus and Saturn in Conjunction
Happy 473rd Birthday, Edward VI! Yes, on this day in 1537 Edward VI was born to Jane Seymour and Henry…
The Arrest of Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset and Lord Protector
On this day in history, 11th October 1549, Edward Seymour, the Duke of Somerset, Lord Protector of the Realm and…
Elizabeth I the Poet – 1560s and 1570s
The first poem I want to share with you was inscribed by Elizabeth I on the last leaf of her…
Elizabeth I the Poet – The Woodstock Etchings
What some people do not realise is that Elizabeth I was a very accomplished writer, something which could be attributed…
The Coronation of Mary I
On this day in history, Sunday 1st October 1553, Mary I was crowned Queen at Westminster Abbey by Stephen Gardiner,…