A leading Tudor historian and chief historian at Historic Royal Palaces has spoken about the enduring fascination with the Tudor period, revealing insights from her television work and forthcoming theatre production. Known for her role in uncovering actor Danny Dyer’s ancestral link to Thomas Cromwell on the genealogy series "Who Do You Think You Are?", she described the experience as particularly memorable, highlighting Dyer’s enthusiastic response to learning about his famous ancestor.
Her new show, "Tudors On Tour," is designed as an interactive theatrical experience that aims to bring the Tudor era vividly to life through the use of props, film footage, and music. The production will cover the reigns of all Tudor monarchs, focusing on significant events in a manner intended to appeal both to history enthusiasts and students, as well as general theatre audiences. Each performance will begin with a local Tudor-related fact, emphasizing the widespread historical footprint the period has left across the country.
Addressing the realities of life in Tudor times, she emphasized the perilous nature of the era, particularly under Henry VIII’s court. Beyond the political dangers—such as the frequent use of execution by beheading—health conditions were harsh with an average life expectancy around 35 years. High infant mortality, deaths in childbirth, and diseases including sweating sickness and plague contributed to the precariousness of survival.
The historian cited the dramatic personalities and rich cultural tapestry of the era as key factors in her sustained interest. The period’s vivid figures, from Henry VIII and his six marriages to Elizabeth I, often referred to as the Virgin Queen, as well as Shakespeare, form a compelling backdrop. She also expressed admiration for Hans Holbein’s portraits, which she described as serving the role of court photography, offering a realistic visual record.
Her work at Historic Royal Palaces places her regularly at prominent sites such as Hampton Court and the Tower of London, deepening her connection to the period’s history. Research travels have included time spent at Hever Castle, the Boleyn family’s historic home, which enhances her engagement with figures like Anne Boleyn and Thomas Cromwell. She explained that visiting these locations adds a tangible dimension to historical events, occasionally producing what she described as “shivers down the spine.”
On her latest historical fiction, "The House of Boleyn," she discussed the creative liberties taken due to gaps in the historical record—particularly the absence of Anne Boleyn’s personal correspondence with Henry VIII. Where official letters exist only from the king, the lack of Anne’s replies allowed the author to imaginatively explore her perspective and feelings, offering a blend of historical fact and narrative invention.