Claire | December 6, 2022
Today is the Feast of St Nicholas, or to give him his full name, St Nicholas of Myra, the 4th century Bishop of Myra. On the Feast of St Nicholas in medieval and Tudor times, it was traditional for a “boy bishop” to be elected. This boy would undertake all of the duties of a […]
Claire | November 19, 2022
On this day in Tudor history, 19th November 1587, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, an important member of the Catholic underground, Henry Vaux, died of what was probably consumption. The Catholic recusant and priest harbourer died at Great Ashby, the home of his sister, Eleanor Brooksby. Henry Vaux is a fascinating Tudor man. […]
Claire | October 31, 2022
Today, the 31st October, is All Hallows Eve, which is more commonly known as Halloween. Halloween is the first day of Hallowtide, which also includes the Feast of All Hallows, or All Saints’ Day, which is celebrated on 1st November, and the Feast of All Souls, which is celebrated on 2nd November. Let me explain […]
Claire | April 17, 2022
Happy Easter to those celebrating Easter Sunday today. Here, in my village in Spain, we have the Quema de Judas, the burning of Judas. A huge “tree” is built in our square out of wood and dressed with branches and greenery, with fireworks stuffed in it (health and safety doesn’t really come into it) and […]
Claire | April 15, 2022
Today, is Good Friday for many Christians around the world – although not for members of the Orthodox Church. Good Friday is the day when Christians remember the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his sacrifice for us. Many people will be going to special church services today, or special processions (I’m going to one!), and […]
Claire | April 4, 2021
He is risen! Happy Easter! On Easter Sunday in medieval and Tudor times, the candles in the church and around the Easter sepulchre were extinguished, and then the church lights were re-lit by the priest, from a fire. The sepulchre was opened, and Christ’s resurrection was celebrated with a special mass. The Easter Sunday mass […]
Claire | March 15, 2021
A big thank you to historical novelist and historian Toni Mount for joining us today with a guest article. This is a stop on her blog tour celebrating the launch of her latest Seb Foxley medieval murder mystery. I had access to an advance reader copy and I have to say that it’s my favourite […]
Claire | February 16, 2021
Happy Shrove Tuesday! Yes, it’s time to enjoy those rich foods before Lent, if you do abstain or fast. I thought I’d help you enjoy this day with some interesting videos and yummy recipes… In this video, my faithful canine friend, Teasel, helps me to explain Shrovetide and how medieval and Tudor people celebrated it: […]
