Walking into the pedestrianised street of modern shops in Reading’s Broad Street, there’s one building in your view that looks a little bit out of place. The timber-framed front of The George Hotel today houses a courtyard, restaurant, coffee shop and a place for visitors to stay. But its history is a long one, and it’s been the scene of scuffles, government business and a pitstop for weary travellers. The George Hotel, Reading  Although The George can be seen from Broad Street, it is situated at 11-12 King Street in the town, opposite the historic Jackson’s Corner and next to ..read more

You can't beat a bit of historic Tudor cookery, and let's face it, it's even more atmospheric when the nights are darker and the wind is howling around your home. Snuggle up with one of these comfort food dishes that are perfect for winter. Henry VIII's Cheeseboard Platter Want food to sustain and satisfy you, but don't want to cook? Whip up a cheese platter with fruits, condiments and cheeses available during the 1520s, at the court of Henry VIII. Get it here. Spinach Fritters Easy and quick to cook, these were recorded in a recipe book of 1585, when England was propping up war in the ..read more

Myths and legends, while a little dubious as a fact-finding source, are still historically valuable to us as they reveal how and why a community's cultural significance has been maintained. They inspire art, literature and poetry and the stories are passed down through generations, sometimes over many hundreds of years. Wales in particular is rich in these tales, which include the haunting story of a woman named Nelferch. Said to have occurred in Glamorganshire, in South Wales, stories of this blonde-haired water damsel have been told since at least the early nineteenth century, as John Rhys r ..read more

Ever since I was twelve years old, leafing through a photo book on the six queens of Henry VIII, I wanted to at least once wear a Tudor dress. I have always been fascinated with the cut of the designs, the fabric and how everything fit together. What would it have felt like? And was it comfortable, or difficult to walk - or sit - in? Tudor Gown, Lisa Armstrong, After Elizabeth Thanks to dress and costume designer Lisa Armstrong of After Elizabeth, I got to find out. Lisa is best known for the many bridal dresses and gowns she has created over the last decade, but also loves ..read more

In 1888, the writer William Rendle noted that the historic White Hart Inn in Southwark was nestled alongside a number of other historic inns, which included The Pope’s Head and The King’s Head, the latter at that time standing in ruins and facing demolition. The White Hart itself was not far off. Other inns at various times nearby included The George, The Talbot, The Tabard and The Queen’s Head. With its large number of inns and their close proximity to one another, this was where travellers, courtiers, merchants and anyone else needing a place to stay in London past the curfew bell headed. &n ..read more

 Set into one of the walls of Romsey Abbey is a beautifully preserved medieval effigy of a woman in long flowing robes. Details still survive on her face and on her clothing, and it’s a remarkable example of a high-status monument. The only problem is, no one really knows who she is. The plaque where you’d expect to see her name simply states ‘unknown effigy’, although offers the idea that she was probably an early benefactress of the building. The effigy, which is made from Purbeck marble, dates from the thirteenth century. Therefore, this woman, presuming she was commemorated soon after ..read more

On Wednesday 16 December 1523 inside the cool walls of Romsey Abbey, Elizabeth Ryprose was elected Abbess. The previous holder of the position, Ann Westbroke, had died the previous month, and the abbey’s community assembled in prayer to ask for inspiration as to who should be the next Abbess. Elizabeth was agreed on, and after they asked her to assume her new role she accepted, ‘not willing furthermore to resist the will of God in that behalf’. She made three crosses with her hand, and on 16 January 1524 the Bishop confirmed her role in writing.   The abbey that Elizabeth was soon to be i ..read more

King John’s House in Romsey is a thirteenth-century building that is now a tea room, pretty much across the road from Romsey Abbey. It’s a beautifully wonky old house on Church Street which is thought to have been a high-status medieval building in its heyday. One guide book on Hampshire’s old buildings states that the name of the building and its association with the notorious monarch came from a visit made by King John’s daughter before she married the King of Scotland. This must be John’s daughter Joan, who married Alexander II of Scotland in York in 1221. However, The New Antiquarians: 50 ..read more

There I was, reading an early-twentieth century biography of Charles II's queen, Catherine of Braganza, when I saw a footnote that specified the names of the women in her household. This is actually really interesting, because we can see the influences around the queen during her time in England as well as her links to members of the aristocracy. It might also be useful to anyone researching their own family histories who recognise their names. Catherine would have been surrounded by these women day and, potentially, night, as they fulfilled every task and assisted her in every wish. They also ..read more

Elizabeth Fitzherbert is best known for her beautiful effigy, laid alongside that of her husband Ralph, in Norbury church. The couple lived in Derbyshire during the unsettled period of the later Wars of the Roses. The family owned lands around the Midlands along with cattle, and Ralph was also asked to intervene locally on behalf of Richard III in matters of local justice. Elizabeth witnessed rapid changes in rule as four events happened in quick succession. In 1483 Edward IV breathed his last, Edward V went missing and Richard III and his Queen Anne Neville were crowned - all within months. U ..read more