Henry VIII

Underwear Under There

Posted November 9, 2015

I stumbled across a magnificent illustrated manuscript from around the year 1500.  It’s exciting because it shows men in their underwear. Wait, that might have sounded a little wrong.What I mean by “exciting” is that it’s hard to find pictures… Read More

When the Saints Went Marching Out

Posted February 18, 2013

Before Henry VIII converted England to Protestantism, it had been fashionable to swear by Catholic saints (“By Saint George!” “By Saint Louis!”) After Catholicism was banned, people started saying “By George” instead.   source: Richard Zacks, An Underground Education, page… Read More

The Tudors: A Review

Posted January 13, 2012

I’ll admit this right from the get-go: I am a huge fan of The Tudors. When Henry VIII (Jonathan Rhys-Meyers) flashes his eyes at someone who has displeased him, I quake for that person. Lady Mary (Sarah Bolger) is perfectly… Read More

Royal Treatment

Posted January 6, 2012

King Henry VIII used a close stool for his toilet. He had a special groom whose job it was to wipe the royal butt.… Read More