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Tudor Executions: From Nobility to the Block
“Rich in detail and sharp in analysis, this thought-provoking study uncovers how and why definitions of ‘treason’ shifted across the Tudor era, and exposes the brutal consequences for those who fell foul of this mercurial crime. A must-read.” - Dr Owen Emmerson
The Tudors as a dynasty executed many people, both high and low. But the nobility were the ones consistently involved in treason, either deliberately or unconsciously. Exploring the long sixteenth century under each of the Tudor monarchs gives a sense of how and why so many were executed for what was considered the worst possible crime and how the definition of treason changed over the period. This book examines how and why Tudor nobles like Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham; Queen Consort Anne Boleyn; Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey; and Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, fell into the trap of treason and ended up on the block under the executioner’s axe. Treason and the Tudor nobility seem to go hand in hand as, by the end of the sixteenth century and the advent of the Stuart dynasty, no dukes remained in England. How did this happen and why?
The Tudors as a dynasty executed many people, both high and low. But the nobility were the ones consistently involved in treason, either deliberately or unconsciously. Exploring the long sixteenth century under each of the Tudor monarchs gives a sense of how and why so many were executed for what was considered the worst possible crime and how the definition of treason changed over the period. This book examines how and why Tudor nobles like Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham; Queen Consort Anne Boleyn; Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey; and Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, fell into the trap of treason and ended up on the block under the executioner’s axe. Treason and the Tudor nobility seem to go hand in hand as, by the end of the sixteenth century and the advent of the Stuart dynasty, no dukes remained in England. How did this happen and why?
248 pages, Hardcover
First published July 30, 2024
About the author
Helene Harrison
2 books68 followersHelene Harrison studied at the University of Northumbria in Newcastle, achieving both a BA and an MA in History before going on to complete an MSc in Library Management. Her passion for Tudor history started when studying for A Levels and completing a module on Tudor rebellions. Her Masters dissertation focused on portrayals of Anne Boleyn through the centuries, from contemporary letters to modern TV and film adaptations. Now she writes two blogs, one Tudor history and one book-related, and loves visiting royal palaces and snuggling up with a book or embroidery project. Her first book 'Elizabethan Rebellions: Conspiracy, Intrigue and Treason' was published in January 2023 and her second book 'Tudor Executions: From Nobility to the Block' will be released in July 2024.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 30, 2024
Rather good insight into the Tudor paranoia over the usurpation ..... I mean succession. And as the reader continues on their grisly journey, they will discover how closely related to each other were both monarch and executed noble, as well as noble to noble.
Harrison begins with Edward Plantagenet, Earl of Warwick (ex. 1499) and completed her list with Robert Devereaux, Earl of Essex (ex. 1601). All those contained within the pages of this tome are already known - so no new surprises. One definitely for the Tudor history buffs!
Harrison begins with Edward Plantagenet, Earl of Warwick (ex. 1499) and completed her list with Robert Devereaux, Earl of Essex (ex. 1601). All those contained within the pages of this tome are already known - so no new surprises. One definitely for the Tudor history buffs!
August 10, 2024
This was such a fascinating read. Each chapter is dedicated to a different historical figure, some more well known than others, who faced execution at the hands of the Tudors. The author does a terrific job in each chapter giving the reader background behind the figure being discussed and how they came to be on the Tudors' badside. However, this caused for a bit of repetition because alot of the people featured in this book overlap with eachother. But that is something that cannot really be avoided with this type of book and it did not lessen my enjoyment of it in any way.
We start with the executions ordered by Henry VII, and end with Elizabeth I. The most well-known executions, such as that of Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard, both wives of the infamous Henry VIII are of course included. As well as that of Mary, Queen of Scots. The botched execution of Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury, who was a woman in her 70s, was a chapter that stood out to me.
Overall, I thought this was a fantastic read. I would recommend it to all Tudor enthusiasts, especially those who may not have much prior knowledge about the background of the figures discussed in this book.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-Arc!
We start with the executions ordered by Henry VII, and end with Elizabeth I. The most well-known executions, such as that of Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard, both wives of the infamous Henry VIII are of course included. As well as that of Mary, Queen of Scots. The botched execution of Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury, who was a woman in her 70s, was a chapter that stood out to me.
Overall, I thought this was a fantastic read. I would recommend it to all Tudor enthusiasts, especially those who may not have much prior knowledge about the background of the figures discussed in this book.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-Arc!
June 26, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc! As an avid history lover, I was so invested in this book, especially since I didn’t know the full story of some of the people in this book. I have done my family tree, and I am related to some of the people in the book (e.g. Margaret Pole) and I loved learning more about their lives! I highly recommend this book to those who love history, especially Tudor history as it lets us see in people’s lives if they were high ranked in society!
June 9, 2024
A very good book for new and old Tudor fans alike. Well researched and detailed without being dry. Each chapter can be read as a stand alone as every unfortunate soul has their own. However, there is some repetition as it relates from one person to another i.e., Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard. This in no way distracts from the story. I think this would make an excellent edition to anyone's Tudor collection. Contains pictures which is always a bonus for me. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 17, 2024
There is potential here for this to be an interesting read, but there is far too much repetition from chapter to chapter. On one hand, I get it because so many of these peoples lives overlapped with one another, and the people connecting them, but there was simply too much. Also a bit more editing would be beneficial to tighten up some of these unnecessarily longer sentences. The must haves and the probablies and assumptions also need to go. The repetition within each chapter about the execution being discussed was also frustrating. If you’ve said something once, you don’t need to repeat it two paragraphs later.
The references to showtime’s show on The Tudors we’re also unnecessary and didn’t add anything except to point out that once again the show was horribly inaccurate, regardless of how beautiful the costumes and the actors were. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the show, but there’s not really a place for it here, as this book was not comparing reality versus the show. It seems like those snippets were just thrown in, but for what reason I don’t know.
I received a free digital ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Full review to come.
The references to showtime’s show on The Tudors we’re also unnecessary and didn’t add anything except to point out that once again the show was horribly inaccurate, regardless of how beautiful the costumes and the actors were. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the show, but there’s not really a place for it here, as this book was not comparing reality versus the show. It seems like those snippets were just thrown in, but for what reason I don’t know.
I received a free digital ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Full review to come.
June 15, 2024
Tudor Executions by Helene Harrison deep dives into the most famous executions that happened through the reigns of the members of England's most famous dynasty, the Tudors. Starting in the reign of Henry VII, and finishing with the final momentous execution of Elizabeth I, we cover the crimes of the accused .
Alot of these executions of were very well known even today. Anne Boleyn was the first queen of England to be executed. Whether her crimes were trumped up charges are up for debate (personally, I feel as though it was an excuse for Henry VIII to make room for another wife). In the reign of her daughter, Elizabeth, The Virgin Queen executes her cousin Mary Queen of Scots on charges of treason. Harrison also covers lesser known executions that were also important in the times of these rulers. Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury, was executed in her seventies under the pall of treason. Unlike some of her executed counterparts, Margaret's was conducted in private and quickly, almost as if they were ashamed of what they were doing. Indeed, her execution was handled poorly, with an inexperienced axeman, who did not severe the countess' head from her neck in a single blow, instead hacking away at her until the job was done.
This book is a definite recommend for those interested in Tudor history. All of these executions took place in crucial part of these histories. My only complaint is that the author has a habit of reusing phrasing often. Other than that, this book is worth a read, and I highly recommend this to anyone with the interest.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pen and Sword Publishing for the advanced reader copy!
Alot of these executions of were very well known even today. Anne Boleyn was the first queen of England to be executed. Whether her crimes were trumped up charges are up for debate (personally, I feel as though it was an excuse for Henry VIII to make room for another wife). In the reign of her daughter, Elizabeth, The Virgin Queen executes her cousin Mary Queen of Scots on charges of treason. Harrison also covers lesser known executions that were also important in the times of these rulers. Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury, was executed in her seventies under the pall of treason. Unlike some of her executed counterparts, Margaret's was conducted in private and quickly, almost as if they were ashamed of what they were doing. Indeed, her execution was handled poorly, with an inexperienced axeman, who did not severe the countess' head from her neck in a single blow, instead hacking away at her until the job was done.
This book is a definite recommend for those interested in Tudor history. All of these executions took place in crucial part of these histories. My only complaint is that the author has a habit of reusing phrasing often. Other than that, this book is worth a read, and I highly recommend this to anyone with the interest.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pen and Sword Publishing for the advanced reader copy!
June 4, 2024
Tutor Executions, from nobility to the Block by Helena Harris The one thing I learned from this book is that just by saying something against the king or queen or believing in a different religion did the nobility is not just a bad day but could be your last day. An even worse scenario is,your best friend is the leader of the country and you wake up to find their rival is now the leader. now just because you were friends you are now charged with treason. So many different reasons and so many different stories and a lot of them are in this book royal executions and those who were victimized by it. From bloody married to king Henry those who ordered executions were cruel but in some cases were loved by the people this is a great thought and one I definitely recommend I love these books about tutor history and cannot get enough of them I want to thank pen and sword press for my free arc copy. Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
May 10, 2024
A great read about the bloody tutor reign,
Helene Harrison creates an enticing and easy to read non fiction for all Tudor enthusiasts.
We all know the old rhyme “divorced, beheaded, died…” when we think of Henry VIII and his wives. This is not that book, though is does feature Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard. But they are not the main talking points of this book, which Was honestly rather refreshing. While these two women’s executions are well known,( and for good reason) they were far from the only victims.
The book begins with Henry VII, who I think is often overlooked because of his son. Henry VII, had his fair share of executions during his reign, most famously perkin Warbeck the pretender. So when they say Tudor executions in the title, it is true. It doesn’t only cover Henry VIII and his children.
Helene goes in depth, dedicating chapters of varying lengths for each person so even someone brand new to history can read. While I’m very familiar with all people discussed I found this entertaining and enlightening despite having previous knowledge. It didn’t feel weighed down with academic textbook language either. Her writing style is what I would consider conversational. If you’re familiar at all with Essayists on YouTube the writing is like that. Informative, but far from boring.
While the text can be critical at times, it’s not void of sympathy either. However, because it does feel like the author is sat with you, at times the text can start to feel repetitive. Certain words and phrases are used throughout and that began to stand out to me early on. This didn’t bother me, but it was a tad distracting. That doesn’t mean Tudor Executions was a monotonous read. I’d say that is simply the nature of the beast.
I’d say this is geared more towards beginner Tudor enthusiasts, but I think it’s a fantastic resource.
The research is cited well, and overall I think it’s a great read.
Helene Harrison creates an enticing and easy to read non fiction for all Tudor enthusiasts.
We all know the old rhyme “divorced, beheaded, died…” when we think of Henry VIII and his wives. This is not that book, though is does feature Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard. But they are not the main talking points of this book, which Was honestly rather refreshing. While these two women’s executions are well known,( and for good reason) they were far from the only victims.
The book begins with Henry VII, who I think is often overlooked because of his son. Henry VII, had his fair share of executions during his reign, most famously perkin Warbeck the pretender. So when they say Tudor executions in the title, it is true. It doesn’t only cover Henry VIII and his children.
Helene goes in depth, dedicating chapters of varying lengths for each person so even someone brand new to history can read. While I’m very familiar with all people discussed I found this entertaining and enlightening despite having previous knowledge. It didn’t feel weighed down with academic textbook language either. Her writing style is what I would consider conversational. If you’re familiar at all with Essayists on YouTube the writing is like that. Informative, but far from boring.
While the text can be critical at times, it’s not void of sympathy either. However, because it does feel like the author is sat with you, at times the text can start to feel repetitive. Certain words and phrases are used throughout and that began to stand out to me early on. This didn’t bother me, but it was a tad distracting. That doesn’t mean Tudor Executions was a monotonous read. I’d say that is simply the nature of the beast.
I’d say this is geared more towards beginner Tudor enthusiasts, but I think it’s a fantastic resource.
The research is cited well, and overall I think it’s a great read.
May 15, 2024
‘Once the condemned person was dead, the executioner would traditionally hold up the head to the watching crowd and declare ‘behold the head of a traitor’ Legend suggests that this was so that the head could see the crowd and its own decapitated body.’
Another interesting read from Helene!
Executions from Anne Boleyn, Thomas Seymour and Jane Grey to name a few.
A must read for history lovers and those who can handle some gory execution's.
Another interesting read from Helene!
Executions from Anne Boleyn, Thomas Seymour and Jane Grey to name a few.
A must read for history lovers and those who can handle some gory execution's.
July 2, 2024
Treason is the crime of betraying one’s country or monarch by trying to overthrow the government or kill a sovereign. While many English dynasties dealt with treason in their ways, the most infamous were the Tudors and how they dealt with the nobility. By the end of 1572, there were no more dukes in England, until 1623 when George Villiers became the Duke of Buckingham. What was classified as treason during the Tudor dynasty and why did the members of the nobility have to die? Helene Harrison hopes to answer these questions in her latest book, “Tudor Executions: From Nobility to the Block.”
I would like to thank Pen and Sword Books and Net Galley for sending me a copy of this book. I enjoyed Harrison’s previous book about Elizabethan Rebellions, so when I heard that she was writing a new book about Tudor executions, I knew I wanted to read it.
Harrison begins by giving her readers a quick overview of what treason meant during the time of the Tudors through the numerous Treason Acts, the significance of the Act of Attainders and scaffold speeches. She also explains that this book explores the lives and ultimate deaths of nine men and five women and that each chapter can be read separately as an essay. The 14 figures that are featured in this book are: Edward Plantagenet 17th Earl of Warwick, Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham, Queen Anne Boleyn, George Boleyn Viscount Rochford, Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury, Queen Katherine Howard, Jane Boleyn Viscountess Rochford, Henry Howard Earl of Surrey, Thomas Seymour 1st Baron Seymour of Sudeley, Edward Seymour 1st Duke of Somerset, John Dudley 1st Duke of Northumberland, Queen Jane Grey, Thomas Howard 4th Duke of Norfolk, and Robert Devereux 2nd Earl of Essex.
With each case, Harrison explores their origins, how they gained fame, their ultimate falls from grace, and their fate on the execution block. The main focus of each chapter is to show what each monarch considered treasonous behavior, which varied from case to case. We see charges range from treason for having royal blood to being too ambitious, adultery to down right rebellious acts. The Tudors did not hold back when it came to noble women as two queens, Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard, were executed which was a first for England.
I think Harrison does a decent job in sharing the stories about these nobles and their unfortunate ends. Though there was no real surprises in this book, but the way Harrison presented the information was easy to follow. She shows that the closer one is to the throne, the more likely they would fall victim to power, greed and paranoia. If you are a Tudor nerd who is interested in the more gruesome side of the glamorous Tudor court, I would suggest you read, “Tudor Executions: From Nobility to the Block” by Helene Harrison.
I would like to thank Pen and Sword Books and Net Galley for sending me a copy of this book. I enjoyed Harrison’s previous book about Elizabethan Rebellions, so when I heard that she was writing a new book about Tudor executions, I knew I wanted to read it.
Harrison begins by giving her readers a quick overview of what treason meant during the time of the Tudors through the numerous Treason Acts, the significance of the Act of Attainders and scaffold speeches. She also explains that this book explores the lives and ultimate deaths of nine men and five women and that each chapter can be read separately as an essay. The 14 figures that are featured in this book are: Edward Plantagenet 17th Earl of Warwick, Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham, Queen Anne Boleyn, George Boleyn Viscount Rochford, Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury, Queen Katherine Howard, Jane Boleyn Viscountess Rochford, Henry Howard Earl of Surrey, Thomas Seymour 1st Baron Seymour of Sudeley, Edward Seymour 1st Duke of Somerset, John Dudley 1st Duke of Northumberland, Queen Jane Grey, Thomas Howard 4th Duke of Norfolk, and Robert Devereux 2nd Earl of Essex.
With each case, Harrison explores their origins, how they gained fame, their ultimate falls from grace, and their fate on the execution block. The main focus of each chapter is to show what each monarch considered treasonous behavior, which varied from case to case. We see charges range from treason for having royal blood to being too ambitious, adultery to down right rebellious acts. The Tudors did not hold back when it came to noble women as two queens, Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard, were executed which was a first for England.
I think Harrison does a decent job in sharing the stories about these nobles and their unfortunate ends. Though there was no real surprises in this book, but the way Harrison presented the information was easy to follow. She shows that the closer one is to the throne, the more likely they would fall victim to power, greed and paranoia. If you are a Tudor nerd who is interested in the more gruesome side of the glamorous Tudor court, I would suggest you read, “Tudor Executions: From Nobility to the Block” by Helene Harrison.
August 3, 2024
I want to thank NetGalley and Pen & Sword Publishing for a copy of this book.
Brief Summary: The Tudor reign was a bloody time in English history. It saw countless executions for rebellion and religion. Two Queen Consorts and a Queen Regnant of 13 days were all executed at the Tower. By the conclusion of the dynasty, there were no Dukes left in England. Harrison explores these notable Tudor Nobility detailing their lives and downfalls from 1485 to 1603.
Thoughts: This a book that you pick up because the subject sounds interesting and it fosters the reader's interest in the subject, fostering a desire to learn more. Many of the individuals that Harrison covers in this book are well-known Tudor figures (e.g., Anne Boleyn, Kathryn Howard, Jane Boleyn) and a few lesser-known (e.g., Henry Howard). However, the way that Harrison outlines these individuals' lives and the events that led to their executions is written in such a way that it piques your interest in these individuals. I never thought I would be Googling books on Henry Howard or Thomas Howard but the chapters on them made me interested to learn more.
I think that the shining moment of the book is how much Harrison highlights the Howard family. It is not unusual for the noble houses to be connected during this period (and in other periods as well), but the Howards seemed to have a disproportionately high appearance rate in treason cases. Throughout the book, Harrison draws connections between members of the Howard family and perfectly highlights how they are a cautionary tale of how having too much ambition and royal connections can lead to devastating consequences.
I do wish that Harrison had not written in such a repetitive way throughout the book. I do understand that each chapter was meant to be a stand alone article. Nevertheless, the repetition within the chapters was a little grating as it felt at times that paragraphs were repeating themselves.
This is a thought-provoking read for any Tudor lover. It has really interesting information specific to the executions of nobility, including their scaffold speeches. Lovers of Tudor history will enjoy this book and it will likely set them on the path of learning about notable figures outside the royal family. I would recommend this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Death, Grief, Infertility, Violence, War, Mental illness, Murder, Classism, Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Death of a parent, Infidelity, Pregnancy, Forced institutionalization, and Suicide attempt
This book discusses executions. Although not overly graphic it does detail a few that were not well done (i.e., took more than one blow) and there is a mention of a traitor's death (hanging, drawing, and quartering).
Brief Summary: The Tudor reign was a bloody time in English history. It saw countless executions for rebellion and religion. Two Queen Consorts and a Queen Regnant of 13 days were all executed at the Tower. By the conclusion of the dynasty, there were no Dukes left in England. Harrison explores these notable Tudor Nobility detailing their lives and downfalls from 1485 to 1603.
Thoughts: This a book that you pick up because the subject sounds interesting and it fosters the reader's interest in the subject, fostering a desire to learn more. Many of the individuals that Harrison covers in this book are well-known Tudor figures (e.g., Anne Boleyn, Kathryn Howard, Jane Boleyn) and a few lesser-known (e.g., Henry Howard). However, the way that Harrison outlines these individuals' lives and the events that led to their executions is written in such a way that it piques your interest in these individuals. I never thought I would be Googling books on Henry Howard or Thomas Howard but the chapters on them made me interested to learn more.
I think that the shining moment of the book is how much Harrison highlights the Howard family. It is not unusual for the noble houses to be connected during this period (and in other periods as well), but the Howards seemed to have a disproportionately high appearance rate in treason cases. Throughout the book, Harrison draws connections between members of the Howard family and perfectly highlights how they are a cautionary tale of how having too much ambition and royal connections can lead to devastating consequences.
I do wish that Harrison had not written in such a repetitive way throughout the book. I do understand that each chapter was meant to be a stand alone article. Nevertheless, the repetition within the chapters was a little grating as it felt at times that paragraphs were repeating themselves.
This is a thought-provoking read for any Tudor lover. It has really interesting information specific to the executions of nobility, including their scaffold speeches. Lovers of Tudor history will enjoy this book and it will likely set them on the path of learning about notable figures outside the royal family. I would recommend this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Death, Grief, Infertility, Violence, War, Mental illness, Murder, Classism, Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Death of a parent, Infidelity, Pregnancy, Forced institutionalization, and Suicide attempt
This book discusses executions. Although not overly graphic it does detail a few that were not well done (i.e., took more than one blow) and there is a mention of a traitor's death (hanging, drawing, and quartering).
July 13, 2024
At the beginning of the Tudor period, both corporal and capital punishment were widely used among both the nobility and common people.However, it can be noted that there was a vast difference between the types of crimes subjected to each class and the accompanying consequences.For e.g., common people were usually hanged, whereas the wealthy were beheaded.Victims of the Tudor monarchs, who were either executed by them or killed in their name, fell into 3 principal categories-Heresy, Treason and Denial of Royal Supremacy as Head of the English Church, and also Rebellion,Blasphemy,Murder,Sedition and Spying.While there were many crimes to be found guilty of and many consequences to fear, England didn't have a police force then.Therefore, other means were required to enforce the law. A common thought throughout Tudor history was that justice and sovereignty moved from the top down. All power and authority sprang from the divine, who worked through an anointed monarch. This divine authority was then filtered through to the nobility, who were put in charge of portions of the country. Those in favour of the monarch were usually rewarded greatly; yet, as it was a prevalent theme in Tudor history, favour was fleeting and depended largely on the monarch.Many of the crimes committed by the noble classes were linked to political aims and the pursuit of power.Unlike the common people, the nobles of the Tudor era simply possessed too much power and influence to be shown leniency.Public punishment became so popular in an era seeking entertainment that public humiliation, executions, and the like had a carnivalesque nature. It was an event not to be missed, and people would queue through the night to get the best place. It was also meant to instil fear in people and deter them.
Nobles who were executed:
Edward Plantagenet,17th Earl of Warwick
Margaret Pole, 8th Countess of Salisbury
George Boleyn,Viscount Rochford,Anne Boleyn,Jane Boleyn,
Catherine Howard and her lovers Francis Dereham and Thomas Culpeper
Thomas Sudeley,1st Baron Seymour of Sudeley and Edward Seymour, 1st Duke of Somerset
Lady Jane Grey
Nobles who were executed:
Edward Plantagenet,17th Earl of Warwick
Margaret Pole, 8th Countess of Salisbury
George Boleyn,Viscount Rochford,Anne Boleyn,Jane Boleyn,
Catherine Howard and her lovers Francis Dereham and Thomas Culpeper
Thomas Sudeley,1st Baron Seymour of Sudeley and Edward Seymour, 1st Duke of Somerset
Lady Jane Grey
June 3, 2024
The Tudor period was a time of treachery and treason. So many nobles were constantly vying for power and privilege but allegiance to the monarchy was a tenuous game and many paid the ultimate price; their life after being found guilty of treason. I hadn't realised that at the start of the Stuart period, there were no dukes left. Helene Harrison has a particular interest in this era and writes with authority in an easy accessible style. Her research appears impeccable which an extensive bibliography of primary and secondary sources, a comprehensive index and a fascinating selection of illustrative plates.. Each chapter also has detailed footnotes throughout.
I really like the way she has approached this fascinating topic. She outlines those who lost their life and helpfully includes a definition of treason. It’s broader than just an act against the monarch and Henry VIII even managed to change the law allowing him to execute mad people. In one way, it wasn’t unusual that so many lost their life as a result of the treason allegation. This was a period of constant duplicity and all the nobles were interlinked, often by marriage. They all sought royal favour in one way or another and would stop at nothing to gain status. Their games often resulted in their downfall and this book provides fascinating insight into these bloody times and struggles for power. The narrative is arranged in such a way that each chapter may be read as a standalone ( with one exception). So it’s a great book to dip into. There are extensive family trees at the beginning which show familial links. Best of all is that Ms Harrison really gets behind the individuals and brings them to life. They become people rather than just titles and she explores motivations in an accessible and fascinating way for the lay reader. I’ve really enjoyed this book which delves into a completely different aspect of Tudor society. Original, informed and so readable. I’ll be looking for more from this author.
I really like the way she has approached this fascinating topic. She outlines those who lost their life and helpfully includes a definition of treason. It’s broader than just an act against the monarch and Henry VIII even managed to change the law allowing him to execute mad people. In one way, it wasn’t unusual that so many lost their life as a result of the treason allegation. This was a period of constant duplicity and all the nobles were interlinked, often by marriage. They all sought royal favour in one way or another and would stop at nothing to gain status. Their games often resulted in their downfall and this book provides fascinating insight into these bloody times and struggles for power. The narrative is arranged in such a way that each chapter may be read as a standalone ( with one exception). So it’s a great book to dip into. There are extensive family trees at the beginning which show familial links. Best of all is that Ms Harrison really gets behind the individuals and brings them to life. They become people rather than just titles and she explores motivations in an accessible and fascinating way for the lay reader. I’ve really enjoyed this book which delves into a completely different aspect of Tudor society. Original, informed and so readable. I’ll be looking for more from this author.
August 27, 2024
The Tudor dynasty was notorious for its executions, particularly of the nobility. This book explores the history of treason during the Tudor era, examining how and why nobles like Anne Boleyn and the Earl of Essex fell victim to this charge. Through detailed accounts of individual cases, it reveals the shifting definition of treason and its devastating impact on the English aristocracy.
This book is interesting, informative, and easy to read. While there are no real surprises for Tudor fans, the book provides an interesting perspective on treason and succession concerns during the era.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This book is interesting, informative, and easy to read. While there are no real surprises for Tudor fans, the book provides an interesting perspective on treason and succession concerns during the era.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
August 29, 2024
A fairly speedy trip through the lives and downfalls of some of the key nobles during the Tudor period. The lineage of each is explained (and handy family trees provided), and explanations of what caused their downfalls. The book is written more as stand-alone articles rather than as a cohesive book, and consequently, there are repetitive sections. Sometimes, the language used veers into the conversational rather than the academic, again leading to some repetition (e.g. the final nail in the coffin for Robert Devereux was mentioned twice). Some editing errors are present, which is irritating in non-self published book.
Overall, a succint summary of some key Tudor personalities.
Overall, a succint summary of some key Tudor personalities.
August 29, 2024
TREASON!
For those of you that march to the drum beat of ‘“Eat the Rich” this book is for you.
Unlike the French Revolution where the common man rose up to strike down the royalty. In England during the Tudor reign of the 16th Century the King or Queen killed their own.
In this book we witness what it meant to be accused of treason against the crown. It didn’t matter who you were or how powerful your family was you could get your head chopped off. A bloody time to be rich and powerful.
This review was originally published on NetGalley.com. I was given an ebook freely by NetGalley and the book’s publisher in return for a voluntary and honest review.
For those of you that march to the drum beat of ‘“Eat the Rich” this book is for you.
Unlike the French Revolution where the common man rose up to strike down the royalty. In England during the Tudor reign of the 16th Century the King or Queen killed their own.
In this book we witness what it meant to be accused of treason against the crown. It didn’t matter who you were or how powerful your family was you could get your head chopped off. A bloody time to be rich and powerful.
This review was originally published on NetGalley.com. I was given an ebook freely by NetGalley and the book’s publisher in return for a voluntary and honest review.
May 15, 2024
Thank you to the publishers - Pen & Sword | Pen & Sword History – for giving me access to this book as an E-ARC via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
This was an interesting read about Tudor life, and well, death. Each chapter gives a quite detailed picture of the person leading up to their execution. Something I’m taking with me is how interwoven the royal and noble families in Tudor time were. That was very interesting.
This was an interesting read about Tudor life, and well, death. Each chapter gives a quite detailed picture of the person leading up to their execution. Something I’m taking with me is how interwoven the royal and noble families in Tudor time were. That was very interesting.
June 5, 2024
I loved the format, writing, research and the ease of reading this.Each person is given their own chapter with their family history,their place in the Tudor court and their charges and reasons for their execution.It was very detailed with occasional new to me information which in my opinion is difficult to do due to my wide reading over the years on the Tudors themselves.Very much recommend to new and old fans alike.
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