The Queen Anne Boleyn Society

** On the 10th June in 1688, Maria of Modena, Queen of England Scotland and Ireland, gave birth to a baby boy, named James Francis Edward Stuart. This Prince should have grown up to become King James III of England and Ireland and VIII of Scotland. Bonfires were lit in celebration of his birth. But behind the scenes a storm was brewing and within six months the baby, his mother and his father King James II, would flee to France, King James overthrown in favour of his daughter Mary and her husband William who would rule as joint Monarchs. Prince James would become known as ‘The Old Pretender’ and the term Jacobites would be given to those who supported his (and his fathers) claim to the throne

James II and Maria of Modena were Catholics in a country that had long split with Rome and the people expected their Monarch to be of the Church of England. James’s policies since becoming King were making him deeply unpopular along with xenophobia and fear towards Catholics at the time. When Queen Maria became pregnant, vicious rumours spread that she was not pregnant at all and cartoons were drawn depicting her pinning on a cushion. Her stepdaughters Princess Mary (later Queen Mary II) Princess Anne (later Queen Anne) would write to each other about these rumours.

This period is often referred to as ‘The Glorious Revolution’. However, the truth is it was far from glorious. Particularly for the people involved at the heart of it. I have come to see it as a sad story of a family ripped apart with no real winners. One great tagline I read online recently regarding William and Mary who became joint Monarchs was “William got the glory ~ Mary got the guilt”.

I find it fascinating that we talk about Henry VIII and his desperation for a male heir to succeed him, yet the birth of this Prince did anything but help the reign of his father James II.

To be continued…

On Instagram? If so, please do follow my account 👉 https://www.instagram.com/queenmaryiisociety?igsh=a2w3ODZ1bDg5b2d4 for more on for more on Queen Mary II. Also do read Breeze Barrington superb book ‘The Graces’ for more on Maria of Modena (and follow her as well 👉 https://www.instagram.com/breeze_barrington?igsh=bDkxa2dvY3F3NGdt). This period of history deserves far more attention.

Head to 👉 https://www.historicroyalpalaces.com/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=linktr.ee&utm_campaign=our+shop%27s+website&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid= to purchase 😍

My superbly talented friend and colleague Peter Jarrold has written a splendid book ~ ‘The Adventures of Turnbroach Tom and Briar the Hampton Court Cat’ and it is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)

This fantastically written story follows Tom Masters who dreams of working in the Hampton Court Kitchens as a turnbroach. Along the way he has to succeed in a series of apprentice trials against a rival who schemes against him. He also uncovers a plot against King Henry VIII and joins forces with Jessica, a lady-in-waiting to Queen Anne Boleyn, and always assisted by his beloved cat Briar, he enters the world of Tudor espionage. Will he succeed in stopping not only the plot but also his trials?

What I love is that this story is one of hope, self-belief and the underdog overcoming obstacles. The writing is so immersive that readers will feel they are in the kitchens of Hampton Court, or hiding with Tom in either the cloisters of the palace or the woods as he tries to foil the plot that he unwittingly becomes embroiled in. The friendship between Tom and Briar the cat is just 🩷 and the little nuggets of history the readers are given along the way from the backstory of the Tudors to descriptions of life in the Tudor Kitchens just make this an extra special story for anyone aged 7 upwards. It has mystery and intrigue, a bit of romance and above all finding your inner courage. I cannot recommend this masterpiece enough for all.

Purchase online at either Troubador; https://troubador.co.uk/bookshop/middle-grade/the-adventures-of-turnbroach-tom-and-briar-the-hampton-court-cat

Waterstones; https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-adventures-of-turnbroach-tom-and-briar-the-hampton-court-cat/peter-j-jarrold/9781806342365

or Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/Adventures-Turnbroach-Briar-Hampton-Court/dp/1806342367/ 😊

Getting to spend a bit of time with my dear friend .borman always brightens my day 💖💖💖💖 also, out today is a brand new podcast series on the rise and fall of the Boleyns, courtesy of . Listen in now, wherever you get your podcasts

** Anne Boleyn was Crowned and Anointed Queen of England 493 years ago on this day ~ 1st June ~ in 1533, at Westminster Abbey. Six months pregnant with the future Queen Elizabeth I of England. Swipe 👉 to find out more about the ceremony.

The Coronation Procession for England’s new Queen, Anne Boleyn took place on the streets of London 493 years ago on this day ~ 31st May ~ in 1533. Swipe 👉 to find out more 😊

The Coronation celebrations for England’s new Queen, Anne Boleyn began on the 29th May with a magnificent water pageant on the River Thames. Swipe 👉 for more details 😊

Such a glorious evening celebrating the absolute Queen book launch for ‘Regina: A New History of Women and Power’ 👑 so lovely to catch up with some friends and meet some lovely new people as well 💖💖💖