Book Review: ‘Queen James’ by Gareth Russell

‘Elizabeth was king, now James is queen’, one anonymous English author wrote around 1623, and it is this quote which begins Queen James, which was released today in the United Kingdom. I recently had the delight of having its author, historian Gareth Russell, back on my show for Season 2, Episode 2 of Stuart Saturday Live. It is… Read on

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Book Review: ‘Stuart Spouses’ by Heather R. Darsie

Historian Heather R. Darsie, who was my first guest for Season 2 of Stuart Saturday Live, is best known for her work on Tudor women such as Anne of Cleves (and I’m looking forward to reading her forthcoming book on Katharine of Aragon for Amberley Publishing). She recently, however, stepped into the world of Stuart history with her… Read on

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Book Review: ‘Charles I’s Private Life’ by Mark Turnbull

King Charles I (1600-1649) had a life marked by tragedy, plots, war, and bloodshed (all culminating in his beheading). Coming from an already grim heritage (his grandmother was Mary, Queen of Scots, after all), he was born in Scotland to James VI of Scotland and Anna of Denmark. Following the death of Queen Elizabeth I in 1603, this… Read on

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Stuart Saturday: The Live Show

Hello, and Happy New Year! It is, at present, exceedingly blustery outside as I sit quietly pondering over many things. 2024 was a busy year for my family and me: not only did we have our live show once a month, but I had book edits, in-person and online events, promotional work, and finally, the publication of my… Read on

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Book Review: Costanza by Rachel Blackmore

The name of Bernini is one that all fans of Baroque sculpture instantly recognise because of the beauty and importance of his work. Gian Lorenzo Bernini, born in 1598 and died in 1681, is known for such works as The Rape of Proserpina (1621-22), the Ecstasy of Saint Teresa (1647-52), David (1623-24), among many others. His works are known… Read on

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John Dee: A 17th Century Morality Tale: A Guest Post by E.M. Swift-Hook

John Dee, Ashmolean Museum

John Dee: A 17th Century Morality Tale O what pity that such a man should fall into such a delusion! ~ Méric Casaubon If you visit Mortlake and wander into the St. Mary’s church, you will find a plaque that reads:   Near this place lie the remains of John Dee MA, Clerk in Holy Orders 1527 ~… Read on

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Discovering the Bones of the Missing Princes in the Tower: A Guest Post by Elizabeth St.John

The inspiration for The King’s Intelligencer grew from my research for The Godmother’s Secret, which focuses on the enduring mystery of the missing princes in the Tower of London. Edward V and Richard, Duke of York, disappeared in 1483, with many believing they were murdered by their uncle, Richard III. This historical enigma has intrigued scholars and writers… Read on

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Book Review: The Other Gwyn Girl by Nicola Cornick

I had the pleasure of having historian and author Nicola Cornick on my Stuart Saturday Live Show a few months ago in June, when we discussed the Restoration period, Elizabeth Stuart, Lord Craven, Ashdown House, her previous books set in the 17th-century and much more. She was a delightful guest and — at the time of our show… Read on

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