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THE TUDOR STORY

@mieke_timeless_dolls

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📜The true story of the house of Tudor!
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🧵@mieke_de_keyzer
#timelessdolls #thetudorstory

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Sleaford Castle

They travelled at a brisk pace, and spent the night at Sleaford Castle.
As there was little to do, Queen Katherine went to bed early, with two maids keeping her company!
Suddenly, the door was flung open and Lady Parker burst in!
Lady Parker: “You two may leave; I’ll take over here!”
The girls left without asking any questions!
Lady Parker: “Is it just me, or are you avoiding my services? You’d do well to keep me on your good side now that I know all your secrets.”
Queen Katherine sat motionless on her bed without replying!
Lady Parker: “You have a visitor; do be nice to him!”
To her horror, Katherine saw Lady Parker let Thomas Culpeper in and then leave the room.
She was alone with him, and without being invited, he sat down beside her on the bed. To her dismay, he took off his waistcoat and began to caress and grope her whilst Katherine sat frozen beside him.
Just as he leaned over to kiss her, Lady Parker burst into the room, breathless and in a panic!
Lady Parker: “You must leave here, now, the King is coming!!”
Culpeper was not pleased with the turn of events, but he took his waistcoat and left the room.
King Henry was in a better mood; he felt very welcome when he entered the room and his wife practically threw herself into his arms.
Henry: “Ah, my dearest, I’ve just received the good news that Edward is better – the fever has gone. I’ve neglected you a little because I’ve been so worried, but this will all blow over! We’re almost home, and then everything will be better!” by @mieke_timeless_dolls

King Henry VIII gradually began to cheer up after the missed meeting with his cousin. His host had suggested they play a game of cards. The wine flowed freely and the king was dealt a good hand. All this helped him to forget the setback with King James of Scotland.
Queen Catherine wished she could forget the past few days too; she looked pale and worried. Her choice of ladies-in-waiting was also telling. The only relief was that Thomas Culpeper was not attending on the king today!
Her niece Isabella had noticed that the queen was quiet and withdrawn. Concerned, she asked if something was troubling her, but Katherine merely claimed to have a headache.
Henry was on a winning streak and teased his best friend Charles Brandon about it.

There was a silence when the guard entered the room and bowed to his master.
Guard: ‘Your Majesty, a messenger has arrived with the news that your son, the Crown Prince, is seriously ill!’
With a groan, the king collapsed. Charles Brandon was the first to reach him and tried to reassure him.
Queen Katherine and her ladies also rushed to his aid!
Eventually, the king regained his composure and, without looking at anyone, announced that they would return home as quickly as possible.

#thetudorstory ##timelessdolls #kinghenryviii #henryviiiwives #sixwivesofhenryviii by @mieke_timeless_dolls

The castle where the royal party stayed following the King of Scotland’s rejection was old and dark.
Katherine told her ladies what had happened at the abbey. Meanwhile, her ladies were helping her undress so she could go to bed.
Katherine: “I hope Henry comes later; it’s cold and gloomy.”
A knock at the door announced a visitor, but instead of the King, it was Thomas Culpeper standing there.
Culpeper: “Madam, the King sends word that he is thoroughly out of sorts. He will not be coming to your chamber this evening, but I would be only too happy to take his place!”
Katherine: “How dare you? I’ll have the guards take you away. Lady Parker, call them!”
Lady Parker took her niece Tilney with her towards the exit, and before she knew it, Katherine was alone with her assailant!
Culpeper: “Don’t play the innocent! I know all about that Francis Deheram, and I want just as much as he’s had!”
Katherine: “Who told you that?”
Culpeper: “I know, and that’s enough. I’ve been longing for a kiss from you for months; I want to touch you and caress you as if you were all mine!”
Catherine tried to push Culpeper away, but it was no use, because he had pulled off her outer garment and was groping her and kissing her neck passionately!
Katherine: Stop! Stop! I’ll give you that kiss, but then you have to leave!
Culpeper paid little heed to her resistance and kissed her fiercely.
Culpeper: “That’s enough for now, but I want more, or I’ll tell the King about your past.”
With a smirk, he left.
Katherine was completely distraught when Lady Parker and Catherine Tilney returned to her room. She was sitting curled up in misery in front of the open fire, weeping!
##thetudorstory #timelessdolls by @mieke_timeless_dolls

St Mary's Abbey
This journey to the North was not only a way for King Henry to impress his subjects, but it also had a diplomatic aspect!
A secret meeting had been arranged with his cousin James V of Scotland to forge an alliance!
St Mary’s Abbey had been prepared for this historic gathering! King Henry had saved his newest suit for the occasion. Queen Katherine and Princess Mary were also dressed in their finest.

Two thrones had been placed on a dais, and a lavish gift was displayed in the centre of the hall.
The king paced impatiently across the dais after the long wait, and those present began to whisper amongst themselves.
Until one of the royal guards stepped forward and made a deep bow!
Henry: “Well then, tell me, is the King of Scotland on his way?”
Guard: “Your Majesty, King James is not coming!”
Henry: “WHAT! How dare he ignore my invitation!”
Out of sheer frustration, the king leapt off the stage and smacked the unsuspecting guard on the head!
Whilst the startled guard quickly retreated, Henry kicked the gift intended for his nephew into the centre of the hall.
The king then stormed over to Fitzwilliam and ordered him to inspect the Scottish borders for any irregularities. He also commanded Wriothesley and Thomas Seymour to accompany him.
With one final furious kick at the expensive gift, the precious pearls flew in all directions!

#thetudorstory by @mieke_timeless_dolls

After supper, Thomas Culpeper hurried off to find Lady Parker; they sought out a quiet corner where they would not be disturbed.
Culpeper: “I had to speak to you. Just now at dinner, that Deheram was boasting about how well he knows the Queen. What did that rascal mean by that?”
Lady Parker: “That fellow aroused my suspicion the moment I laid eyes on him! He certainly knows more about Katherine than she’d have us believe!”
Culpeper: “I reckon Joan Bulmer and Catherine Tilney know more about this; that’s what he claimed!”
Lady Parker: “Quite right. I questioned them; her cousin Catherine practically admitted that the two of them were having an affair – there was even talk of marriage.”
Culpeper: “So our dear Queen isn’t as innocent as she makes out. Good to know – I can use this to my advantage. I’m going to put a bit of pressure on her.
Lady Parker: “If I need to help, just say the word – anything to achieve our goal.”
Culpeper: “Then make sure that bloke stays well away from her. Make sure I can get back into her room as soon as possible; leave the rest to me!” by @mieke_timeless_dolls

The kitchens at Wressle Castle!
The maids of honour and the grooms dined in the castle kitchen.
It was a cosy, light-filled room where the cook could always be found by the large fireplace. It smelled delicious, as there was always something simmering or cooking. The kitchen table had room for all the servants.
Usually, it was a cheerful group with plenty of laughter and banter, but ever since Francis Deheram had started eating with them, the atmosphere had changed. The newcomer was a braggart, full of hot air, especially when he was drunk.
They didn’t pay much attention to his boasting, until he started talking disrespectfully about the Queen.
Francis: “I’m telling you! I know the Queen better than anyone, don’t I, Joan? We used to be really close!”
Joan: “You’d better not have any more to drink, Francis, you’re talking nonsense!”
Francis: “No, really, it’s the truth. You were there too… and so were you, Catherine Tilney. The girls used to sleep with Katherine in the dormitory – what a laugh we had…”
Thomas Culpeper found the drunken Francis’s confessions interesting, but the groom William was furious at the disrespectful description of the Queen.
William: “Man, don’t be so daft – speaking ill of the King or the Queen is tantamount to high treason!”
Francis lunged at him and a fight broke out. The girls left the table; fighting was not permitted at court!
Although Thomas stayed put at first, he eventually went to help the other page calm things down. But secretly, he’d have liked to hear more about Katherine’s adventures!
Cook: “Get out of my kitchen, all of you, or I’ll call the guards!” by @mieke_timeless_dolls

Just outside the city walls of York

King Henry had at last arrived in York! As they approached the city, he had draped himself in royal purple to remind the townspeople once again that he was their lord and that they owed him obedience.
His guards marched ahead of him, with the Queen and Princess Mary following behind. The procession was brought up the rear by the most prominent lords in his retinue.
In the city, the inhabitants had gathered, with the mayor leading the way as a penitent.
The guards, with their halberds at the ready, kept a close watch on the citizens in case anyone should harbour any ill intentions during this visit.
King Henry rode right up to the edge of the crowd. With fear in their eyes, the submissive inhabitants looked up at their sovereign!
The mayor welcomed His Majesty and presented the purse full of gold as a gift. Kneeling, the leaders asked for forgiveness.
Henry dismounted and accepted the purse, after which he granted the people his forgiveness for their disobedience and rebellion.
His daughter Mary, who was much loved here in the Catholic north, joined her father and addressed the people of York with words of reassurance!
Everyone present cheered them on!
The king also took a moment to introduce his wife; she, too, received a warm welcome from the people of York.
Following the successful entry, King Henry withdrew with his entourage to Yorkshire, where he was currently staying at Wressle Wastle! by @mieke_timeless_dolls

The Queen’s rooms
After the Queen had left the room, Lady Parker stopped the two maids.
Lady Parker: “You two know that Francis Dehram, don’t you! What’s his connection to the Queen?”
Joan: “We know him because he worked for the Dowager Duchess when we were staying there.”
Lady Parker: “Come on, Joan, there must be more to it than that; why was the Queen so startled yesterday, and why did she take him on straight away?”
Joan: “He had a letter of recommendation from…”
Lady Parker: “What nonsense! Don’t you understand that I need to know everything, just to protect her from gossip and such…”
Catherine Tilney: “I’ll tell you: Katherine was quite close to Francis; they were planning to get married!”
Lady Parker: “What do you mean? There was no betrothal, according to witnesses.”
Catherine Tilney: “Hardly anyone knew about it, but that doesn’t matter now, does it?”
Lady Parker was satisfied, for the time being, with the answers she’d managed to extract from the girls.
But Joan Bulmer looked at Catherine Tilney in horror; her revelation was extremely dangerous! by @mieke_timeless_dolls

The Queen’s rooms

The maid, Catherine Tilney, looked worried. She walked straight over to Joan Bulmer, all the while glancing around discreetly to see if they were alone.
Catherine: “Do you have any idea who turned up in the garden yesterday?”
Joan: “No, who?”
Catherine: “Francis Deheram; he’s asked the Queen for a job. He’s coming here to deliver the letter from the Dowager Duchess.”
Joan: “That’s going to cause trouble! Believe me! That bloke’s no good!”

Ladies, what a lovely reunion! I’m so glad we’re together again…
Joan: “NO!! You’re not going to cause any trouble here; we’re happy here and we want to keep it that way!”

Joan: “Can you hear me?”
Francis: “Heh, heh, don’t worry, I just want a good job and to share in our friend’s privileges.”
Joan: “She’s queen now, so behave accordingly – let bygones be bygones!”

Joan: "I’ll announce you to Lady Parker!"

Queen Katherine had chosen a lavish outfit to make an impression and emphasise that she was far above her servants! But deep down she felt a shiver of unease – fortunately, Lady Isabelle and Lady Parker were there!

With exaggerated humility, Francis approached the table.
Francis: “Your Majesty, here is the letter from your step-grandmother recommending my services.”

Katherine: " I shall have it read."

Whilst Lady Isabelle was checking the letter, Francis was secretly staring at Katherine. She was so beautiful and so desirable!

After she had returned the letter, the Queen addressed the young man haughtily.
Katherine: “That seems all right. Go to the servants’ quarters and ask for a place; you can start tomorrow!”

Katherine: “Lady Parker, make sure I have to see that man as little as possible! Just put him to work somewhere!”
Parker: “As you wish, Your Majesty!
But she thought: There’s something strange going on here!” by @mieke_timeless_dolls

A few days later, they were already in another palace, and Queen Katherine had forgotten all about the incident with Mr Culpeper.
Together with her ladies, she strolled around the pond.

Suddenly, her attention was drawn to a young man walking towards her.
When Katherine recognised the man, she was overcome with fear! The biggest secret from her past was standing right in front of her!

Francis Deheram, with whom she had a secret affair and who called her his wife.

Francis: Your Highness, I have come to offer you my services!
Katherine: “I don’t need any staff at the moment, Mr Deheram.”

Francis: “Ah, so you did recognise me after all! The Dowager Duchess has written a letter of recommendation; perhaps I could be appointed as your secretary!"

Katherine: "I'll think about it, sir. Do come back tomorrow!"

Francis Deheram had read the Queen’s reaction perfectly; she was frightened and vulnerable, and he intended to take advantage of that!

Meanwhile, Katherine had turned away, as she saw that her ladies were looking at her questioningly.
Katherine: “Ladies, let us return to my chambers!”

Lady Parker thought to herself: ‘I need to find out more about this!’ by @mieke_timeless_dolls

The Duke of Suffolk's Castle.
The evening after her conversation with Joan Bulmer about their shared past, Katherine was lost in thought.
Lady Parker was brushing the Queen’s hair.

She took the opportunity to let Katherine know that someone wanted to speak to her!
Katherine: “But it’s so late – I’m just about to go to bed!”
Parker: "I know, my lady, but it’s important!"
Without waiting for her permission, her chambermaid, Catherine Tilney, had already let the visitor in.

Parker: "Thomas Culpeper is coming to bring news about the King!"
Katherine: "Is he all right? Is he coming soon?"
Culpeper: "He is very tired from the long journey and will be staying in his own quarters."
Katherine: "Ah, what a pity!"

Culpeper: "But if you are looking for company, I am, of course, entirely at your service, for anything!"

Katherine: “Mr Culpeper, you are going too far. I want you to leave my chambers. Lady Parker, see that this gentleman leaves.”
Parker: “As you wish, Your Majesty.”
Katherine was left deeply upset; no man at court had behaved so boldly since she became queen.

She reflected in disbelief on his insinuations; they made her blush. Lady Parker, too, had noticed that Culpeper’s advances had not left the Queen entirely unmoved!

Whilst she was trying to put the Queen at ease, Lasy Parker was exchanging conspiratorial glances with Catheringe Tilney! by @mieke_timeless_dolls

Given the break in my Tudor story – which is currently focusing on Katherine Howard – it might be best to provide a brief summary. This will include the period leading up to her marriage to King Henry VIII
1. Katherine Howard, an orphan, was taken into the household of her step-grandmother: the Dowager Duchess of Norfolk, Agnes Tilney. There she was to be educated in reading and writing, as well as in music.

2. Her music teacher, Henry Manox, tries to seduce her; Katherine, who is far too young, doesn’t know how to react.

3. After Manox is sent away by the Duchess, Francis Deheram comes into her life. He seduces her and makes promises of marriage. They spend many nights together in secret.

4. Deheram leaves for Ireland, and Katherine enters the service of Queen Anne of Cleves at court, together with her niece Catherine Tilney.

5. King Henry is unhappy with his fourth wife. The Duke of Norfolk introduces his niece Katherine to him!

6. The king falls head over heels in love with the young girl.

7. Henry divorces Anne of Cleves and marries Katherine in secret!

8. Henry knows nothing about his new wife’s past, but the Dowager Duchess and two of her maids do!

9. King Henry is over the moon when it turns out that Katherine is pregnant.

10. A false alarm – and Henry and Katherine have their first row!

11. Because of the pain in his leg, Herny no longer sleeps in his wife’s bed every night.

12. The Duke of Norfolk is pressuring Katherine to fall pregnant quickly; his two henchmen, Lady Jane Parker and Thomas Culpeper, are to help her do so.

13. Whilst everything is being prepared for the journey north, Thomas Culpeper begins to flirt with the Queen.

14. Progress to the North.

15. Upon arriving at the castle in Suffolk, Joan Bulmer seizes the opportunity to blackmail Katherine over her past. by @mieke_timeless_dolls