Dr Owen EmmersonExploring the history of the ‘Hever Rose’ portrait of Anne Boleyn at Hever Castle. Based on research that Lee Porritt and I are undertaking to recover the history of Hever Castle’s 16th century portrait of #AnneBoleyn.
The Hidden History of the ‘Hever Rose’ Portrait of Anne Boleyn at Hever CastleDr Owen Emmerson2022-01-24 | Exploring the history of the ‘Hever Rose’ portrait of Anne Boleyn at Hever Castle. Based on research that Lee Porritt and I are undertaking to recover the history of Hever Castle’s 16th century portrait of #AnneBoleyn.BBC News: Capturing a Queen: The Image of Anne Boleyn at Hever CastleDr Owen Emmerson2026-02-18 | ...ITV News: Capturing a Queen: The Image of Anne Boleyn at Hever CastleDr Owen Emmerson2026-02-18 | ...The Face of Legitimacy: Rethinking Anne Boleyn’s Most Famous PortraitDr Owen Emmerson2026-01-15 | It’s always a joy to talk with the BBC’s Dominic King about #AnneBoleyn. I loved having the chance to go into more detail about my theory about why an artist working in the mid-1580s used Queen Elizabeth I’s facial pattern to shape not only a portrait of her mother, but several other important relatives as well.
This research sits within a much larger project on the portraiture and image of Anne Boleyn, launching at Hever Castle on 11 February.
#anneboleyn #elizabethi #art #arthistory #16thcenturyart #historyThe Tower of London: A Landmark Excavation with Alfred R. J. HawkinsDr Owen Emmerson2025-12-21 | I had the privilege of speaking with Alfred R. J. Hawkins, historian, archaeologist, broadcaster, and Curator of Historic Buildings at The Tower of London (Historic Royal Palaces). We discussed the landmark excavation that he led outside the Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula at the Tower of London, which revealed numerous burials from the 1200s to the 1600s, and uncovered rare medieval artefacts such as shroud fragments, shroud pins, jewellery and buckles, as well as the remarkable rediscovery of lost ecclesiastical and fortress structures.
Alfred’s luminous peer-reviewed research provided the legal and institutional context for the excavation and examined the earlier test dig in 2017. For anyone interested in exploring this background, I highly recommend the following:
Hawkins, Alfred R. J. "The Peculiar Case of a Royal Peculiar: A Problem of Faculty at the Tower of London." Ecclesiastical Law Journal 24, no. 3 (September 2022): 345-63.
Hawkins, Alfred R. J., Katie Faillace, Richard Madgwick, and Jane Sidell. "Life, Death, and Worship at His Majestie's Tower of London: Excavations outside the Chapel Royal and Royal Peculiar of Saint Peter ad Vincula." Archaeological Journal 182, no. 1 (2025): 1-44.
Content warning: This interview features discussion and images of human remains. Viewer discretion is advised.
I sincerely thank Alfred, Jessica England, Laura Hutchinson, and everyone at Historic Royal Palaces for this exceptional opportunity.Tiny Objects, Human Stories at the #TowerOfLondon #Archaeology #HistoryShorts #MedievalHistoryDr Owen Emmerson2025-12-20 | ...Elizabeth I’s coronation look was more personal & political than you think. #anneboleyn #ElizabethIDr Owen Emmerson2025-11-28 | ...Elizabeth I’s Arms and Anne Boleyn’s White Falcon at St Margaret’s Church, Tivetshall. #anneboleynDr Owen Emmerson2025-11-26 | ...The Execution of Anne BoleynDr Owen Emmerson2025-05-19 | 19th May 1536 | Her Final Walk
At 8am, Anne Boleyn was led from the Queen’s Lodgings in the Tower of London to her execution site before the White Tower.
Her final walk her led her past several key locations within the Tower’s innermost ward— once the heart of her triumphant coronation celebrations just three years earlier. These now-vanished structures, including the Queen’s Lodgings, the Jewel House and the King’s Great Hall, which bore silent witness to the swift and tragic reversal of her fortunes. Anne was to die beneath the very turrets crowned with onion-shaped cupolas for her coronation, barely a thousand days earlier.
As she passed through the Coldharbour Gate and saw the scaffold, Anne faced the crowd - and history. Wearing grey damask and a crimson kirtle, Anne was blindfolded and knelt in the straw. Her final words: “To Jesus Christ I commend my soul; Lord Jesu receive my soul.”
Executed by a French swordsman, Anne Boleyn became the first English queen to be judicially killed. Her death reshaped the Tudor court, the direction of the English Reformation, and the legacy of queenship itself.
🎶 Song: Undertow
Composer: Scott BuckleySyston Knitting Banxy Knits Anne BoleynDr Owen Emmerson2025-03-30 | The Syston Knitting Banxy has lovingly created a full-length knitted Anne Boleyn for Hever Castle, Anne’s childhood home.#EmpressMatilda’s bejewelled Reliquary Cross is on loan to the #TowerofLondon! #jewels #medievalDr Owen Emmerson2025-03-28 | ...Welcome to The Tudor Trio 👑 patreon.com/TudorTrio #Tudor #tudorhistory #anneboleynDr Owen Emmerson2025-03-22 | ...Hans Holbein the Younger: Sketch vs PaintingDr Owen Emmerson2025-02-07 | Which do I prefer - Hans Holbein the Younger’s sketches or paintings? I think that Holbein was a master with oils, but between you and me, I prefer his more intimate preparitory drawings. Here’s why:Wolf Hall Costumes at Hever CastleDr Owen Emmerson2025-02-07 | From 12th Feb, visitors to Hever Castle can enjoy costumes from ‘Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light’! I adored working as an historical advisor on the series, so its a joy to have organised the loan of these treasures, displayed with their portraits. Do come & see!A Tudor Christmas at Hever Castle on BBC5LiveDr Owen Emmerson2024-12-28 | It was a real joy to join Gordon and Eleanor on BBC5Live this morning to talk all about the traditions of a Tudor Christmas at Anne Boleyn’s stunning childhood home of Hever Castle.Working on ‘Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light’.Dr Owen Emmerson2024-12-18 | With the finale of Wolf Hall having aired on UK TV last Sunday, I thought that you might all enjoy watching an illustrated radio interview that I recently did with BBC Radio Kent about the historical consultancy I completed on the BBC’s adaptation of Dame Hilary Mantel’s ‘The Mirror and the Light’. I do hope you enjoy!
SPOILER WARNING: For those of you who have yet to see the second season, this video does contain some spoilers!A Tudor Christmas in Hever Castle’s Boleyn ApartmentDr Owen Emmerson2024-11-22 | A Tudor Christmas returns to Hever Castle for the first time in nearly 500 years.Portrait of Thomas Cromwell at Hever CastleDr Owen Emmerson2024-11-18 | A portrait of the "mastermind" behind the fall of Anne Boleyn is set to be unveiled at the former queen’s childhood home. #anneboleyn #ThomasCromwell #WolfHallAnne of Cleves House with The Tudor TrioDr Owen Emmerson2024-11-17 | Go beyond Wolf Hall for a trip to Anne of Cleves House in Lewes with Dr Nicola Tallis, Kate McCaffrey, and Dr Owen Emmerson. With links to Thomas Cromwell and Anne of Cleves, we will explore the well-preserved interiors of this 15th-century treasure together, including a Tudor kitchen, a light and airy parlour, and a beautiful bedroom complete with a four-poster bed.
This stunning half-timbered Wealden house was gifted by King Henry VIII to his fourth Queen, Anne of Cleves, as part of her annulment settlement. Anne never lived here, but as an Inn, it provided her with a substantial income to support her lavish lifestyle at nearby Hever Castle.
Anne of Cleves House is lovingly cared for by Sussex Past and The Sussex Archaeological Society. You can find out more about the property and how to visit it here: sussexpast.co.uk/attraction/anne-of-cleves-house
You can join Nicola, Kate, and Owen at the Tudor Trio Patreon for more exclusive content like this! patreon.com/TudorTrioSix Queens in Art (Anne Boleyn) PreviewDr Owen Emmerson2024-09-27 | Here is a preview of some clips from the #AnneBoleyn episode of the ‘Six Queens in Art’ lecture series, which begins on 7th October! You can book to enjoy these six lectures, live Q&A, and keynote introduction from Professor Suzannah Lipscomb, here: drowenemmerson.com/six-queens-in-artSometimes I wish that #Tudor #Art could come alive. #AnneBoleyn #tudor #ElizabethI #HolbeinDr Owen Emmerson2024-08-15 | ...Six Lives with The Tudor Trio at the National Portrait GalleryDr Owen Emmerson2024-08-07 | This week on the Tudor Trio, we offer you a chance to go behind the scenes at the celebrated Six Lives exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery. We will chart some of the most famous portraits of the Six Queens and explore some of the fascinating artefacts relating to their lives. This exhibition draws upon a rich array of factual and fictional materials, allowing us to understand better the life, legacy and portrayal of the six extraordinary women who forever changed the landscape of English history. We are joined by exhibition curator Dr Charlotte Bolland, who will guide us through the portraiture of each queen before revealing her favourite artefacts on display. This feature is accessible to all tiers of the Tudor Trio Patreon and is also available as a one-time purchase. So join us as we bring these Six Lives to the comfort of your home. patreon.com/TudorTrio #SixLives #NationalPortraitGallery #anneboleyn #tudor #tudorhistory #16thcentury #catherineofaragon #janeseymour #anneofcleves #katherinehoward #katherineparr #tudorportraits #arthistory #16thcenturyartThe Boleyn Apartment at Hever CastleDr Owen Emmerson2024-08-01 | This week on The Tudor Trio, our subscribers can join Dr Nicola Tallis and Dr Owen Emmerson as they receive an exclusive tour from historian & curator, Kate McCaffrey, of the brand-new #BoleynApartment at #HeverCastle. You can join us too, here: patreon.com/TudorTrio #anneboleyn #tudorhistory #16thcentury #tudor #tudortok #hevercastleIs this the face of Anne Boleyn?Dr Owen Emmerson2024-07-27 | Is this portrait from c.1527-30, held in the Bibliotheque nationale de France, a hidden portrait of #AnneBoleyn? Does its relationship to paired wedding portraits by Joos Van Cleve rule it out as being a likeness of #HenryVIll's second queen? #SixLives #sixwivesofhenryvili #tudorhistory#tudor #arthistory #16thcentury #tudortok #joosvancleveThe Six in 20 Objects.Dr Owen Emmerson2024-07-25 | The Six in 20 Objects. During this online event, historians Natalie Grueninger and Dr Owen Emmerson will be exploring twenty objects related to these fascinating women: each of whom was a universe unto themselves, yet remain irreconcilably linked through their marriages to one man. These priceless objects give us a tangible portal into these six extraordinary lives as they bore witness to rise and fall of each Queen. Though silent, each object has a unique story to tell about love, politics, taste, agency, and betrayal. Each artefact is a small surviving thread of what was a rich tapestry of these women’s existence, and by pulling at them, we can tease out the stories of ingenuity, creativity, conquest, and exchange which coloured their lives. So join us on 3rd to the 4th August to explore The Six in 20 Objects. https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-six-in-20-objects-with-natalie-grueninger-dr-owen-emmerson-tickets-931739316377The History Festival at Hever CastleDr Owen Emmerson2024-07-19 | It was a joy to join Dominic King on BBC Radio Kent to chat all about Hever Castle’s first Hever Festival (19-22nd August). heverfestival.co.uk/index.php/history-festival-all-speakersLaunch of the Boleyn Apartment at Hever CastleDr Owen Emmerson2024-06-26 | Castle Historian and Assistant Curator, Kate McCaffrey, speaks to the BBC about her role in re-curating the Boleyn Apartment at Hever Castle.The Boleyn Apartments at Hever CastleDr Owen Emmerson2024-06-20 | A sneak peek behind the scenes at the new Boleyn apartments at Hever Castle! I could not be more excited to see them, nor more proud of Kate McCaffrey, Alison Palmer, Susan Bourton and all of the team who have worked so hard on this amazing project. It looks incredible 🙌 Hever Castle is the place to be this Summer! The Boleyn Appartment rooms open to the public at 1pm on Wednesday 26th June. #AnneBoleyn #HeverCastle #TheBoleynApartment #Tudor #tudorhistoryAnne Boleyn: Her Last Walk, 19th May 1536Dr Owen Emmerson2024-05-19 | At 8 am on 19th May 1536, Queen #AnneBoleyn was escorted from the Queen’s apartments at the Tower of London to a scaffold erected to the north of the White Tower. This was her last walk. #TowerofLondon #Tudor #TudorHistory #OTD #19thMay #execution #anneboleyn #history #henryviiiThe British Museum Sketch of Anne BoleynDr Owen Emmerson2024-05-14 | Does Hans Holbein’s sketch, held in the British Museum, show the face of Anne Boleyn?
#HansHolbein #Holbein #AnneBoleyn #tudor #tudorhistory #tudortok #HeverCastle #sixwivesofhenryviii #henryviiiwives #BritishMuseum #Windsor #arthistory #arthistorynerd #16thcentury #16thcenturyartAnne Boleyn: The Windsor Sketch by Hans HolbeinDr Owen Emmerson2024-05-08 | Does the Windsor sketch by Hans Holbein the Younger depict Queen Anne Boleyn? Join me for a deep dive into this fascinating portrait. #AnneBoleyn #Holbein #hansholbein #hansholbeintheyounger #tudor #tudorhistory #arthistory #16thcenturyart #henryviii #sixwives #sixwivesofhenryviiiSix Queens in ArtDr Owen Emmerson2024-04-09 | Discover the history of these six extraordinary women through the works of art which defined them. Learn about the six queens' artistic patronage and the essential roles they played in shaping the cultural landscape in the Henrician Court.
How did these queens wish to be seen? How can we be sure that specific portraits are who they are purported to show? Did Henry VIII attempt to eradicate the portraiture of some of his wives? Are we looking for the impossible when trying to find the faces of the queens who tragically lost their heads?
This brand-new online course will launch with an introductory lecture from the award-winning historian, author, and broadcaster Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. The proceeding six lectures will be delivered by Dr Owen Emmerson, who will chart the works of the famous artists of the Tudor court, such as Wewyck, Horenbout, and Holbein. They will also explore the role that these six queens played in patronising the first known female artists in England, such as Susanna Horenbout, Levina Teerlinc, and Margaret Holsewyther.
Join Dr Owen Emmerson to discover the history behind the portraiture of The Six, and explore the role that art has played in shaping their legacies. drowenemmerson.com/six-queens-in-artThe Six with The Tudor TrioDr Owen Emmerson2024-04-09 | Throughout this exclusive online event, the Tudor Trio will be drawing on their individual specialist knowledge to introduce you to another side of the women who are best known as the Six Wives of Henry VIII. But, there’s no room for Henry here as we instead seek to highlight these extraordinary queens as individuals by delving into their books, rummaging through their jewel chests, and investigating the way in which they’ve been portrayed through popular culture. eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-six-with-the-tudor-trio-tickets-880342216267Holbein’s Anne of Cleves in ParisDr Owen Emmerson2024-03-25 | Come with me for a trip to Paris to see the newly-restored portrait of Anne of Cleves by Hans Holbein the Younger at The Louvre. #anneofcleves #holbein #artconservation #arthistory #hansholbeintheyounger #hansholbein #thelouvre #Paris #ParisTrip #artrestoration #DrOwenEmmersonDoes the Chequers Ring contain a portrait of Anne Boleyn?Dr Owen Emmerson2024-03-19 | ...The Tudor Consort’s NecklaceDr Owen Emmerson2024-03-15 | Part of the Queen’s jewels, the consort’s necklace is one of the most recognisable pieces of 16th century jewellery, and it was likely worn by all six of Henry VIII’s Queens 💎👑 If you enjoy content like this, then why not join Dr. Nicola Tallis, Kate McCaffrey and me at our @TheTudorTrio Patreon? patreon.com/TudorTrio #anneofcleves #holbein #Jewellery #Jewels #Tudor #TudorHistory #SixWives #AnneBoleyn #JaneSeymour #KatherineParr #ArtHistoryIs this the face of Queen Catherine Howard?Dr Owen Emmerson2024-03-14 | Does this portrait, held in the Met Museum and painted in the workshop of Hans Holbein, show the face of Queen Catherine Howard? #anneofcleves #artconservation #holbein #catherinehoward #KatherineHowardQueen #AnneofCleves by #Holbein has been cleaned and the results are breathtaking. #artconservationDr Owen Emmerson2024-03-13 | ...The Codpiece: A Brief HistoryDr Owen Emmerson2024-03-12 | What was the Codpiece? Why did it exist? And how and why did it go out of fashion? Join me for a deep dive into one of history’s most baffling fashion statements.Holbein at the Tudor CourtDr Owen Emmerson2024-03-10 | Join The Tudor Trio as we go behind the scenes with curator Dr Kate Heard at the ‘Holbein at the Tudor Court’ exhibition at the Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace.
If you enjoyed this open-access video, consider subscribing to The Tudor Trio Patreon, where you can access more Tudor content! patreon.com/TudorTrio
We sincerely thank Dr Kate Heard, Catriona Gilmore, and the @RoyalCollectionTrust for allowing us to film at The Queen’s Gallery and the staff at Buckingham Palace for their warm welcome.
Taking place from Monday, June 3, 2024, at 11:00 AM BST, this week-long online event offers a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating world of Thomas Cromwell.
Discover the man behind the character portrayed in the popular novel and TV series Wolf Hall. Learn about Cromwell’s political career, relationship with King Henry VIII, four of his six queens, and significant contributions to English history.
Through seven engaging presentations and a live Q&A with Dr Owen Emmerson, this course will shed light on Cromwell’s rise to power, his role in the Reformation, and his impact on shaping the ever-fascinating Tudor period.
The series of lectures will conclude with a special presentation by Dr Owen Emmerson and historian Kate McCaffrey, who will reveal the parts they played in discovering Thomas’ book of Hours, which was captured by Hans Holbein the Younger in his famous portrait of Cromwell.
Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply curious about this captivating era, don’t miss out on this virtual event that promises to go beyond what you already know about Thomas Cromwell.
Mark your calendar and join us online for Thomas Cromwell: Beyond Wolf Hall from June 3, 2024, to explore the life and legacy of this influential historical figure.
What Is Included? - Six pre-recorded, 40-minute lectures by Dr Owen Emmerson. - One pre-recorded lecture with Kate McCaffrey & Dr Owen Emmerson - Access to all lectures for one month from the upload date. - A live Zoom with Dr Owen Emmerson, who will answer your questions. - Entry into an exclusive prize giveaway.
COST: £35.00 per person, plus booking fee.
drowenemmerson.com/thomas-cromwell-beyond-wolf-hallThe Retrial of Anne BoleynDr Owen Emmerson2023-12-06 | ...The Hidden History of Hever CastleDr Owen Emmerson2023-10-31 | I am thrilled to share my brand-new online event, ‘The Hidden History of Hever Castle’. 640 years of history over seven lectures. I do hope that you will be able to join me in January! Do check out my website for full details: drowenemmerson.com/the-hidden-history-of-hever-castleFinding the face of Anne Boleyn. #AnneBoleynDr Owen Emmerson2023-10-24 | ...100 years of Catherine of Aragon on screen, between 1920 - 2022.Dr Owen Emmerson2023-09-30 | ...The Execution of Anne BoleynDr Owen Emmerson2023-09-23 | The Execution of Anne Boleyn from the 2023 documentary ‘Anne Boleyn: A Queen Condemned’.Take a look inside #ThomasCromwell’s Book of HoursDr Owen Emmerson2023-09-10 | ...Fated Flirtations: Seismic secret messages between Henry VIII & Anne.Dr Owen Emmerson2023-09-10 | Fated flirtations between King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn in this exquisite Book of Hours [Kings MS.9]What lies beneath this portrait of Queen Anne Boleyn?Dr Owen Emmerson2023-08-23 | ...