The Lives of Tudor Women - Elizabeth Norton
The Lives of Tudor Women - Elizabeth Norton
Non-Fiction
Pages: 416
In many ways the Tudor era was one dominated by women. The Tudor dynasty gave us England's first female monarchs, Mary and Elizabeth (and Queen Jane, if you're inclined to count her), and whilst Henry VIII bestrides the history of the age like a colossus (or grossly overweight tyrant - take your pick), it is for the women in his life that he is largely known - Henry the Eighth and his Six Wives. So it is refreshing to read a history of Tudor England that puts women back in the spotlight.
And not just the nobility either. Following Shakespeare's 'Seven Ages' from infancy to old age, Elizabeth Norton explores what life was like in Tudor England for all women, from the lowliest kitchen maid to Gloriana herself. In these pages we find women religious dissenters, burnt at the stake; young maids learning their letters; new wives and mothers; prophecy-bearing nuns; crones accused of witchcraft; queens and duchesses; impoverished weavers and spinners. The story is book-ended by two Elizabeth Tudors - a young daughter of Elizabeth of York and Henry VII who died before her fifth birthday, and Good Queen Bess herself. One known to all, the other a name all but lost to history.
Along the way Norton tells the story of Tudor England and all its upheavals and turmoil - the executions of Henry VIII's wives; the Reformation; the Pilgrimage of Grace; Lady Jane Grey, the Nine Days' Queen; the burning of heretics; the Armada and the Virgin Queen. Familiar tales, all, but given a fresh spin when looked at from the perspective of the women involved in them.