Today we presented a ‘Tudor Talk’ for St Bede’s RC Primary School in Jarrow, Tyne and Wear.

Our talk included a display of exciting costumes complete with headdresses, hats, fans and jewellery.

I removed a beautiful Orange Silk Court Gown to reveal the underclothes worn by a royalty during this period – a Tudor Corset, a Spanish Farthingale (hooped Underskirt), a chemise (a type of shirt) and a bum roll. Without these essential garments the shape of clothes of the period would have been impossible to achieve.

Included in the display were:-

A Beautiful Blue Silk Gown for Anne Boleyn complete with Hanging Sleeves, French Hood, Peacock Feather fan and famous ‘B’ Boleyn Necklace.

A Gold Silk Elizabeth I Gown with ‘Queen’s Sleeves’, Ornate jewellery, Gold Headdress and Magnificent Ruff.

A Costume inspired by clothes worn by Mary Queen of Scots for her execution at Fotheringay Castle. A Black Velvet Robe was removed to reveal a Brightly Coloured Silk Gown. Also included were a white silk ‘Mary Stuart’ cap and Gold Rosary.

Our talk included a history of the life and times of each historical character as well as a description of the clothes and accessories worn during the 16^th Century.

I mustn’t forget the magnificent surprise appearance by King Henry VIII in full regalia talking about his life and times as King of England.  All the children were very excited to meet a such a famous King as ‘Henry’ in person!

After the talk we held a very interesting and informative question and answer session for the pupils – they were also able to put on the headdresses and try out a number of the Tudor accessories.

The children at St Bede’s School were polite, well behaved and very interested.

They all enjoyed our entertaining and informative talk as our costumes bring history to life!

Comments received from their Teacher included: –

‘ They were very excited to talk about all of the stories and costumes you shared with us’.

 ‘The children thoroughly enjoyed your talk today’

‘You both really brought the Tudors to life for them!’

Today we presented a talk for Thropton Village School in Northumberland – it is a small friendly school near the town of Rothbury.

The children were very well behaved and very polite – it was a pleasure to visit their School.

We presented a brief history of ‘The Tudors’ and their clothes.

Included were an execution gown worn by Mary Queen of Scots, a Blue Silk Court Dress for Queen Anne Boleyn and glittering Gold Silk Gown for Queen Elizabeth I.  There also were personal appearances from King James I and the infamous King Henry VIII.

I also showed them a bum roll and asked if they knew what it was and was it was used for. A female pupil replied ‘a neck rest’ and another ‘it is worn on your head’ however a third pupil was correct – she said it was worn round the waist – it is used to make your skirts stand out.

They were very knowledgeable about both history and costume.

A young male pupil mentioned ‘Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot’ which took place during the reign of James VI and another boy even knew what a stomacher was – I was very impressed.

The children were thrilled to see their teachers putting on a ‘French Hood’ and an  ‘Elizabethan Hat’,  a number of the pupils also enjoyed trying them on.

We were happy for the children to take a closer look at the headdresses, fans and costumes after the talk. The girls were very impressed by the ornate fans and jewellery while the boys were amazed by the weight of King James’ sword.

It was a wonderful afternoon – the children, their teachers and a number of parents who had dropped in to see the costumes really enjoyed it.

It was a pleasure visiting Thropton Village School.