A Very Tudor Christmas – Instant Replay Archive
Tudor people knew how to have a good time, and even more so at the royal court, where the Lord of Misrule presided over the entertainment, which included disguisings, pageants and more.
In this six-day event, historian and author Claire Ridgway explores the history of Christmas and brings to life the twelve days of merriment that the Tudors enjoyed, both at the royal court and in towns and villages around the country.
Learn all about Tudor Christmas in this instant replay archive which contains 6 full length talk videos and transcripts.
Dates: Right now! Lifetime access.
Price: $50 (approximately £39.90, AUD 76.90, €48.00)
The Origins of Christmas and New Year
Claire kicks off this Christmas event by examining the history of Christmas from the Nativity and the celebrations by early Christians to the Medieval Christmas and how it incorporated traditions from winter celebrations such as Saturnalia, the Solstice and Kalends.
Advent and the Twelve Days of Christmas
Nowadays, we mark Advent with chocolate Advent Calendars, and Christmas lasts just a few days. but in Tudor times, Christmas was a huge celebration after the fasting of Advent. Claire looks at the ritual involved with Advent and the Twelve Days of Christmas.
Christmas Food, Drink, Music and Entertainment
Christmas Food, Drink, Music and Entertainment - Christmas was a time to be merry in Tudor times, but how did our 16th-century ancestors celebrate? Claire explores festive food and drink, and the music and entertainment enjoyed over the Twelve Days of Christmas.
How did the Tudor monarchs mark Christmas at court?
Claire looks at what the primary sources tell us about the entertainment enjoyed over the festive period at the Tudor royal courts.
Christmas after the Reformation and Beyond
How did the celebration of Christmas change after the English Reformation and moving into the 17th century when its rituals were seen by some as the “trappings of popery” and there was a Puritan ‘War on Christmas’? Claire examines how Christmas has changed over the centuries.
Register Now
The Woman Who Changed History was a wonderful event and I enjoyed it very much. The level of scholarship involved was impressive and all the presentations were fascinating - I learned a great deal. The Q&A sessions really contributed to the event’s success. Claire is very organized with great attention to detail, and is genuinely concerned that all participants receive the best possible learning experience. This event was well worth the price, and I would be happy to sign up for another - thank you!
