Finally finished this. Nothing really new though learning what happened to Anne of Cleeves and the way the court and castle was organized was helpful. Add also learning about Henry VII since I didn't know much about him. ( )

**I received a copy of this upcoming book from Grove Atlantic via NetGalley in exchange for a fair, honest review.**


This book is not about the drama and intrigue of the Tudor Dynasty that has been the subject of countless books and television shows. Instead, Tracy Borman describes the daily life of a Tudor, both pomp-free facets of a normal day and all-out royal special events.

The Private Life of the Tudors delves into daily life for all of the Tudor monarchs from its beginnings with Henry VII to its close, Elizabeth I. Borman includes tidbits about all sorts of subjects, ranging from care of the royal wardrobe, hygiene, hobbies, personal interests, rules for dress and behavior at court, and which servants and courtiers were allowed to actually touch the royal person.

I especially enjoyed the information about royal dinners. The amount of food and kitchen staff needed to prepare for a special event was astounding. The list of meats prepared for just one royal dinner event was unbelievable! A royal state dinner would have been a wondrous event, with formal place settings, up to 35 courses laid out and lasting for hours. Some dishes were shaped into the form of animals or other decorations and paraded about the room before being set out for guests. Guests at formal events were seated by importance with the number of special courses they were allowed to eat also limited by station. A cardinal at table could sample up to 7 courses, while a lower person might only be offered 3. So much food was provided that some dishes would go untouched. Uneaten foods were not wasted but passed down the line to servants in the household and the poor following the dinner. A 200 person kitchen staff was needed to keep the royal court fed. A royal privy kitchen was located below the privy chambers for times when the king or queen wanted a small meal in quarters, special favorite foods, or a meal/snack delivered just to them. Not all meals were extravagant feasts. And, kitchen staff that pleased the king or queen would often be rewarded. For example, King Henry VIII liked one of his pastry cooks so much that he gave her a house in reward for her quality work.

How each monarch differed in the running of their household is so interesting! I enjoyed reading about the differences in wardrobe requirements, servants, advisors, religion and other day-to-day needs.

I very much enjoyed this book because it was more about the actual daily lives of these most famous rulers, instead of just another tiptoe through their bedroom antics and exploits. Watch episodes of The Tudors online to get the tabloid version of the era. Come to Historian Tracy Borman for what real day-to-day life at court was like -- who washed the king's underclothes, what sports Henry VIII liked to play, where did Elizabeth I get her facial makeup, who raised the royal children, and daily life at court.

Anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes daily life for the Tudor Dynasty should read this book! There are facts of interest for those new to the era and those already knowledgeable.

Tracy Borman is a well-known historian and has written several other books on this era including Elizabeth's Women and The Story of the Tower of London. Find out more about the author and her books at her website: www.tracyborman.co.uk ( )

The Private Lives of the Tudors by Tracy Borman

As a massive fan of the Tudor period I was eager to read this book from the moment I bought it in a small London bookshop. I loved reading about the people behind the monarchs of this famous family and even just simple things such as the love between Mary, Elizabeth and Edward when they were children which is often forgotten due to their stark contrast in ruling. I also found it interesting how although Henry VIII was married 6 times, the difference between his affections for these woman was drastically different. I also enjoyed reading about the similarities between Henry VII and Elizabeth I with how they watched what they spent and took comfort in privacy when they were vulnerable.

Overall the book helps to reiterate how the Tudors managed to become arguable one of the most famous royal families in British history yet they were just like any other family with their conflicts and love for one another. ( )

Fantastic details paint an intimate picture of royal life as a Tudor ( )

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton in exchange for a fair and honest review. Thank you! 😀

This is a well researched book starting with Henry VII and ends with Elizabeth I. It goes beyond the story of the throne and goes into the details of life at court. The book is colorful and is full of interesting people. I was surprised by how sympathetic I felt towards the Monarchs and some of their royal subjects. Just because you are born into wealth and excess doesn’t mean you will lead a happy, fulfilled life. ( )