A Visitor's Companion to Tudor England

by Suzannah Lipscomb

Meet the Tudors in this fascinating book about the places where they lived, played and worshipped.
 
For the armchair traveller or those looking for inspiration for a day out, A Visitor's Companion to Tudor England takes you to palaces, castles, theatres and abbeys to uncover the stories behind Tudor England. Suzannah Lipscomb visits over fifty Tudor places, from the famous palace at Hampton Court where dangerous court intrigue was rife, to less well-known houses, such as Anne Boleyn's childhood home at Hever Castle or Tutbury Castle where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned.
 
In the corridors of power and the courtyards of country houses we meet the passionate but tragic Kateryn Parr, Henry VIII's last wife, Lady Jane Grey the nine-day queen, and hear how Sir Walter Raleigh planned his trip to the New World. Through the places that defined them, this lively and engaging book reveals the rich history of the Tudors and paints a vivid and captivating picture of what it would have been like to live in Tudor England.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Tudor Period, Travel, Historical, Reference, Audiobook

336 pages, Hardcover

First published March 15, 2012

About the author

Prof Suzannah Lipscomb is Professor Emerita in History at the University of Roehampton. She is the author of 1536: The Year that Changed Henry VIII, A Visitor's Companion to Tudor England, The King is Dead: The Last Will and Testament of Henry VIII, Witchcraft, and The Voices of Nimes: Women, Sex and Marriage in Reformation Languedoc. She edited, with Helen Carr, What is History, Now? (out 2021). She also writes and presents television programmes, including series on Henry VIII and his Six Wives, Witches: A Century of Murder, and Elizabeth I; hosts the podcast Not Just the Tudors from History Hit, and writes a regular column for History Today.

Reviews

[David Eppenstein · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was personally disappointing as it was not what I hoped it would be. Of course that's my fault since I should have been more careful in my selection. Based on the title (big mistake, I know) I thought it would be a discourse on the daily life of the Englishman living during the Tudor era. Well it wasn't any such thing. I think I could have overlooked my disappointment and rated this book better if it wasn't for the fact the book is also a disappointment for its intended purpose. The author candidly admits that it is a tourist guide for those people interested in touring sites of the Tudor era. As the author is a scholar of some merit I will not argue with her selection of sites but what she has done is select primarily buildings constructed in the Tudor style and then discuss these buildings along with any significant paintings that may be inside. So this is actually an architectural tour that she has designed and describes. My problem with the book is that architecture and art are visual arts and any book attempting to discuss these things requires generous illustrations. The only illustrations in this book are very small thumbnail size drawings at the head of each chapter. These help a little but not very much. If this book is intended to reach the unschooled tourist then it will fail because no tourist is going to select a guide that isn't lavishly layered with photographs and drawings. If an intended purchaser is a student of architecture and art he/she may find the list useful but the text is aimed at the layman and well below their level of interest. The book just doesn't accomplish what it intends and thus my rating.

[Claire Ridgway · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited when Suzannah Lipscomb told me that she was writing this book because I knew it would be different to all of the guide books that are out there - and it is. The word "companion" is spot on because it is a guide that will appeal to those who want to actually physically go and visit these Tudor places, and to those who want to be transported from the comfort of their armchair to Tudor England without moving a muscle!

Suzannah's premise in choosing the places to go in the book was that there must be something left of the place that is worth seeing. She could write about Nonsuch Palace and Greenwich Palace, but there is nothing left of them for the visitor to see, so it would be a huge disappointment for people travelling to their locations. So, the focus is on places that Tudor history buffs can go, visit and enjoy.

The book is divided into geographical locations - London and Greater London, South East, South West, West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, North East/North West/Yorkshire and the Humber - and there is a useful appendix giving opening times and details of how to get to the places. Each entry gives the history of the place, how it links to the Tudors and what attractions the visitor can expect to see and enjoy there. Being both British and a Tudor history lover, I'm familiar with the majority of the Tudor attractions, but there were some that I had missed and that are now on my list of must-sees - places like Charterhouse and Lincoln's Inn in London.

Written in Suzannah's engaging, easy to read style, this book is perfect for Tudor history lovers whatever their knowledge. It's not an academic history book, it's a guide book to England's beautiful Tudor buildings and a journey back in time, but with the stamp of Suzannah's expertise and Tudor knowledge. A book to add to your suitcase on a trip to the UK or to simply enjoy with a glass of wine after a hard day in the 21st century.

[Juliew. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the informative, engaging history in this.I liked how it was organised with each property receiving a section with a sketch of the building at the beginning of each one.I think it would be a great little guide to tuck into your suitcase if you might be contemplating visiting these amazing places.It was well written, researched and a pleasure to read.The only thing I disliked was that the whole book had me wishing there were real color photographs.

[Erin Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting to read about all of these places!

[Orsolya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I can’t afford to visit my beloved England (some day!); I can start my itinerary ahead of time using “A Journey Through Tudor England” by Suzannah Lipscomb. Combining a guide book which you could easily find in an English tourist gift shop with elements of a history work, Lipscomb brings England to those who are unable to visit the country for themselves.

Not to be confused with a scholarly work, Lipscomb makes it clear in the introduction that she is attempting a lighter work without annotations but that she strives to keep the text as accurate as possible. Sadly, this is immediately thrown out the window when Lipscomb presents theories concerning the Princes in the Tower as fact on the second page of the work! Thus, it is suggested that some of the information be taken with a grain of salt (it is better for those readers not as versed with Tudor England).

“A Journey Through Tudor England” focuses more on where history happened, explaining locations/sites/buildings and the importance behind them. Don’t expect too much in-depth historic data with these short chapters, as the sections are basic overviews to wet your interest. On the other hand, these quick chapters are ideal for planning a trip to England or even referring to it when reading a Tudor historical fiction or non-fiction work.

Lipscomb sprinkles “A Journey Through Tudor England” with blurbs on various Tudor England topics (portraiture, clothing, housing, food, etc) which offers a more rounded insight into the era. However, missing are color plates or photos of the sites mentioned which would have enriched the text and allowed the reader to truly envision each location observed.

As “A Journey Through Tudor England” progresses, more unusual historic facts are included, which Lipscomb presents in a familiar (conversational) style making the information accessible and easy to understand. Beware, however, of many speculative statements.

Some strong positives of “A Journey Through Tudor England” are the details of describing what Tudor figures would have seen at the sites in their day and comparing it to modern times, the conversion of historic currencies to today, and the listing of existing Tudor artifacts at each site. This truly strengthens one’s planning of a visit to these sites. Lipscomb’s passion also shines through and is well supplemented by the clarity that she obviously visited each and every site she describes.

The ending is a bit abrupt; as some sort of summary would have been appreciated. However, the star of the show (so to speak) is the appendix, which amasses information on each site including: hours of operation, closest train, parking availability and prices, onsite accommodations, website links, etc. Basically everything a tourist needs to know in order to visit the mentioned spots, is provided by Lipscomb.

“A Journey Through Tudor England” is not a deep scholarly read, but its premise is unique focusing on the “where” in history versus the “what” and providing a guidebook for modern travelers. It also sparks interest in Lipscomb’s other works. “A Journey Through Tudor England” is suggested as a quick read for Tudor history fans.

[Helene Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review - This book was a wonderful guide to Tudor England, and you can really begin to see and understand the places purely from reading it. I first read it in preparation for a trip to London, when I was planning to visit Hampton Court and the National Portrait Gallery, having already been to the Tower of London. It gave a great background to these places, and others, and allowed me to further develop what she had outlined when I actually visited the places in person. A new kind of guidebook, and a really brilliant one.

General Subject/s? - History / Travel / Architecture / Tudors / Castles / Places

Recommend? - Yes

My Rating - 19/20

[Alyson Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book: A Journey Through Tudor England
Author: Suzannah Lipscomb
Rating: 5 Out of 5 Stars

So, Amazon offered me a $5.00 credit toward ebooks and this was on that I bought. I have admired Suzannah’s wonderful documentaries and talks, but I have never actually read one of her books. I really enjoyed this. Like the amazing presenter that she is, her writing is just as wonderful and passionate.

Suzannah has written a guide book that is both simple and elegant. I loved how she managed to put so much into this book without really drawing it out. I didn’t read about the same thing over and over again. The wonderful world of the Tudors is painted very nicely. I was aware of most of these places, but new to some. I don’t know, but reading about where they actually lived and walked was different. It really made them seem human.

The book is broken up by geographic regions, which really helps with the flow of the book. I really hate how some guide books just back and forth between geographic regions, which can make it difficult to follow, but that was not the case in this one. I just found it so easy to follow-also if you need more clarification on a certain place, she had provided in the chapters where she first talked about them. This is just great!

I loved the easy to read feeling of the book. I have read other book reviews about Suzannah’s writing. Most claim that her books have a textbook feel. Now, I didn’t get that feeling from this book. It is scholarly, but at the same time can be read by everyday people. I did feel Suzannah’s passion coming right off the page, which was great and really added to the book.

I just loved this book! I don’t know how else to put it into words. I really do think this would make a great documentary series. Hey, Dan Jones just did one on Great British Castles, so why can’t Suzannah do one on the Tudors?

[Lisa Shardlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. I think it should have pictures to accompany each description of all the different places included though, as I found myself Googling some of the places to get a visual feel of it. All the little stories about Tudor people connected with each of the places are interesting too. I also wasn't aware of how many places around the country have Tudor connections, but one I have been to is Little Moreton Hall. I loved it there, it's beautiful, and we went just before Christmas so it was extra special. This book has succeeded in making me want to visit even more Tudor places!

[Jwt Jan50 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't remember how I stumbled on this. Love serendipity. After reading Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies I thought it was a great read. I'd love to spend a summer just walking and touring England. The wife is all in.

[Victoria Frow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good. Interesting as you get a tour round not just all the royal palaces but places that were significant during the tumultuous period that was the Tudor. Easy to read and very informative.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A guide to some of the more important sites from the Tudor period, it’s provided me with a good list of places to visit.

[bird · Rating 3 out of 5]

not a lot of character/period insights but a wonderfully encompassing mosaic and great descriptions

[Ietrio · Rating 1 out of 5]

Another governmental bureaucrat telling the governmental orthodoxy for a higher governmental wage.

[Tucky · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good

[Heidi Malagisi · Rating 4 out of 5]

In history, we tend to focus on the stories of the men and women who shaped the era. This is obviously important, but the locations where the events of the past happened are equally as important. Sadly, many of the buildings that the men and women from the past knew no longer exist. However, there are a few, especially from the Tudor period, that we can still visit. Suzannah Lipscomb explored over 50 of these remarkable buildings and decided to tell their tales in her book, “A Journey Through Tudor England”.

This book is quite delightful and simple to understand. As someone who has never been to England, I have always wondered what these places must be like to be there in person. Obviously, I have read different descriptions of these places in biographies and historical fiction novels, but the amounts of details that Lipscomb includes is truly a breath of fresh air.

Lipscomb breaks down her book into sections that correspond with where the locations are in England, making it easier to plan a trip for any Tudor fan. Naturally, she does discuss the castles, palaces, theatres, and abbeys that we are all familiar with like Hever Castle, the Tower of London and Fountains Abbey. But, Lipscomb does include locations that fans of the Tudor dynasty may not be familiar with, places like Kett’s Oak or The Vyne.

Although these places by themselves can be interesting, it is truly their connections with the historical figures and important events that define their significance. This is where Lipscomb’s book truly shines. The stories that Lipscomb includes in this book are so engaging and gives a new perspective to the Tudor dynasty. It is not just stories of triumphs and failures by those who we are familiar with, like Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth I, and Mary Queen of Scots, but men and women that we may be being introduced to for the first time. Along the way, Lipscomb includes little facts about everyday Tudor lives to give the readers an idea of what life might have been like back then.

Like any good travel guide, Lipscomb includes a list of the locations, their hours and how to get in contact with them. My only real issue with this book is that I wanted to see pictures of these locations. As someone who doesn’t live in England, it would have made the reading experience a bit better and I could visualize the places Lipscomb was describing and would make me want to visit the places in this book even more.

As the first travel guide that I have ever read and reviewed, I found this book really enjoyable. It was light, engaging, and extremely informative. If I ever travel to England, I will bring this along with me and visit the sites in this book. If you want a well-written travel guide to Tudor sites, I highly recommend you read, “A Journey Through Tudor England” by Suzannah Lipscomb.

[Ronson Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Suzannah Liscomb does a brilliant job of taking the physical world that is Tudor England and transforming it into an insightful and informative journey through a history of the time period. I was drawn to this work as a graduate of Early Modern British history and wanted to read something with a unique presentation. This work is everything that I wanted. Liscomb brings history to life like no other; by presenting Tudor stories through a context of physical locations, readers can achieve what feels like a personal telling of history through places that one might still see today. This work is completely the opposite of what you might expect to find on your stuffy professor's dusty bookshelf. Brilliantly, Liscomb is even able to work the expression "Tudor Bling" into her writing. Even though I have studied Tudor England as an undergraduate, I found this work to even teach me a few new things as well. Each chapter belongs to a different place of historical significance and readers will find each telling more interesting than the last. A fitting tagline for this work could definitely be "Oh to be a fly on that wall." I cannot express how much I think people need to read this book. If it's at all possible that you do not find Tudor England fascinating, this book will make you see what the rest of us do.

[Nicholas Whyte · Rating 3 out of 5]

http://nwhyte.livejournal.com/2512745.html

A gazetteer presentation of important places in the history of Tudor England, as far as they can still be seen. Slightly frustrating that Ireland, Scotland and even Wales are omitted. The geographic order of presentation means that incidents from the late fifteenth century appear next to those of the early seventeenth, with all the bits in between jumbled throughout the pages. But at the same time, there is plenty to write about, and lots of good stories to tell linked with particular localities, some of which were new to me (poor Catherine of Aragon ended up associated with a lot of different places). More useful for people who spend more time in England than I do.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking to go on vacation or you want to vacation from the comfort of your own home, this is the book for you. The author gives you places to see and the history behind these places. This novel is full of true stories bringing the novel truly alive! The one thing I wish was that the author had included pictures, I believe that it would have added so much more to her rich storytelling.

[Kaitlyn Golden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Usually a book like this - a walk-through of important historical locales - would interest me enough. But I actually was genuinely excited to pick this book up and traverse various buildings and the history of important people associated with these places. I left each chapter wanting to know more, which I think is a sign of a good author who captures her audience.

I did have one strong qualm with this book, which was that Lipscomb obviously is not justice-bent. I felt she had a completely colonistic perspective on the various figures she describes (Sir Francis Drake, Sir Walter Raleigh, etc). Additionally, she wrote something that made me literally laugh with scorn on pg. 57, which was, after describing Henry VIII's "dogged" pursuit of a male heir and son, that "This was not misogyny on Henry's part; rather, there was no precedent of female rule...."

Au contraire, Ms. Lipscomb, this IS misogyny. Simply because this event took place before the term was coined/misogyny was recognize for what it is does not mean that Henry VIII's actions (and that of all males from this time period) were not patriarchal and sexist. Little things like this throughout this otherwise very well written and researched book annoyed me. But I'd still highly recommend it if you want to have a thick skin and ignore her ignorance of these matters.

[Hannah Edgington · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐
This was fascinating - I listened to the audiobook which was narrated by Suzannah herself, and she did such a brilliant job of bringing it to life. It was engaging from beginning to end.

In some ways the title of this is slightly misleading - while each chapter is organised by place, this book is really about the people who lived, or visited, or were buried in each one. It's not a book about architectural history, but more about the Tudors themselves, which I loved! Many of the names covered will be familiar - from Henry VIII to Shakespeare, Lady Jane Grey to Sir Walter Raleigh - but there were a couple I didn't recognise amongst them too. And even with the most well known ones, there were many stories and facts that were new to me, and they were told so well. The whole book was so interesting and reminded me how much I love the Tudors - so thank you Suzannah!

My only criticism is that I think I would have liked there to be a few chapters about some "ordinary", less wealthy and famous individuals - but I still really enjoyed it, and it's a fab introduction to Tudor history, whether you know much about the period or not.

[Alanna Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read on the places in England that still stand today to represent Tudor England. The author did a great job of explaining why each place was significant and gave an accessible introduction to each of the key characters without making those who are more familiar with the time period feel like they were being patronised. Her writing style was educational, but didn't feel heavy or cumbersome at any point.

I liked the twist on the format for a standard history book - focusing on the places rather than listing off a reel of people made it feel like new content, even though I've read several Tudor history books in the past. It also provides information on when you can visit these places, giving it a guidebook feel and making it seem more real to the reader. You get a sense from the author's writing that she's really visited each of these places as well, which inspires a genuine passion in her writing rather than just a fact-finding blurb about each location.

Would recommend to anyone who has an interest in Tudor history.

[Mekare · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book with the intention of using it as a reference book, to look up various castles, stately homes and religious establishments and then plan to visit some of those places.
I decided to read the introduction, and from there I was hooked. I ended up reading the book in its entirety, never skipping a chapter.
I really like how Lipscomb writes, I can hear her voice as I read and each place she visits, there’s a brief (yet fascinatingly interesting) story about a royal, or prominent Tudor person. I appreciate that this book has been written for a mass market, and not limited to academics. I’d describe it as a brilliant introduction to the Tudors and will recommend it to any one who would like to know more about this period of history.
I found myself immersed in a past world, and keen to learn more (and I thought I knew quite a bit about the Tudor dynasty, but reading this made me want to study more).
I can only give this 5 stars, but I wish I could give more.
I look forward to reading more Lipscomb and also more non fiction Tudor studies.

[Nicola Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tudor period is amongst one of my favourite eras of history and I always have an insatiable appetite in learning more about it! So when I came upon this book, it was a true no brainier for me.

Whilst I was expecting a bit more ‘day in the life’ sort of format, with insights into what you might encounter as a visitor to the Tudor period, I wasn’t upset with what I got instead. It’s more of a sum up of all the Tudor buildings and historical castles etc.. you may find around England if you were to visit it in the modern day, with an insight into its comparisons to the past.

I really enjoyed learning about the connected history and historical events that took place at the places mentioned in the book and it’s only sparked more curiosity and interest in wanting to go and visit them myself.

This is a book (& audiobook - really well narrated by the author) that I’ll definitely visit again. I’d love another reread to further cement what I’ve learnt throughout. It was super interesting!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly fascinating book filled with interesting Tudor stories and facts, some I knew and others were great to learn and listening to the audio felt like I had Suzannah herself there and we were having a Tudor conversatiom (something id love by the way).

I have a big interest in Tudor history and many of the places included I have visited many times and could picture the scene as Suzannah described it, others are on my wish list to visit and a few more I was not aware of and have now been added to that list and I plan to take the audiobook with me so I can combine picture with the facts.

A truly fascinating book that id recommend yo any Tudor fan

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars
Loved this look into Tudor England through the buildings that graced its landscape. From the beauty of Burghley to the ruins of Fountains Abbey alone we see the outcome of religious turmoil in the 16th century. The rises and falls of some of the most important players of tudor politics are charted throughout this book in a very knowledgeable and insightful way. Very enjoyable because non-fic and very accessible to those without an academic background in this history. However points have been docked purely because as someone who is in the historical field, I would have loved a more academic and deeper dive.

[Jessica Weinreich · Rating 2 out of 5]

The info is OK but it can’t decide if it wants to be s book of stories/history or a guide book. It tries to be both.

It covers a good number of sites but as s previous reviewer stated it really spends a lot of time describing artwork and paintings which need illustrations/photos.

The history/stories it has are fine but very few cover what I haven’t already read in other books about the Tudors. Even if it’s new for the reader, because it’s organized geographically rather than chronologically it’s hard to follow.

[wendi wigham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written & knowledgeable glimpse of Tudor England

Subtitle should be 'What you missed'!
Fascinating view of how Elizabethan England operated through all strata of society. The infant mortality rate & maternal deaths as a result of childbirth appears to be similar, a book full of fascinating stories & more obscure stories about the famous & infamous people of the Tudor period.
Would definitely read other works by this author, as unlike some previous historical tomes, this is factual & entertaining. Definitely recommended.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I really enjoyed this book. It provides a dip into a number of the major names from the Tudor period without going into a lot of detail, which for me, makes me want to read even more.

I have two minor gripes: 1) I wish it had included photos or drawings, especially of the places that still exist, and a map of where they are/were located; and 2) it would have been better if it was arranged chronologically in some way rather than geographically. Jumping back and forth in time made it a bit hard to follow in parts.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting guide to the places of Tudor history in England told with integrity and scholarly accuracy without losing an awareness of the readers enjoyment. Many anecdotes are shared and stories told. However, you definitely needed to have a wide knowledge of the period and a clear understanding of the Tudor timeline to follow the book through. This is not an introduction to the period and newcomers to the subject would have struggled to follow the jumping around within the Tudor timeline that comes from telling history through a geographical lense.

[Vic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not so much a journey through Tudor England, but a smattering of existing Tudor structures with related stories. I was a little thrown at first, but the stories are interesting, even if the structures themselves are barely touched upon in the narrative. For instance, the description of a cathedral housing the resting place of a particular person might get a couple of lines, while the life of that person comprises the entire chapter.