Book Review: "The Palace"by Gareth Russell (Pt. 2)

This review covers chapter 4 through to the end of chapter 6

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We've covered people such as Elizabeth of York, Thomas Woolsley, Martin Luther and even Anne Boleyn but now it is time to move on from these figures. It is proven that Gareth Russell has done such an incredible amount of research here and the book itself is a fantastic achievement of nonfiction literature regardless of your personal feelings towards the royal family. Gareth Russell's writing and insight makes the book even more intriguing to read as he offers us arguments to consider, thoughts to ponder on and stories of whispering gossip that lurk inside the walls of this great palace.

Jane Seymour resides partially in Hampton Court. She is described as hearty and strict but also as a gentle woman. Her ladies in waiting are explored in detail and we are met with the possibility of Jane giving birth to a child. We readers know that Jane Seymour is the mother of King Edward VI but what we see here is Queen Jane's confinement in her pregnancy. She is resting before her birthing time and so, we get whispers and strains going around the hallways. Was Jane Seymour a 'silent conservative' in her mind? Did she hope for her husband to repair his relations with Rome? Maybe we will never be entirely sure but the author definitely does give us something to think about regarding her possibly 'muzzled thoughts'. Jane Seymour's 'banning of the French Hood' was much discussed even though there's no evidence it ever happened. Even though there may have been strains with France, there's no absolute evidence Queen Jane banned the hood featured on the French dress in order to get people to wear the English one - this is because Jane herself had dresses with French hoods on them.

Hampton Court was definitely important here as it was here that Queen Jane would give birth to a boy during a three-day labour. It was the days of Edward the Confessor and so, Edward became the baby's name. The news of a prince being born produced parades all over the country, parties everywhere and salutes from each palace in the land. London's church bells rang and the entire country was patriotic once again. But of course, all was not well as Jane Seymour would pass away shortly after. This is a fantastic story told with great intrigue and brilliant research by a writer who makes each facet of this Court's story illustrated with bright colour and sensation.

Anne of Cleves is pretty happy with her demoted position after divorcing King Henry VIII and was given some gifts as an apology gift for such a terrible set up. But it is Catherine Howard who feels uncomfortable at hosting her predecessor in Hampton Court. The author definitely gives us something to think about here and that is: what was it about Anne of Cleves that made King Henry VIII believe it would have been a good match? After divorcing the king, Anne became fluent in English and started wearing less German clothing and more French and English clothing. Wear Anne was intelligent, Catherine was somewhat less so. Catherine suffered horrifically though and so, when she tried to escape due to an unfortunate mental state because of an investigation into her life, she was dragged kicking and screaming back to her rooms.

The author states that even Catherine's own servants began to turn against her in order to save themselves. Her husband's attendants had their rooms searched at Hampton Court - which found that one of them had a love letter from Catherine after she married Henry VIII. Of course, Queen Catherine could not have been allowed to leave this situation alive and so, there were many whispers amongst the Court when many people left to see others. Catherine was in grave danger. Some people say that in Hampton Court, you can still hear the screams of Catherine Howard being violently dragged back to her rooms.

After Catherine Howard's execution, we move on to an opposing woman: Catherine Parr - the final wife of Henry VIII. She is described as being gentle and ginger, reserved and multilingual, she was a dancer and a philosopher - a woman who also collected coins. One thing I have read about Catherine Parr is that she was able to get Henry VIII to control his temper and anger, which had been growing in the final years of the King's life. Her published works seem to be still about and yet, she is still remembered as a meek and gentle queen - though she was probably also the most progressive out of all six of them. The author purposefully gives us opposing values concerned by the queens - Howard 'toed the line' whilst Parr 'picked a side'. This is no accident, the author wants us to think about the different personalities that headed that wonderful building at any one time. What was truly being talked about in there?

As we move on to the next parts, we get to see the tiny new king, Edward VI, as he addresses his people. The author is definitely bringing us into other rooms. We have covered the 'haunted gallery' and now, we move into the 'Tiltyard'. And gosh am I excited!