The discovery of a book belonging to Thomas Cromwell by the curatorial team at Hever Castle gives us a “fascinating new insight” into Cromwell, Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and Katherine of Aragon, according to Tudor historian Suzannah Lipscomb.
Professor Lipscomb is among the historians to share the excitement around the news revealed on June 8 at Hever Castle that Anne Boleyn, Catherine of Aragon AND Thomas Cromwell all shared a copy of the same 1527 Book of Hours prayer book.
This is the first time that historians have made a link between Catherine, Anne, and Cromwell regarding their prayer books.
The book is now on display in the Castle until November, on loan from the Wren Library, Trinity College, Cambridge.
It is thought to be the only object from any Tudor portrait to survive to this day and the first time the book has been lent from Trinity College since it was received on 10 August 1660.
To mark the discovery, History Hit, the podcast, SVOD and content platform founded by historian Dan Snow has created a special episode starring Professor Lipscomb.
She says: “We are living in an amazing age of Tudor discoveries – but this one, found through a piece of brilliant and thoroughly convincing historical investigative work by the curatorial team at Hever Castle, with the support of the Wren Library at Trinity College, Cambridge and documented by History Hit, is especially exciting.
“This special book and its remarkable provenance gives us a fascinating new insight into the relationship between Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, and Katherine of Aragon.”
The team from History Hit filmed in both Cambridge and Hever Castle to put together the special episode, presented by Suzannah.
About History Hit:
History Hit, the podcast, SVOD and content platform founded by historian Dan Snow and acquired by award-winning digital content agency and media network Little Dot Studios, is a premium media network focused on making history more accessible in the digital age.
History Hit TV, its SVOD service, was launched in November 2017, focusing on original history programming. Alongside over 500 original documentaries, interviews and films, it also offers an archive of over 1,500 podcasts ad-free to subscribers. It is available on Roku, Apple, Android, web, Amazon Fire, and now Amazon Prime Video Channels UK.
The podcast arm of the media network produces eight successful podcast series, including the chart-topping Dan Snow’s History Hit, which broadcasts four times a week. Recent additions include bi-weekly shows Betwixt the Sheets with Kate Lister and American History Hit with Don Wildman. The network publishes 19 podcast episodes a week for enthusiasts of all eras, from ancient times to present day.
History Hit has over 2 million social media connections across Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, and has recently launched digital publishing sections on historyhit.com focused on historical travel and video gaming.
Book your visit to Hever Castle & Gardens.
Within the grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, there are two opportunities for you to stay the night with us.
Hever Castle has played host to many important events and celebrations for over 600 years. In 1903 when William Waldorf Astor set about restoring Hever Castle to its former glory, he added the Astor Wing, to accommodate his family and guests, before creating a lake and the spectacular Italian Garden to house his impressive collection of ancient Greek and Roman statuary.
There are multiple places to eat & drink across the Hever Castle Estate. Select between the Castle & Gardens and Golf Club below to discover more.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, Hever Castle Golf Club is a 27 hole Kent golf course that will encourage and inspire all golf enthusiasts.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, the Wellbeing Centre consists of five smart treatment rooms.
