Not Just the Tudors: The Tudor World at Hampton Court

Episode Details:

• Title: The Tudor World at Hampton Court
• Host: Professor Suzannah Lipscomb
• Guest: Brett Doleman, Curator of Collections at Historic Royal Palaces
• Release Date: October 24, 2024

1. Introduction to The Tudor World Exhibition

Professor Suzannah Lipscomb opens the episode by introducing the new exhibition, "The Tudor World," housed at Hampton Court Palace. This exhibition aims to delve deeper into the lives and environments of the Tudor period, extending beyond the well-known narratives of Henry VIII and his six wives.

Notable Quote:

Professor Suzannah Lipscomb [00:18:18]: "All are designed to take us back into the Tudor world and the lives not just of the kings and queens, but of the ordinary people whose labor upheld the functioning and magnificence of the Tudor court."

2. The Wolsey Rooms

Brett Doleman describes the Wolsey Rooms, some of the oldest surviving interiors at Hampton Court, originally built in the 1520s for Thomas Cardinal Wolsey, Henry VIII's chief advisor.

Notable Quote:

Brett Doleman [04:18]: "The rooms really are artworks in their own right...You have to imagine them really sparkling under Judah candlelight and would have made Hampton Court one of the most splendid, most modern buildings in the country."

3. Tudor History Paintings

The discussion shifts to three significant Tudor paintings on display: The Battle of the Spurs, Embarkation at Dover, and Field of Cloth of Gold. These artworks not only glorify Henry VIII's reign but also highlight the involvement of ordinary people in monumental events.

Notable Quote:

Brett Doleman [10:24]: "These paintings are glorifications of Tudor power and ambition, of Henry's navy, of the palatial splendour of his campsite. But they're also full of life, showing ordinary men and women who served in Henry's navy, fought his battles, and built the Field of Cloth of Gold."

4. New Ideas and Inventions of the Tudor Era

Brett emphasizes the 1500s as a period of significant change, marked by scientific discoveries, exploration, and the melding of various cultural influences. The exhibition showcases objects like a portable sundial used by Thomas Wolsey, illustrating the era's blend of science and traditional beliefs.

Notable Quote:

Brett Doleman [18:36]: "This is an age where lots of things were being discovered about nature, about the universe, about mathematics, about science, about medicine. But they were all combined into the same, if you like, traditional set of beliefs."

5. The Astronomical Clock

A highlight of the exhibition is the astronomical clock, a marvel of Tudor engineering that encapsulates the era's scientific prowess and superstitious beliefs. Brett explains its functionalities and significance in Tudor society.

Notable Quote:

Brett Doleman [30:04]: "The Tudors believed in science, but also astrology. They continue to use both forms of forecasting to make important decisions. It's wrong to think of science and faith as these polarized opposites."

6. Religious Reformation

The exhibition also explores the religious upheavals of the Tudor period. Brett discusses artifacts like a crucifix reliquary owned by Thomas More and a Catholic priest's traveling chest, shedding light on the era's intense religious conflicts and their impact on everyday lives.

Notable Quote:

Brett Doleman [25:52]: "New Protestant Reformers challenged the Roman Catholic Church's authority...Some people adapted readily, seized new opportunities. Others faced quite profound, momentous crises of faith."

7. Foreign Influences on Tudor Material Culture

Brett elaborates on how foreign elements influenced Tudor England's material culture, from luxurious fabrics and exotic foods to architectural designs. The exhibition features pieces like a portrait by Marcus Gerard, illustrating the blend of English and Ottoman styles.

Notable Quote:

Brett Doleman [33:56]: "Men and women copied the luxurious and colorful foreign fashions that they saw...You get Continental style padded cod pieces, Turkish carpets, Flemish tapestries, Chinese porcelain."

8. Stories of the Little People

Moving beyond the grandeur of the court, Brett highlights the lives of ordinary workers who maintained Hampton Court's splendor. Items such as a Tudor tap, spice grater, and ear scoop are displayed to represent the daily lives and occupations of those who served the Tudor court.

Notable Quote:

Brett Doleman [42:15]: "They were just one of many different trades that found opportunities for employment at places like Hampton Court...from high ranking Tudor courtiers to what were called gong farmers who cleaned the toilets."

9. Conclusion and Exhibition Details

Professor Lipscomb wraps up the conversation by encouraging listeners to visit the exhibition, which is now a permanent feature at Hampton Court Palace and will remain accessible for at least the next decade.

Notable Quote:

Professor Suzannah Lipscomb [45:19]: "This is a permanent reopening for the palace...it will be there for reimagined at least 10 years."

Final Thoughts: "The Tudor World at Hampton Court" exhibition offers a comprehensive look into the Tudor era, blending well-known historical narratives with the untold stories of everyday individuals. Through rich artifacts, interactive displays, and insightful discussions, visitors gain a nuanced understanding of the complexities and global connections that defined Tudor England.

For More Information: To explore the exhibition and gain deeper insights into the Tudor period, visit Hampton Court Palace and experience "The Tudor World" firsthand.