Christmas in Tudor times was a period of feasting, revelry and merrymaking 'to drive the cold winter away'. A carnival atmosphere presided at court, with a twelve-day-long festival of entertainments, pageants, theatre productions and 'disguisings', when even the king and queen dressed up in costume to fool their courtiers. Throughout the festive season, all ranks of subjects were freed for a short time from everyday cares to indulge in eating, drinking, dancing and game-playing.

We might assume that our modern Christmas owes much to the Victorians. In fact, as Alison Weir and Siobhan Clarke reveal in this fascinating book, many of our favourite Christmas traditions date back much further. Carol-singing, present-giving, mulled wine and mince pies were all just as popular in Tudor times, and even Father Christmas and roast turkey dinners have their origins in this period. The festival was so beloved by English people that Christmas traditions survived remarkably unchanged in this age of tumultuous religious upheaval.

Beautifully illustrated with original line drawings throughout, this enchanting compendium will fascinate anyone with an interest in Tudor life - and anyone who loves Christmas.

Allow Alison Weir and Siobhan Clarke to guide you through a Tudor Christmas wonderland in this beautifully illustrated gift book

About the Author

Alison Weir is one of Britain's top-selling historians. She is the author of numerous works of history and historical fiction, specialising in the medieval and Tudor periods.

Siobhan Clarke has worked as a lecturer and guide for Historic Royal Palaces for seventeen years, writing tours and lectures on Hampton Court Palace, the Tower of London and the Banqueting House, Whitehall Palace.

Reviews
[A] jewel of a book. -- Tracy Borman * BBC History Magazine, **Books of the Year** *
My favourite fireside read on the run-up to Yule... From food and festivities to religion and the origins of customs, this book has it all * Northern Soul, *Christmas Gift Guide 2023* *



Book Information
ISBN 9781787330641
Author Alison Weir
Format Hardback
Page Count 192
Imprint Jonathan Cape Ltd
Publisher Vintage Publishing
Weight(grams) 247g
Dimensions(mm) 184mm * 137mm * 22mm