Claire Ridgway holds Anne Boleyn's books of hours at Hever Castle
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- Опубліковано 18 жов 2024
- Hever Castle was the childhood home of Queen Anne Boleyn and is now home to portraits and artefacts linked to her, including two Books of Hours.
Thanks to the team at Hever (thank you Alison, Owen and Helen!), Claire Ridgway, author of "The Fall of Anne Boleyn: A Countdown", had the honour and pleasure of taking a close look at Anne Boleyn's Books of Hours and even holding them.
In this video, Claire interviews Hever Castle supervisor, Owen Emmerson, about these two beautiful books.
Oh dear Claire, I'm lost for words. This is absolutely thrilling. You are literally holding History!
Yeah, so much this ^^^ It must have been absolutely amazing. Congratulations!!
I am squeeing for her. What language is it primarily written in?
I believe books of hours were generally written in Latin, but we should ask Claire to confirm that :)
@@eej1983able Forgive me, Erin, I made a mistake, the book is written in French!
That's so amazing, not only are you in the place Anne lived but you're holding something that was hers and she held, only thing separating you and Anne is time. I'm super jealous 😭 But thank you for showing us! 😍
This blows me away. They are in such good condition for being so old!
Dearest Claire
I was so pleased to show my mother this and what Owen (Hever castle) gave to Josh Widicombe xxxxxx
What a wonderful moment for you Claire. If anyone deserves to have a good look at actual items connected to Ann it's you. I love the scarf you are wearing too.
My sentiments entirely.
Her scarf is AMAZING.
....and yes! It is very emotional to be able to have these with Ann B’s DNA!
❤
I fell in love with Anne at the age of 11, and 40 years later, nothing has changed. To visit Hever is a dream; to actually hold something she touched, something so deeply personal, would have no doubt left me in a flood of tears. I commend you on your restraint. These are not just historical items to me, they are sacred.
April Nelson I know right! 😭But I really hope Claire knows how lucky she is, she's done things that some of us can only dream about. She's living the life i've always wanted and i'm sure the life many others want too 😭 I'm a huge history nerd the Tudor period is hands down my favorite period in history and it's my dream to one day go to England and visit all these historical sites. The funny thing is i've been to more places in europe then i've been to here in the US my mom's from Vienna, Austria and we go visit our family over there every year or two and always take a side trip. Unluckily for me tho my mom took a side trip to England last year... the one time I wasn't able to make it due to work 😭 But i'm sure we'll both be able to go one day 😊
Wow 😳 And she makes sure to turn/touch each and EVERY page too...😆 Atta girl Claire! 👍🏻
There’s nothing more thrilling to me, than touching history. I love to touch old building, books and wonder what stories they could tell. I collect old cookbooks and always search for the ones that the user wrote notes. It makes them so special. I can’t wait to visit the U.K. again and this time I’ll make sure to get to Hever Castle. ⭐️
Absolutely smashing that you were able to arrange such an interview. So, the 1410 book was already an antique book by the time Anne received it. Perhaps it was a family heirloom.
In my minds-eye I picture you and Natalie Dormer standing there together.
If you ever get a chance to ask your friend, Owen, could you please ask if there are any plans in the works to digitize Anne's Book of Hours. I am sure many people would like to see her books for themselves.
Yes. Natalie Dormer is forever Anne Boleyn for me. I mentioned before that she doesn't even have to say words. Her eyes speak volumes! I think she did an amazing job, much better than Natalie Portman. She wasn't even believable to me. After you've seen perfection, there's no need to look further.
Has anyone seen the new Mary Queen of Scots movie? It never came out here. I didn't like the women they cast, but I wonder how the movie is.
YES! Natalie Dormer is the definitive, perfect, closest portrayal of Queen Anne we'll ever get. Portman was a joke, that they twisted and changed so many facts it became unrecognizable. Michael Hirst (Tudors creator/writer) was initially involved with the Mary queen of scots film, but the directors rejected his scripts and ended up hiring someone else
Linda Hester I don’t think it was to bad very dramatic though. I felt it was more for the history movie goers more than actual history lovers of that makes sense, but I think it was worth a look if you’re into dramatic movies 😅
Linda Hester Natalie Dormer was so amazing! I felt I was in the presence of Queen Anne herself just by her performances 🤩
Omgosh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As for crying...I had tears steaming down my face watching how elated you were. I would have loved to have this experience. So happy for you...
Thank you Claire! Would you be willing to share some of the revelations/insights/dreams you may have had when you were deeply tuned in to her while you were visiting or while researching...I assume you have had many intimate moments as you are so close to her...thanks again for your loving presentations.
Fabulous! So happy for you. Definitely a once in a lifetime experience. Thank you for sharing such a special time with us. And thank you to Owen for sharing so much fascinating information.
It is @snoepony001
Have you had that cry yet? I smiled through the entire video. I'm happy for you having the experience.
I'm amazed at how clean the pages are , considering how old they are .Truley a wonderful experience.
I would've cried to have just touched the book. My whole life I've had such a connection to Queen Anne Boleyn. Thank you for your research.
What a beautiful window into history! Thanks so much, Claire:))
😍
How extraordinary!!!! seeing something Queen Anne Boleyn held,, 500 + years had passed and her life story lives on so strong, courageous brave and beautiful lady !!!
Hello Claire how fabulous. I can't wait to visit Hever myself. Thanks once again for the delightful videos
What a special Honour for us to be with you today 19th May 2019 At Queen Anne's home Hever Castle and to see her treasured books and her hand writing thank you so much Claire and everyone who helped you to share this day with us xx
Hever is fantastic. I enjoyed my visit there
I 100% understand your visceral and emotional reaction to those two Books of Hours. When I saw Lady Margaret Beaufort's Book of Hours - I burst into tears - to see something that she had touched and carried around! So thrilling for you - its what any historian - professional like yourself or amateur like myself often only dreams of. Its the same feeling I got the first time I saw, in real life, a Holbein portrait. I had to go have a cup of tea and a slice of cake to to recover! :-)
I almost cried myself. Well done you.
That had to have been a phenomenal and surreal feeling!
What an honour and privilege Claire, you must have been bursting inside with joy.
This is just amazing! The perfect way to end your series on the Fall of Anne Boleyn. What a wonderful surprise. Thank you sooo much! I teared up myself seeing you holding those books! I am officially insanely jealous. Visiting Hever Castle is definitely on my bucket list. When I was in London, I walked in the same doors that Diana Spencer did on her wedding day at St. Paul's. I know the feeling of walking in the footsteps of an admired & amazing person in history. There are no words to describe it. We actually walked down the aisle that she did. Thank you again for all you do. You are a wonderful person in your own right. Love you so much! ❤🌹👸🏰
Just before you said about how incredible it is to touch a book that Anne herself held and loved and touched I was thinking the same thing! Amazing!
I also write in my books too and keep a diary and a journal. I feel like crying watching this. Dear Anne! And to die so tragically and unnecessarily when she could have had years and years with her own beloved daughter! What a heartless man Henry must have been to deprive a young woman who he once cherished with her life and to deprive his own child with her love and support.
Hever is my favourite place on earth, when I’m there I don’t want to be anywhere else. I was doing fine until it was mentioned how Anne would have been thinking of her mother and how maybe she thought of her home at Hever and how she might have wished to be able to return there when she was imprisoned in the Tower, now I’m an emotional mess. Those two Book of Hours are beautiful, and it’s always so heartwarming and poignant to see them. I’m so happy you got to touch and hold them. We don’t know what Anne looks like, we don’t know her date of birth, but knowing her actual DNA is on those books, that something physical still remains bearing her mark, which no one can refute - not to mention the castle itself - is something so incredibly profound and amazing.
What a moment in time that must of been a lifetime experience. I understand about what you meant that there is a link about Queen Anne B. I admire Queen Anne B. because of her bravery and faith.
I was lucky enough to hold Katherine of Aragon''s prayer book in York minster four years ago. It was a privilege, but to hold Anne Boleyn's book of hours must be a dream come true, I am so happy for you Claire you certainly deserve it.
This is such a special link to the past. Thank you Claire, for bringing this to our attention. It moved me to tears.
Thank you so much for this special treat. How wonderful! I can't believe the books are still in such good condition. I feel your tears.
I’m very grateful for this special video. Anne has been a favourite historical person of mine since I was 9 years old. My Father found Henry VIII a fascination and bought me books about his reign. All these years later, I still admire Anne more than ever. May she be in heavenly peace. What a thrill for you Claire.
Claire, I've never seen this video! But this is EXACTLY what I was referring to in my comment on your Anne's favorite colors video about Dr. Lipscomb! This is what she was looking at and touching! You are so very fortunate to have seen this in real life!!!!! I had chills through my body watching you flip through the pages!!! Thank you so much for sharing this with us! Absolutely mesmerizing!!!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰
It is amazing how vibrant the inks are still after all this time. What a wonderful experience to have held items that she cherished so.
I cannot begin to tell how envious I am!!! As a a yank ( But a descendant of Mayflower leaders) I live for your videos and get goosebumps watching all of this. I feel a deep respect for AB and appreciate all of your devotion! Keep it coming!!!
This is the coolest thing and I am sitting with a brick in my stomach..I HAVE TO GO THERE!!! My dream is to go there and visit where she has been and lived and touch the things she touched. I'm stuck in the US and I'm 37 and I haven't been able to go yet..one day I pray that I can make a tour before I die. You are so lucky and for now I have to live through you and what you post. A beautiful video you and Andrew made!
I can't express how much I enjoyed this...and the music!! Incredible. Please do a series of you travelling to all the relevant castles and chatting with the curators, please!!! There is a house belonging to Anne of Cleaves close by Hever. Thank you.
Anne of cleves lived in hever castle
@@judithboltz7318 Yes, she also owned a house close by that is open to the public.
Thank you Claire, not only for your willingness to share your knowledge with us daily but for the years of hard work and dedication to your education that made it possible. For all that Henry wanted Anne to be out of sight with her death and, therefore, out of mind, he gave England a great Queen and through his injustice to Anne, insured she would never be forgotten. Although I'm not sure he would appreciate how his acts would impact his legacy.
I had watched this when it first came out. But decided to watch again as I had just watched Sarah Morris’ account of the Anne of Cleves panels. Amazing how history finds its way to be told. The book of hours also found its way to its rightful home. I’m blown away. Truly!
One of Claire's best videos to date. The emotions pouring from Claire here are very palpable. A dream come true for her and deservedly so after all the work she's done towards Anne's legacy.
How amazing is it to hold a book that was once held by Anne and view the pages that once captured the attention of her intellectual mind and bewitching dark eyes.
Hever Castle is definitely a must-see location for me. Such a beautiful spot nestled in the English countryside that holds many memories of the Boleyns within it's walls.
I am not only happy for you, Claire, but also relishing the experience of holding Anne through you. There is no one who would appreciate for me as well as you!
What a wonderful video! I'm so beyond excited and happy for you that you got to have this experience! Was tearing up a little myself haha
Thank you Claire for including this video of your visit to Hever castle. A real treat that I certainly had no idea these books existed.
Aww clarie you really do deserve to hold annas book of hours .i really feel for you 😁👑xxi want to cry for you bless yaxx
Thank you to you both for taking me on this amazing journey . I can’t wait to come to Hever Castle .
🇭🇲🦘 So lovely to have been able to go to Hever Castle and to view The Books of Hours. So beautiful and what an honour to be able to view and touch them. ...
Anne Boleyn's Books of Hours are truly magnificent. 🙏 🔔 ..
CLAIRE: You did seem very emotional and 'deeply touched' to be at Hever and to see the books so closely. .. Understandably! "Thank you" for sharing your experience with us. 💓👑👍
🍀☘️ Watched this special video by Claire after reading your comment. Thanks 👍.
Gosh the emotion streaming from Claire here was quite palpable! 😥 A dream come true for her. She deserved it after all the work she's doing keeping Anne's legacy alive for all us history lovers and future generations.
How breathtaking it must have been for her, touching the pages Anne once touched and knowing Anne's eyes once gazed upon those books too.
Hever is a gorgeous spot nestled in the English countryside. Definitely a must-see place for me to go to in the future. Anne's memory lives on within those castle walls.
Castle Supervisor Owen featured in the video seems like a real gent, very informative and approachable. The Anne Boleyn badge on his suite is a nice touch. He is certainly living the dream in a job like that. ☘️🍀
@@Shane-Flanagan Hello Shane. Yes. I found watching this video of Claire at Hever Castle very 'emotional' and deeply 'touching'. For Claire to then HOLD one of Anne's books was amazing. A privilege I'm sure given to only a few (Claire being one). Claire was so moved by the whole experience and nearly speechless when near tears. Anne Boleyn being so close to Claire's life. A major person in Claire's life's work. Claire and the Society (of course) run tours where you get to stay with Claire and others at Hever Castle. Living in the castle. Eating and sleeping there (so I believe) and lectures/talks given etc etc and time to wonder the gardens too. Of course (due to COVID) these tours have not taken place, nor has Claire been able to return to England to help run the tours, do her research, and the many other things she does whilst back in Great Britain.
Hever Castle also a favourite of mine, as my other favourite Queen, another ANNE (Anne of Cleves) who became 'the king's sister' after their divorce lived at Hever Castle herself. She was given the castle after Henry annulled their marriage in 1540 and lived there (on and off, as owned other houses too) until her own death in 1557.
Maybe, when travelling restrictions due to the pandemic are lifted (and when safe to travel again) you too may join one of Claire's tours and even stay at Hever yourself.
ALSO, you mentioned Owen, in your comment to me. I believe that Claire and Owen were writing a book together about Hever when COVID struck. I could be wrong, but believe I heard Claire say this during one of her videos. She was needing to return to England to finalise the book for publication. Not sure about the 'status' of that project at the moment, but it was, and is, one of the many books and projects that Claire is working on. Held up due to her need to do research in England. Claire does what research she can do from Spain. Hopefully, in the near future (if not this year, then in 2022) she and others will be able to travel freely again.
SHANE ❗.... I AM so very pleased that you watched this Very Special video Shane. 👍.. I even Re-watched it myself, just before replying to you here now. A most touching and very interesting video for fans of Claire's, and of Tudor history. ❤👑
This is a marvelous video. Thank you for this thrilling experience. Cannot imagine how you felt holding a part of Anne in your hands and so natural to feel such emotion. Hever Castle is so beautiful and serene.
These are the most amazing books. To think that you had in your hands books belonging to Anne. I knew about books of hours, but I didn’t know they were passed from mother to daughter or niece. These seem to have passed out the Anne’s immediate family to others. Amazing that you could touch one of Anne’s personal possessions. Wonderful.
Claire, you are the ultimate Anne Boleyn fangirl! I'm surprised you didn't grab one of the books, whip out a fountain pen and write, "Claire Ridgway was here on [day and month], 2019, and I am blown away! Coolest thing EVAH!!!" I tease you, but as I have mentioned before, I spent some quality time at Anne's daughter's resting place at Westminster Abbey and QEI is lucky I didn't take a selfie with her! In earnest seriousness, thank you SO much for this wonderful video. It is exceptional, and very heartfelt. I'm thinking hard about going on next year's Anne Boleyn tour--what a amazing opportunity that would be!
This is so exciting! Just to think that Anne actually touched those books! Thanks so much for showing them!!
Oh my.... My heart was there with you. What an honor to be there reading & looking at her hour books. I definitely teared up. I live in the US and I don't travel and never been on a plane, so by sharing this experience is so very touching to me, for I shall never see with my own eyes or be in the presence of Queen Anne's home. Thank you so much Claire for all your research & sharing them with us. God Bless you & your journeys you take us all on with you.
Fascinating. I love Anne Boleyn and her Books of Hours!
Emotional, to be able to to touch these books and have time melt away. thank you for sharing.
Thank you, beyond words, for taking us along on your field trip. Know that it was an experience which I’d never thought that I’d have, but had the chance to enjoy through you.
Thrilling. So happy you got this privilege
How amazing you got to hold that in your hands! You certainly deserve that honor after all you have done to help us learn more about her and her life ❤️
WOW!! What an opportunity to see these! I'm surprised the Cromwell name came up as the Cromwell family is also connected to my Dad's family!
No one deserves it more than you do to hold Anne's precious prayer book. What a marvelous experience! Thanks so much for sharing it with us!
It’s so touching to not only see these items and learn about them but to see how meaningful it all is to you as well
Thank you for this beautiful treat today xxx
Thank you Claire what a wonderful experience.
Wow. So special. It would have been taking my breath away to touch / be so close to something that Anne touched. It would have driven home that this was a real, living, breathing woman. 🤭 Hever is definitely on my bucket list. Hi from Australia.
Extraordinary moment!! You do NOT disappoint, Claire!!!!
Claire, thank you so much for sharing with us this deeply moving experience.
I’m watching this with tears in my eyes... so touching that you got to hold and touch something that was so dear to Anne...absolutely marvelous!!
It was such a moving experience.
How absolutely fascinating to experience this bit of history. I wonder how many books and personal artifacts that still belong to private collectors which the public knows nothing about. Thankyou Clair for sharing!
Claire, I don't have adequate words to tell you how much I appreciate your videos on Queen Anne, and all that you've done to give us the "real" Anne Boleyn. This has been a very moving series and a wonderful tribute to her life. Your final video has ended the "Countdown" on a
high and glorious note, and I know there are hundreds (or thousands!) of us who will always be grateful to you. Well done . . . thank you!
So very precious. Anne speaks through you I strongly feel! 💜
How utterly amazing that these, and so few other, items escaped the purge of all things Anne after her death.
This was totally beautiful. 😢
Oh Claire...how wonderful...at Heber & holding Anne's books....I would have been walking round..biting my lip..with an oh wow..daft grin on my face all day!! 😀...So happy for you that you got your dream...What a wonderful end for all your viewers to the Anne Boleyn videos...thankyou so much xx
What a huge thrill to be able to achieve a lifelong dream. You are so fortunate, and I am so happy for you :)
Have been there! It is a special place. I was thrilled to be able to see the books of hours because it is a direct link to Anne and the Tudors. Be still my heart.
Thank you for sharing your visit and experience. Wonderful.
What a unique and wonderful experience. So lucky to have gone and see what you have seen. Holding Anne's book of hours what a special treat. Thank you for sharing this with all of us.
So happy for you...touching Anne’s world especially during this time...
What an amazing experience. I have a great fascination with Anne Boleyn and to experience holding something that she has held and read many times is so special. And to explore where she stayed in so many times. That's amazing. ❤ I definitely need to visit!
Fascinating! Incredible to be able to see these. So awe inspiring. Thank you for this!!!!
Claire, what a treat! you have shared with us all! I am moved by Anne's Christian devotion which is demonstrated by her Books of Hours!! Ty, Claire.
What an incredible moment!!! I probably would have failed to hold my composure 😆
As a complete Anne Boleyn nut, I think I would legit cry if given the honor to hold one of these. 😍
Claire, you are living my dream as well. As a 12 yr old girl, 50 years ago,I watched the PBS version of the Six Wives of Henry the Eighth, and then the Elizabeth series with Glenda Jackson. So began my devotion to all things Anne and Elizabeth. At that time I read a book by one of the Malvern sisters ( Gladys and Corinne I think)- one was an author and the other an illustrator, which continued my fantasies about living Anne’s life.( See question at bottom)Then a high school trip where I went to Hamden Court and Hatfield House made me incredibly happy. My father while doing family ancestry found a connection of ours thru Anne’s sister, Mary. This started me on the road to wondering why I was so drawn to Anne and Elizabeth. It was an obsession with me. When I discovered the science of genetic memory( epigenetics) I thought maybe here were some answers. I’d love to discuss epigenetics with you and get your take on it. I love, love, love your videos Claire!!!!
Question: I have tried unsuccessfully to find the name of the book I read in 71( It was an older book then- Gladys Malvern had done a series of books on famous women biographies written as stories) It is about Henry and Anne, but I can’t find the NAME OF THE BOOK anywhere. Do you know of this book title????
Several years ago now they had a conference about Anne AT HEVER!! I so wanted to go, but had cancer then and couldn’t go. Always hope!! In the meantime your channel and books( just bought one) keep the dream alive. Forever in Anne!!!
Such beautiful books!!
I loved this video, so glad to see you had gloves on, a lot of people dont which is wrong! The whole thing was so interesting,I have always found Anne Boleyn facinating!
How lucky you were to realise your dream and hold her own book of hours. The best way to honour her memory, going to Hever Castle and celebrating her life rather than only commemorating her execution. One day hopefully, I will go there myself.
Wonderful video. Claire, you look especially lovely here. Your enthusiasm is infectious.
Amazing - you brighten my day with tid bits of wonderful history . Thank you for all you do ! I listen every day.
Wow those books are in amazing condition for being almost 500 years old. To hold a book that Anne Boleyn held..
What a wonderful experience. So happy for you.
Wonderful!!! Thank you!
What a fantastic, wonderful experience! I had a chance to hold, read, and transcribe 3 letters written by Abigail Adams. In one, she actually named the 3 names in the XYZ Affair! I also had an opportunity to go to Somerleyton and then Costessey in Norfolk, where my ancestors lived. It was quite an experience. There are illuminated manuscripts in the Getty Museum here, which they rotate regularly, and they are very fun to look at. I must indeed come back to the UK to see Hever and other wonderful castle homes.
Thank you claire for the awesome video and letting me share this experience with you
How wonderful and exciting for you. Thank you for sharing ❤️
I believe it no coincidence the beautiful floral motifs are later worn in her daughter's gowns. Perhaps a very young Elizabeth knew her mother's book well. Amazing experience. 💖
God Speed to You, What a Honor to hold a Bit of History , part of her life , I truly love your channel . I would of been in tears the whole time, an even now I have tears, Great Work An Thank You for sharing this with us , Much Love An Big Hug to You , from across the sea,
Wow! What an incredible experience! I wish we could have seen her signature, but I guess we have to go visit. Thank you Claire for an incredible insight into Anne’s life.
I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to be there!!!
You are living my dremas. Thanks for filming it.
Hi Claire - such a lovely video - you can really feel history all around you at Hever and for someone as passionate as you I can imagine it must have been thrilling. A well-deserved treat for you, considering how you're "re-habilitating" Anne's reputation. Thank you for all your videos!
So cool. So glad these glorious books have been preserved.
Ok. The more I thought about this incredible piece the more excited I got. This book is 500 years old man and it looks so well preserved!