Did Christopher Columbus Really See Mermaids?

In 1493, Christopher Columbus recorded a bizarre sighting in his journal: his crew claimed to have seen three mermaids rise out of the sea! But instead of the beautiful creatures of legend, they described them as having "masculine traits" and looking far less attractive than expected.
But Columbus wasn’t alone in these strange sightings. Throughout history, explorers and sailors—like Henry Hudson—have reported encounters with mermaids, which later found their way into maps, medieval art, and even royal portraits. But were they really seeing mythical beings, or were they just mistaking manatees and dugongs for something more magical?
Join me as I explore real historical accounts of mermaid sightings, their connections to Tudor and Renaissance symbolism, and how Queen Elizabeth I herself used mermaid imagery as propaganda.
Mermaids may be mythical, but their influence on history, folklore, and even politics is very real.
Want to know more? Watch now to uncover the truth behind mermaid myths!
#TudorHistory #OnThisDay #MermaidMyths #HistoricalMysteries #RenaissanceHistory #QueenElizabethI #Columbus #HenryHudson #SeaLegends #RoyalPropaganda #ManateesOrMermaids

Rebellion, Treachery, and a Queen's Resolve

On this day in Tudor history, 2nd January 1554, Sir Thomas Wyatt the Younger and Sir Peter Carew were summoned to face Queen Mary I's privy council. The reason? Whispers of a bold plot to stop her marriage to Philip of Spain.
Their conspiracy aimed to replace Mary with her half-sister, Elizabeth, in a coup that spiralled into rebellion. But who betrayed the rebels? And how did Mary rally London to crush the uprising?
A story of rebellion, loyalty, and a queen’s defiance awaits. Watch now to uncover the intrigue! #TudorHistory #WyattRebellion #OnThisDay
Dive into the drama and learn how this rebellion forever changed lives and the Tudor legacy.

Martyred over a papal dispensation? - #MartyrMonday

On 23rd June 1592, Robert (Roger) Ashton was hanged, drawn and quartered after being found in possession of a papal dispensation. But what actually happened?

The Tudors in their own words - Elizabeth I about Mary, Queen of Scots

In today's "The Tudors in their own words", historian Claire Ridgway shares words from Queen Elizabeth I regarding a woman known as her nemesis, Mary, Queen of Scots.

The Tudors in their own words - Queen Elizabeth I about Edward de Vere

In today's "The Tudors in their own words", historian Claire Ridgway shares a funny story and quote from Queen Elizabeth I regarding Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford.

The Tudors in their own words - Sir Philip Sidney

In today's "The Tudors in their own words", historian Claire Ridgway shares poetry from the famous Elizabethan poet, Sir Philip Sidney.

The Tudors in their own words - Queen Elizabeth I’s words to Parliament

Today's Tudor quote is taken from Queen Elizabeth I's final speech to Parliament on 30th November 1601, her Golden Speech.
 
Historian and author Claire Ridgway shares Elizabeth I's beautiful words.
 
You can read her full speech at https://www.tudorsociety.com/elizabeth-golden-speech-30-november-1601/ 

Becoming Elizabeth - Episode 4 - Lighten Our Darkness - Becoming Elizabeth or Becoming Mary?

This week’s episode of Becoming Elizabeth, Lighten our Darkness, had us thinking that Elizabeth might just be pregnant, saw the end of Queen Catherine Parr, and should, Claire feels, have been called Becoming Mary.
Let historian and author Claire Ridgway share with you the history behind this week’s episode and her views on how things played out, as we say goodbye to Catherine Parr, see Elizabeth becoming independent and a new Elizabeth, and watch Mary reacting to the violence aimed at her beloved church, a violence caused by her own half-brother Edward IV's religious policies. Oh, and Claire points out a Tudor character who is sadly missing from the series.
If you love talking Tudor, particularly about Elizabeth I, then you'll want to be a part of Claire's Elizabeth I online event which features 8 experts and lots of Tudor talk.
Find out all the details and register at https://claireridgway.com/events/elizabeth-i-the-life-of-gloriana-the-virgin-queen-online-event-7-16-september-2022/