Lucy Worsley launches her new novel at Bromley High School

Everyone at Bromley High School was very excited to step back into Tudor times with a visit from TV historian Lucy Worsley on March 2nd 2016. It was the only school chosen to be visited by popular TV historian and author Lucy Worsley, on the promotional tour for her first novel for young people, Eliza Rose.

Lucy spoke to Year 7 about her role as Chief Curator of the Historic Palaces, and how her work at Hampton Court inspired her to write the book, Eliza Rose which centres on Henry VIII and his marriage to the ill-fated Katherine Howard.

The novel tells the story of a young girl at the treacherous court of Henry VIII, where her cousin, Katherine Howard, becomes his fifth Queen. It will be published in April, but we were very lucky to have advance copies available.

The girls also got the chance to dress “Queen Katherine” in Tudor costume, which provoked much hilarity amongst those watching.

The morning was rounded off with a picture quiz on Tudor artefacts, at which the girls proved surprisingly skilled, although the ear wax scraper proved rather challenging!

As was guessing the content of the mystery parcel. It was a little red farthingale, or hooped skirt.

Finally a book reading by Lucy from Eliza Rose was a great start to Bromley High’s World Book Day ahead of the Junior School celebrations on March 3rd.

“This was a great chance for the girls to meet a female historian who is hugely successful in her field, and they found this both inspiring and enjoyable.” Mrs Murrell, Librarian, Bromley High School

About Lucy Worsley and her new novel

Lucy is Chief Curator of the Historic Royal Palaces and has both written books and presented television documentaries on such diverse and fascinating topics as murder, dancing and the home through the ages. Most recently she presented Empire of the Tsars: Romanov Russia with Lucy Worsley for the BBC.

Lucy is not doing a schools tour, but Bromley High School was fortunate to be chosen for one special event before she appears on the festival circuit. She is a lively and engaging personality and is sure to enthuse the girls about history. Eliza Rose tells the story of a young girl at the treacherous court of Henry VIII, where her cousin, Katherine Howard, becomes his fifth Queen. It will be published in April 2016.