Thursday 7 November 2019

Henry VIII, Tracy Borman and the Roman Baths

As 2019 approaches its end, the Bath branch of the Historical Association completes a memorable year with a flourish.

The branch's final lecture of the year focuses on one of the biggest subjects - in every sense! - in British history. Its title is Henry VIII and the Men Who Made Him. This is also the title of one of the most recent books written by best-selling historical author Dr Tracy Borman, who will be our speaker at Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, Queen Square, on Thursday 21 November at 7.30 pm. Tracy has made many appearances on television and radio, notably in Private Lives for the Yesterday Channel and the documentary series Inside the Tower of London for Channel 5. Tracy's books include Elizabeth's Women: The Hidden Story of the Virgin Queen, Thomas Cromwell: The Untold Story of Henry VIII's Most Faithful Servant and The Private Lives of the Tudors: Uncovering the Secrets of Britain's Greatest Dynasty. Tracy has also written about Henrietta Howard, the mistress of King George II, Matilda, wife of William the Conqueror, and witches. Last year she published her first novel, The King's Witch, the first of a trilogy. Tracy is the joint Chief Curator of Historic Royal Palaces and Chief Executive of the Heritage Education Trust. She is a trustee of the National Archives Foundation.

The historical author Alison Weir has described Henry VIII and the Men Who Made Him as 'a brilliantly woven story of the men who surrounded, influenced and sometimes plagued Henry VIII'. Tracy Borman will tell us that story on 21 November. At the end of her lecture Tracy will sign copies of the book. Books for sale will be provided at the lecture by Mr B's Emporium of Reading Delights of John Street, Bath.

Twelve days after the lecture, on the evening of Tuesday 3 December, the HA Bath branch's Christmas visit will take place at the Roman Baths and Pump Room. It will begin in the Pump Room with complimentary drinks and a talk given by Stephen Bird, Head of Heritage Services for Bath and North East Somerset, about recent and planned developments in the Roman Baths complex. Members will then divide into groups for a guided tour of the baths and museum before coming together again for a convivial buffet on the enclosed terrace that overlooks the Great Bath, which will be illuminated with flaming torches. It promises to be a very special evening to conclude the branch's programme for 2019.

The visit to the Roman Baths and Pump Room is a ticket-only event. Tickets (£20 each) must be purchased from me (mikeshort20@btinternet.com or 01225 812945) no later than Tuesday 19 November.

Mike Short