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 Tudor Rose by Sue Allan AKA <a href="/account/Freewillsue" target="_self" title="Freewillsue">Freewillsue</a> on the Wiki This novel tells the fascinating real-life story of Rose Hickman, nee Locke. Nearing the end of her life, she wrote a memoir, only part of which still survives. Having done a considerable amount of research, Sue Allan has reconstructed the ‘missing bits’.
The Lockes and the Hickmans were prosperous London mercers, close to the Crown. They remained steadfast in the Protestantism throughout the turbulent years of the English Reformation. Their beliefs developed into what we today would call Nonconformist, and even when Protestantism was the established religion of England under Elizabeth, the family suffered much hardship because of their faith. Sue Allan has made this subject her own in her trilogy that includes Mayflower Maid, Jamestown Woman, and Restoration Lady. Tudor Rose can be seen as a ‘prequel’.
Rose was born during the reign of Henry VIII and died during that of James I at the ripe old age of 87. Sue Allan has put her heart and soul into bringing a long-forgotten lady to wider attention in what is, clearly, a labour of love... Sally Zigmond
<a class="external" href="http://www.mayflowermaid.com/ladyroseaworkinporogress.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Read excerpts from the book here">Read excerpts from the book here</a>Sue says, she is far happiest dressed as Lady Rose Hickman and giving visitors to Gainsborough Hall the low down on the history...However "I am a serious historian, and I have seen some glaring inaccuracies during the TV series [The Tudors] but I just can't help myself from loving the vibrancy of this drama. It is just so watchable!" |
Submitted by: Tudorcrazy
Comments:
I have just finished this book, and found it fascinating. First, it raised my awareness of the terrible persecution the Protestants suffered under all four English Tudor monarchs. The Author's writing style is clear and well documented, and is presented as a diary, although not of her personal life, but her personal life being a reformer family in Tudor times.
However, it is Ms. Allan's remarks about her own incredible journey, and connection to Rose Hickman which is completely amazing. Her main character, Rose, practically showed her where the research was, and compelled her to write her story.
In addition, it shows a progression from Catholic reformers to the natural outcome of exile from England, which results in the immigration of many families to the Americas. What a dangerous and unknown journey, taken by people of true conscience for religious freedom. As an American, I had forgotten studying in high school about the development of our country, and the main theme of our constitution. Our forefathers wrote that living breathing document as a direct result of their fear of any Monarchy, and for the separation of church and state. We can all thank Henry the eighth and his daughters for creating a paranoia that gave birth to a great nation, that still rejects royalty, and an official church.
I think this book should be on any syllabus for a course on the reformation, or early American colonies.
Well done Sue, I am honored to have a connection to you and your wonderful endeavor of telling Rose's story. |
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