Monday morning off to the Worshipful Company of Saddlers to examine their Hearse Cloth.
Afternoon to the Guildhall Library to learn a little more about how they were used by searching City Livery Company histories.
Tuesday morning it was the Vintners’ Company hearse cloth featuring the story of their patron saint St Martin of Tours.
After lunch a quick visit to the banks of the Thames for a little mudlarking…
…and then on to to the British Library to see the special exhibition Elizabeth and Mary: Royal Cousins, Rival Queens.
All day Wednesday was spent back at the British Library examining six 16th century embroidered book bindings.
Thursday a day spent a little off topic travelling down the Thames to Greenwich via the river boat for a spectacular look at London from the and from the Royal Observatory.
It just so happens that all three Armada Portraits are on exhibit at the moment. You can always find Tudor embroidery – painted representations count too!
Friday back to the City and the Merchant Taylors’ two hearse cloths.
An enormous thanks to Challe, fellow Tudor enthusiast, for her company, her exceptional knowledge and her superb photography skills. More to come!
Hi Chris, thank you for your comment and question. I haven’t been to New York as yet, but it is definitely on the list for next year. I still have a week left here and am looking forward to a visit to the BM, more BL and a brief stay in Oxford!
Sounds as you are having a wonderful time. Hopefully when you get home and have more time, you can tell us more about what you saw and did. Unfortunately for those of us who will never have the opportunity to see what you are seeing and experiencing, let alone be able to travel to Britain, it is only reading such posts as yours, that we can get some idea of the wealth of information that is available, and even rarer if you happen to be interested in textile history.
Many thanks, enjoy your time.
Cheers Judy
Queensland, Australia
Tudor Embroidery 
Good to hear you had a good time and thank you for posting the images. Have you seen the St Martin embroideries at the Met Cloisters in New York?
Hi Chris, thank you for your comment and question. I haven’t been to New York as yet, but it is definitely on the list for next year. I still have a week left here and am looking forward to a visit to the BM, more BL and a brief stay in Oxford!
Absolutely Tudoriffic…
Great photos. Busy schedule but such great items
Sounds as you are having a wonderful time. Hopefully when you get home and have more time, you can tell us more about what you saw and did. Unfortunately for those of us who will never have the opportunity to see what you are seeing and experiencing, let alone be able to travel to Britain, it is only reading such posts as yours, that we can get some idea of the wealth of information that is available, and even rarer if you happen to be interested in textile history.
Many thanks, enjoy your time.
Cheers Judy
Queensland, Australia