Tudors

Lady Honor Lisle: The power limits of an Early Tudor Noblewoman

The article examines the possibilities of a noblewoman’s influence on strengthening the positions and promoting the interests of her own and her family in the Early Tudor aristocratic society, based on the letters of Lady Honor Lisle. It is revealed that letters, personal contacts, patronage, exchange of information and gifts were widely practiced by Lady Lisle. The limits of this woman’s power were also outlined by various requests addressed to her, the fulfillment of which was within the competence of her husband.

Lisle’s aristocracy family: Economy «old» nobility or wasteful gentry?

The article discusses the sources of income, expenses and methods of doing business in the aristocratic Lisle`s family. Based on the correspondence of the Lisle`s spouses with their managers and financial agents, it is revealed that the greatest income for the family came from the lease of land, extraction of tin, timber and the fish trade. The position of governor of Calais, held by Lord Lisle, also brought income.

Lisle Spouses: Business Partners or «Loving Friends»?

The article discusses the relationship of spouses in the early Tudors aristocratic family. The material from the correspondence of Lady Honour Lisle and Sir Arthur, Viscount Lisle, reveals topics that were discussed between spouses. These are business issues related to the financial situation of the family, news about family members, acquaintances and court life, exchange of gifts. The letters also show the feelings that the Lisle spouses had for each other.

London under the Tudors: Social Aspect (Based on the Wills)

The article is devoted to the study of the social aspect of the life of Tudor London. On the material of the wills the author shows that the majority of the testators are artisans, small traders and merchants of the «Twelve Great Livery Companies» of London. Also, there are representatives of the service sector, gentry and the emerging intelligentsia. Among the recipients of the inheritance numerous church institutions of the city are mentioned. Some wills belong to women: wives or widows of merchants and artisans.