Girl's Own Paper

        As the title suggests, the first segment in this series examines the childhood of Queen Elizabeth beginning with her birth in 1533, focusing on others reactions to her, her temperament, and ending with her father’s death in 1547.

        Author begins by detailing the funeral of Elizabeth’s brother, King Edward, and outlining the conflict between Catholicism and Protestantism. Elizabeth’s detention at Whitehall and the tower are surveyed and a passage she wrote in charcoal and diamond on a window are recited. The last section discusses her relationship with Mary and Philip of Spain.

        The author explains that history should provide a vivid picture of the actors in it as they were and argues that by collecting details not only about events, but also regarding food, dress and pastimes, important things can be learned about the past. Author lays out rules and methods for the study of history, as well as acceptable subjects.

        The Roman origins and Christian history of the seventh day of the week are discussed. The author discusses early Christian traditions taking place on Sunday beginning around 693 in England and references laws enacted by Elizabeth, Charles I, and Charles II regarding this day.

        Brewer (architectural draughtsman and illustrator) argues that although girls do not generally possess an interest in architecture, the history of buildings is the history of the civilized world and thus it is important that they learn it. Byzantine and Roman caves are discussed, as well as the differences in architecture between Greek, Egyptian, Roman, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and Persian styles. A larger passage is devoted to Stonehenge.

        Continued from the October 24th edition. The so-called merits of Greek architecture are discussed and Brewer claims that the Greeks are over-praised because their three simple styles lack in design and invention. The uses of colour and white-washing are reviewed and the three distinct styles of Cyclopean, Palasgic, Eutruscan are explained with figures included.

        Brewer describes the struggle of Graeco-Roman style at the beginning of the Christian era. Images of the Worms Cathedral and St. Mark’s in Venice are included to help trace the stages Roman architecture went through before the Gothic style developed in the thirteenth century. Author focuses on the varying arch styles of different countries in different periods.

        Brewer explains that thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth-century Italian buildings were more Classical than Gothic in style. The use of slavery to construct great buildings in previous centuries is discussed and contrasted with the religious devotion that went into building Gothic churches. Brewer argues that there was much room for individual expression in Gothic architecture.

        This segment focuses on fourteenth-century architecture. Brewer explains that outside of Germany there were hardly any Cathedrals being built in the fourteenth century. ‘Geometric Style’ is outlined with a focus on the Amiens Cathedral and Cologne. In the second half, fourteenth-century German and English Cathedrals are described.

        Brewer discusses the late fourteenth-century change in England to 'Perpendicular Style." During this time, the lines went from curved to vertical and horizontal. Names of the best Cathedrals encompassing these changes are listed. Fifteenth-century architecture is introduced and Brewer explains the contrast between continental and English styles with a focus on Germany, Italy, and France, and with a particular interest in spires.

        Brewer focuses on the Renaissance, and explains that the political instability of Europe at that time makes it difficult to form an unbiased opinion of architecture. Major architects of the time, such as Brunelleschi, Alberti, Bramante, Peruzzi are discussed and an overview of ornamentation is included as well as the influences of various monarchs and popes.

        Brewer’s last installment spans from the sixteenth century to the nineteenth century, beginning with the remark that the ‘Elizabethan style’ would be more accurately described as ‘Jacobean.’ The strengths and weaknesses of St. Paul ’s Cathedral are outlined, as is the career of Sir Christopher Wren. As for nineteenth-century contemporary architecture, the author laments that it had become more of a business than an art and provides support for this argument..

        Subtitled ‘A Romance of History’. The story of Carolina, the wife of Alexis, heir of the Russian throne and son of Peter the Great, is told. After dealing her a great blow, Alexis thought she was dead. Carolina survived and escaped to France, and then to New Orleans and her life there is chronicled.

        Mason explains that you can find information on houses, furniture, food, clothing, manners, wages, prices, superstitions, amusement and industry in the time of Henry VIII and use them to write different types of history. This section outlines safety precautions, decoration and ventilation of sixteenth-century houses. Furniture and ladies’ dress are also discussed.

        Biography of the German princess born 1815 and died 1885. Author focuses on her charity work, her favourite vacations spots, her disposition, marriage and time in Fischbach.

        A continuation from Mason’s previous article on January 8th. This section focuses on similar topics in the reign of Elizabeth. Major changes discussed include the style of ladies’ dress and the fashion of carrying a looking glass and wearing a mask. For men, the long waisted doublet was popular. Mason emphasizes the importance of music during this time, as well as sport, and claims that the lottery was also initiated during the reign of Elizabeth.

        A continuation of the biography of the German princess started in the April 9th 1887 issue. This section focuses on her charity work, her relationship with her husband, and the great emotional blow of his death.

        Mason discusses the changes to ladies’ fashions during the reign of James I, as well as the use of tobacco and popular music tastes.

        Charles II and Anne’s reigns are investigated. Mason argues that it was during this period that the guitar came to court. She outlines Charles’s taste for music, using passages from a diary. Mason is also interested in skating, the practice of face painting, and the plague.

        Mason discusses the fashion in which marriages were conducted in the eighteenth century. For example, the particulars of a lady’s financial situation were publicly announced upon her engagement. In addition, the author also discusses public attitudes to drunkenness, lotteries, swearing, and the differences between the upper and lower classes.

        Brewer argues that castles are a microcosm of English history. In the first of a series of five articles, she discusses Norwich and notes that it is approximately 2000 years old. She outlines the debated origins of this place and provides a history spanning until the early nineteenth century when it was entrusted to the magistrates of Norfolk.

        Brewer provides an outline of the origins history of Castle Rising in Norwich, which has had many different owners since the conquest. She argues that it was likely a Norman construction.

        Ancient Corfe Castle is discussed. Brewer observes that it played a very large role in Saxon history, but has since become less prominent. She also chronicles the death of King Edward there in 978 and discusses the Anglo-Saxon practice of drinking from the loving cup.

        Durham Castle is reviewed, beginning with a Danish-Saxon poem written between 780 and the conquest. She points out William the Conqueror likely had a connection to the castle and also explains that it is difficult to separate the fable and mystery from the actual history.

        Caufield explains that floral decorations formed an important feature of ancient Roman and Greek life. The author begins a series of six segments on floral history by outlining some of the natural emblems the Greek and Romans used to signify their gods. Also of interest are her points on the Floral Games of Toulouse beginning in 1324.

        Caufield attempts to distinguish which types of flowers can be labeled ‘historical.’For example, she classifies Canterbury Bells as historical because they are associated with the pilgrims who flocked to the shrine of Thomas Becket. The clover and shamrock are also included and their connections to St. Patrick are discussed as is the Fleur de Lys.

        Caufield traces the ancient use of the hawthorne tree by the Greeks in marriage rituals and by Germans in death rituals. Author explains that the hawthorne was also inscribed on the helmet of Richard III and used by Elizabeth and Charles I, and in Christmas celebrations. Heather and Holly are also discussed.

        The use of Laurel or ‘Daphne’ by the Greeks is outlined. The leek and the Welsh tradition of wearing it on St. David’s Day are also described. Other historians, Caufield explains, believe the wearing of the leek was used to signify the Welsh victory over the Saxons. Lotus flowers are also reviewed.

        Various flowers are discussed with regard to their historical significance. Included are marigolds (Henry VIII), mistletoe (Druids, Greeks, Romans, French), wheat (Arabs and Adam), olives (Athenians) and the orange blossom (Europe and China).

        The historical significances of rose and primrose for the ancient Europeans and British are discussed in the first half of this article. Also included are the thistle and the violet.

        Monuments at Westminster to Margaret, Countess of Richmond, Mary Queen of Scots, and Margaret Douglas are discussed. The author highlights the lives of each of the women and discusses the grandiose monuments. Part of a series, not all documented in HBooks. Some authored by H. W. Brewer.

        Opening the series, Tytler provides a biography of Lady Margaret, Countess of Richmond, born in 1441. She was betrothed to Edmund Tudor in 1455 and remarried in 1472. Important events of her life are chronicled until her death in 1509.

        Tytler provides a biography of the eldest daughter of Elizabeth Woodville and Edward IV, Elizabeth of York, born in 1466, explaining that the Woodvilles repeatedly had to flee from their home to Westminster during the War of the Roses. However, Elizabeth’s marriage in 1455 united the houses of Lancaster and York. Later in life, Elizabeth of York helped arrange three marriages and welcomed Katharine of Aragon to England before dying in 1502. Tytler claims she was greatly mourned by the people.

        Tytler claims that Margaret Tudor, born in 1489, was unlike any other in her family. She was married at the age of twelve to the thirty-year-old James IV of Scotland and was the inspiration behind the famous poem, the ‘Thistle and Rose.’ However the second half of Tytler’s segments explains that she was a rose with many thorns for Scotland.

        This article discusses the many friendships and betrothals of Mary Tudor before her death in 1533.

        Tytler tells the story of Katharine of Aragon, betrothed from the age of twenty months to Arthur Prince of Wales. The author overviews her arrival in England, the first meeting with Arthur, the marriage, Arthur’s death, her marriage and divorce from Henry VIII, and her eventual death.

        Anne Boleyn is investigated. Tytler explains that there is some uncertainty as to her birthday. Using letters to her father, and the previous work of Agnes Strickland, Tytler discusses Boleyn’s time in France, her marriage to Henry VIII, the birth of her daughter, her conviction of treason, time in the tower and eventual execution.

        This segment focuses on Jane Seymour, Henry VIII’s third wife. First, Tytler considers Seymour’s relationship with Boleyn. Relying on some of Agnes Strickland’s work, she chronicles the marriage, birth of a boy child, and death of Seymour.

        Tytler begins by outlining the potential new wives for Henry VIII after the death of Jane Seymour before ‘settling’ for Anne of Cleves. Tytler debates the reaction of Henry upon meeting his new bride, their quick divorce, Anne’s relief afterwards, her last sixteen years in England, and her death in 1557.

        Catharine Howard, explains Tytler, married Henry VIII in 1540. The author discusses the unfortunate upbringing of Catharine and her childhood boyfriend. She also chronicles the accusations of adultery imposed on Henry VIII’s fifth wife and details the events leading to her death.

        Tytler chronicles Catharine Parr’s first two marriages when she was fifteen and twenty, both of which ended with the death of her husband. Tytler details Parr’s marriage to Henry VIII in 1544, Henry’s death, Catharine’s relationship with Seymour, and her disgraceful burial.

        Mary Tudor, born in 1515, was betrothed early to Charles V, but was disappointed when the arrangements were canceled. This segment focuses on Mary during the divorce of her parents, Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, and the birth of Elizabeth.

        This segment focuses on Mary’s favourite pastimes, religious issues, and familial relationships with an emphasis on Catharine Parr and Elizabeth.

        Mary Tudor, continued. Last item in this series.

        This segment of Tytler’s series on Queen Elizabeth focuses on her Christening and two anecdotes from her childhood. She describes the disrepair of Elizabeth’s clothing when a small girl, after the death of her mother and discusses her temperament. Tytler then investigates the possible suitors for Elizabeth.

        In this section Tytler outlines Elizabeth’s relationship with Thomas Seymour and its repercussions.

        Tytler provides a description of Elizabeth’s time in the tower and later at Richmond.  Her relationship with her ‘jailor’ Sir Henry Bettingfield is reviewed.

        This article (signed EW) is the seventh of an eight-part essay beginning 5 October 1889. It begins with an overview of marriage law in the middle ages. The story of Elizabeth’s Willoughby’s refusal to marry and her decision to marry by her own choice in the time of Henry VIII is discussed. Some earlier parts are signed.

        Tytler continues the discussion of Elizabeth and Sir Henry Bettingfield and explains that Elizabeth showed him no malice when she left. The future Queen’s relationship with Mary while she was at Hatfield and Mary’s reluctance to name Elizabeth her heir. The segment finishes with Elizabeth’s eventual ascendance to the throne.

        Tytler describes the days leading up to Elizabeth’s coronation on January 15, 1559.

        Tytler discusses Elizabeth’s first appointments and speeches as Queen, her closest male and female companions and relations, with special attention to Robert Dudley. Also discussed is the case of Lady Jane Grey, as well as various other political matters.

        The relationship and interaction between Elizabeth and Mary Queen of Scots is discussed, as well as Mary’s marriage to Darnley. Elizabeth’s travels to Oxford and Cambridge are detailed and her potential marriage suitors are reviewed.

        This segment details the middle aged Elizabeth’s personality and looks. Her last suitor, the Duc d’Alencon is discusses as is Robert Dudley’s secret marriage to Lettice Knollys. The second half includes Drake’s expedition and the imprisonment and execution of Mary Queen of Scots.

        Elizabeth’s reactions to the Spanish Armada are detailed and the events are described. In the second half of the article, Tytler explains that Shakespeare had emerged on the English theatre scene and a few of Elizabeth’s tastes and habits are discussed, with references to Agnes Strickland’s work.

        Queen Elizabeth’s quarrel with the Duke of Essex is surveyed, and the details of her death, as told by Robert Carey and Mistress Southwell are re-told.

        Signed H.W.B. The placement of the monuments of Elizabeth and Mary Queen of Scots are discussed and the author laments that they are poorly placed in comparison to the older monuments such as Queen Elenor of Castile and Lady Margaret. One of a series, some of them attributed to Brewer.

        Author explains that muffs were invented by a Venetian lady in the fifteenth century. Discusses their change in size over time and their connections to skating. MC.

        Beginning in 1856, Conway discusses the progress and struggles of women in British universities.

        Explains that during the reign of Henry II, Christmas was not widely celebrated in England -- and that the situation persisted until Prince Albert came from Germany in the nineteenth century and helped revive it.

        Discusses a series of periods in Egyptian history, including the first recorded king in 3950 BC, and the Middle Empire of the XIth to the XIVth dynasties. The New Empire and Hellenistic periods are also included. First part appeared 13 June 1896.

        Wright discusses the origins and uses various brooches during the Saxon period. Differences between Roman, Egyptian and Anglo-Saxon jewellery are highlighted and images are included.

        Signed G.H.P. The letters of Princess Elizabeth, daughter of George III, are used to examine politics, etiquette, and gender from 1770 to 1840.

        In the third part of a four-part article, the author describes the court’s reaction to the execution of the Earl of Essex before moving on to describe what the tastes for music were in the reign of Elizabeth. Author includes a musical arrangement by William Byrd and claims that Elizabeth played the viol and the lute. Other parts 4 November 1899, 6 January 1900, 23 June 1900.