I set off on Friday (19/6/25) one the next step in my journey back to 1553.

I’ve had to learn so much before hand, Tudor history, how tutors worked, ate, spoke. I have to be honest, I’ve truly enjoyed the planning.

I’ve made so many things now, or bought them where I couldn’t possibly make them. As well as the clothes there are lots of extras. I bought a knife, a bowl, a plate (most recently).

I want to have my rosary with me (I’m catholic) but it’s an Anglican time with Edward vi on the throne (just, he’s about to die sadly and won’t be seen at all this month but still…). A rosary didn’t really exist as it does now mostly referred to a paternoster, a string of beads with one decade of the rosary, alternatively it could be a ring. I bought a ring of beads. These will be hidden in a small woollen drawstring bag hidden in my kirtle.

Then there are pockets. Tudor clothes didn’t include pockets so they had them in the firm of leather or maybe linen pockets hanging from their belt alongside the knife. I have two. One holds my comb and spoon, the other my handkerchief, some bone dice, coin (and my campervan key..I need a little luxury!) I also made a scissor holder and have Tudor style scissors, or snips.

In my basket (borrowed currently but will be replaced with my own) will hold my knitting, spinning, sewing, cup, bowl, plate.

My knitting. Most people who know me know I love to knit. For my Tudor life I’ve spun some Cotswold fleece, old breed available at that time, having brass needles made, double pointed to make stockings. I’ve also made a linen bag to put it all in. I’ve knit a cap (two actually as the first was far too small!) and then felted it.

Spinning. I spin a lot but on modern wheels. In Tudor times it would be a wheel with a spindle, no treadle and no flyer. I’ve had a brief lesson on one so hopefully I’ll be ok. I also have a spindle whorl that’s 500 yrs old that I will be using..last used by a Tudor! Another pouch needed!

Sewing. As with knitting and spinning, almost everyone did these as well as sewing their own clothes. I’ll have spare linen in my basket with thread and needles. Idle hands are the devils work! I’ve also been making a linen doll with my scraps!

Then there’s the need for a stool. I found a 3 legged one in an antique shop..painted with white gloss but a great shape. After my lovely hubby removed 3 (I think) layers of paint with a little help from me, then some wood stain, it’s perfect!!

Food. I’ll be eating pottage, anything cooked in a pot, lots of seasonal veg, barley, maybe oats, salt, pepper and fresh herbs cooked in a huge pot to feed everyone. Bread is huge too..no pasta, rice or potatoes then! Any meal that has those, replace with bread. Cheese and bread made fresh daily in the dairy and bakhouse. There’s also a brewery so, lots of mead???

All in all quite a journey to get to this point. Now just two days away from setting off for the finale!