February 2 - Sir Francis Bryan, the Vicar of Hell

On this day in Tudor history, 2nd February 1550, Sir Francis Bryan, died suddenly in Ireland. He was a rather colourful Tudor character, known as much for his drinking, gambling and all-round bad behaviour, as his diplomacy, royal favour and gift for poetry.

 

Find out more about this one-eyed courtier and his nickname, "the vicar of hell", in today's talk from Claire Ridgway, author of several Tudor history books.

 

Book recommendation: Sir Francis Bryan, Henry VIII's most notorious ambassador, by Sarah-Beth Watkins.

 

Today is also Candlemas, and you can find out more about that feast day and how it was celebrated in Tudor times in Claire's video from last year - https://youtu.be/sXj14xV4gCE