Siobhan Clarke

Siobhan Clarke BA Hons has worked for Historic Royal Palaces for 20 years, delivering tours and lectures on the palaces of Hampton Court, Kensington, the Tower of London and the Banqueting House, Whitehall. She has lectured for the British Museum, National Trust, U3A and Smithsonian and is an accredited lecturer for the Arts Society. Siobhan has featured on BBC Radio ‘Women’s Hour’ and PBS Television’s ‘Secrets of Henry VIII’s Palace’.

The following lectures are delivered with illustrations in PowerPoint: 

The Crown & the Cradle

Royal babies have always excited interest because the health and survival of the child would shape history. This talk explores the stories of some of these royal babies: the circumstances of their arrival, their nursery years and historical significance, from the Wars of the Roses to the present day.

 

Royal Christmas: Our Christmas rituals evolved from Christian liturgy, pagan rites and the influence of the monarchy. The German customs of the Victorian royal family became the basis of the English Christmas we know today.

This talk explores Christmas at court from the middle ages to present day and how the royals have influenced our own celebrations.

 

Dress, Dazzle & Display:  Tudor Court Dress was used as a political, economic and social tool and laws were passed to regulate dress at all levels of society.

Elizabeth I, decked out in a dazzling array of jewels and fine clothes, projected the ultimate image of royal power.

Fashion was anything but frivolous!

 

Siobhan’s experience includes education sessions for schools, universities, travel companies and corporate visitors. She has lectured in the UK for the U3A, the National Trust and the Arts Society, and abroad for luxury cruise lines.

Her broadcasting includes appearing on television in ‘The Secrets of Henry VIII’s Palace’ and on Radio 4’s ‘Women’s Hour’, talking about Queen Anne. She has a passion for conveying history in a way that is inspiring, entertaining and a lot of fun!

As well as specialising in 16^th century dress, she also delivers tours and lectures on Hampton Court, the Tower of London and the Banqueting House, Whitehall Palace.  Siobhan’s published works include: ‘A Tudor Christmas’ with Alison Weir (Jonathan Cape, 2018). ‘The Tudors: The Crown, the Dynasty, the Golden Age’ with Linda Collins (Andre Deutsch, 2019). ‘King and Collector: Henry VIII and the art of Kingship’ with Linda Collins (History Press, 2021). ‘Gloriana: Elizabeth I and the art of Queenship’ with Linda Collins (History Press, 2022).

 

Testimonials:

• Every talk is a gem, transporting clients to the authentic world of the past, and based on extensive, sound research. They don’t come much better than this!                                                                   Alison Weir, author and historian                       
• Hampton Court Palace and its history is a huge place to consolidate into an hour’s lecture but Siobhan’s vast knowledge and expertise gave us a wonderful insight into its splendour and greatness.                                                                                                              Canterbury Decorative and Fine Arts Society
• Today’s visit was memorable, not only for the beauty and magnificence of the building but also for your really interesting talk which made the place come alive!  Everyone enjoyed your talk which put the building into context in a fascinating way. Thank you so much and I am sure it won’t be long before we ask you to come and talk to the Hampton Society again.                                                                                                                      The Hampton Society
• Your talk to the Wimbledon WI on ‘Royal Babies’ was a real hit – we so enjoyed it as you could see from the reaction from our members. The illustrations you showed were excellent and all delivered without notes.  Well done and please come back again!                                                         
• An excellent lunch today – the speaker was very good – several regulars were in the audience and have told me ‘the best historical speaker we have had!’ –  they enjoyed the talk (and pictures) which went with it – all quiet throughout – you could have ‘heard a pin drop’ as the saying goes’   Please pass on our thanks.   Luton Hoo
• We thoroughly enjoyed your talk and learn a lot about Hampton Court Palace. Without exception people thoroughly enjoyed it and we hope you will come back to talk to us again. Molesey Local History Society.
• Thank you for coming to Dover to speak to the Ladies Luncheon Club. I can tell you the ladies thoroughly enjoyed your lecture today on the Romanovs, and we look forward to your next visit to speak on the Tudors.