Henry VIII

Ludlow is a beautiful market town in Shropshire, which has everything you could want, from regular food festivals to historic sites and stunning countryside walks

Those seeking a peaceful escape from Britain’s bustling cities should consider Ludlow, a picturesque market town in Shropshire that offers everything from regular food festivals to historic landmarks and breathtaking countryside walks. Whilst sometimes overshadowed by neighbouring Shrewsbury and Hereford, Ludlow remains an essential destination for anyone visiting the region.

From its medieval castle and museums to restaurants housed in ancient halls and pubs within 16th-century buildings, Ludlow’s rich heritage is proudly showcased throughout. The castle dates back to the Norman Conquest and ranks among the “finest medieval ruins” in Britain, according to the Ludlow Castle website.

Given its location near Wales, Ludlow Castle served a crucial function during the English-Welsh conflicts. In 1223, King Henry III and Welsh prince Llywelyn ap Iorwerth held peace negotiations at the fortress.

Throughout history, Ludlow Castle has housed many prominent personalities, including Roger Mortimer, who joined forces with Queen Isabella to depose her husband, Edward II, in 1327.

During the 15th century, Edward IV frequently visited Ludlow and established a governing council there to oversee his Welsh territories.

Edward IV also dispatched his sons, the future King Edward V and his brother Prince Richard, to reside at the castle. The brothers would subsequently become infamous as the Princes in the Tower, after they vanished from the Tower of London in 1483, reports the Express.

Ludlow Castle also holds profound historical significance as the place where Prince Arthur died in 1502, a tragedy that ultimately paved the way for his younger brother to ascend the throne as King Henry VIII.

Since the Civil War, Ludlow Castle has gradually crumbled into ruins, though much of its impressive exterior remains intact, making it well worth exploring.

Another must-see attraction is St Laurence’s Church, which, like the castle, traces its origins back to the Norman invasion. As Shropshire’s largest parish church, St Laurence’s has earned the nickname “Cathedral of the Marches”.

Those seeking outdoor relaxation can visit Ludlow Millennium Green or enjoy a walk along the Mortimer Trail, a long-distance footpath stretching from Ludlow to Kington on the Herefordshire-Wales border.

No trip to Ludlow would be complete without stopping at the renowned Ludlow Farm Shop, which promises a “one-of-a-kind” shopping experience, according to the town’s official website.

The town regularly plays host to Antique, Local Produce and Craft Markets. It’s worth checking the Ludlow Market website before your visit if you fancy attending any of these events.

As the festive season approaches, families will be delighted to learn that Santa will be taking up residence at Ludlow Castle from 6 to 23 December, giving children the chance to enjoy a magical encounter with Father Christmas in the castle’s stunning grotto.

Oct. 17 (UPI) — King Charles III plans to visit Pope Leo XIV next week in the Vatican as the first reigning English monarch since 1534 to pray in a service with the pontiff.

Charles, along with his wife, Queen Camilla, will visit the Vatican on Wednesday and Thursday. They will appear with the pope during a service on Thursday at the Sistine Chapel, where a special seat has been created for Charles.

The chapel was dedicated on Aug. 15, 1483. Michelangelo painted the ceiling from 1508 to 1512.

Henry VIII split from the Vatican 22 years later.

Buckingham Palace on Sept. 26 announced the state visit to the Holy See for late October in the church’s 25th Jubilee Year to “celebrate the ecumenical work by the Church of England and the Catholic Church, reflecting the Jubilee year’s theme of walking together as ‘Pilgrims of Hope.'”

The royal couple had a private meeting with Pope Francis on April 9 in celebration of their 20th wedding anniversary. It took place at Casa Santa Marta hospital in Rome, 12 days before he died.

In 1961, Queen Elizabeth II was the first British monarch since the Reformation to visit the Holy See. Queen Elizabeth died on Sept. 8, 2022, and Charles became king.

“It marks a historic moment in the journey of reconciliation between our Churches,” Archbishop Flavio Pace said in a Vatican press briefing Friday. “It celebrates how far we’ve come — and offers hope for the future.”

This gathering will bring together members of the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of England, of which the king is the supreme governor.

“This will be the first state visit, since the Reformation, where the pope and the monarch will pray together in an ecumenical service in the Sistine Chapel, and the first time the monarch will have attended a service in St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, a church with an historic connection to the English crown,” a Buckingham spokesman told the Guardian.

They also will visit the adjacent Benedictine Abbey. This church, which contains the tomb of St. Paul, had been associated with the English monarchy dating to medieval and Anglo-Saxon rulers who helped with the upkeep.

King Charles will also be honored with the title of Royal Confrater, “recognizing the long-standing ties between the British Crown and the Benedictine abbey attached to the basilica,” Vatican News said.

During the service with the pope, there will be a hymn by Saint Ambrose of Milan sung in an English translation by Saint John Henry Newman, who was canonized in 2019. King Charles attended that event.

Music will be provided by the Sistine Chapel Choir, alongside choristers from the Chapel Royal at St. James’ Palace and the Choir of St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

The king and queen will also meet Vatican officials.

The Vatican said the “two central themes of the Royal visit are Christian unity and care for the planet.”

The Roman Catholic Church has approximately 1.4 billion members with 20.4% in Europe, including 6.2 million baptized Roman Catholics in England and Wales, and 676,000 in Scotland.

The Church of England is the largest Christian denomination in Britain with 13.3 million followers. The church originated in the break from the Vatican and features Protestantism and Roman Catholicism.

The walk is just as magical as the sunflower farm offering sweeping views over the rolling Chiltern Hills, woodlands, a deer park and a National Trust House once linked to a king

Tucked away in the heart of the Chiltern Hills, a bustling sunflower farm awaits discovery. Not only do they produce sparkling wine from the chalk-rich soils just north-west of London, but they also harvest their own honey and offer you the chance to pick your own sunflowers.

The journey to the farm is as scenic as the fields themselves, offering sweeping views over the rolling Chiltern Hills, woodlands, a deer park and the National Trust House that was once the residence of Catherine Carey, one of Henry III’s alleged offspring.

A train ride from Paddington Station, with a change at Twyford, will get you to the riverside town of Henley-on-Thames in just under an hour. Once there, face the church tower and choose either a left or right turn.

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After navigating some sizeable hills (a less strenuous option is to walk from Marlow), you’ll find yourself at the imposing 14th-century house, steeped in medieval origins and Tudor history. The gardens at Greys Court are encircled by ancient ruins and offer panoramic views of the Chiltern Hills.

First mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, this was once the dwelling of the powerful de Grey family. Among its notable residents was Catherine Carey, who married Sir Francis Knollys, a descendant of the de Greys, reports MyLondon.

She was the daughter of Mary Boleyn, and is widely believed to be the illegitimate child of Henry VIII. Centuries later, British politician Sir Felix Brunner resided in the house with his wife before donating it to the National Trust.

After immersing yourself in the rich history of Greys Court, it’s a brisk 90-minute journey to the sunflower farm. You’ll find a few pubs along the way, and the sunflower farm welcomes visitors from sunrise to sunset.

Upon reaching Stonor Farm, you’re greeted with two hectares of vibrant sunflowers – that’s larger than two football pitches. The farm has thoughtfully cut footpaths through the flowers for easy exploration.

Purchasing the sunflowers is a bargain at £2 per stem or £5 for three stems, with all proceeds going to charity. For a few extra quid, you can wander through a second field filled with even taller sunflowers. The farm also hosts themed events throughout August, including sunflower yoga and sunflower sound baths.

As for walking routes, there’s no shortage of options. If you fancy a stroll around Greys Court itself, there’s a circular walk through classic Chilterns scenery of beech woodlands and open countryside.

For a longer trek, you can walk from Henley-on-Thames to Greys Court. If you prefer driving to the sunflower farm, ample parking is available at the entrance to The Wine Farm on Stonor Road. Additional car parks are located in Henley and at Greys Court.

From London Paddington to Henley-on-Thames, the journey takes approximately an hour. Walking from Henley to Greys Court will take just over an hour and a half, and from there to Stonor Farm, it should take around one hour and forty minutes.

With its towering medieval walls, ancient castle and lively harbour, the town is a fantastic place to visit for a day trip or staycation

With its towering walls, ancient castle and bustling harbour, Conwy is one of the most stunningly picturesque towns you’ll visit in Wales. This historic coastal retreat isn’t just popular with tourists; it even earned a spot on the Sunday Times’ list of the top places to live in the UK.

“Every kind of natural adventure is within easy reach of the brooding towers and tumbledown castle walls that cast an enchanting spell over this coastal hotspot,” they wrote of Conwy.

“Those lucky enough to live in the town can pick up groceries and grab a coffee in impeccably historic surroundings, while enjoying the reassurance of regular trains and a fast road.”

Conwy Quay is the ideal starting point for your exploration, adorned with lobster pots, entwined fishing nets, and all the delightful seaside paraphernalia you’d expect. Right next to The Liverpool Arms there’s even a convenient information board displaying the current rates if you’re considering docking your boat in the harbour, reports Wales Online.

Along the harbour, you’ll also discover one of Conwy’s most charming features: The Smallest House in Great Britain. Acknowledged by the Guinness Book of World Records, this petite red-fronted dwelling measures a mere 72 inches wide and 122 inches high and was inhabited until May 1900.

It’s been handed down through the same family for over 130 years. Its last known resident was a 6ft 3in fisherman named Robert Jones. Today, it serves as a quaint attraction and picture-perfect backdrop.

Things to do in Conwy

If you fancy a pint with a view, pop into The Liverpool Arms, the oldest traditional pub in Conwy town.

Situated right on the waterfront, just across the road from the quay and beaches, it’s particularly popular on a warm day with patrons spilling out onto the streets. History, harbour views and a good pint, what more could you ask for?

Alongside the harbour, Conwy’s main attraction is the Castell Conwy (Conwy Castle) and its walls.

Part of Wales’ UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Castell Conwy boasts a concentric design with eight towers. It’s a key component of King Edward I’s “Iron Ring”, a chain of impressive fortresses built in Wales during the late 13th century to cement English dominance following the conquest of Wales.

Visitors can delve into the inner and outer wards, which house numerous rooms, and explore the castle walls, which feature 21 towers and fully encircle the town of Conwy.

Recognised for its aesthetic appeal and historical importance, the castle was dubbed one of Europe’s ‘most beautiful’ by influential publication Condé Nast Traveller.

They noted: “Aside from getting us one step closer to living out our fairytale fantasies, the staggering structures showcase some of the world’s best architecture, most stunning landscapes, and maybe even a ghost story or two. There’s perhaps no better place on earth to find awe-inspiring castles than in Europe, where it seems like you can’t visit a city or take a road trip without stumbling upon some sort of royal dwelling.”

Like many historical structures in Wales, Conwy Castle is said to be haunted, much to the delight of ghost hunters and paranormal fans.

Eerie sightings have included various silhouettes and dark figures observed from the battlements and windows overlooking the town. Given that King Henry VIII used the castle as a prison in the 16th century, many believe these apparitions to be former inmates.

In 2016, a group of paranormal investigators claimed to have captured the voice of a young girl spirit uttering ‘don’t tell them’. Not exactly what you want to hear in a dim, echoing fortress. In 2020, a man snapped a photo outside Conwy Castle, which he believes shows a procession of phantoms led by a male ghost with a sword, as reported by North Wales Live.

Once you’ve had your fill of castles and spectres, it’s time for a treat, and Dylan’s Restaurant is just the place. Established in 2012, Dylan’s aimed to celebrate the produce, character, and natural beauty of North Wales, and they’ve hit the mark with this latest venture.

The menu is a heartfelt tribute to local produce, gathered from across the region and served in a building as stunning as the dishes themselves. From the upper levels, you can enjoy panoramic views of the 13th-century St Mary’s Church and Conwy Castle.

For somewhere to stay, the Quay Hotel and Spa is a great option.

This destination spa hotel boasts breathtaking views of the grand Conwy Castle and estuary and is conveniently situated near the Welsh towns of Conwy and Llandudno.

Sandgate, in Kent, has 4.3 stars on TripAdvisor with people saying it’s great to have a lovely walk or bike ride next to the coast

This quaint seaside village in Kent is brimming with charm and personality, boasting vibrant quirky homes, crystal clear waters, and a laid-back vibe. It’s our county’s very own Riviera – there’s even a sign ‘The Riviera’ to confirm it – and it’s definitely worth a visit.

Welcome to Sandgate, a perfect spot for leisurely exploration if the weather holds up. You can stroll through the town, taking in the picturesque properties and flower-laden gardens, and spotting delightful ‘holiday vibe’ details like hanging baskets, eccentric windows, and intriguing balconies.

If you’re seeking inspiration for house painting, this coastal village nestled between Folkestone and Hythe will have you reaching for your paint roller in no time.

The houses are painted in a true spectrum of colours, ranging from bright green, to a soft lavender, to aquamarine and sun-bleached terra cotta reminiscent of Spain. The sea at Sandgate’s pebble beach boasts ‘excellent’ rated bathing water quality, a status it has maintained for the past eight years.

However, in May, swimmers were advised by the Environment Agency to steer clear of the beach due to sewage pollution caused by a damaged pipe. Southern Water, however, assured that it had not affected the bathing water, reports Kent Live.

The beach has also consistently held a Seaside Award for the past 12 years.

Amenities such as toilets, shops, cafes, pubs, and restaurants are conveniently located on the High Street just a few minutes away. There’s also a promenade where you can enjoy a 1.5-mile walk to Folkestone or a three-mile stroll to Hythe.

There are three council car parks available: Castle Road and Wilberforce Road, where charges reach £4.50 for up to four hours; and Gough Road, which comes free of charge but offers just six spaces.

Last year, Rightmove crowned Sandgate as one of the 10 priciest seaside locations in Britain for house purchases, with average sale prices hitting £495,009.

It hasn’t featured in the newly released rankings, though Whitstable and Hythe have made the cut. Anyone considering property investment in Sandgate now would be looking at an average of £435,995 for the past year.

Overall sale prices climbed six per cent compared to the previous year, yet dropped 21 per cent from 2022’s peak. The majority of transactions involved flats, which commanded an average of £233,438.

Some of the most stunning properties perch on hillsides with sweeping Channel views. Housing also extends along the Esplanade and stretches towards the interior.

The area buzzes with activity, as Sandgate’s High Street boasts an array of restaurants, cafés, bars, and pubs. The beach earns 4.3 stars out of five from 199 Tripadvisor reviewers.

Whilst the most recent pair of reviews partly grumble about public music playing, one visitor’s said: “I’ve always loved Sandgate beach and frequent this area a lot over the summer. It’s great to have a lovely walk or bike ride next to the coast.

“Lovely views, and feels like you’re somewhere else. Great to just take your mind off everyday issues, to relax and take in the lovely sea air, sound of the sea and birds. Love this place.”

On a day when the skies are clear, you can feast your eyes on the coast stretching towards the enigmatic Dungeness, with France occasionally peeking through the horizon. Sandgate Park, too, has upped its game with fresh play surfaces introduced last year, complete with hopscotch for the older generation to share some old-school fun with the kids.

Then there’s The Famous Ship Inn, a beloved community haunt that dishes up freshly netted fish and chips, boasting a top-deck terrace with breathtaking views.

Don’t forget about the cosy log fire – a perfect spot to remember when the leaves start to fall. And if you’re strolling along Granville Parade, pop into the Boat House Café, which commands a stunning view of the beach.

With an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor from 126 reviews, it’s a hit for scrumptious lunches and breakfasts. A recent review gushed: “I’ve been here a few times now and the first time I had their hot dog with onions and wow, it was lovely.

“The second and third time I went I had their Greek salad and oh my goodness, it is spectacular and the owners are very welcoming. I’m definitely recommending this place and 100 per cent going back, so much so I’m literally on my way there in 10 minutes with my daughter.”

One of Sandgate’s most celebrated former residents was the beloved actress Hattie Jacques, and you’ll quickly spot a blue building bearing a commemorative plaque marking her birthplace as you stroll down the High Street. She remains the cherished English comedy star best remembered for her appearances in the iconic Carry On film series, though her talents graced stage, radio and television throughout her prolific career.

The village was also home to author H. G. Wells, hailed as “the father of science fiction”. Beyond his imaginative novels, he penned non-fiction works and established himself as a respected journalist, sociologist and historian.

Delving deeper into history, you must explore Sandgate Castle, constructed during Henry VIII’s reign to guard the beach and coastal route to Dover rather than protect a harbour. This Grade I-listed fortress boasts an extensive defensive heritage.

By 1808, the central tower had been converted into a Martello tower design. Roughly one-third of the original fortress has since been lost to time.

The village also houses the Shorncliffe Redoubt, a Napoleonic-era earthwork fortification linked to Sir John Moore and the 95th Regiment of Foot, famously known as the 95th Rifles. Don’t miss St Paul’s Church either, whose striking tower soars from the hillside – it’s absolutely stunning.

The Pop Idol winner discovered on this week’s episode of BBC1’s Who Do You Think You Are? that he is related to King Edward I and William the Conquerer – so Mirror man Matt decided to dig into his ancestors too

As if Will Young didn’t already have reason to be smug, the Pop Idol and two-time Brit Award winner now has something else he can boast about – he’s related to royalty.

Specifically, King Edward I, his 20-times great-grandfather. Oh, and William the Conquerer too.

The singer found out about his kingly lineage filming this week’s episode of BBC1’s Who Do You Think You Are? And he’s not the only celebrity who, besides being blessed with success, can also add royal blood to their claims to fame.

Josh Widdecombe is another, having learned he’s also directly descended from Edward I. Before him there was Danny Dyer, who discovered his ancestors include King Edward III, William the Conquerer and French king Louis IX.

Then there’s Matthew Pinsent – four-time Olympic gold medallist and, it turns out, also related to Edward I, William the Conqueror and one of Henry VIII’s wives.

What is it about being a celebrity, I wondered, that makes you more likely to have royal relatives? Knowing Will was going to be the latest to fill me with jealousy, I set out to find out if mere mortals like me had any remotely interesting ancestors.

In my case, the chances of even finding anyone slightly aristocratic in my family tree seemed pretty bleak. Will was already born with a silver spoon in his mouth, a boarding school boy whose dad was a company director and whose grandad was an RAF flight lieutenant.

Most of the relatives I knew about, on the other hand, were proud yet poor Nottinghamshire coal miners and their wives.

Still, I set up an account on FindMyPast and added the names of the relatives I knew about over the last 150 years. As the site suggested potential matches based on birth, marriage, baptism and census records, I gradually worked my way back around 12 generations to the mid-1600s.

Alas, what I discovered only confirmed my suspicions. My family were paupers, not princes – grafters who toiled for centuries in coal mines, stables, forges and along canals.

My great-grandfather, I discovered, was a coal miner loader who had worked his way up to coal hewer – hacking coal from the mine bed by hand, hundreds of metres underground – just like his father and grandfather before him.

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Earlier still were nailmakers, boatmen, stonemasons and stablemen. Almost all lived and died in Derbyshire, Yorkshire or Lancashire. We were clearly the servants, not the masters. I had more in common with Baldrick than Blackadder.

But just as I was about to give up, I stumbled on something unexpected. In the late 1500s, Derbyshire man William Gilbert, my 13th great-grandfather, married Anne Clere – and into a well-known family.

The Cleres, it turned out, were an ancient family from Norfolk whose patriarch, Sir Robert Clere, was the High Sheriff of Norfolk and known for his great wealth.

Anne’s father, Sir Edward Clere, was an MP, but apparently not a very articulate one when speaking in the House of Commons. One diarist wrote how he made “”a staggering [stumbling] speech… I could not understand what reason he made.”

He was knighted in 1578 after having Queen Elizabeth I stay over at his home in Thetford, Norfolk, when he entertained her with a theatrical performance and jousting.

Fascinated that my family was at least good friends with royalty, I kept digging. Edward’s father was Sir John Clere, an MP and naval commander who drowned in August 1557 when his fleet tried to conquer the Orkney Islands, but was beaten back to sea by 3,000 angry islanders.

But it was her mother, Alice Boleyn, my 14th great-grandmother, whose name jumped out at me. Sure enough, as I followed the tree, her niece was none other than Anne Boleyn, Queen of England until she was beheaded in 1533 by Henry VIII – and the mother of Queen Elizabeth I.

I was astounded – that makes me Elizabeth I’s first cousin, 16 times removed.

On the other side of the Clere family, however, things were taking a more sinister – but no less fascinating – turn.

Sir John Clere’s wife, Anne Tyrell, also had royal connections, it turned out, but ones that probably changed the line of succession forever.

On her father’s side, her grandfather was Sir James Tyrell, a trusted servant of Richard III, who allegedly confessed to the murders of the Princes in the Tower under Richard’s orders.

James is also portrayed in Shakespeare’s Richard III. I was astounded – I studied the play at school and had no idea I was reading about my 17th great-grandfather.

Treason and treachery, it seems, ran in the family. His father William was beheaded on Tower Hill in 1462 for plotting against King Edward IV.

William’s father, Sir John Tyrell of Heron, was High Sheriff of Essex and Hertfordshire and knight of Essex, and three times Speaker of the House of Commons. That my 19th great-grandfather basically once ruled Essex is something I won’t be letting people forget in Stansted, where I now live.

But it was also through Anne Tyrell’s mother’s side that I found something even more astonishing. As I followed her line, the names began to get more and more aristocratic, through the Willoughbys, De Welles, Greystokes and Longsprees, until I found…. My 26th great-grandfather, King Henry II.

His father was Geoffrey Plantagenet of Anjou and his grandfather, King Henry I. And Henry’s father? No other than William the Conquerer – my 29th great-grandfather.

And perhaps even more bizarrely, that would make Will Young my 9th cousin, 9 times removed. I’ll be inviting him round for tea next week.

Genealogists will tell me to calm down – apparently there are about five million people who are descended from William the Conquerer. Establishing myself as the true heir to the British throne could certainly be tricky.

But just being as special as Will, Danny Dyer and Matthew Pinsent is enough for me. And not bad for the son of Nottinghamshire nailmakers, stablemen and coal miners.

How to trace your family tree on Findmypast:

Register for a free Findmypast account and create your tree.

Add your own information, then details about your parents, grandparents and other relatives that you know. You don’t need every detail such as date or place of birth, but the more you have the better.

Findmypast then searches its records and provides hints about your ancestors, helping you expand your tree. To access the records you’ll need to pay a subscription.

Most of the records go back to the 1700s, but family trees created by other people can help you trace back even further.

Use the internet to search some of the key names – you might find more clues and other historical connections.

TikTok sensation Katie Kennedy – aka The History Gossip – is bringing history to life in her new Sky TV show History Crush after going viral with her bawdy social media videos

Queen Elizabeth I was “fuggers”, Henry VIII “clapped” and it’s debatable whether Anne Of Cleeves was a “minger”.

Katie Kennedy, better known as The History Gossip, uses this colourful language to bring alive famous historical characters in her bawdy social media posts, which have earned millions of likes on TikTok. Most people take years to get noticed, but Katie became famous practically overnight.

One minute she was writing her 12,000-word dissertation on Women in Pompeii in her final year at Durham University, the next she’d posted a few quirky history videos on TikTok and gone viral.

Like most students, she’d happily wile away hours of study time on social media, but for Katie, it led to greater things. “I was on TikTok all the time anyway, so I posted some stuff about the Tudors and I got a couple of thousand followers Then I did a video with the caption – why were the Tudes clapped?” she says.

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Seeing my blank expression, she translates: “Why were they really ugly? That did really well. It got onto this really big meme page called Great British Memes and they’ve got loads of followers. People were screenshotting it and asking, ‘Is that you?”

Earthy and funny, Katie’s history videos are the right side of sweary, with a sprinkling of Gen Z language. “Some of the slang that I’ve picked up through the years was originally just to get around TikTok guidelines,” she explains.

Half a million followers later, Katie got a book deal and published The History Gossip – Was Anne Of Cleeves A Minger? And she will now be appearing on our screens on Sky TV’s History Crush, where she’ll be rummaging through the underwear drawers of historical figures like Lord Byron, Charles Dickens or Marie-Antoinette – and asking the big questions like was Henry VIII clapped? “Yes he was,” she giggles. And was Lord Byron a crush or a burn? “Definitely a crush.”

The speed at which Katie got a book deal will have many seasoned writers gnashing at the bit. “I had a message from my now agent in February last year when things were going off,” she says. “And she was like, ‘Have you ever thought about writing a book?’ And I thought, ‘Yeah maybe in the future.’ But as soon as I handed in my dissertation, I started writing it and finished it during Freshers Week at Oxford – when I was hungover!

“We got it out for November for Christmas, because it was more of a gifty book. It’s still really weird seeing it in the book shops.”

When we meet outside on a sunny afternoon in pretty Vaults and Gardens Cafe by Radcliffe Camera in Oxford, where 25-year-old Katie’s now studying for her masters, I have to ask, “Was Anne of Cleeves a minger?”

“Well I don’t think so,” she replies. “Henry VIII gave her a castle and they had a brother and sister type of relationship. Of all his wives, she came out of it quite well. She wasn’t really minging, like her portraits said, but she was ‘mid’.”

What about Elizabeth 1? “Her teeth were fuggers because she ate so much sugar,” says Katie. “And it’s so funny that even when she looks a bit minging in her portrait, that’s probably her best photoshopped version.”

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Katie has just returned from a holiday abroad, but her skin remains the colour of porcelain. “I don’t like to sit in the sun because I get scared of getting sunburned,” she says in her sing-song Geordie accent.

“I’ve lived in Durham my whole life. I grew up there, went to a local comprehensive school, did sixth form. And then a journalism apprenticeship with BBC,” she says.

This explains why Katie’s so good at finding a hook in a story – and she has a journalism certificate to prove it. “In my posts, I have to get a three second intro to get people interested – that takes a lot of research,” she explains. “I don’t really script them though, I just press record!”

The secret of Katie’s success is clearly an authentic voice on the platform, which is backed up by years of hard academic study.

“I did journalism for two years, but I felt like I’d missed out on university, so I applied to Durham to do Ancient History and Archeology – and got in!” she says.

While she seems surprised by her ‘luck,’ it strikes me that both Durham and Oxford are lucky to have someone with such a knack for bringing history to life.

Although she has a bit of imposter syndrome, the university social life has made up for it. “I loved being at Durham – all the traditions and stuff and that’s partly why I wanted to come to Oxford,” she admits. “It’s fun and you don’t get that in every university.”

A quick peek at her socials and you can see Katie has settled in well since arriving last September. She laughs: “Yeah the balls are so nice. I love wearing the gowns. I went to a Balioll College ball last week. I can’t lie – the balls here are better than Durham!”

Katie’s first taste of history came when her parents dragged her around National Trust properties every Sunday. “I remember when I was seven being like, I don’t want to go to Wellington and Cragside, I just want to sit on my little Nintendo,’” she admits.

But the experience left an impression, because she fell in love with immersive history – even becoming part of a Beamish Living Museum of the North exhibit.

“It’s just down the road from where I liv,e so I did work experience there twice,” she recalls. “Once dressed up as a Victorian school child and then as a Second World War evacuée and I had my little cardboard gas mask box.

“Did you know during rationing, instead of ice lollies little kids would have frozen carrots?”

Inspired by TV historians such as Lucy Worsley and Ruth Goodman, Katie admits that Horrible Histories – which has probably done more to make history popular than all the dusty old academic institutions put together – inspired her.

“Horrible Histories doesn’t make you feel like you’re learning. The author of the books, Terry Deary, is from Sunderland, which is not far from where I’m from,” she adds proudly.

“I used to love Ruth when she would do Victorian Farm on TV and she would be like, ‘I’m going to make bread from scratch.’ She doesn’t make you feel you’re being lectured to – she’s living history and talking about normal people, who I think get overlooked sometimes.

“It definitely sparked the way I like to present history in a fun, doesn’t-feel-like-you’re-learning type of way.”

I do wonder what Katie’s more traditional tutors think of her style of bringing history to the masses. “When I first started on TikTok, I blocked everyone at Durham and friends and family, because I was embarrassed about posting a video that might get three views,” she reveals. “It was only later when I did a series on the Victorians, that I stopped caring what people thought.

“My supervisor at Oxford’s really supportive. I told him it’s like Horrible History but for adults, and he thinks it’s great that I’m making history more accessible.”

Social media burn out is real for influencers. I ask how she’s managing her time with so much on her plate. “My masters is on British and European 18th-century history, and I’m doing my dissertation on the fan-making industry and how women used fans. But I’ve gone part-time now, so I’ve got another year to get my arse in gear and sort it”: she says.

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“I used to post every single day on TikTok, but I’ve learned to take a step back from it and know that if I don’t post today, it’s not like the end of everything.”

And history clearly attracts a decent social media crowd. “I just get Americans not being able to understand my accent, or they’re like ‘what’s a minger?’” she laughs.

In Durham she lives with her mum, dad and brother, who’s just started studying politics at university. “He was debating history or politics, but he likes arguments, so it’s politics,” she says.

While she’s keen to ask if historical figures are worth dating, she sidesteps when asked if she’s single. “Depends on who’s asking?” she smiles.

But she gushes when talking about one of her great loves back in Durham. “We’ve just got a King Charles Spaniel puppy called Millie – I love to sit and cuddle her in the garden,” she says. “I miss her so much when I’m not there.”

Devoting a lot of time to studying women in history Katie continues: “I especially like the Brontes and also Mary Antoinette, because I feel like she was very misunderstood.”

The arts have been losing out in the push for more maths and engineering, but Katie is making history cool again and reminds us the importance of knowing about our past.

“History keeps repeating itself,” she says. “People aren’t so different to us today. The Tudors put belladonna in their eyes to make them sparkle. Victorian women would eat arsenic wafers to give their skin a pale complexion and wore dresses dyed with a green pigment made from arsenic. Women died wearing them.”

So, forget Brazilian butt lifts, or excessive tanning – when it comes to dying for beauty, the Tudors and Victorians got there first.

• HISTORY CRUSH, presented by Katie Kennedy (aka History Gossip), will be available on Sky HISTORY on demand via Sky and Virgin Media from May 29. More at www.history.co.uk/shows/history-crush #HISTORYCRUSH @HISTORYUK

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