Postern
A postern was a small secondary doorway or gate built into castle, manor, or town walls, typically used as a servants’ entrance or for discreet access, and often providing a private exit during emergencies or sieges....
Rood
A rood was a large crucifix depicting Christ on the cross, typically positioned atop the rood screen (a wooden or stone partition) separating the nave from the chancel in medieval churches, often flanked by figures of Mary and John....
Shafron
A shafron was the metal plate armor designed to protect a warhorse’s head and face during battle and tournaments, often elaborately decorated to display the owner’s wealth and status....
Crenellation
Crenellation was the distinctive pattern of battlements with alternating raised merlons and low gaps (crenels) atop castle and fortified manor walls, requiring royal licence to construct and signifying defensive privilege and high status....
Necromancy
Necromancy was the forbidden practice of communicating with or summoning the dead to obtain knowledge or power, considered a grave heretical offense punishable by death under Tudor law....
Divination
Divination was the practice of foretelling the future or discovering hidden knowledge through supernatural means such as astrology, scrying, card reading, or interpreting omens....
Vespers
Vespers was the evening prayer service held at sunset, one of the seven canonical hours of the Divine Office observed in monasteries, cathedrals, and parish churches...
Groat
A groat was a silver coin worth four pence (4d), representing a substantial sum for ordinary people – roughly a day’s wages for a skilled craftsman in the early Tudor period....
Oriel
An oriel window was a projecting window that extended outward from an upper floor, supported by corbels or brackets, typically featuring mullioned glass and providing additional light...
Coney
Coney (rabbit fur) was a common and inexpensive fur worn by the middle and lower classes, sometimes dyed or trimmed to imitate more expensive furs like ermine or sable....
Ermine
Ermine was the white winter fur of the stoat with distinctive black tail-tips, reserved exclusively for royalty and the highest nobility...
Arms
Arms (or coat of arms) were hereditary heraldic devices displayed on shields, surcoats, and seals that identified individuals and noble families...
Yeoman
A yeoman was a prosperous freeholder or substantial tenant farmer ranking below the gentry, often holding land worth at least 40 shillings annually and entitled to serve on juries and vote in county elections....
Flagon
A large jug with a lid and handle, used for serving wine or ale at the table....
Tankard
A large drinking mug with a handle, often made of metal or pottery, typically with a hinged lid....
Ruff
A large, stiff circular collar made of pleated fabric, worn around the neck by men and women in Elizabethan England....
French Hood
A crescent-shaped hood worn by Tudor women that sat back on the head, exposing the hair at the front, with a curved veil hanging behind....
Skulls Bridle
A metal cage fitted over the head to silence women as punishment, often with a spiked tongue plate....
Carrack
A large three- or four-masted sailing ship used for exploration and trade in the 15th-16th centuries....
Blackwork
Embroidery using black silk thread on white linen for decorating clothing and accessories....
Indulgence
A piece of paper purchased from the Catholic Church to forgive sins or reduce punishment in the afterlife....
Embelm
A symbolic image or device used to represent an individual or family. Emblems often appeared on shields, seals, banners, and official documents, serving as visual markers of identity or authority....
Gargolye
A carved stone waterspout, often shaped like a grotesque creature, used on medieval buildings to channel rainwater away from walls....
Papal Bull
An official document issued by the Pope, sealed with a lead seal (bulla)...
Hose
Annulment
Legal declaration that a marriage was never valid, as if it never existed....
Gable Hood
A structured hood worn by Tudor women with a pointed arch over the forehead, resembling a house gable....
Pomander
A small perforated container or ball filled with fragrant spices, worn or carried to mask unpleasant odours....
Hippocras
A spiced, sweetened wine popular in medieval and Tudor times, often served at feasts....
Kirtle
A long gown or dress worn by women in Tudor times, often as an under-gown beneath an outer dress....
Mead
The English mead is one of the oldest drinks. It is made of fermented honey. It was used in England since England is less suitable for growing grapes for wine. It is available to purchase at English Heritage....
Farthingale
A hooped petticoat formerly worn under women’s skirts to extend and shape them. The hoops were often made of wood....
Buskins
Leather boots. This leather boot was found in the hold of the Mary Rose, Henry VIII’s sunken warship, that was raised in 1982....