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Talk

The Stolen Crown with Tracy Borman

Hear the shocking tale of the plot to kill Elizabeth I from historian and broadcaster Tracy Borman.

Date
15 October 2025
Location
The National Archives, Kew
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Sophia Spring

In March 1603, Queen Elizabeth I, the last Tudor monarch, lay dying at Richmond Palace. As the queen’s ministers clustered round her bedside urging her to name her successor, she whispered the name of James VI of Scotland. She died shortly afterward, and the throne of England passed peacefully from Tudor to Stuart.

Or so we've been led to believe.

In the weeks and months that followed the demise of the Tudors, history was literally re-written on the orders of the new Stuart dynasty.

In this illustrated talk based on her new book and using newly discovered documents in the British Library that hint that James plotted to have Elizabeth murdered, Tracy Borman will expose the shocking lie that began James’ rule in England.

This event will be followed by a book signing and an opportunity to view a selection of original records from The National Archives' collection.

Event details

Date
15 October 2025, 19:00 to 20:00
Price
£18
Location
Auditorium
The National Archives, Kew, Richmond, TW9 4DU

This event has sold out.

Dates for this event

15 October 2025 (past event)

  • 19:00 to 20:00

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Speakers

  • Tracy Borman

    Author, historian and broadcaster

    Tracy Borman is a Professor and Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University, Lincoln and in 2024, she was awarded an OBE for her services to heritage. She is the bestselling author of a number of books including a highly acclaimed biography of Thomas Cromwell.

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