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Discover the surprising Tudor origins of some favorite Christmas traditions. Join Lucy Worsley on a 12-day extravaganza as she discovers that much of what we enjoy in contemporary Christmas — from carols to turkey, gift-giving to mistletoe and mulled wine — has surprising Tudor origins, rooted in devotion and charity.
Lucy Worsley is on Facebook, and you can follow @Lucy_Worsley on Twitter
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Lucy Worsley with cast in Tudor costumes at Penshurst Place. England.
Courtesy of Burning Bright Productions
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Lucy Worsley in Henry VIII costume with Maria Hayward and dogs at Hever Castle. England.
Courtesy of Burning Bright Productions
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Lucy Worsley (center) with musicians at Ingatestone Hall.
Courtesy of Burning Bright Productions
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Lucy Worsley brings a magnificent Tudor Christmas to life, exploring the rituals and riches on the season during Henry VIII's reign.
Courtesy of Burning Bright Productions
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Lucy Worsley, host of "12 Days Of Tudor Christmas."
Courtesy of Burning Bright Productions
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Lucy Worsley in Henry VIII costume with boar's head.
Courtesy of Burning Bright Productions
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Christmas Eve marked the end of Advent and fasting in many Tudor households, but also signaled the start of an important holiday tradition: decorating. Greenery like holly, ivy, bay and even rosemary were used to decorate Tudor homes.
Lucy Worsley visits Hampton Court’s kitchens with Food Historian Annie Gray. They learn how to make classic Tudor recipes like mince pies and assist with the roasting of a Christmas venison.
We join Lucy Worsley as she gets an inside look at the holiday festivities that took place at Henry VIII’s court and meets the “Lord of Misrule.” This role was often appointed to one of the king’s courtiers and was charged with overseeing party activities and merriment.
Lucy Worsley visits an old tavern, which once welcomed patrons through Henry VIII’s reign, to learn more about historic drinks enjoyed during the holidays. She joins two modern day brewers to try a traditional Tudor mead, also known as metheglin, which is made with a honey base.
