{"id":21515,"date":"2023-01-16T11:21:02","date_gmt":"2023-01-16T10:21:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.historyextra.com\/?p=222716"},"modified":"2023-01-16T11:35:25","modified_gmt":"2023-01-16T10:35:25","slug":"my-life-in-history-henry-viii-impersonator","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbchistory\/rss_feed\/my-life-in-history-henry-viii-impersonator\/","title":{"rendered":"My life in history: Henry VIII impersonator"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>

By Lauren Good\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Monday, 16 January 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

\n\n

Why did you choose Henry VIII?<\/h2>\n

Because I look like this! I tried being George Clooney, but I starved. When I first started in 2004 my beard was incredibly red, and I have to say I did look just like the famous Holbein<\/a> painting when I was fully \u201ctogged up\u201d. My beard is mostly white now, but I still think I am one of the most facially accurate Henrys around.<\/p>\n

How did you start out as an impersonator?<\/h2>\n

Some friends were doing living history days in schools, offering Vikings or Romans. But everywhere they went they were asked if they knew anyone who looked like Henry VIII<\/a> who could do a Tudor<\/a> Day. They nagged me, and I initially said \u201cno\u201d, but eventually I agreed. I did my first day in June 2004 and just loved it straight away; I\u2019ve been appearing at schools ever since, as well as other locations, of course.<\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Good King Hal easily passes muster as the formidable Henry VIII of Hans Holbein\u2019s portrait (Photo by GettyImages)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

At what stage in his life would you have liked to have met Henry VIII?<\/h3>\n

I think younger Henry<\/a>, when he was more human and approachable and not the curmudgeon that he became towards the end of his life. I play a few Tudor instruments as well, so it might have been fun to have a little \u2018jam session\u2019 with the King!<\/p>\n

What would you like to ask him?<\/h3>\n

What really happened at the Field of the Cloth of Gold<\/a>? What did you and King Francis I of France get up to?<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the best part of your job?<\/h3>\n

Visiting schools and bringing Henry to life for the pupils \u2013 I will never tire of this. They just love the Tudors and can\u2019t get enough of Henry. I also do jousting<\/a> shows with The Knights of Royal England team; it\u2019s just so wonderful getting to some beautiful historic castles<\/a>, houses and palaces and putting on a big show for the public, with the horses and knights coming to the fore.<\/p>\n

Where do you get your outfits from and how long does it take to get ready?<\/h3>\n

My current costumes are incredibly comfortable. I have a couple made by a lady in Martock in Somerset and another by a lady based in Chippenham, Wiltshire. My original Henry VIII costume was very authentic, with tie-ups, laces, etc. It took me forever to get ready, but my newer costumes are a bit of cheat with hidden zips and similar. I can go from 21st-century old boy to Tudor despot in about 15 minutes flat now.<\/p>\n

If you could impersonate anyone else, who would it be?<\/h3>\n

Alfred the Great is another historical character who greatly appeals. He was an incredible man who did some amazing things with his life \u2013 astonishing really that he\u2019s best remembered for burning some cakes, allegedly.<\/p>\n