Lucy Worsley's 12 Days of Tudor Christmas

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.

Join Lucy Worsley on a 12-day extravaganza as she discovers that much of what we enjoy in contemporary Christmas — from carols to gift-giving, feasting and drinking — was just as popular 500 years ago, with some surprising Tudor twists.

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.

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.