Decoding the DRAKE JEWEL | Hidden messages in the Drake jewel | black people in Tudor England

What are the HIDDEN MEANINGS within the DRAKE JEWEL, the fabulous and wildly expensive gift Queen Elizabeth I supposedly gave to Sir Francis Drake in the 1580s or early 1590s, possibly to commemorate his defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588? In this week’s historical jewellery documentary from History Calling we examine this rare and incredible piece of surviving Tudor jewellery which may be seen in contemporary portraits of Elizabeth’s famous sea captain and pirate, Sir Francis Drake. This pendant is comprised of a cameo of a black emperor and a white woman on the outside with a miniature portrait of Queen Elizabeth I on the inside, along with a picture of a phoenix. The miniature was painted by Sir Nicholas Hilliard. It is also set in gold and encrusted with numerous jewels, including rubies, diamonds and a cluster of pearls at its base, terminating in one large tear-drop pearl. What is the symbolism of this pendant though? When we decode the Drake jewel, what can it tell us about attitudes towards black people in Tudor England and about how Elizabeth I wanted to be depicted in portraiture, even in her later life? Furthermore, how has it made its way from Sir Francis Drake to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, where it now resides? In this video you’ll get all the answers as I discuss its mythological inspirations (including to the god Saturn and goddess Astraeus) and its ties to English imperialism in the 16th century.
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MAIN SOURCES
Karen Dalton, ‘Art for the Sake of Dynasty: The Black Emperor in the Drake Jewel and Elizabethan Imperial Imagery’ in Peter Erickson and Clark Hulse (eds), Early modern visual culture: representation, race, empire in Renaissance England (Pennsylvania, 2000).
Meryl Bailey, ‘"SALVATRIX MUNDI": REPRESENTING QUEEN ELIZABETH I AS A CHRIST TYPE’ in Studies in Iconography, Vol. 29 (2008), pp. 176-215.
Creative Commons licenses used see creativecommons.org/licenses/
THUMBNAIL: pictures of Drake jewel and Elizabeth by History Calling. Portrait of Sir Francis Drake, Royal Museums Greenwich.
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[@HistoryCalling]

How likely do you think it is that Francis acquired the jewel after the Armada, or do you think he already had it by that stage? Let me know below and remember to check out my Patreon at www.patreon.com/historycalling and my Amazon storefront at www.amazon.com/shop/historycalling

[@theresalaux5655]

I think he prob got it before. Don't know why. 😕

[@DrakeBuilders]

Thank You ...

[@vollassitoni7795]

Dragon Jew Els , ho else DRAK UL AH DRAKONIANI

[@vollassitoni7795]

URDS UL AH FROM THE LEGEN

[@Shane-Flanagan]

Off topic but did you see the restoration work the Louvre did on Holbeins infamous portrait of Anne of Cleves? It's more beautiful than ever. That blue background and the sumptuous red and gold on Anne's dress. Holbein really was in league of his own

[@HistoryCalling]

I did indeed and it's gorgeous. :-)

[@Lizb325]

Hans Holbein the younger, who did the painting you are referring to, was indeed great. His father was amazing too. They were both in leagues of their own and not fully appreciated for their many talents. You are correct in your comment.

[@adoxartist1258]

Thank you for mentioning the restoration work. I am amazed! I never imagined the background was such a bright, happy blue!

[@margo3367]

His paintings were realistic. He was never criticized for his painting of Anne of Cleves. Makes me wonder if Cromwell was really beheaded because of his approval of Anne or if it was indeed something else.

[@Shane-Flanagan]

@@margo3367 Cromwell did have a lot of enemies hell bent on bringing him down and relished when he did fall.

[@laineybugger]

This is the channel I watch when current events and news is too much. Such great content!!

[@lifespanwellnessbeauty-60i64]

Exactly. Me too. Our current world is totally out of control.

[@Kaydee224]

Those that live in Europe are very lucky to have such easy access to all the historical sites, artifacts and exhibitions! I would be in heaven with all of that around me! Loved this video!!🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@wendybond2848]

I feel the same! 30,000 miles away in Australia.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, we are very lucky, though people don't always appreciate what they have. Of course it's still not cheap to go to London from Northern Ireland, but obviously it's a drop in the ocean (pun intended) compared to what it would cost if coming from the other side of the Atlantic, or Australia. You guys have the most beautiful scenery though. I love watching a show on Smithsonian that looks at famous places from the air for instance and seeing locations like Canada and Australia.

[@Kaydee224]

@@HistoryCalling I live on the Pacific west coast of Canada and it is beautiful. The history of our Indigenous people is very interesting.

[@beth7935]

@@wendybond2848 Same! We do have 60,000 years of Indigenous history, & I have tried to learn some, but it's basically prehistory cos there are no written records, & there aren't many physical remains. So you can't find a building from any earlier than 1804 in my state 😭

[@beth7935]

@@HistoryCalling We do! There are things I'd LOVE about living in Europe, but talking to friends there, I always end up raving about Aussie animals, & I've realised I'd be pretty unhappy if I never saw echidnas next to country roads & pademelons (tiny wallabies) grazing on my lawn, etc, & also if there wasn't beautiful wilderness 15min from the CBD.

[@lfgifu296]

Oooh I love “decoding jewels” videos! The Darnley/Lennox jewel video is one of my favourites (which I listened to thursday night while frantically trying to finish drawing assignments- went to bed at 5am😃-). The various theories and connections to the person who owned it and/or commissioned it are always fascinating! Have a nice week :)

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you. I love trying to work them out as well. 5am! Ouch!

[@lfgifu296]

@@HistoryCalling glad you do!! Everyone’s happy:) Also yeah, I had to wake up at 6:30 so it was a nap rather than sleeping, really😭 I was a walking zombie the next day lol

[@HistoryCalling]

Later that day more like! :-)

[@lfgifu296]

@@HistoryCalling true🥲 after my refreshing 1 and a half hour nap :)

[@HistoryCalling]

Ah, we've all been there my friend. :-)

[@timtaylor1365]

We don't know for certain when it was given but we can be certain that Drake was a favourite of the Queen, and he was genuinely inspired by her.

[@crow4936]

Then she killed him out of paranoia.... She was as disgusting and cutthroat as her father

[@n.lightnin8298]

@@crow4936yeah she was a savage

[@lorrainecouch348]

RANDOM COMMENTS OF DUPID'

[@FandersonUfo]

marvellous detail as always - this type of video is your calling HC - ty again for excellent content

[@HistoryCalling]

Ah, nicely punned. Thank you :-)

[@jensherman2771]

Funny, I see two men. Both beautiful in their own individual way. One man of black color and original man. One alabaster, the additional man. All packaged nicely and when opened up; a prefect representation of a heart. You are we and we are you. I’m practicing being heard. Do you dare the practicing of hearing? Thank you for this lovely posting. For your research and your time. I’m wishing you joy and grow channel grow. 💛

[@imaginempress3408]

Definitely two men. The white figure has masculine features and the hair style indicates a man also.

[@donelkingii3738]

You never heard about the Moores huh? I meant the hair literally is like that for a reason. Smh

[@imaginempress3408]

@@donelkingii3738 what is your comment in reference to? Do you believe the Black person is female? In my opinion the features of both people depicted is clearly male. What does the gender have to do with being a Black person, or a Moor?

[@brandono6906]

​@@imaginempress3408The Moores ruled Europe for 1000 years. It's the miss understood reason Europeans hate black people. They were the ones that brought many modern concepts to Europe. The were the true Israelites

[@micheleshropshire9469]

@@donelkingii3738 Yes, you are right. The black man in the cameo was a Moor. There are paintings of Moors during this time. But of course, they have to hide this history because it might affect other people sense of self- importance.

[@Texashobbitgirl]

They really knew how to make jewelry back then. A pure marvel.

[@HistoryCalling]

They sure did and they clearly believed bigger was better too. No tiny little dainty brooch here :-)

[@stephencarrillo5905]

Good evening, HC. This is a great addition to your "Treasures" playlist. As usual I'm enjoying the second viewing of this video even more as it gives me a chance to absorb more of the details. I honestly can't be sure as to when Drake received the jewel; his achievements were numerous so it's hard to be sure when and for what Gloriana would have honored him. Thanks for this, HC. Have a great week. 🙏🏼

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks Stephen. Have a wonderful week too. :-)

[@kiernan415]

Hi HC, everyone! I'd never heard of this particular jewel so this video was extra enjoyable. Learning new things is always so much fun!!! TY HC!!! Hearing how you described the Phoenix and the meaning behind Elizabeth's specific reason for using it in imagery made me think a bit more on the symbology behind the phoenix engraved onto her Chequer's Ring. Despite some of the more recent debate that that phoenix possibly represents the family of the nobleman that (possibly) gave it to her, I think a lot of the information you've given here debunks all that without even intending to do such. lolz. That's some real PhD level multi-tasking going on there!! Well done!!! 🤗💜👑

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks Maggie. I'd never heard of it either. I just happened upon it in the V&A and thought it would make a good video topic. Ah yes, the Chequer's Ring is fascinating too. As I'm sure you know, I already have a video on that one and it was very interesting to research as well.

[@kiernan415]

@@HistoryCallingOf course I've already watched your video on the Chequer's Ring. That's how I found out there is a Phoenix engraved on the inside of the band as I've never seen it in person and no one else has ever mentioned it (that I'm aware of). You're the best HC!!!

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you so much :-)

[@pheart2381]

Its interesting that the black face actually obscures and takes first place(artistically speaking)over that of an anointed sovereign. He must have been someone special.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, I'd love to know if the artist based it on a real person, or just imagined.

[@brandono6906]

Black people ruled Europe for 1000 years. They were royalty. They brought many modern concepts and educations and understandings. They were hated by the Europeans. It's the real reason white people hate black people to this very day, but they don't know or accept this history. These people were called Moores, which were and are the the real Israelites. They eventually became slaves in the Americas. Europeans changed the history and destroyed much of the evidence of this, but not all. If you do your research you'll find this to be the truth. The Israelites were cursed by a The Most High for breaking his covenant with them, but he promised to make a new covenant with them and return them to his favor and punish the oppressors that oppressed them. This is what the Bible is all about.

[@laneoswego6989]

What a great story as Sir Francis Drake and Elizabeth the I were pretty much a platonic super power couple it appears!

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, they were both pretty amazing in their own ways.

[@rpow6861]

"Elizabeth the I" haha what? Are you trying to say Elizabeth I

[@laneoswego6989]

@@rpow6861 “So, is being rude a hobby, or are you just naturally gifted?”

[@firfuxsake]

This was so interesting, like others, I'd never heard of the Drake Jewel. Thanks for the upload, always love seeing your channel pop up in my notifications.

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you very much. Yes, I'm very glad I stumbled across it in the V&A. I'd never heard of it either before that.

[@edortiz4496]

Just added a visit to the Golden Hinde when I go to London in 2025. Going for a whole month and can't wait. I watch HC to learn and to get travel ideas. Many thanks!

[@historylover13]

Fascinating! I was unaware of this jewel and you did an outstanding job of explaining the symbolism.

[@maryloumawson6006]

I follow other KZbin history content, but you always manage to top them all I can't quite believe I never heard of this jewel before. It is stunning! And so unusual. Since it is still owned by the descendants of Drake, perhaps there aren't many historians that are aware of it. I feel lucky to have seen it through your video. Thank you!

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you very much :-) That's certainly the aim. I'll be brutally honest and say that I think one of the problems some other people have is that they're just thieving content ideas off others (quite often off me, which I despise - there are certain channels which shall remain nameless which have just fastened onto my coattails like proverbial leeches because they're too dumb and/or lazy to come up with their own ideas). This means they never come up with anything new that people haven't really seen or heard of before. It's all stolen, regurgitated content that a lot of viewers will have already seen, because like you they watch multiple history channels. I think to do well, you have to take risks and do new things. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. You have to read books just for the sake of it and go round museums, galleries, stately homes etc and just see what you find. That's how I came across this jewel. Of course all of that takes time and hard work and many people out there just aren't prepared to do that, or they're sad little pseudo-historians who don't have the necessary education or mental chops, so they steal from their betters. Anyways, I'm sorry. I went off on a little tangent there. Thank you very much for watching and commenting :-)

[@maryloumawson6006]

@@HistoryCalling Well, now I am caught out. I said "I follow" other channels but it's actually only 2 - The Antiquarian, and Reading the Past. The algorhythm suggests other channels, and occasionally I will try them, but I don't usually find they have good, thorough, scholarly information, nor do I find their videos provocative, or insightful. However, I do like the ones from Public Broadcasting, or the BBC videos that have become available on KZbin. I'm a big fan of Lucy Wolsey, and Eleanor Janega.

[@flowerchild2657]

Oh, I have one in mind which I stopped following after seeing too many times that shortly after you, the same subject would follow, which I found strange but maybe a coincidence bc it's a non-British channel. But I also stopped watchinv after being uneasy at the not so thorough research and the frequent heavily biased commentary. I prefer a more scientifically research and script, it's about trust, learning and it's still very entertaining. A solid methodology doesn't deter videos from being fun to watch 😁 I love when channels quote and provide reliable sources. I enjoy several history channels and find yours the most objective one in its script. And it's one that I not only listen to like a podcast but that I watch too bc the visuals are important 🤩Bravo and keep on doing your excellent videos 👏🏻

[@michellebyrom6551]

​@HistoryCalling I totally understand where you're coming from. My ex is a retired Reader in Irish History. He found many boxes at Kew that only he ever opened, despite having at least 2 other Irish academics researching the same areas. Due to the fire destroying the Irish Record Office in Dublin during the fight for Independence, Kew is a very necessary asset. Supporting documents have to be found in private papers held by descendents. That said, this kind of document/artefact search takes a lot of time and cross referencing. How many have bothered to ask about the Queens gift in Drakes portrait? It's easily overlooked as being on the level of the cups and scarf. Portrait of Elizabeth as both Queen and rising Empress. Perhaps her motive was for Drake to show the world who she was more than it being a personal gift. Most miniatures gifted didn't have the glorification of the subject in its setting. Something to be carried from the beginning of a round the world voyage, or for subsequent sailings? Trawling private papers is probably needed to answer that. Fascinating piece to present. Thank you.

[@flowerchild2657]

​@@HistoryCalling You've said it all and very well 👏🏻 I hope it won't deter you from carrying on doing the great work you do and coming up with such interesting new topics 💪🏻

[@okiejammer2736]

So interesting, this. I visualize you taking notes as you read through books, citing the reference and page number. Your research is simply phenomenal. Grateful!

[@HistoryCalling]

Ah, not since the days when I was publishing things. Now due to time constraints I'm more likely to be writing up the script as I go and reading a few things at once (assuming I'm using secondary sources, but they're usually primary).

[@okiejammer2736]

@@HistoryCalling 😁

[@UtahGmaw99]

I have been reading about the Tudors for years and some how this item totally slip by me. Thank you for doing this. Gorgous! Very interesting.

[@HistoryCalling]

I'd never heard of it either until I just happened upon it in the V&A Museum last year and was immediately taken with it.

[@patriciagriffith7402]

Is it authentic

[@UtahGmaw99]

They think it is, as best as they can tell.@@patriciagriffith7402

[@FOTS_TM]

I love that piano intro music so much. Please never change it.

[@ladonnaradney3466]

❤Thank you for another fascinating and well researched video! I hadn't heard of this jewel. It's really beautifully detailed.

[@HistoryCalling]

You're welcome. I hadn't heard of it either until I happened across it in the Museum. It was a real find though.

[@vernon2542]

I'm thinking he got it as a gift when he was knighted by the Queen. Quite a good video and quite interesting how even back then the jewelers were able to make such exquisite things Thank you look forward to the next video

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, I bet their workmanship was even better in many cases then than it is now. Think how long the Drake jewel has already survived. I wonder if items from Tiffany's will still be around in 450 years time???

[@ns-wz1mx]

Hi Hc! please excuse my absences, my work schedule has been changed lately but back on track now!! miniature portraits are endlessly fascinating. the talent people had then to be able to do this is astonishing, and is so important to history today. what a beautiful piece!

[@HistoryCalling]

Not at all. I always appreciate it when you can be here, but of course I know life happens sometimes :-) Yes, it's gorgeous isn't it and so intricate? I love it too.

[@ns-wz1mx]

@@HistoryCalling you’re simply the best! watching after the release is still lovely of course but i’ve missed being here at launch! truly beautiful and intricate, oh the stories it could tell ✨ 📚

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you :-)

[@williamrobinson7435]

Beautifully presented and thoroughly researched film. All your stuff I've seen has been so. Impressive. 🌟👍

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you kindly :-)

[@nanceeM1313]

I only saw this in an art book. Thanks for making this video. What an amazing piece of history. Paintings, Jewels, Palaces, Historical moments & private lives ~ I get it all from you! Cheers 🌸🏰🌸

[@shelbythe2ds526]

Such a cool video! Love things like this! Great , great job ❤❤❤

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you 🤗

[@namaschu2126]

What a wonderful jewel 📿💎- thank you for this interesting video🎥🎦

[@jldisme]

Love the video! Thanks!!

[@faytsampouri6197]

Your research astounds me every time ❤

[@HistoryCalling]

Aww, thank you. This one was particularly interesting as I knew nothing about the jewel before I happened across it in the museum last year.

[@revgurley]

Fascinating, as usual. Thank you!

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you very much. Glad you enjoyed it :-)

[@cartomancycarmen]

Thanks for sharing ❣️ I always wondered where cameos started

[@kmbarnett1200]

That's so cool! Love these videos so much.

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it :-)

[@annmoore6678]

That was a lovely cameo presentation if you'll forgive the pun. We can find pieces of sardonyx here on the Oregon Coast and I have tumbled some pieces to set in jewelry, so I love it when you go into the iconography of these articles. I don't have a strong opinion on whether the jewel was a gift after the defeat of the Armada or at another time, but I do understand the importance of deconstructing those dates and deciding how accurate the visible ones might be. It's remarkable when you look at the dates of succeeding generations of the Drakes and their descendants, because it shows how short time really is. On the page, 60 years may look like a loooong time, but I'll bet you have many followers for whom that seems like a blink of the eye! We aren't as far from those events as we'd like to imagine!

[@HistoryCalling]

Haha and a very pun it was :-) Yes, I agree. In the grand scheme of things, 60 years is nothing. I already can't believe how long ago the 90s were and that's only 24 years and change.

[@annmoore6678]

@@HistoryCalling And there are many functioning adults who hadn't been born yet in the 90's!

[@lianefehrle9921]

This was a marvel jewel. I had not known it existed.

[@HistoryCalling]

I didn't either actually. I just happened upon it in the V&A and was very taken by it.

[@Bus_Driver_Jay]

Amazing video as always, Dr Ms History. I’d not heard of this jewel.

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks Jay. I hadn't either until I just happened across it in the Museum. It was a great little find though.

[@Bus_Driver_Jay]

@@HistoryCalling it really is! For a 500 year old piece of jewellery it's in amazing condition

[@2390izzi]

The portrait of Elizabeth looks absolutely amazing! And I love the fact that they put an uprising Phoenix, when opened, is going up to the heavens. Side note .. the queen loved her sweets!

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, I believe she did. I think they rotted her teeth though. No toothpaste or proper dentists was a real problem then.

[@tzarinaruths.2610]

I really enjoy this channel.

[@delia88209]

Happy Monday. Have seen the restored Hans Holbein paintings of Anne of cleaves. It is amazing. Love the colors. I always that she was pretty.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, I've seen the pictures and am hoping to see the real thing at some point.

[@JoRiver11]

Great video! Thank you so much.

[@HistoryCalling]

You're very welcome :-)

[@MichelleBruce-lo4oc]

Hi, awesome live history video. I enjoyed it. How are you doing? How is the weather where you are? I'm doing well, and so is my cat Benjamin. We have spring-like weather in Ontario, Canada. Have a great day. See you next video. In the next video in the future. Could you do Sir Francis Drake he was a history man in the 16th century. 😊

[@HistoryCalling]

Hi Michelle. Glad to hear you and Benjamin are keeping well. Weather is a bit hit and miss here. I actually have some videos which look at Anne already (not all of them are specifically about her - in some cases she's just mentioned). You can find them in my Stuarts' playlist.

[@morriganwitch]

Love decoding the hidden messages of jewellery xxx

[@HistoryCalling]

Same here and paintings too :-)

[@morriganwitch]

@@HistoryCallingalways makes one think deeper xxx

[@wendym215]

Wow this was great @historycalling

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks Wendy :-)

[@wendym215]

@@HistoryCalling 😀😃

[@MileHighGrove]

It looks like two men in my opinion.

[@dorothysutton5162]

❤Love it! Thanks.

[@helenvick522]

Interesting and appreciated.

[@christopherTYJ]

Once again, a fine video! Many thanks. 9:54 "... what was then called, the New World." What, it isn't called that any more? When I was a wee whippersnapper (circa 1970) it was still called that, and your half of the planet was the Old World. When did this change? Again, love your channel and thank you.

[@HistoryCalling]

Oh, I dunno when that changed. I think America's grown up enough now though that we're not calling you the young uns anymore. Sorry. You might be teenagers now :-) Oh course from Native Americans' viewpoints, the country is as old as we are anyway. They probably laugh at the concept of a 'new' world.

[@sarahkoch7694]

That was deeply interesting; I'd never heard of this jewel before. It is, of course, possible Drake was given it after the Armada though, as others have pointed out, he was of great value to Elizabeth before the Armada as well, and would continue to be afterward.

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks Sarah. Same here. I'd never heard of it until I noticed it in the V&A Museum last summer. It was the same with the Darnley/Lennox jewel, which I have another video on.

[@VelvetChexalena]

Beautiful jewel! Thank you HC!😊

[@HistoryCalling]

You are so welcome. Thanks for watching and commenting :-)

[@donnicholas7552]

Very interesting!

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you :-)

[@MidwestQT]

I am a direct descendant from Thomas through Sir Francis Drake 1st. BT. He is my 11th great grand father. Fascinating this was once in my bloodline!

[@Claire_T]

Happy Monday! Hope you have a great week 😊

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks Claire. You too. :-)

[@catehaneynewman5954]

Fascinating!

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks Cate :-)

[@markgarin6355]

Interesting piece

[@HistoryCalling]

I think so too :-)

[@lindasimons691]

Interesting, thx.

[@SurferJoe1]

11:15 "....it gives the jewel a performative aspect..." I'm fascinated by this. There is so much lost culture even within living memory- since our (or at least my) grandparents' generation. Cigarette cases, shoe trees, and monogrammed handkerchiefs- look for them only at swap meets, kids. But the idea of a fabulous jewel as a multi-media experience, loaded with political propaganda..."The past is a foreign country". Thank you for taking us there.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, you're spot on. There are so many layers of meaning in old jewels and portraits that we miss today. It's a shame.

[@chrisluckhurst]

Just a thought, but could the black man be Diego, Drakes black friend who accompanied him on his circumnavigation? We know very little, they could both have met Elizabeth together on his return. Drake certainly, despite current misinformation about Drake being a significant slaver, was very concerned with people of colour and native americans. nor is this this a comment intimating he may ahve been gay (why marry twice if he was?) I would be interested in your comments.

[@emilybarclay8831]

Could be, but miniatures like this were almost always of married couples or close relatives. It was very uncommon for them to be of friends. They were extremely valuable items, usually only reserved for creating a record for future descendants

[@tammieswindells5333]

very cool ,,,thank you

[@HistoryCalling]

Glad you liked it :-)

[@sweetpea17]

Thank you for the content, I enjoy your videos. The cameo of black man, with earing overlay white woman doesn't seems like a stretch by the authors. Her mother's coat of arms had a Phoenix for transformation which should have been included. Whats the gilt cup? It's just seems like missing details or rewritten for a better view of the monarchy as the years past

[@beastieber5028]

Good evening to history calling from Bea 🇬🇧

[@HistoryCalling]

Bea. Hope you're in the mood for something sparkly today, as it's a jewellery video. :-)

[@bevinboulder5039]

What a beautiful piece of jewelry! Don't think I've ever heard of it before. Great video! ps. How an I see the restored Anne of Cleves portrait? (Without going to Paris.) 😉

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks Bev. There are pictures of the Anne portrait online if you want to see it. One example is on this website allthatsinteresting.com/anne-of-cleves-portrait

[@bevinboulder5039]

@@HistoryCalling Thank you so much!

[@ladystatesman2249]

Ty! 🥰🤗🌟

[@maggiejordan8080]

Thanks!

[@HistoryCalling]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE VERY KIND DONATION MAGGIE. I hope you enjoyed learning about this gorgeous jewel :-)

[@AnnaAnna-uc2ff]

Thank you.

[@HistoryCalling]

You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it :-)

[@mrbutch308]

I wish some mention was made of the pearls and rubies encircling the pendant. In the day and age the object was made, where did the pearls and rubies come from? There was mention there are also some diamonds.

[@HistoryCalling]

Oh I'm afraid I don't know where the gems would have been sourced from. It didn't come up in my research.

[@elisabethhopson5639]

It is a bit of a mystery as to when Sir Francis got the jewel. I really don't know, unless there is evidence in a list of the Queens jewels which might indicate a date. It is a pretty special piece and clearly of importance. I think we need more info if there is any. Good topic though, those pearls are stunning. Thanks HC. 🙂

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, it is a good little mystery, but of course I think that adds to the jewel's allure :-)

[@kemettura1888]

I believe it was said that Queen Elizabeth a swarthy or olive ( Black Ancestry ) complexion was not a virgin. Many of in Dark Ages was the Black Nobility era.

[@edithengel2284]

Where was it said?

[@jasperhorace7147]

Thank you. Very interesting. Do you suppose the jewel itself might have been booty from a raid on a Spanish ship? Easy to add in a portrait to an already existing locket.

[@HistoryCalling]

Hmm, I dunno. There's nothing to suggest that but you never know.

[@gillsinclair6927]

I knew about the jewel but not the handing down. I've always thought it gorgeous. I also know that Hilliard was an infamous Limner. I've seen photos of many of his miniatures.

[@HistoryCalling]

You're doing better than me already. I'd never even heard of it until I stumbled across it in the V&A and thought 'hmm, that's pretty. Might be worth a video'. :-)

[@gillsinclair6927]

@@HistoryCalling my historical interest is the Plantagenet/ Tudor periods

[@HistoryCalling]

I love them too so it's always nice to find a little something like this that I wasn't aware of before, as that happens relatively rarely at this point. It's just a shame I couldn't open it up and photograph it, but of course then I would have been arrested! :-)

[@ref5095]

Your voice is really soothing, but the music is really loud

[@MojaveSaharaStarStudyVlog]

The first thing I noticed is that’s the Moors head on the jewel… so those pictures are lies 21 jump street

[@iwondery1725]

My first thought on seeing the placement of the heads was Othello but then I had to ask myself was Drake such a fan of the play that Elizabeth knew and gave him this piece? I mean, I love the musical Hamilton and would love a precious jewel referencing it. But then I checked the dates and Othello wasn't written until 1603 or 1604 so it doesn't match up. Still, it was a fun thought.

[@DarthDread-oh2ne]

Hello HC. Fun fact: Did you know about the Mutual Pact of succession was A succession device secretly signed by Archdukes Joseph and Charles of Austria. Now, I’m not going to go over every detail about the pact but it did stated: the daughters of elder brother(Joseph) would have absolute precedence over the daughters of the younger brother (Charles) but Charles ignored it when he got the throne.

[@HistoryCalling]

No, I didn't know that one :-)

[@DarthDread-oh2ne]

Doesn’t it remind you of Richard iii taking the throne.

[@HistoryCalling]

To be honest, I know nothing about the Pact, so I can't really comment on that I'm afraid. Sorry :-(

[@gonefishing167]

Sounds amazing, I’d love to see it. Shall we take a moment to remember how brave (or how stupid)) these people were for sailing across oceans in those little boats! Even in the 1800’s, how brave ( or desperate) were people who sailed for a better life. Wow. I couldn’t do it. Imagine the size of those boats amidst a violent sea storm. My heart is in my month for all of them 🙏🙏🙏👵🇦🇺

[@HistoryCalling]

I know. Even crossing the Irish Sea meant taking your life in your hands in the early modern period.

[@MA-yh2ko]

Love your accent

[@melissarose0126]

Could it be a reference to Shakespeare's play OTHELLO? Could that have been her favorite?

[@nikiTricoteuse]

Very interesting, thank you. I would have loved to know the meaning of the rubies and pearls too as, l'm sure they had significance. I don't know if it's possible and, l realise it will probably never be sold but l would love to have known how the value of it related to the times - how many years salary for example and an estimate of what the equivalent would be now. 😊

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, a few other people have asked about the gemstones but unfortunately it didn't come up in my research. Honestly though, it could just be that they were pretty and expensive. I don't know about original cost either I'm afraid.

[@nikiTricoteuse]

@@HistoryCalling Makes sense. Value at the time it was made would probably be, at best, someone's educated guess anyway and, I think it's possible the meanings of the pearls and gems have changed over time as well. 😊

[@karenjarvis7759]

Interesting

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks Karen :-)

[@lfgifu296]

For the question, of the Historical people you’ve studied or learned about, which one is your favourite? The criteria being personality and overall admiration. It’s a very broad one I’ll grant you, so a bit of cheating is allowed- I myself have more than one hehe-. Mine would be Saint Isabel, Queen of Portugal, Amélie of Orléans (my namesake but istg that plays no- or very little- part in my love for her) also Queen of Portugal, and Belisarius. Honourable mentions would be Emma of Normandy and Katherine of Aragon :)

[@HistoryCalling]

Hmm, that's tough. Elizabeth I would be up there though and you gotta admire the ruthlessness of a Catherine the Great. On his good days, Churchill was pretty great too.

[@lfgifu296]

@@HistoryCalling lmao “on his good days”😭😭 Yes! Catherine the Great! I’ll put her along the honourable mentions!

[@HistoryCalling]

I mean there were some bad days as well. The whole Gallipoli thing springs to mind ...

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, he def. had some bad days unfortunately. The whole Gallipoli thing springs to mind.

[@shanenolan5625]

Thank you

[@HistoryCalling]

You're welcome :-) Thank you for stopping by as well.

[@shanenolan5625]

@@HistoryCalling my pleasure

[@MultiDane007]

It's incredible all the amazing designs of the past centuries, it makes modern designs from the great jewelry houses so basic and boring.

[@rosameryrojas-delcerro1059]

The Phoenix also appears in her Chequers ring. If Elizabeth identified herself with the phoenix, then the rings connection to Catherine Parr being the hooded woman is invalidated.

[@Alan_AB]

Great video. Note:- Do I hear a local accent there? ;-)

[@HistoryCalling]

Northern Ireland, yes :-)

[@Alan_AB]

@@HistoryCalling Me too. Keep up the great work.

[@teresahamilton7801]

thanx

[@HistoryCalling]

You're welcome :-)

[@theresalaux5655]

The jewel is gorgeous.❤😊

[@HistoryCalling]

Isn't it just? I wish someone would gift me something so incredible :-)

[@Moebian73]

A jewel talking about a jewel is a jewel of a video :)

[@HistoryCalling]

Aww, thank you very much :-)

[@Moebian73]

@@HistoryCallingVery welcome m'lady *bows*

[@dutchhistoricalactingcolle5883]

I am not convinced by the explanations of the iconography. They seem forced to me. Unfortunately, nothing more plausible springs to mind quite yet...

[@HistoryCalling]

That's ok. You're entitled to your opinion. They were the best I could come up with based on my research.

[@dutchhistoricalactingcolle5883]

@@HistoryCalling well, they did set me to thinking about alternatives. It's always good to know what the state of the research is!

[@Bod8998]

Tje Golden Hind With the scaffolding and those doors looked more like Ye-olde-wetherspoons

[@danielgeorge7802]

Why not in '86 when he famously, "singed the King of Spains beard" at Cadiz Harbour. Thus putting off the Armada for another two years

[@Heothbremel]

❤‍🔥

[@CestuiQueTrusts]

The reason behind the features of a Moorish face is actually related to one's family lineage. In the past, people would introduce themselves at the court of others by presenting their family pedigree. This tradition continued until the end of the Black Nobility's reign in Europe. The Black Moors surrendered to Ferdinand and Isabella in 1492 at Grenada in Spain, which marked the end of their rule. All European Nobility and Royalty, including the Winsors, all secretly have Moorish Ancestry.

[@annechildress2721]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jennifers1149]

❤

[@Kamargeree]

A pirate? It was WAR and he raided Spanish ships. Fast and loose with the truth

[@robertbooth3699]

The woman depicted in the Drake Jewel is, of course, Bette Davis.

[@jorgecruzseda7551]

No wonder Drake was a favorite of the Queen...all because of all the Spanish GOLD she gained 😊😊

[@deansupreme92]

The portrait inside looks like Beyoncé. What if that’s Elizabeth’s mother and father. Because the queen looks quite mixed. Or, maybe drake is a black man and that was him in front of the Queen as her protector. Perhaps, it’s simply a representation of the ruling parties of the English and it was the royal secret. Maybe all of these points are true 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@od1452]

Since we men are geniuses at figuring out exotic symbolism... I wonder what Drake thought of all that. ? Clearly he valued it and wanted all to know that ( including the Queen ,I'm sure . ) by wearing it in his portrait. While it could be from the time prior to 1588... I think it could be from any time. It seems to me it is a personal belonging that she wanted to give him. .. something kind of intimate .... with her portrait .... clearly she favors him. Its value is it is a personal gift to a friend. And I think her image makes it intimate. .. that is its value. Fun story choice. Thanks.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, it would be lovely to find a letter in which Drake discusses his attitude towards the jewel (and clears up once and for all how it came into his possession).

[@paulwillard9687]

He was a sailor and explorer he is bound to of seen people of all colours and creeds in his life but there were black peoples in the Royal Navy in Tudor England they found this out through the Mary Rose wreck because slavery was abolished in England by William the Conqueror

[@boomclash101]

😢

[@littlemiss_76]

I don't think I've ever heard of the Drake jewel, it's pretty

[@HistoryCalling]

I hadn't heard of it either until I happened across it in the V&A Museum. It was a real find though.