Special Guest post by Mary Lawrence, Author of the Bianca Goddard mysteries

Available from Amazon UK and Amazon US

In the year 1543 of King Henry VIII's turbulent reign, the daughter of a notorious alchemist finds herself suspected of cold-blooded murder...

Alchemists in Tudor England 

The Noble Art, or Alchemy, was as much a philosophical belief system as it was a rudimentary science. Evolving over several centuries and across three continents, it encompassed the studies of chemistry, religion, mathematics, and mysticism. By the sixteenth century, alchemy had reached its zenith in this early modern age known as the Scientific Revolution. While important scientific instruments were developed after the Tudor dynasty had ended, the advancement of rudimentary chemistry was made possible by alchemists during this time.

So, how were alchemists viewed and what hardships did they endure during the sixteenth century? 

Paintings give clues to the men and their science. We see dimly lit laboratories scattered with crockery and retorts. Wizened alchemists bend over cauldrons intent on their science. Alchemists were notoriously secretive, using symbols, strange imagery, and indecipherable language to record and shroud their findings. 

Alchemy’s basic tenet is the creation of a philosopher’s stone which could transform base or imperfect metals (like tin or copper), into perfection (silver or gold). From this “stone” an elixir of life could be developed which would grant immortality. If gold or immortality could be achieved, Henry VIII wanted in on it. He required all alchemists to be licensed and they were expected to report any progress to him. In fact, he employed several alchemists to work in the Royal Mint. 

However, public attitudes toward alchemists ranged from adulation to suspicion. There were alchemists who approached their work rationally, and there were those who hoped to stumble upon the secret in a haphazard and often dangerous manner. Most all alchemists drained their financial resources in their futile pursuit, and as a result, families often suffered in poverty and lived with the uncertainty of losing their home. In addition to financial instability, fires caused by uncontrollable chemical reactions were also a source of constant danger not only to themselves, but to their neighbors in adjoining structures. 

A successful alchemist would tout himself as a powerful manipulator of nature--one whose pursuit would benefit mankind. Plenty of charlatans employed their knowledge of solvents and simple chemical reactions to perform tricks that awed. Plenty of patrons parted with their money believing the alchemist was on the brink of discovery. Indeed, Ben Jonson’s play in 1610, The Alchemist, was about how one alchemist succeeded in procuring more gold from wealthy patrons than he ever did extracting it from base metals. 

In a time when being accused of heresy could end one’s life, it was important that alchemists assume a pious attitude. Reverence for God and their noble art was necessary to avoid being accused of sorcery. Alchemists believed one must have the right destiny to succeed and failure was a fault of personal character. They were forever trying to prove to themselves and to God, that they were worthy of the great discovery. The improbability of success creating the philosopher’s stone was assured, and in my mind, this certainty makes for a provocative group of men forced to confront constant failure, poverty, and denial.

My own background is in medical science. Combining what I learned about the beginning of scientific inquiry with my interest in Tudor England seemed a natural path for me to follow. The result is my own bit of alchemy--the Bianca Goddard Mysteries, set in the final years of King Henry VIII and featuring the daughter of an infamous alchemist. 

Mary Lawrence

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About the Author

Mary Lawrence lives in Maine and is the author of five Bianca Goddard Mysteries set in Tudor London featuring a cast of commoners. Bianca uses her wits and a smattering of alchemy to solve murders in the slums of Southwark. Suspense Magazine named The Alchemist’s Daughter and The Alchemist of Lost Souls "Best Books of 2015 and 2019” in the historical mystery category and each mystery has been a top 100 best-selling historical mystery. Her articles have appeared in several publications most notably the national news blog, The Daily Beast. Fool is a standalone Find out more at www.marylawrencebooks.com and find her on Facebook and Instagram