Just when I'm sure it wasn't a weird throuple between Hugh, Eleanor and Edward, some weird detail pulls me back in. I mean, she was clothes shopping for him.
But it is probably nothing, am I right?
Unlike most European people of his day, including nobles, Edward II not only could swim, he enjoyed swimming for pleasure and exercise.
You can still visit the much changed shrine, which still exists and welcomes pilgrims even today.
Source: Kathryn Warner's blog
Image: Our Lady of Walsingham
Scholars over the centuries have speculated that Edward II was illiterate, but that is not so. He received the normal education of a young man of his class, and though there's no evidence he was a a particularly good student, there's no evidence that he was a bad one either. He did own a library of books, including books in Latin, and he was also known to borrow books from various theological libraries.
Two pounds was a lot of money at the time, and Edward would have been 13 when he and his tutors began using this book. Edward I and the tutors may have overspent on the book, as Edward II didn't grow up to know Latin well and as king famously asked for Latin documents to be translated into his native Anglo-French so he could read them. He was, however, interested in theology for most of his life. It may have just been that he wasn't great or quick at reading Latin, so he wisely used translators when it counted.
Source: Kathryn Warner's blog.
Image: Public domain Medieval Latin
I find this photograph really interesting, so I'm posting it here!
I think it's especially neat how Alexandra's skirt isn't as voluminous and long, you can even see her shoes!! It's so cool looking at these more practical dresses when they're worn by royalty, since they're usually seen mostly by the middle or lower classes. Sweet!
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Interesting history. Built for monks and priests but Henry VIII and the Reformation meant the property was transferred to Thomas Cromwell as a thank you for getting Henry VIII his divorce in 1538. After Henry VIII accused Thomas Cromwell of catfishing him with Anne of Cleves, Thomas Cromwell was executed in 1540. The house then went to Anne of Cleves in her divorce settlement in 1557.
By W. & D. Downey, c. 1905 — Royal Collection Trust
Berkhamstead is less than six miles from what was Kings Langley Palace, Edward II's favorite residence and the place where he eventually buried his murdered friend Gaveston.
During the High Middle Ages, Berkhamsted was the seat of the earls and then the dukes of Cornwall, including Gaveston. It eventually became a favorite residence of Edward II and Isabella's grandson Edward, known as The Black Prince.
Contrary to popular mythology, Isabella was not kept at Berkhamsted or any other castle for the rest of her life, post-Mortimer. Her house arrest, which began at Berkhamsted, was short lived and she did not go mad. She eventually just settled into the life of a dowager queen and was well-treated by Edward III.
Image: Historic UK.
Who is your favourite most defiant princess/queen/noble lady? I'd like to hear about the most strong-willed, hot tempered, spirited and ambitious ladies!
Just stunning ❤️
This is obviously just for fun, but it feels apropos since a new Taylor Swift record dropped.
1.Eleanor of Aquitaine
2.Isabella of Angoloume
3.Isabella of France
I know it’s a bit of a random question, but I couldn’t help but wonder how differently KCIII would be perceived, whether it be for better or for worse, if he had taken the throne while married to his first wife. I know Mary I and Philip II are a commonly discussed one, but I cannot seem to think of another. Some view Mary of Teck as a bore, (I find her interesting), but from what I have gathered, though she was a good consort, she had neither an overwhelmingly negative or overwhelmingly positive influence on George V’s reputation, and the reviews of Prince Albert are quite mixed.
This is a great, long blog post by Stephen Spinks about the murder of Piers Gaveston.
So, I've posted this before, but it is still a great introduction to the basics of the survival theory. That said, more research is being done as we speak, and in the next few years I expect we'll have some more information.
I was also thinking recently about whether or not it would be possible to sample the textiles from within Edward II's tomb. Disturbing a grave is a big deal, but a textile sample would not be as intrusive as a full exhumation. If those textiles were, say, from Italy, that would be something.
Edward II was at that time known as Edward of Caernarfon, having been deposed in favor of his young son, who was now Edward III. He had escaped captivity at least once, for several days, and there had been other rescue attempts as well.
But soon after that the night of September 21, he was declared dead. A funeral, with a corpse covered in wax, was held. Time moved on.
But rumors started.
At first, no one even knew how he died: The Chroniclers react to Edward's death.
But they certainly did not think that he was murdered let alone with a hot poker. That myth started later, as did the belief he was murdered.
History says he died. That's what his son said, as did Roger Mortimer and Queen Isabella, who were in charge.
The case for Edward's death at Berkeley Castle.
But rumors swirled. Edward II's own half brother came to believe he had survived and was being held prisoner. He was later executed for trying to rescue a man who was officially dead.
or was it something more?
Did he survive and after going on walkabout, retire to Italy?
Whatever you think, who doesn't love a good mystery and a good debate?
Concieved and choregraphed by David Bintley, and scored by John McCabe, the ballet Edward II is inspired by Marlowe's play, and based on the music alone, quite dramatic.
I've never seen it performed, but it does seem to go the extra mile in villanizing Isabella, while also giving her and Mortimer some of the most compelling music. It seems that "villain" numbers, much like like in musical theatre, tend to be memorable.
Most upvoted comment will be picked! It must have the song and artist!