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?
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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.
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!
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.