The treasures of the West Riding

While I have visited Yorkshire reasonably frequently in the past, there is one patch with which I was unfamiliar. The Leeds sub-region is south and a little west of York, where a significant branch line bifurcates at Doncaster and goes through Wakefield, whilst a suburban line from Leeds passes through Harrogate and returns to York.… Continue reading The treasures of the West Riding

Whose sweet visage inspired this….?

Every so often this absolutely ghastly object comes to the headlines. It’s vile. Grotesque. No question. Like something from a modern horror/fantasy movie, except that it dates back to the 15th century. “….The Horned Helmet of King Henry VIII is a truly enigmatic and iconic artifact that continues to intrigue historians and scholars alike….” Apparently it was… Continue reading Whose sweet visage inspired this….?

Sir Edward Dalyngrigge – Soldier, Politician, Courtier and Builder of Bodiam Castle

Reblogged from A Medieval Potpourri @sparkypus.com Bodiam Castle, Sussex. Built by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge between 1385-1388.  Photo History of Bodiam Castle.  Bodiam Castle.  What a beauty and is it possible to find an even finer epitome of a medieval English Castle?  The builder was Sir Edward  Dalyngrigge –  also spelt Dallingridge  –  (c.1346-1393),  the son and… Continue reading Sir Edward Dalyngrigge – Soldier, Politician, Courtier and Builder of Bodiam Castle

A complete suit of early 16th-century armour found in Spanish castle….

  Why the illustration of Catherine of Aragon’s arrival in England? Well, it starts with this article, where you’ll find the following opening paragraph: “….The castle was previously thought to have been constructed following the Arab conquest of the Iberian Peninsula, which became part of Umayyad Caliphate around AD 711–732. However, very little is known… Continue reading A complete suit of early 16th-century armour found in Spanish castle….

Richard III returns to Kenilworth Castle….!

I’m told that Max Keen is well worthing watching and hearing because he is a great expert on his medieval subject. Given that, and the fact that he will be appearing in the majestic surroundings of Kenilworth Castle make this coming occasion a must for those who can attend. This article states that Richard III… Continue reading Richard III returns to Kenilworth Castle….!

The lady responsible for the costumes in The Lost King….

I have heard mixed opinions about the costumes for The Lost King, mostly that the armour was spot-on but the king’s other clothes weren’t luxurious enough. Well, if you’ve wondered who was actually responsible for making them, here’s the answer:- “….A historical costume maker from Nottingham created some of the clothing worn by the actor… Continue reading The lady responsible for the costumes in The Lost King….

The many faces of John de la Pole, Earl of Lincoln….

Some time ago I posted about a painting called Portrait of a Man in a Red Cap from this exhibition by Titian, which I’d “adapted” to become a portrait of John de la Pole, Earl of Lincoln. This adaptation has popped up all over the place since then, and now I’ve happened upon it again… Continue reading The many faces of John de la Pole, Earl of Lincoln….

Richard III meets Philippa and Harry at the Wallace Collection….

We’ve been deluged with reviews and information about The Lost King, and we’re flocking to see it wherever we can. But one thing has always been thin on the ground, and that’s publicity photographs. We’ve had the same few, so finding another (not actually from the film itself) with Philippa Langley and Harry Lloyd looking… Continue reading Richard III meets Philippa and Harry at the Wallace Collection….