CROWN IN EXILE: A NOVEL OF RICHARD AND EDWARD IN BURGUNDY

    A part of Richard III’s life often overlooked in fiction is the brief time he spent in exile with his brother, Edward IV, from October 1470 to March 1471. Usually, this event is a mere footnote in most novels, no doubt because it might be seen as ‘slowing down the action’ and also… Continue reading CROWN IN EXILE: A NOVEL OF RICHARD AND EDWARD IN BURGUNDY

THE MYSTERIOUS CHEAPSIDE HOARD, DISCOVERY AND FURTHER ADVENTURES….

Reblogged from A Medieval Potpourri @sparkypus.com The Cheapside Hoard.  Discovered beneath the floor of an ancient cellar during the demolition of 30-32 Cheapside in 1912. How the owners of such jewels must have shimmered in the candlelight.  Photo 1websurfer@Flikr. The Cheapside Hoard as it has become known was discovered in June 1912 at 30-32 Cheapside when… Continue reading THE MYSTERIOUS CHEAPSIDE HOARD, DISCOVERY AND FURTHER ADVENTURES….

The “awkward mediaeval cities” (3) : St. Alban’s

Unlike Northampton and Oxford, St. Alban’s (City) is on the Thameslink network and also has a branch line to Watford Junction. Accommodation can be expensive but the less historic Luton is surprisingly convenient as a base, being about fourteen minutes away on the same line and costing about five pounds for a day return. Turning right… Continue reading The “awkward mediaeval cities” (3) : St. Alban’s

Torquay and Torre Abbey

Thanks to our friends at the Legendary Ten Seconds, I had heard of Torre Abbey but didn’t realise that it was open to visit, as convenient or spectacular as it is. Half of the original building remains, on three floors including an art exhibition, whilst the other half (including the church) is a ruin, complete… Continue reading Torquay and Torre Abbey

Another “Mary Rose” is found….

  I well remember all the excitement when Henry VIII’s Mary Rose was found and brought to the surface for the first time since his reign. The event was broadcast live and we watched as she reappeared inch by slow inch. Yes, it was quite a story. But then, Henry VIII (love him or hate… Continue reading Another “Mary Rose” is found….

Richard III and the Augustinian Friary in York

During a branch visit to York during the 1990s the Worcestershire Branch went on a tour of York led by Dorothy Mitchell. Dorothy was the Chairman of The Friends of Richard III, which was based in York. We met her at the Minster which was our first port of call and then we went on… Continue reading Richard III and the Augustinian Friary in York

Tour the world’s twelve greatest museums from the comfort of your armchair….

  Well, these days some of us might be stuck at home rather a lot, and even if we aren’t we may not find a museum of other attraction actually open. So the advent of “virtual yours” is a great help. There we are, in our comfortable armchair, sauntering around the like of the British… Continue reading Tour the world’s twelve greatest museums from the comfort of your armchair….

Mont-St-Michel and its history as you’ve never seen it before….

“….The historic island commune of Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, France, is a stunning visual display, with its medieval monastery rising up out of the sea. Four hours away in Paris, the Musée des Plans-Reliefs offers its own captivating look at the landmark with a meticulously handcrafted 300-year-old relief map. “….Now the museum is partnering with Microsoft… Continue reading Mont-St-Michel and its history as you’ve never seen it before….

Another Richard III Coin – Museum Seeks Funding for Purchase

Buckingham Old Gaol Museum (which is an interesting little museum situated in a fortified lock-up in the town centre) is seeking to purchase a rare Richard III  coin found this September by a local metal detector. The gold half-angel was found only one mile from the town centre of Buckingham (some people have all the… Continue reading Another Richard III Coin – Museum Seeks Funding for Purchase

Anne of Brittany’s heart has been stolen; literally….

At least the word “presumed” has been allowed in! It introduces an element of doubt about Richard III. Which is better than nothing. I hope this relic is returned to where it belongs. This sort of thievery is despicable. Footnote: I am delighted to be able to report that since I wrote this article, the stolen… Continue reading Anne of Brittany’s heart has been stolen; literally….