Ela of Salisbury has been called a ‘towering female figure of the 13th’ century by historian Linda Elizabeth Mitchell. However, outside of some quarters in Wiltshire, she is not terribly well known. What is even less commented on than her accomplishments is her genealogy. She is a foremother to Richard III and Edward IV in… Continue reading Ela of Salisbury, Sheriff, Abbess, and Ancestor of Kings
Tag: nuns
What prompted Morton to threaten a visitation to St Albans Abbey . . . .?
Well, in 1487, while the powers-that-be were gearing up toward the Battle of Stoke Field, Archbishop Morton (also Chancellor) was also having to deal with the – um! – mundane goings-on at St Albans Abbey. It seems the abbot was being proceeded against in the Court of Arches by the Prioress of Sopwell. This… Continue reading What prompted Morton to threaten a visitation to St Albans Abbey . . . .?
Not every medieval nun wished to remain a nun….!
We read of all the women who became nuns in the medieval period, and it is often imagined that they were willing—eager even—to live such a life forever more. Noble families, even the royal family, designated daughter to be nuns. Bridget, younger dughter of Edward IV, was destined for such a life from childhood,… Continue reading Not every medieval nun wished to remain a nun….!
The truth about Sir John Arundel? Or more Walsingham malice….?
Well now, are we to believe the horrific tale related at Medievalists.net? Or should we regard it as yet another malicious work of imagination from Thomas Walsingham. Let’s face it, Walsingham was venomous and untruthful to a fault. The nastiest type of tale-teller. Which leaves me disinclined to believe that Sir John Arundel was guilty… Continue reading The truth about Sir John Arundel? Or more Walsingham malice….?
The Nuns Of Fotheringhay
English Medieval Monasteries 1066-1540 by Roy Midmer states that a foundation of Cluniac nuns was founded at Fotheringhay by Simon de St. Litz (aka Simon de Senlis) Earl of Huntingdon circa 1141. The nuns “soon” moved to Northampton (Delapre). However they “retained their church and endowments” until the foundation of the College by the 2nd… Continue reading The Nuns Of Fotheringhay
The Abbey of the Minoresses of St Clare without Aldgate and the Ladies of the Minories
Anne Montgomery nee Darcy. One of the much respected Ladies of the Minories from the window of Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford, Suffolk. Shakespeare said ‘all the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players’. Following on from that if we may be allowed to say that the Wars of the Roses were… Continue reading The Abbey of the Minoresses of St Clare without Aldgate and the Ladies of the Minories
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