The real Babes in the Wood of the 14th century….

In 1374 the Langley estates in Lancashire were left to 9-year-old Roger de Langley. On behalf of the boy’s guardian, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, the Sheriff of Lancashire took control of the Langley estates and its young heir during the boy’s minority. It was the law for heirs who were minors to be… Continue reading The real Babes in the Wood of the 14th century….

The early Hollands – or Holands

Upholland is a village in Lancashire, about 4 miles from Wigan and these days only just outside Greater Manchester. It was formerly the HQ of the Lancashire gentry family of Holland. (Up until the 15th Century, it was often, if not invariably, spelt ‘Holand’, but I will stick with the modern spelling for consistency.) The… Continue reading The early Hollands – or Holands

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….!