If, like me, you had never heard of the Battle of Duns, here’s a brief outline. Late in the 14th century Henry Percy, 4th Baron Percy (created 1st Earl of Northumberland in 1377) led an army of 7,000 over the border into Berwickshire and made camp at Duns to await reinforcements. One night the sleeping… Continue reading When, oh when, did Henry Percy fight the “battle” of Duns….?
Tag: Robert II
The RICL: Anthropology and forensic science
I have made a habit of watching the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures for over forty years. A single scientist, with guest contributors, covers a subject over three (to five) days and demonstrates some of the detail to a live audience of inquisitive children, who take part in the experiments. Last year’s lecturer was Professor Dame… Continue reading The RICL: Anthropology and forensic science
The Earls’ Rebellion
This is a quite remarkable article by Dr. Callum Watson about the revolt against David II in 1363. To summarise the background:David succeeded Robert I in 1329 at the age of five. He was exiled in France between 1334 and 1341. He was captured at the Battle of Neville’s Cross in 1346 and ransomed in… Continue reading The Earls’ Rebellion
More of the interminable list of celebs descended from royalty….!
Perhaps the author of this Colombian article would have benefited from a good editor, but I think I’ve interpreted the gist of it. Three in the list of celebs leapt out at me, so to speak. Firstly Hilary Duff. Can someone tell me how Alexander Spotswood, Lieutenant Colonel in the British Army could be the… Continue reading More of the interminable list of celebs descended from royalty….!
How would Thetford Priory have looked?
Thetford Priory was, of course, a Cluniac Priory. Whilst some walls stand away from the entrance, in other areas only the foundations remain and the Mowbray tomb locations are no longer marked, although those of the Howards, moved to Framlingham, remain. If only, I hear you say, some kind of restoration could take place. That would… Continue reading How would Thetford Priory have looked?
How would Thetford Priory have looked?
Originally posted on Mid Anglia Group, Richard III Society:
Thetford Priory was, of course, a Cluniac Priory. Whilst some walls stand away from the entrance, in other areas only the foundations remain and the Mowbray tomb locations are no longer marked, although those of the Howards, moved to Framlingham, remain. If only, I hear you…
A mysterious medieval tunnel rediscovered in Paisley….
“….The mystery of where a 100 metre medieval tunnel in Scotland ends has finally been solved thanks to recent excavations. “….The intricate underground passageway next to Paisley Abbey in Renfrewshire is believed to have been a [14th century] drainage system but has been puzzling people for decades because no one could figure out where the… Continue reading A mysterious medieval tunnel rediscovered in Paisley….
The Rise of the Clans
Neil Oliver‘s latest history series has been shown through December on Monday evenings (BBC1 Scotland) and twenty-four hours later on BBC4. The first part, of three, showed how the power vacuum caused by the sudden deaths of Alexander III and his granddaughter was resolved through the clan system and John Balliol’s abdication so that alliances… Continue reading The Rise of the Clans
More Royal marital irregularity
Edward IV was not the only British late mediaeval king to play fast and loose with canon law. The other case dates from a century and a quarter before 8 June 1461 and had consequences for that king’s heirs; in particular his grandson: Today in 1337, a first son, John, was born to Sir Robert… Continue reading More Royal marital irregularity
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