In late April 1388, John of Gaunt‘s son-in-law Sir John Holand returned to England from the Spanish peninsula, where he had been constable of Gaunt’s army. Gaunt had invaded the peninsula in pursuit of the Crown of Castile, to which he had a claim through his marriage to the Infanta Constanza. I am now going… Continue reading “Time-honour’d Lancaster” was given to pressing on at the expense of his men….
Tag: tournaments
The 14th-16th century Westminster horse burial ground that is only Tudor, of course….
It would seem that tagging the word “Tudor” to anything is meant as a surefire hook. Nothing is interesting unless it’s Tudor. Well, things ain’t always Tudor by any means, and some things only happened to still be around during that unlamented period. In this case it’s a horse cemetery in Westminster that had been… Continue reading The 14th-16th century Westminster horse burial ground that is only Tudor, of course….
Who led the tournament knights on golden chains….?
We all know about the Order of the Garter, and the many knights who’ve been honoured by being admitted to its exclusive ranks. We also know that there were Ladies of the Garter, starting with Queen Philippa of Hainault, consort of the Order’s founder, King Edward III. She was followed by a number of… Continue reading Who led the tournament knights on golden chains….?
A medieval tournament at Arundel Castle….
Well here’s something exciting and diverting for high summer this year—a great tournament at Arundel Castle. This event will take place from 26-31 July and looks set to be a wonderful recreation of a medieval tournament. All sorts of diversions and goodies (see the above link for many, many photographs) are on offer and I’m… Continue reading A medieval tournament at Arundel Castle….
The tapestries of Thomas Wolsey
We have recently come across this rather interesting article, extracted from Reyes y Prelados, by Emma Luisa Cahill Marron (excuse the missing accent) about Cardinal Wolsey and some of his artefacts. The original is in Spanish and here is a translation, by ladychaol.
The Traitor’s Arms?
In 1840 workmen carrying out repairs to St Bartholomew’s Church, Ashperton, Herefordshire were collecting stones from the ruins of a nearby manor house when they discovered a heavy stone plaque, carved with an elaborate coat of arms, among the rubble. The stone was taken to the church for safekeeping and has hung on the wall… Continue reading The Traitor’s Arms?
Mer de Mort reviewed
Anything new from the Legendary Ten Seconds is always to be greeted with delight, and this new album does not disappoint. It tells the story of the House of Mortimer from its beginnings in France, to its ultimate destiny on the throne of England, through its descendants of the House of York, Edward IV and… Continue reading Mer de Mort reviewed
It’s Alice Perrers’ biography, but the author puts the boot into Lionel of Clarence….!
Given her huge notoriety at the time, it’s odd that Edward III’s mistress, Alice Perrers, has (as far as I can ascertain) only garnered one biography. This is Lady of the Sun by F George Kay, 1966 (and seemingly never reprinted). There are no surviving contemporary likenesses of Alice, nor even a description of her.… Continue reading It’s Alice Perrers’ biography, but the author puts the boot into Lionel of Clarence….!
Imagine a May Day tournament, but how do you know who is a knight, and who a cross-dressing lady….?
(A Merry May Yesterday to you all! But before I begin, let me confess that I have gathered information for this article from the work of others, and the relevant webpages/sites are listed in the text and at the end.) Yes, one of the above illustrations is of Joan of Arc, perhaps the most famous… Continue reading Imagine a May Day tournament, but how do you know who is a knight, and who a cross-dressing lady….?
Another Maligned King – or Propaganda Strikes Again
This portrait of Richard II in Westminster Abbey is familiar. What is less well-known is that it is heavily ‘restored’ over the years, most recently in 1866. In Richard II, Manhood, Youth and Politics, 1377-99, Christopher Fletcher reveals that when examined under infra-red reflectography the king’s beard was much more developed, covering much of his… Continue reading Another Maligned King – or Propaganda Strikes Again
murreyandblue 