Author Archives: sparkypus

 THE GATEWAY HAS A CARVING OF A HAND CARRYING A LANCE AND BATTLE AXE WITH THE INSCRIPTION “I WILL RAISE UP HIS RUINS, I WILL BUILD IT AS IN THE DAYS OF OLD” Waddington Hall was the one time refuge for Henry VI after the battle of Hexham, 1464. Parts of this beautiful house datesContinue reading “WADDINGTON HALL – REFUGE FOR HENRY VI”

THE TOMB THAT  IT IS BELIEVED ANNE MORTIMER SHARES WITH HER IN-LAWS, EDMUND OF LANGLEY AND ISABELLA OF CASTILE.  CHURCH OF ALL SAINTS, KINGS LANGLEY Some time during the month of May 1408 , were married Richard III’s paternal grandparents, Anne Mortimer and Richard of Conisburgh. She was just 16 and he was in his 20s,Continue reading “ANNE MORTIMER AND RICHARD OF CONISBURGH , A LOVE MATCH?”

King’s College Chapel.  Dr Argentine is buried in a chantry chapel on the south side close to the altar. In Kings College Chapel, Cambridge, just south of the altar can be found the chantry chapel where Dr John Argentine, c1443–1508, Provost of Kings College from 1501 until his death in February 1507/08, physician, astronomer and collector ofContinue reading “DR JOHN ARGENTINE – PHYSICIAN TO THE PRINCES IN THE TOWER.”

One of the restored rooms in Llwyn Celyn which is at Cwmyoy, nr Abergavenny. Llwyn Celyn, which means Hollybush in English, built in 1420,  has been in continuous occupation since 1480 to 2014 when brothers Trevor and Lyndon Powell left the property.  Its thought provoking to think that the original tenants of this property may wellContinue reading “LLWYN CELYN, A MEDIEVAL HOUSE RESTORED.”

Stained glass depiction of King Richard and his legendary horse, White Surrey. As we now know sadly, Richard, did not own a horse called  White Surrey or, as he has sometimes been called, White Syrie  (1).  But  Richard did own horses aplenty and we are fortunate lists of these horses have survived – see belowContinue reading “RICHARD III, WHITE SURREY AND HIS OTHER HORSES”

The atmospheric ruins of Kirby Muxloe Castle, showing the moat, the gatehouse and the only tower to near completion  Kirby Muxloe Castle, lies in Leicestershire countryside,  in ruins, the unfinished project of William, Lord Hastings.  Hastings was the epitome of a successful and powerful  15th century lord.  But as with other nobles of those turbulentContinue reading “THE RISE AND FALL OF WILLIAM LORD HASTINGS AND HIS CASTLE OF KIRBY MUXLOE”

Elizabeth Wydeville The Royal Window Canterbury Cathedral. Yes,  the title of this  post is a serious question.   Although prima facie it may appear absurd, after all we are talking about a real actual Queen, not a monster from a Grimms’ fairy story, I think it may be worthwhile to give some actual consideration to thisContinue reading “Elizabeth Wydeville – Serial Killer?”

The arms of Ralph Boteler, Lord of Sudeley ..  Take a trip to the lovely Cotswold town of Winchcombe and there you will find Sudeley Castle, the Boteler family seat in Gloucestershire.  Some of those that lived in the castle are well known such as Queen Catherine Parr and the unfortunate Lady Jane Grey.  Continue reading “Ralph Boteler, Lord Sudeley, father-in-law to Lady Eleanor Talbot.”

Edward IV 1442-1483 Society of Antiquaries of London For a king whose reign is otherwise well documented it is curious that the cause of Edward’s death remains a mystery.  It would also appear his death was unexpected.  It seems he was first taken ill at the end of March and despite having access to someContinue reading “THE MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF EDWARD IV”

Westminster Abbey –  site of Coronations since 1066.  Photo  @Association of English Cathedrals A crucial part of coronations in Westminster Abbey is the moment the monarch is crowned with the Crown of St Edward and invested with the royal regalia while seated on what is now commonly known as the  Coronation Chair although the correctContinue reading “The Coronation Chair and Stone of Scone”