Author Archives: sparkypus

Interior view of the Henry VII Chapel by Giovanni Canaletto.  Henry’s tomb can be seen in the distance with the chapel housing the urn to the left. Lawrence E Tanner Keeper of the Muniments (1926-66)  Librarian, Westminster Abbey Who could blame anyone, after reading Tanner and Wright’s report of their investigation into the infamous bonesContinue reading “‘RECENT INVESTIGATIONS REGARDING THE FATE OF THE PRINCES IN THE TOWER’ by L E Tanner and William Wright 1933”

Austin Friars today.  This section of road covers part of  the perimeter of the Friary.    With thanks to Eric, Londonist.  Austin Friars in London, was founded about 1260 by Humphrey de Bohun 2nd Earl of Hereford and Constable of England d.1275.   It was rebuilt in 1354 by Humphrey de Bohun d.1361, Humphrey’s greatContinue reading “AUSTIN FRIARS: LAST RESTING PLACE OF PERKIN WARBECK”

Richard Duke of Gloucester and Lady Anne, Edwin Austin Abbey, 1896. It’s said a picture can paint a thousand words.  It certainly can but not always accurately.  It can distort the truth.  Art work based on the Ricardian period is certainly true of this.  Take for example the stunning painting, above,  by Edwin Austin Abbey,Continue reading “CAN A PICTURE PAINT A THOUSAND WORDS? RICARDIAN ART”

It’s obvious from the amount of depictions of dogs from the medieval period they were highly prized by our ancestors, both for work and play. They are everywhere!  Their delightful little figures pop up on tombs, heraldry and manuscripts regularly. Some think, when depicted on a tomb effigy of a lady especially, they represent fidelity.Continue reading “THE MEDIEVAL DOGGIE AND EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT THEM”

Jacob’s Island formed by a loop in the River Neckinger c1860.  Formerly known as Folly Ditch. Watercolour  J L Stewart 1829-1911 Here is a link to a very interesting article on London’s Lost and Forgotten Rivers with details of  some interesting finds recovered from the Thames including, my favourites , a 12th century triple toilet seat,  aContinue reading “LONDON’S LOST AND FORGOTTEN RIVERS”

YORK MINSTER –  Yorkist Citizens long held the memory of Richard dear after his death. Photo @ Association of English Cathedrals Entry from the York City House book…’King Richard late mercifully reigning upon us was thrugh grete treason of the duc of Northefolk and many othre that turned ayenst hyme, with many othre lordes and nobilles of this north parties,Continue reading ““THE MEMORY OF KING RICHARD STILL LAID LIKE LEES AT THE BOTTOM OF MENS HEARTS’ Sir Francis Bacon”

Is there anyone else like me who enjoys a good nosy around someone’s privy purse accounts.  They can tell us so much about that person.  For example, Henry VII’s Privy Purse Accounts.  From them we can glean, for example,  how did Henry spend his time relaxing , after doing a hard day’s usurping?    WellContinue reading “THE PRIVY PURSE ACCOUNTS OF HENRY VII 1491 to 1505”

Anne Neville – possible portrait of her from the Luton Guild Book (1) Arms of Queen Anne Neville @ British Library After Anne Neville’s death on the 16th March 1485 , she was given a magnificent funeral in Westminster Abbey ‘with honours no less than befitted the burial of a queen’ (2).  She had beenContinue reading “QUEEN ANNE NEVILL – HER BURIAL IN WESTMINSTER ABBEY”

Elizabeth Wydeville. British School 16th century artist unknown.Did pillow talk between her and Edward IV seal the Earl Of Desmond’s fate?. I like to be fair.   I really do.   Even when I find it hard.  Take Elizabeth Wydeville ..or not if you prefer. Although I am not and never will be a fanContinue reading “ELIZABETH WYDEVILLE, JOHN TIPTOFT AND THE EARL OF DESMOND”

Fotheringhay Church and  Yorkist Mausoleum 1804.   Watercolour by unknown artist. Described by Simon Jenkins as ‘the church that seems to float on its hill above the River Nene, a galleon of Perpendicular on a sea of corn…’ Edmund, son of Richard Duke of York and Cicely Neville was born on the 17th May 1443 atContinue reading “Edmund, Earl of Rutland, a life cut short – His burial at Fotheringhay.”