Author Archives: sparkypus

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”

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”

Here is a link to an interesting map and article on the murder hotspots of medieval London.  Click on a dot and details pop up of that particular murder. Most of the culprits either just simply disappeared pronto or skedaddled into sanctuary and  frustratingly the outcomes are not shown.  The vast majority of the victimsContinue reading “Murder and mayhem in medieval London”

A King and Queen.   Dated c 1480s – could these paintings be based upon Anne and Richard? The Eton Wall Paintings Queen Anne Neville died on the 16th March 1485 less than a year after her small son Edward who had died some time in April 1484.  The Croyland Chronicler tells us that sheContinue reading “DID RICHARD III LOVE ANNE NEVILLE – ‘MOST DEARLY BELOVED CONSORT’?”

  The arms of Richard III in Crosby Hall  On June 5th 1483 the Duchess of Gloucester arrived in London and joined her husband at Crosby Place (1).  She had left both her small son and and  home at Middleham to join her husband, who had been staying  until then, with his mother at BaynardsContinue reading “CROSBY PLACE – HOME TO THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF GLOUCESTER 1483”

William Shakespeare @Abdul Rahim One, or two,  of these  may come in useful the next time you find yourself lost for words……. “Villain, I have done thy mother” (Really rude and should only be used in the event you don’t mind your lights being punched out..) Titus Andronicus (Act 4, Scene 2) “You scullion! YouContinue reading “Useful Shakespearean Insults for every Occasion….”