Author Archives: sparkypus

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 Richard III’s queen, Anne Neville’s death at the Palace of Westminster on the 16th March 1485, followed not long after the death of their only child, Edward of Middleham in April 1484.    AnneContinue 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.”

Henry VII and his children in mourning for Elizabeth of York.  An idealised presentation of Henry, his children ,  Margaret and Mary  sitting in front of the fire while a young Henry jnr weeps into his mother’s empty bed.  From the Vaux Passional, a 15th century manuscript. Elizabeth gave birth to her son Arthur on the 20 SeptemberContinue reading “Elizabeth of York – Her Privy Purse Expenses”

The graceful effigy of Blanche Mortimer atop her tomb.  St Bartholomew,  Much Marcle. In the chancel of the church of St Bartholomew,  Much Marcle, Herefordshire can be found one of the most beautiful tombs chests in England, that of Blanche Mortimer, Lady Grandison.  I happened by chance on this lovely monument  some years ago.  I stoodContinue reading “THE TOMB OF BLANCHE MORTIMER, LADY GRANDISON”

ENGLAND’S OLDEST DOOR – TO BE FOUND IN WESTMINSTER ABBEY OPENING ON TO THE CHAPTER HOUSE.   Are doors not fascinating?   If somewhere you haven’t been before, do you like me, always wonder what’s on the other side?  Of course if the door is ancient even more so.  The above is the oldest doorContinue reading “THE ANCIENT DOORS OF OLD ENGLAND”