ANNE MORTIMER AND RICHARD OF CONISBURGH , A LOVE MATCH?

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?”

DR JOHN ARGENTINE – PHYSICIAN TO THE PRINCES IN THE TOWER.

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.”

LLWYN CELYN, A MEDIEVAL HOUSE RESTORED.

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.”

RICHARD III, WHITE SURREY AND HIS OTHER HORSES

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 – Serial Killer?

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?”

Ralph Boteler, Lord Sudeley, father-in-law to Lady Eleanor Talbot.

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.”

THE MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF EDWARD IV

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”

The Coronation Chair and Stone of Scone

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”

Murder and mayhem in medieval London

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”

DID RICHARD III LOVE ANNE NEVILLE – ‘MOST DEARLY BELOVED CONSORT’?

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’?”