Category Archives: Uncategorized

St Andrew’s Church, Wingfield, Suffolk.  Mausoleum of the de la Poles.   You know when the great Sir Nikolaus Pevsner was ‘impressed’ with a church then it must indeed be rather special (1).   And St Andrew’s with its soaring clerestories, nave roof with  arched braces resting on figures of winged angels,  charming ‘Decorated’ window tracery ofContinue reading “St Andrew’s Church, Wingfield and the Tombs of the de la Poles”

Effigies of Ralph Neville 2nd Earl of Westmorland d.1491 and one of his wives.  Branchepeth Church, Durham.  These effigies, which were wooden, are now lost to us having since been destroyed by a disastrous fire in 1998.  Made in very dark oak it was difficult to get good photos of them thus we are indebtedContinue reading “THE MONUMENTAL EFFIGIES OF GREAT BRITAIN : CHARLES A STOTHARD”

Does anyone else like me get irritated by misidentified portraits of historical characters?  Is it that difficult to get correct? It’s quite sloppy to be honest as just a quick glance at them tells you something ain’t quite right here!  It’s particularly common around  16th century portraiture when in actual fact that type of artContinue reading “MISIDENTIFIED HISTORICAL PORTRAITS INCLUDING TUDOR QUEENS…”

Henry VII and Elizabeth of York.  Their effigies in Westminster Abbey.  Artist Pietro Torrigiano. Photo westminster-abbey.org I was recently reading an excellent article in the Ricardian discussing Henry Tudor’s enthusiasm, or lack of it, for his marriage to Elizabeth of York by David Johnson entitled Ardent Suitor or Reluctant Groom?  It’s pretty much an eye openerContinue reading “WAS HENRY VII A RELUCTANT BRIDEGROOM?”

Stained glass portrait of Cicely.  Formerly in Canterbury Cathedral now in the Burrell Collection, Glasgow. Cicely Plantagenet (b.1469 d.1507) daughter and niece to kings, and a prime example of a medieval noblewoman who endured and in this case survived the turmoil of the Wars of the Roses.    Oh how that fickle wheel of fortune spunContinue reading “CICELY PLANTAGENET – NOT SO FORTUNATE AS FAIR.”

Brass of William Catesby,  Ashby St Ledgers Church.   Commissioned by William’s son in 1507.  Date of death 20th August is incorrect, predating Bosworth,  perhaps in an attempt to cover up his inglorious end.  Note the damage across the neck.  Photo Aidan McRae Thomas Flkir As no doubt can be seen from the title of thisContinue reading “WILLIAM CATESBY, GOOD GUY, BAD GUY, TRAITOR? CLUES IN HIS WILL…”

With many thanks to Annette Carson – author of The Maligned King, and the new translation of Mancini,  Domenico Mancini, de occupatione regni Anglie –  for this excellent and informative article.  It may be read in full either here or on Annette’s own blog –THE MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR AT STONY STRATFORD With an interest in Richard III sinceContinue reading “THE MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR AT STONY STRATFORD by ANNETTE CARSON”

An intriguing doorway leads into the Great Chamber where the family would have entertained important guests.  A fine 15th century fireplace has survived as well as a 16th century window.  Photo from the English Heritage Guidebook book Following on from my earlier post THE RISE AND FALL OF WILLIAM LORD HASTINGS AND HIS CASTLE OFContinue reading “Ashby de la Zouch Castle – Home to William Lord Hastings”

Elizabeth Woodville Royal Window Canterbury Cathedral Very soon after the clandestine marriage of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville had taken place in 1464 it became abundantly clear to the old nobility that the siblings of the new Queen would henceforth be having their pick of the most sought after heirs and heiresses of England in marriage.Continue reading “THE MARRIAGES OF THE SIBLINGS OF ELIZABETH WOODVILLE”

Markenfield Hall viewed through the Gatehouse.  A 14th century moated manor house and one time home to the Markenfields. Photo National Garden Scheme. Markenfield Hall, near Ripon, Yorkshire is surely the epitome of a survivor of medieval manor houses.  The building of the Hall begun in 1230 and was rebuilt and enlarged by John deContinue reading “MARKENFIELD HALL & THE MARKENFIELD BROTHERS, THOMAS AND ROBERT”