Author: Heather R Darsie

Women

Her Brother’s Keeper: Marguerite of Angouleme, Queen of Navarre Rescues Francis I from the Emperor

On 24 February 1525, the Battle of Pavia was fought as part of the Italian Wars that began in 1521 and ended in 1526. The French troops, led by King Francis I, fought against the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V’s Imperial army, which was reinforced by Spanish troops. The battle lasted around four hours, with the French taking heavy casualties. Francis himself was taken captive … Continue reading Her Brother’s Keeper: Marguerite of Angouleme, Queen of Navarre Rescues Francis I from the Emperor

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Events

A Brief Overview of the Battle of Lepanto

by Heather R. Darsie, JD In 1571, the Ottoman Turks were a proven naval force. Leading up to 1571, the Venetians had attempted to make peace with the Turks to end their expansion through the Mediterranean. Turkish ships would harry the Venetians and, through Barbary pirates, occasionally raid the coasts of France, Spain and Italy. Counter to that, the Christian Knights of St John of … Continue reading A Brief Overview of the Battle of Lepanto

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Events

950th Anniversary of the Battle of Hastings

A battle that shaped our world. Part of scene 52 of the Bayeux Tapestry. Depicts mounted Normans attacking the Anglo-Saxon infantry, 12th century. The King Edward II – King of England. Known as the Confessor. Died childless; cousin of William the Bastard. In 1051 Edward promised William that William would inherit the throne upon Edward’s death. Edward, when close to death in early 1066, told … Continue reading 950th Anniversary of the Battle of Hastings

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This and That

Tudor Fashion

Fashion has had innumerable iterations throughout the centuries, with the Renaissance bringing about not just changes in thinking, art and education, but also clothing style. And along with new clothing styles came sumptuary laws, which created strict visual distinctions between the different classes. There were also restrictions on who could wear which fabrics.   The lower classes wore linen or wool; cotton was not allowed … Continue reading Tudor Fashion

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Illuminators and Manuscripts

A Very Brief Introduction to the Master of François de Rohan

Illuminated Books of Hours were items commonly kept by the nobility. The Master of François de Rohan completed at least one Book of Hours for Francis I (François, Françoys) of France. Other items identified as executed by the Master of François de Rohan include translations of Italian works, a treatise on hunting, books or poetry, and a copy of the English Bible that was sent … Continue reading A Very Brief Introduction to the Master of François de Rohan

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Women

Marguerite of Navarre: Queen of the Renaissance

Marguerite de Navarre, also known as Marguerite d’Angoulême, was born 11 April 1492 and died 21 December 1549. She was sister to Francis I of France and queen consort of Henri II of Navarre. Most importantly, Marguerite was a brilliant mind and an author.   Master of François de Rohan. For more on the artist, see https://maidensandmanuscripts.com/2017/05/14/a-very-brief-introduction-to-the-master-of-francois-de-rohan/ Marguerite’s early life was spent in Cognac and Blois, … Continue reading Marguerite of Navarre: Queen of the Renaissance

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Events

Oh, for Fawkes’ Sake!

Remember, remember! The fifth of November, The Gunpowder treason and plot; I know of no reason Why the Gunpowder treason Should ever be forgot! Guy Fawkes and his companions Did the scheme contrive, To blow the King and Parliament All up alive. … make the bells ring! …God save the King!     The Protestant King James I of England had recently taken the throne … Continue reading Oh, for Fawkes’ Sake!

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Women

Gloriana and the Green Ruby

by Heather R. Darsie Gloriana, Elizabeth I, is the famous virgin-queen of England. She never took a husband. Much speculation has swirled around Elizabeth’s decision to remain single. Several tragic, if not traumatic, events are cited as reasons why Elizabeth chose not to marry.   Elizabeth was born 7 September 1533. On 19 May 1536, when Elizabeth was not quite three years of age, her … Continue reading Gloriana and the Green Ruby

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Women

Margaret, Tudor Gateway to the United Kingdom, Part III

by Heather R. Darsie Tragedy struck Queen Margaret when her loving husband died on 9 September 1513 at the Battle of Flodden, leaving their 17-month-old son as king. Although she may not have known at the time, Margaret was also two months pregnant with her last child conceived between Margaret and her deceased husband. Now queen dowager, Margaret had to act quickly to protect not … Continue reading Margaret, Tudor Gateway to the United Kingdom, Part III

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