by Heather R. Darsie Christmas Eve, 1601. The setting, a sleepy, south-eastern port town in Ireland. The Nine Years War of Ireland had been raging since 1594, with the English fighting to have control of Ireland under Elizabeth I of England. The unorganized Irish had won several battles and skirmishes against the English, frequently through the use of ambush. But in 1601, trained Spanish troops … Continue reading A Blood-Soaked Christmas
by Heather R. Darsie On 30 October 1485, Henry VII’s coronation was held, and he became the first Tudor monarch. The date of 30 October was chosen in part because he wished to be crowned king before the next sitting of Parliament, which took place on 7 November. By having his coronation before the next sitting of Parliament, which was the first to take place … Continue reading The Beginning of a Dynasty: the Coronation of Henry VII
by Heather R. Darsie Please enjoy this article I wrote, which originally appeared at: http://queenanneboleyn.com/2017/10/18/margaret-tudor-scottish-queen-english-princess-heather-r-darsie/ Margaret Tudor shuffled off her mortal coil on 18 October 1541, just shy of 52. Though her official cause of death is unknown, it is most likely that Margaret from complications due to a stroke. A letter dated on or about 31 October 1541 was written by Henry Ray to … Continue reading Margaret Tudor: Scottish Queen or English Princess?
by Heather R. Darsie In the Tudor time period, life was very much governed by the church, and people in England generally, at least outwardly, were a religious and God-fearing. Witchcraft was thought to exist, and God could express his pleasure or displeasure, or otherwise send signs through any number of mediums. Did God try to warn Henry VIII, or even Anne Boleyn, that their … Continue reading Anne Boleyn and the Famine
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
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
On 25 October 1415, Henry V of England took on French forces at the Battle of Agincourt. The 100 Years War “This day is called the Feast of St. Crispian.” The Battle of Agincourt was one of numerous battles fought during the 100 Years’ War, which began in approximately 1337 and formally ended in about 1453. The 100 Years’ War was fought over a struggle … Continue reading The Battle of Agincourt
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!
Maidens and Manuscripts: Taking a fresh look at people and events from 1347 to 1625, with a focus on women and illuminated manuscripts 