by Heather R. Darsie Jousting, much like Rugby or American Football, was a full-contact, dangerous sport. Severe injuries and even death were quite common. Henry II of France died in 1559 when a lance’s splinter breached Henry’s helmet and entered his brain by way of the eye. More like American Football and less like Rugby, individuals participating in the joust wore protection. Turnierbuch Ritterspiele Most … Continue reading A Brief Look at Jousting Armor
by Heather R. Darsie The sixteenth love letter from Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn was written around the middle of September 1528. Pope Clement VII, captured by the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V in June 1527 after the sacking of Rome in May, was still Charles V’s prisoner. The Pope did not return to Rome until October 1528. When Henry wrote this letter, he was … Continue reading Love Letter Sixteen from Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn
by Heather R. Darsie For Part II of the Annes of Cleves, we’ll learn a little bit more about Henry VIII’s fourth wife, Anne of Cleves; her niece, Anna of Cleves; and Anna, Duchess of Cleves. Throughout the article, I will address them as Anne, Anna of Cleves, and the Duchess, so as to help in understanding who is who. From the Workshop of Barthel … Continue reading The Annes of Cleves, Part II
by Heather R. Darsie In case you missed it on QueenAnneBoleyn.com On 28 July 1540, a great, accomplished man of Tudor Times was beheaded on Tower Hill. That man was Thomas Cromwell, briefly the 1st Earl of Essex, and Henry VIII’s Chief Minister. Cromwell sought to reform and consolidate the legal system the secular legal system and move away from canon law. Cromwell succeeded in establishing … Continue reading The Revenge of Margaret Pole
by Heather R. Darsie The name “Anne of Cleves” conjures thoughts of Henry VIII’s allegedly unattractive, unfashionable fourth wife. However, over the span of almost 200 years, there were five women known as “Anne of Cleves.” First we will meet Anne of Burgundy, who by marriage became an Anne of Cleves. For purposes of this article, we will refer to her as “van Kleef.” Next, … Continue reading The Annes of Cleves, Part I
by Heather R. Darsie July, 1549. The almost twelve-years-old Edward VI had been King of England for two-and-a-half years. Landlords had begun enclosing the common lands, which prevented peasants from being able to have a place for their animals to graze. Several landlords had taken to raising sheep, as the English wool trade was growing quite prosperous. This, in concert with a host of other … Continue reading The End of Kett’s Rebellion
by Heather R. Darsie In case you missed on Tudors Dynasty Life continued to take dramatic turns for Margot after she wed Henry of Navarre. Though she saved his life during the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre, she did not care for his Huguenot religion. Marguerite’s three surviving brothers, King Charles IX, Henry, and Francis (originally named Hercule Francis) used Margot in their various plots. Portrait of … Continue reading La Reine Margot, Part Two
by Heather R. Darsie In case you missed it on http://queenanneboleyn.com/2017/06/07/philip-ii-spain-king-ireland-heather-r-darsie/ On 7 June 1555, the new Pope Paul IV, who was elected 23 May 1555, issued a papal bull conferring the title of “King of Ireland” on Philip II of Spain. Philip was twenty-seven years old in July 1554 when he married Mary I of England at Winchester Cathedral. Because of that marriage, Philip was … Continue reading Philip II of Spain, King of Ireland
by Heather R. Darsie The salamander was regarded as one of the most dangerous beasts alive. The Bestiary states, “The salamander is so called because of its proof against fire; it is the most poisonous of all creatures.” The message is clear: if one sees a salamander, go the other way! This cold animal is nothing but trouble. Kongelige Bibliotek, Gl. kgl. S. 1633 4º, … Continue reading From the Bestiary: Salamander
by Heather R. Darsie As previously seen on Tudors Dynasty Born on 14 May 1553, Marguerite, affectionately known by her nickname of Margot, was the seventh child and third daughter of Henri II of France and Catherine de’ Medici. Margot spent her early life being raised alongside her sisters Claude and Elisabeth. Margot was particularly good with languages, excelling at the international language of Latin, along … Continue reading La Reine Margot, Part I
Maidens and Manuscripts: Taking a fresh look at people and events from 1347 to 1625, with a focus on women and illuminated manuscripts 