by Heather R. Darsie, J.D. Mary, Queen of Scots had at least a dozen siblings from both her maternal and paternal sides. Mary’s mother, Marie de Guise, had two children during her marriage with the Duke of Longueville before his untimely passing, then had two more children with James V before Mary was born. Mary’s father, James V of Scotland, had at least nine children … Continue reading The 13 Siblings of Mary, Queen of Scots
by Heather R. Darsie Greetings, Dear Reader! I am pleased to announce that I launched a podcast over on Patreon called Tudor Speeches! I hope to post the first podcast this weekend. I will provide historical background for speeches and letters from the Tudor time period. I think hearing a speech or letter can impact the beholder differently than just reading it. Each patron will be … Continue reading Tudor Speeches: My New Podcast!
by Heather R. Darsie, J. D. The 19th of June 2018 marks the 452nd birthday of James I and VI of England and Scotland. Unification between the two countries, though at times strained, was brought by James’ ascending the throne of England in 1603. The unification was the result of one hundred years of Tudor politics. James I & VI, 1595; via Wikimedia Commons Back … Continue reading James I & VI
by Heather R. Darsie By 15 June 1567, twenty-four-year-old Mary Stuart had been Queen of Scotland for almost her entire life; never knew her father, James V, because he died when she was six days old; was Queen Consort, then Queen, of France for less than seventeen months; had lost her mother in July 1560; was about to celebrate her son and heir’s first birthday … Continue reading The Scots Queen Surrenders: An Overview of the Battle of Carberry Hill
by Heather R. Darsie Mary of Guise was born 22 November 1515 to Claude of Lorraine, the Duke of Guise, and Antoinette of Bourbon. She was the eldest of twelve children. Mary was first made a wife in 1534 at the age of eighteen when she married the Duke of Longueville. She had two sons with her first husband, the second of whom died young. … Continue reading Coronation of Mary of Guise
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!
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
In celebration of Margaret Tudor’s marriages first to King James IV of Scotland on 8 August 1503 and then to Archibald Douglas, 6th Earl of Angus on 6 August 1514, we are going to take a look at the three phases of Margaret’s life, continuing with her time as Queen of Scots. The marriage of James IV, the Thistle, and Margaret Tudor, the Rose, … Continue reading Margaret, Tudor Gateway to the United Kingdom, Part II
In celebration of Margaret Tudor’s marriages first to King James IV of Scotland on 8 August 1503 and then to Archibald Douglas, 6th Earl of Angus on 6 August 1514, we are going to take a look at the three phases of Margaret’s life, beginning with her time as a Tudor princess. Detail of a Family Tree of King James I. of England, to … Continue reading Margaret, Tudor Gateway to the United Kingdom, 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 