British Monarchs

Anne Boleyn’s Execution Speech

When in 1532 Anne Boleyn finally gave in and slept with King Henry VIII and then in 1533 secretly married him, she as good as sealed her own death warrant. She was the first English Queen to be executed and her execution speech is a paradox of the journey which brought her to the block.…

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King Henry V

King Henry V of England is portrayed as a a great military ruler, Shakespeare did his best to represent Henry as a ‘golden King’ but was he really a cruel and aloof man whose autocratic leadership, piety and belief he was God’s chosen put him at odds with those he ruled?

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The Edwardian Era

The Edwardian era lasted only nine years and yet it was an age of social change and political and intellectual brilliance, what happened in this ear to promote such change?

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Who Was Emma of Normandy?

Queen Emma of Normandy
This entry is part [part not set] of 1 in the series Kings of Denmark
This entry is part [part not set] of 12 in the series Intriguing Women

Queen Emma, twice Queen of England and gatekeeper to the Norman dynasty, is one of histories most intriguing Medieval women. What was her role in the melee of Viking, Anglo Saxon and Norman rule?

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VE Day 1945 King George VI Speech

VE Day 1945 King George VI Speech an inspired reading at this week’s service in Westminster Abbey commemorating the end of WW2 in Europe VE Day on 8th May. Did you hear the The King’s Speech, how much does a national act of commemoration provide a timely reminder of the need to give back and participate and not just leave it all to the political class?

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George Duke of Clarence

Clarences had three children Edward Margaret and Richard
This entry is part 2 of 5 in the series House of York

George Duke of Clarence may have been the only legitimate heir in the House of York he married the Kingmaker’s daughter what happened to their children? Margaret of York, Edward Plantagenet and Richard of York were born to rank and privilege but how would their lives stand-up to the brutal times of the War of the Roses?

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Richard III son of York buried in Leicester

This entry is part 5 of 5 in the series House of York

Richard III son of York controversial king reinterment in 2015 in leicester. A new event on the House of York and Plantagement timeline, Whether you are a Ricardian or not, this has been a monumental week and here are some pictures resources and reflections on this intriguing moment in British history.

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Richard III Bosworth

Richard III Bosworth
This entry is part 1 of 5 in the series House of York

King Richard III Bosworth Field, where the King stood and faced the army of Henry Tudor and was defeated, his crown left tumbeld under a thorn bush, his body unceremoniously dumped at Grey Friars Leicester. This week is re-buried at Leicester Cathedral.

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Battle of Fulford Gate 1066

Harald Hardrada last Viking King invaded England
This entry is part 1 of 1 in the series 1066 The Normans are Coming

Harald Hardrada or was it Hardraada (the Ruthless) conspired with the disaffected Tostig brother of the rightful King, (according to the late King Edward anyway) sets out to conquer York. Without this battle would William of Normandy have ever become King and won at Hastings? Follow the great local projects at the site of the battle and find out how history turned on what we think of as minor skirmishes but were really significant Battles. Two Battles north in 5 days and a forced march up and back down his realm can topple a King and his kingdom.

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