May 16, 1568 - Mary Queen of Scots fled to England disguised as an ordinary woman. This began her almost 20 years of captivity by Elizabeth.
May 16, 1770 - Marie Antoinette of Austria married Louis XVI of France.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
This Day in History...
May 16, 1220 - Henry III laid the foundation stone of a new Lady Chapel at Westminster Abbey. This was the beginning the new abbey-church which was eventually completed in 1245.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
This Day in History...
May 15, 1464 – Yorkists led by John Neville win a decisive victory over the Lancastrians at the Battle of Hexham. The Duke of Somerset was captured and executed.
May 15, 1536 - Anne Boleyn's trial for treason began. She was accused on trumped up charges of adultery and incest, sleeping with 4 men (including her brother George), and an assassination plot against her husband, Henry VIII. She was found guilty and executed four days later.Her brother George's trial took place immediately after her's and he was found guilty as well.
May 15, 1536 - Anne Boleyn's trial for treason began. She was accused on trumped up charges of adultery and incest, sleeping with 4 men (including her brother George), and an assassination plot against her husband, Henry VIII. She was found guilty and executed four days later.Her brother George's trial took place immediately after her's and he was found guilty as well.
May 15, 1567 - Mary Queen of Scots married the Earl of Bothwell at Holyrood Palace. Her husband, Lord Darnley, had been assassinated only three months earlier and many thought she and Bothwell were involved.
Friday, May 14, 2010
This Day in History...
May 14, 1080 - Walcher, Bishop of Durham and Earl of Northumberland, was murdered. In revenge, William the Conqueror ravaged the area. He also used this as an opportunity to invade Scotland and build the castle at Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
May 14, 1264 - Simon de Montfort defeated Henry III at the Battle of Lewes. Montfort is known as the founder of parliamentary representative government (and thus not a favorite of the King!).
May 14, 1264 - Simon de Montfort defeated Henry III at the Battle of Lewes. Montfort is known as the founder of parliamentary representative government (and thus not a favorite of the King!).
Thursday, May 13, 2010
This Day in History...
May 13, 1515 - Mary Tudor, younger sister of Henry VIII, was officially married to Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk at Greenwich. The first ceremony had taken place in France not long after the death of Mary's first husband, the King of France.
May 13, 1607 - John Smith landed on the coast of Virginia and established the first permanent English settlement in the New World. He named it Jamestown (after the King of England).
May 13, 1607 - John Smith landed on the coast of Virginia and established the first permanent English settlement in the New World. He named it Jamestown (after the King of England).
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Yay for Robins!!
Or...I'm really looking forward to the new Robin Hood movie starring Russell Crowe. It opens on May 14th and my hubby has said he wouldn't mind seeing it. Yay! I don't have to go by myself!
There have been so many versions of this legend (and legend it is, though there probably is some basis for it in the lives of real people) and so many of them have landed on the big screen. There is a BBC TV series about it as well.
Who can forget the oh-so-manly green outfit of Errol Flynn?
Why, yes, it is a lovely shade of kelly green; makes me feel manly. I can give you the number of my dyer.
My personal favorite (really, it is) is the Kevin Costner version which came out in 1991. Yes, cheesy acting (though I do so love Alan Rickman) and an almost equally cheesy plot but I still loved it. The scenery was beautiful.
Shhh...be vewry, vewry qwiet...I'm hunting wabbits.
There have been so many versions of this legend (and legend it is, though there probably is some basis for it in the lives of real people) and so many of them have landed on the big screen. There is a BBC TV series about it as well.
Who can forget the oh-so-manly green outfit of Errol Flynn?
Why, yes, it is a lovely shade of kelly green; makes me feel manly. I can give you the number of my dyer.
My personal favorite (really, it is) is the Kevin Costner version which came out in 1991. Yes, cheesy acting (though I do so love Alan Rickman) and an almost equally cheesy plot but I still loved it. The scenery was beautiful.
As a matter of fact I do use Garnier Fructis.
This newest version, starring Russell Crowe as a much more realistic Robin and Cate Blanchette as a very warrior like Marion, is going to give viewers a (supposedly) much more realistic look at the way life was in the 1200s - gritty, dirty, and violent. I am really looking forward to this, especially since I have read so much about this time period (via Sharon Kay Penman's wonderful Here Be Dragons and Elizabeth Chadwick's novels about William Marshal). I am sure there are going to be issues with historical inaccuracies but really...it is Hollywood. Would we expect them to actually portray something correctly? :)
Shhh...be vewry, vewry qwiet...I'm hunting wabbits.Book Review: A Favorite of the Queen
A Favorite of the Queen, Jean Plaidy
3 roses
I love Jean Plaidy and I am a fan of Elizabeth I so I couldn't pass on this book when I saw it at the store. This is the last novel in Plaidy's Tudor series and rather than focusing on the Queen this novel focuses on the life of Elizabeth's love, Robert Dudley. While of course Elizabeth features in the story Plaidy really focuses the majority of the novel on Robert and his family and their thoughts and feelings. It was certainly an interesting look at this well known figure in history.
This is a short book and a very fast read; many episodes are lightly touched on or mentioned in passing after the fact. It starts with Robert's father, 9 year old John Dudley, watching the execution of his father at the beginning of Henry VIII's reign and continues until Robert's death in 1588. Plaidy really shows how his father's determination to rise to great heights at the Tudor court shaped Robert's outlook on life and on himself; he really saw himself as A Very Important Person. This feeling of superiority carried him throughout life and greatly influenced the choices he made. We watch him grow and mature and learn to maneuver through the politics of the day, including managing to survive his father's downfall in Mary's reign. Plaidy also gives the reader a closer look at Robert's various intimate relationships, including his volatile marriage to Amy Robsart. While Plaidy certainly portrays Robert as a man who is ambitious and believes himself to be destined for greatness (but how could he not think this when his family was always telling him how wonderful he was) he does not come across as an extremely sneaky, devious, and manipulative man, willing to go to any lengths to gain a crown; he is actually quite likable and you do have to feel a bit sorry for him at points. They way Plaidy presents the growth and evolution of Robert and Elizabeth's relationship is wonderful, showing how they change and mature from infatuated, passionate youngsters to adults whose love is deep and mature. It is rather sad that two people who obviously loved one another and were very well matched could not be together.
The story of Robert and Elizabeth's relationship has been written about many times in many novels but this would have to be one of my favorite portrayals. Plaidy writes historical fiction in the way it should be written - sticking to the facts (as much as possible for an author of fiction) and not throwing in things just for sensationalism. I would certainly recommend this book to any lovers of Tudor history and fans of Elizabeth. Plaidy's clear and easy to read writing style make this a great book for those not already familiar with the story. Please be aware that this is a reissue of Plaidy's book and they have changed the title. The original title was Gay Lord Robert so if you have read that, it is the same book.
3 roses
I love Jean Plaidy and I am a fan of Elizabeth I so I couldn't pass on this book when I saw it at the store. This is the last novel in Plaidy's Tudor series and rather than focusing on the Queen this novel focuses on the life of Elizabeth's love, Robert Dudley. While of course Elizabeth features in the story Plaidy really focuses the majority of the novel on Robert and his family and their thoughts and feelings. It was certainly an interesting look at this well known figure in history.This is a short book and a very fast read; many episodes are lightly touched on or mentioned in passing after the fact. It starts with Robert's father, 9 year old John Dudley, watching the execution of his father at the beginning of Henry VIII's reign and continues until Robert's death in 1588. Plaidy really shows how his father's determination to rise to great heights at the Tudor court shaped Robert's outlook on life and on himself; he really saw himself as A Very Important Person. This feeling of superiority carried him throughout life and greatly influenced the choices he made. We watch him grow and mature and learn to maneuver through the politics of the day, including managing to survive his father's downfall in Mary's reign. Plaidy also gives the reader a closer look at Robert's various intimate relationships, including his volatile marriage to Amy Robsart. While Plaidy certainly portrays Robert as a man who is ambitious and believes himself to be destined for greatness (but how could he not think this when his family was always telling him how wonderful he was) he does not come across as an extremely sneaky, devious, and manipulative man, willing to go to any lengths to gain a crown; he is actually quite likable and you do have to feel a bit sorry for him at points. They way Plaidy presents the growth and evolution of Robert and Elizabeth's relationship is wonderful, showing how they change and mature from infatuated, passionate youngsters to adults whose love is deep and mature. It is rather sad that two people who obviously loved one another and were very well matched could not be together.
The story of Robert and Elizabeth's relationship has been written about many times in many novels but this would have to be one of my favorite portrayals. Plaidy writes historical fiction in the way it should be written - sticking to the facts (as much as possible for an author of fiction) and not throwing in things just for sensationalism. I would certainly recommend this book to any lovers of Tudor history and fans of Elizabeth. Plaidy's clear and easy to read writing style make this a great book for those not already familiar with the story. Please be aware that this is a reissue of Plaidy's book and they have changed the title. The original title was Gay Lord Robert so if you have read that, it is the same book.
This Day in History...
May 12, 1191 - Richard I married Berengaria of Navarre.
May 12, 1264 - The Battle of Lewes between Henry III and the Earl of Leicester, Simon de Montfort, begins.
May 12, 1536 - Sir Francis Weston, Mark Smeaton, William Brereton, and Henry Norris, all alleged lovers of Anne Boleyn, were tried for and convicted of treason. Only Smeaton confessed to the charges. George Boleyn was tried for the same crimes a few days later.
May 12, 1264 - The Battle of Lewes between Henry III and the Earl of Leicester, Simon de Montfort, begins.
May 12, 1536 - Sir Francis Weston, Mark Smeaton, William Brereton, and Henry Norris, all alleged lovers of Anne Boleyn, were tried for and convicted of treason. Only Smeaton confessed to the charges. George Boleyn was tried for the same crimes a few days later.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
This Day in History...
A few random events...
May 11, 973 - King Edgar was crowned at Bath Abbey. The service, which was written by the Archbishop of Canterbury St. Dunstan, forms the basis of the current coronation service.
May 11, 1310 - 54 members of the Knights Templar are burned at the stake as heretics in France.
May 11, 1942 - Go Down, Moses, a collection of short stories by William Faulkner, is published.
May 11, 973 - King Edgar was crowned at Bath Abbey. The service, which was written by the Archbishop of Canterbury St. Dunstan, forms the basis of the current coronation service.
May 11, 1310 - 54 members of the Knights Templar are burned at the stake as heretics in France.
May 11, 1942 - Go Down, Moses, a collection of short stories by William Faulkner, is published.
Monday, May 10, 2010
New Tudor Book
Okay...so I'm not a big fan of the current fad of taking classic stories and rewriting them to include zombies, sea monsters, vampires, etc. Its just not my thing and I really haven't found any of them interesting (to me anyway...I know others get a kick out of them). Authors have even taken to rewriting the history of some very famous people (Queen Victoria is one that comes to mind) and turning them into zombie hunters, etc.
However, when I saw this post on a fellow blogger's blog, I did two things:
1. I almost spit the Coke I was drinking all over my computer screen.
and
2. Decided that this is one that I may just have to read.
From Amazon: HENRY VIII: WOLFMAN - DIVORCED. BEHEADED. DIED. MAULED. SAVAGED. SURVIVED? Henry VIII was the best and bloodiest King ever to have sat on the throne of England. This fast-paced, exciting, gory, inventive and just plain gross retelling of his reign will bring to light the real man behind the myth. When it came to his size, Henry VIII was known for being larger-than-life, with a fearsome temper and bloodthirsty reputation to match; more beast than human, some might say...Be dragged kicking and screaming back 500 years into Tudor England...
This will be released July 8, 2010 but I am not sure if it will be a UK only release at this time or not.
However, when I saw this post on a fellow blogger's blog, I did two things:
1. I almost spit the Coke I was drinking all over my computer screen.
and
2. Decided that this is one that I may just have to read.
From Amazon: HENRY VIII: WOLFMAN - DIVORCED. BEHEADED. DIED. MAULED. SAVAGED. SURVIVED? Henry VIII was the best and bloodiest King ever to have sat on the throne of England. This fast-paced, exciting, gory, inventive and just plain gross retelling of his reign will bring to light the real man behind the myth. When it came to his size, Henry VIII was known for being larger-than-life, with a fearsome temper and bloodthirsty reputation to match; more beast than human, some might say...Be dragged kicking and screaming back 500 years into Tudor England...
This will be released July 8, 2010 but I am not sure if it will be a UK only release at this time or not.
This Day in History...
May 10, 1291 - The Scottish nobles recognize the authority of Edward I.
May 10, 1863 - Confederate General Stonewall Jackson dies eight days after being accidentally shot by Confederate troops.
May 10, 1863 - Confederate General Stonewall Jackson dies eight days after being accidentally shot by Confederate troops.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
This Day in History...
A few more random events...
May 8, 1429 - Joan of Arc led the Dauphin's troops to victory over the English army laying siege to Orleans.
May 8, 1429 - Joan of Arc led the Dauphin's troops to victory over the English army laying siege to Orleans.
May 8, 1559 - The Act of Supremacy was passed, naming Queen Elizabeth I "Supreme Governor" of the Church of England and a Common Prayer book (in English) was introduced.
May 8, 1660 - Charles II was proclaimed King of England. This was the restoration of the monarchy after the English Civil War and Oliver Cromwell's reign as Lord Protector.
Friday, May 7, 2010
This Day in History...
A bunch of random events scattered across the years...
May 7, 1429 - Joan of Arc ends the siege of Orleans after pulling an arrow from her shoulder and returning to the battle. This marked a turning point in the Hundred Years War.
May 7, 1812 - English poet Robert Browning was born.
May 7, 1915 - During World War I the Cunard liner Lusitania was torpedoed by a German u-boat off the coast of Ireland. Roughly 1,200 lives were lost. The death of 128 Americans brought the US to the verge of war with Germany.
May 7, 1945 - Germany signed an unconditional surrender, ending six years of war in Europe.
May 7, 1429 - Joan of Arc ends the siege of Orleans after pulling an arrow from her shoulder and returning to the battle. This marked a turning point in the Hundred Years War.
May 7, 1812 - English poet Robert Browning was born.
May 7, 1915 - During World War I the Cunard liner Lusitania was torpedoed by a German u-boat off the coast of Ireland. Roughly 1,200 lives were lost. The death of 128 Americans brought the US to the verge of war with Germany.
May 7, 1945 - Germany signed an unconditional surrender, ending six years of war in Europe.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Book Review: The Scarlet Lion
The Scarlet Lion, Elizabeth Chadwick
5 roses
Yet another brilliant masterpiece by Elizabeth Chadwick! I absolutely could not put this book down. It kept me on the edge of my seat throughout and in tears at the end. Once again we are treated to the incredible talent of Ms. Chadwick; her weaving together of fiction and research are flawless. Here she continues the amazing story of William Marshal, taking him deep into the reign of King John and all the treachery of his court.
After the untimely death of Richard I, John comes to the throne, bringing with him a crazy and unearned distrust of Marshal. Through out the book John is constantly trying to entrap Marshal into committing treason so he can take away everything he (Marshal) has earned throughout his life. Not only does Marshal have to struggle with John's devious tactics in England, he also has to deal with holding and strengthening Isabelle's lands in Ireland. During all these travels and struggles, William and Isabelle nurture their large and growing family and we see their struggles as parents as well. Throughout John's turbulent reign, which includes the Baron's Revolt and Magna Carta, the Marshals manage (barely) to keep their heads above water and are able to find more security and stability in the early years of John's son Henry III's reign.
At the end of the previous novel about Marshal (The Greatest Knight) we get a glimpse of the beginning of his marriage to Isabelle de Clare. This novel covers their life together in fantastic detail, showing all the ups and downs of a noble marriage which just happens to be a love match. In a time when most women, even noble women, were looked on as mere possessions, Marshal truly loved his wife and listened to her opinions and ideas. The descriptions of their relationship are so touching and emotional. Not only do we see their life together with their children, we also see how the political struggles of the time affect the different members of the family. Ms. Chadwick is a master at taking people from a time very distant from our own and making them come alive for the reader. I absolutely loved William Marshal and his family and I hated King John for the constant grief he gave them. John really is a despicable and devious character and I hated him; he was truly evil. All the characters in the novel are very well developed and it really helps give you a better understanding of why a particular character behaved in a certain way (except of John of course). I actually enjoyed this novel better than its prequel (though I enjoyed that one immensely); I just felt that the plot here moved along a lot quicker and, in my opinion, contained quite a bit more action, though not in the form of numerous battles as you see in TGK. There was a lot more tension, suspense, and uncertainty in this part of Marshal's life so I am sure that plays a major part. I also really enjoyed how much of the story is told from Isabelle's perspective; it was fascinating to see how strong this lady was in the face of so much adversity.
I think one of the things that makes this book so outstanding is the wonderful blend of historical accuracy, amazing writing, love, honor, intrigue, and wonderful characters. I would recommend this to any reader as it is truly marvelous and one that shouldn't be missed. While this is a sequel to The Greatest Knight the two books can stand on their own...but really, who wouldn't want to read more about William Marshal?
Ms. Chadwick's next book To Defy a King is the story of William and Isabelle's daughter Mahelt.
5 roses
Yet another brilliant masterpiece by Elizabeth Chadwick! I absolutely could not put this book down. It kept me on the edge of my seat throughout and in tears at the end. Once again we are treated to the incredible talent of Ms. Chadwick; her weaving together of fiction and research are flawless. Here she continues the amazing story of William Marshal, taking him deep into the reign of King John and all the treachery of his court.After the untimely death of Richard I, John comes to the throne, bringing with him a crazy and unearned distrust of Marshal. Through out the book John is constantly trying to entrap Marshal into committing treason so he can take away everything he (Marshal) has earned throughout his life. Not only does Marshal have to struggle with John's devious tactics in England, he also has to deal with holding and strengthening Isabelle's lands in Ireland. During all these travels and struggles, William and Isabelle nurture their large and growing family and we see their struggles as parents as well. Throughout John's turbulent reign, which includes the Baron's Revolt and Magna Carta, the Marshals manage (barely) to keep their heads above water and are able to find more security and stability in the early years of John's son Henry III's reign.
At the end of the previous novel about Marshal (The Greatest Knight) we get a glimpse of the beginning of his marriage to Isabelle de Clare. This novel covers their life together in fantastic detail, showing all the ups and downs of a noble marriage which just happens to be a love match. In a time when most women, even noble women, were looked on as mere possessions, Marshal truly loved his wife and listened to her opinions and ideas. The descriptions of their relationship are so touching and emotional. Not only do we see their life together with their children, we also see how the political struggles of the time affect the different members of the family. Ms. Chadwick is a master at taking people from a time very distant from our own and making them come alive for the reader. I absolutely loved William Marshal and his family and I hated King John for the constant grief he gave them. John really is a despicable and devious character and I hated him; he was truly evil. All the characters in the novel are very well developed and it really helps give you a better understanding of why a particular character behaved in a certain way (except of John of course). I actually enjoyed this novel better than its prequel (though I enjoyed that one immensely); I just felt that the plot here moved along a lot quicker and, in my opinion, contained quite a bit more action, though not in the form of numerous battles as you see in TGK. There was a lot more tension, suspense, and uncertainty in this part of Marshal's life so I am sure that plays a major part. I also really enjoyed how much of the story is told from Isabelle's perspective; it was fascinating to see how strong this lady was in the face of so much adversity.
I think one of the things that makes this book so outstanding is the wonderful blend of historical accuracy, amazing writing, love, honor, intrigue, and wonderful characters. I would recommend this to any reader as it is truly marvelous and one that shouldn't be missed. While this is a sequel to The Greatest Knight the two books can stand on their own...but really, who wouldn't want to read more about William Marshal?
Ms. Chadwick's next book To Defy a King is the story of William and Isabelle's daughter Mahelt.
This Day in History...
May 6, 1527 - Forces under Charles V sack Rome. Pope Clement VII manages to "escape" to Castel Sant'Angelo. This event caused major issues for Henry VIII.
May 6, 1536 - Henry VIII orders all churches to have a Bible printed in English.
May 6, 1861 - Richmond is named the new capital of the Confederate States of America.
May 6, 1937 - The Hindenburg, a German airship, catches fire and crashes while trying to dock at Lakehurst, New Jersey. 37 people were killed.
May 6, 1536 - Henry VIII orders all churches to have a Bible printed in English.
May 6, 1861 - Richmond is named the new capital of the Confederate States of America.
May 6, 1937 - The Hindenburg, a German airship, catches fire and crashes while trying to dock at Lakehurst, New Jersey. 37 people were killed.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
This Day in History...
May 5, 1215 - Rebel barons renounce their allegiance to King John. This is part of a chain of events that lead to the signing of the Magna Carta.
May 5, 1821 - Napoleon dies in exile on the island of Saint Helena.
May 5, 1821 - Napoleon dies in exile on the island of Saint Helena.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
This Day in History...
May 4, 1471 - The Yorkists, lead by Edward IV, defeat the Lancastrians at the Battle of Tewkesbury. This was the battle that effectively ended the Wars of the Roses (though most will say Henry VII did that by marrying Elizabeth of York). Edward, Prince of Wales, Henry VI and Margaret of Anjou's only child, was killed at the battle and is buried at Tewkesbury Abbey in Gloucester.
May 4, 1776 - Rhode Island becomes the first colony to renounce allegiance to King George III.
May 4, 1942 - The Battle of the Coral Sea began when the USS Yorktown attacked Japanese forces on the island of Tulagi.
May 4, 1776 - Rhode Island becomes the first colony to renounce allegiance to King George III.
May 4, 1942 - The Battle of the Coral Sea began when the USS Yorktown attacked Japanese forces on the island of Tulagi.
Monday, May 3, 2010
This Day in History...
May 3, 1152 - Matilda of Boulogne, wife of King Stephen, died at Hedingham Castle in Essex.
May 3, 1257 - Katherine, third and youngest daughter of Henry III, died at Windsor Castle.
May 3, 1937 - Gone with the Wind wins the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.
May 3, 1257 - Katherine, third and youngest daughter of Henry III, died at Windsor Castle.
May 3, 1937 - Gone with the Wind wins the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.
Mailbox Monday - May 3, 2010
Mailbox Monday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by Marcia at The Printed Page. It is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week (checked out library books don’t count). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists!Got a few this past week. Yay! I really need a new (and bigger) bookshelf!
Charlotte and Emily: A Novel of the Brontes, Jude MorganPicked this one up at Borders the day it was released. It came highly recommended so I am looking forward to delving into this one.
The Time Traveler's Guide to Medieval England, Ian MortimerHow could you pass up a book like this??? I didn't want to spend that much on a hardcover book but really, I just HAD to have it! This should come in handy actually for one of my WIPs.
Royal Blood, Bertram FieldsI have been waiting anxiously for this one and it finally arrived from Paperbackswap! I am so excited to read this!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
This Day in History...
May 2, 1536 - Anne Boleyn, along with 4 men, were sent to the Tower of London on trumped up charges of adultery and incest. She was executed 17 days later.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
This Day in History...
May Day - In England, middle and lower classes would gather flowers - ‘go a maying’ - and the prettiest village maid was crowned Queen of the May, celebrated with dancing around the maypole. The "festival" was originally Roman marking the beginning of summer.
May 1, 1118 – Edith of Scotland, Henry I's first wife, died at the Palace of Westminster. She is buried at Westminster Abbey.
May 1, 1464 - Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville secretly marry at Grafton Regis, Northamptonshire. This marriage would have grave consequences once it was announced in September.
May 1, 1707 - The countries of England and Scotland were finally united.
May 1, 1118 – Edith of Scotland, Henry I's first wife, died at the Palace of Westminster. She is buried at Westminster Abbey.
May 1, 1464 - Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville secretly marry at Grafton Regis, Northamptonshire. This marriage would have grave consequences once it was announced in September.
May 1, 1707 - The countries of England and Scotland were finally united.
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