Margaret of Anjou’s final will.
Margaret of Anjou made her final will on 2 August 1482. Margaret of Anjou had been Queen consort of England. A woman used to life in court and a role of significance. Even in her childhood,…
Plumpton Letter: The Earl of Shrewsbury to Sir Robert Plumpton
One consequence of the Wars of the Roses was the seizing of lands from those who had lost. In some cases, this was not done through legal channels. This resulted in good (or bad) lordship…
Sumptuary Laws: Gowns must Cover Buttocks and…
April 1463 parliament introduced Sumptuary Laws that were to come into effect on the feast of the purification of our Lady – which would be February 2nd – possibly 1465 as Parliament was prorogued a…
Populism and the Lancastrian Kings
Changes to the Lancastrian approach to kingship As the Lancastrian kings took and cemented their grip on the crown of England, they utilised populism as a tool to garner support and enhance their grip on…
Assets of William Colyngbourne
On 29 December 1484 a Commission was established to seize the assets of William Colyngbourne. On 18th July 1483, a rhyme had been pinned to the door of St. Paul’s Cathedral. It read: The Cat, The…
Regional feuds and violence of the 15th century
The Wars of the Roses saw major battles unseat kings and resulted in the deaths of leading magnates and thousands of men on the field and within routs. Those battles weren’t the only violent acts…
Richard 3rd Duke of York appoints himself as Constable of England
The role of Constable of England is one of the great offices of state. It was the most senior prosecutor in medieval England. As such, the position was given to nobles who were senior and…
Lambert Simnel crowned King in Dublin
Following Richard III’s death at the Battle of Bosworth, there were several rumours about the whereabouts and fates of important Yorkist children. These rumours provided hope and opportunity for Yorkist loyalists which led to Lambert…
Death of Isobel Ingoldisthorpe (Neville)
Isobel is an interesting example of how noblewomen conducted themselves and the role that society dictated for them. Upon her father’s death, she became an heiress of some value. She had been a ward of…
Edward V enters the Tower of London to prepare for his coronation
One of the most famous mysteries in English history began to take shape on 19th May 1483. Edward at the time was seen as King Edward V. He is more popularly remembered as being the…