The Making of Henry V
In the early autumn of 1386, Henry Bolingbroke had cause for celebration. His beloved wife Mary had just given birth to his first son at Monmouth Castle in Wales. For this reason, the boy would… Read More »The Making of Henry V
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The Middle Ages
Imposter or Pretender?
In 1491, a well-dressed young man appeared at the port of Cork in Ireland claiming to be Richard of Shrewsbury, son of Edward IV and rightful king of England. Over the next few years, he… Read More »Imposter or Pretender?
The Legend of King Arthur
One of the most powerful and enduring legends in British culture is the story of King Arthur. Indeed, so captivating was this legend that Arthur’s story spread widely throughout medieval Europe. Not only British but… Read More »The Legend of King Arthur
The Medici – Part 2 – Machiavellian Intrigue
By the mid-C15th Florence had become the centre of an artistic, architectural, philosophical, and scientific golden age we now call the Renaissance. And all this had happened under the stewardship of one man, Cosimo de’… Read More »The Medici – Part 2 – Machiavellian Intrigue
The Medici and the Italian Renaissance – Part 1
As the C15th dawned, the Renaissance was on the brink of transforming Europe forever. It was a revolution in art, culture, and learning. The old Medieval world was slowly disappearing. In its place, a new,… Read More »The Medici and the Italian Renaissance – Part 1
Parliament and the Birth of Democracy
Modern British democracy was born in the medieval parliament. However, in their nascent form, early parliaments were very far from democratic. Indeed, originally, they weren’t even called ‘Parliament’. Instead, they began life as the… Read More »Parliament and the Birth of Democracy
Henry IV Part 2 – The Founding of a Dynasty
It was 22nd July 1403. Henry IV had just won the battle of Shrewsbury. He had been in power for less than four years and already endured considerable dissent and rebellion. Nevertheless, in defeating Hotspur… Read More »Henry IV Part 2 – The Founding of a Dynasty
Henry IV Part 1 – The Elected King
Henry IV became king in the autumn of 1399 after the violent overthrow of Richard II. At the time he assumed the throne with huge popular support. However, much of this support was born… Read More »Henry IV Part 1 – The Elected King
The Assassins and the Old Man of the Mountain
In 1295 Marco Polo returned to Europe. Amongst the many remarkable stories of his adventures, the legend of the Assassins is perhaps the most extraordinary. A fanatical order Whilst travelling east, following the silk road… Read More »The Assassins and the Old Man of the Mountain
Robin Hood Part 3 – Rebel Turned Robber
Who was Robin Hood? Was he a real person, or just a myth? Medieval accounts are surprisingly consistent in what they say about when Robin Hood lived. They all agree that Robin Hood was an… Read More »Robin Hood Part 3 – Rebel Turned Robber