Archives: Resources

    Dominic Mancini

    Dominic Mancini and ‘The usurpation of Richard III’ Not much is known about Dominic Mancini’s life; but he was probably born before 1434, and therefore somewhere around 50 when heRead More

    Major players in 1483

    Here are a few of the players that would play a leading role in the reigns of Edward V and Richard III. Below you’ll find:   Thomas Stanley, Earl ofRead More

    Polydore Vergil and Historia Anglia

    Polydore Vergil was a renaissance scholar, who wrote a history once much referred to in studies of Richard III. His text is now very much suspect and most historians agree has too many inaccuracies and biases to be relied on. None the less, it’s worth giving a bit of background about him – he was no mean scholar.
    But the main reason for the post is to give you all access to the text itself. This text is an extract from an edition which is now out of copyright. It was produced in 1844 for the Camden Society in 1844, edited by Sir Henry Ellis. I have further extracted the text covering the period from Edward IV to Richard III

    Crowland Chronicle

    The Crowland Chronicles and 1483 The Crowland Chronicles give one of the two most authoritative sources for the events of 1483 and indeed the reign of Richard III. Below isRead More

    The 1483 Timeline

     A nice and easy timeline for the dramatic events leading from the death of Edward IV to the coronation of Richard III.  Timeline of Events: April to July 1483 APRILRead More

    Leading Families in 1471

    The leading families and players had changed between 1450 and 1471; here’s a brief summary of the major families that would influence events under Edward IV and his successors. BelowRead More

    Letter of William de la Pole

    he contemporary verdict on William de la Pole, 1st Duke of Suffolk  (1396-1450) was a good deal harsher than the modern historian. At the time, William was hounded from officeRead More

    Maps: 1471

    In 1470, Henry VIth was back on the throne – in what was known as the Readeption. In 1471, Edward IVth landed at Ravenspur to reclaim this throne, while MargaretRead More

    Maps:1460-1461

    Below are 6 maps that cover the campaigns of 1460 to 1461. These are covered in episodes 169 and 170.     

    Regnal Lists: 1270-1500

    England’s point of  comparison was firmly in Western Europe by the high Middle Ages. And of course through this period, the new power of Burgundy played a critical role inRead More

    The power of propaganda

    Now those of you who have been with me for a while will know that I love Alfred as a brother. He is the greatest of English heroes; a manRead More

    Glossary of Medieval terms

    This is my best effort; but there are far better ones available done by folk who find more time that  – there’s one at NetSerf you can find by followingRead More

    Maps: 1455

    A couple of maps here; firstly, key events of the Wars of the Roses with their locations. Secondly, and simple map without the clutter, so you can see all thoseRead More

    Loyalty Ladder

    This is my attempt to give some idea of the orientation of some of the major peers during the wars of the roses. It is, I confess, deeply flawed. ItRead More

    The Peerage, 1450-1459

    This is a list of peers, drawn directly from the wonderful Wikipedia. It’s quite fun – helps you identify who’s who and all that. I commend it unto you.  Read More

    Some Major Families in 1450

    This is an attempt to give you a brief summary of the major families outside of the main antagonists, York and Lancaster, and where they stood at the start ofRead More

    Livery Badges

    Livery badges were terribly popular by the 15th century. Clouds of retainers followed the magnates about- and many would wear their lord’s favourite badge. Here are a few of themRead More

    Pictures to help you remember

    Here are Thom’s pictures; he draws them to help remember the chronology. I think they are terribly good – wish I could draw – so I put them here forRead More

    Maps: 1100 – 1300 Europe

    Here are maps of continental Europe you might find useful, and links to the relevant blog posts. Below we have: France Spain Germany and the Holy Roman Empire Italy FranceRead More

    Luise’s Companion to THoE

    Luise created all these files in her spare time – together they make the perfect companion to the History of England, to help you keep track and visualise what’s goingRead More

    The Last Will of Richard II

    The Last Will of King Richard II, 16 April 1399 In the name of the whole and undivided Trinity, Father and Son and Holy Spirit, of the most Blessed MotherRead More

    The Fieschi Letter

    This famous letter was written by Manuele de Fieschi, a sober Papal notary not given to telling porkies as far as we know. The letter appears to be genuine. ItRead More

    Statute of Winchester 1285

    The Statute gives an insight into problems Edward I faced with crime, and the halting steps taken to address it

    The Ordinances of 1311

    The attempt by the Barons to resolve differences they had Edward I and put an end to the crisis caused Piers Gaveston.

    The Coronation Oath of Edward II, 1308

    The oath is pretty standard; except ‘the just laws and customs that the community of your realm shall determine’. Now that’s very new – commitment to monarchy not monarch.

    Writ of summons to Parliament, 1295

    The parliament of 1295 was sandwiched between war with France and with Scotland, and the king needed money. Edward I was not above pushing the panic button and appealing to patriotism.

    The Story of Cynewulf, 755

    In 755, the Anglo Saxon Chronicle records the story Cynewulf, the King of Wessex, and his struggle for leadership with Cyneard and Sebright. It is the earliest piece of writtenRead More

    Letter of Anselm to Pope Paschal

    The relationship between Anselm and William Rufus was a difficult one; still two men more unlike you could hardly hope to meet. Anselm was ascetic, intellectual, hard working, conscientious andRead More

    The Treaty of Westminster, 1153

    By 1153, Stephen and Henry II had fought each other to a standstill. The basic terms of the final treaty had probably been in each parties’ mind, but it wasRead More