112 thoughts on “INTERVIEW WITH PRISCILLA ROYAL”

1. Oh, a fascinating interview, Sharon. I really enjoyed the discussion of antisemitism in the Medieval Ages and how you need to balance the right attitudes between different characters, especially in regards to their faith.
   Today, the Disaster of the White Ship took place, leading to the Anarchy. The Battle of Montgisard took place, where Baldwin IV ‘the Leper’ of Jerusalem won a great victory over Saladin, despite being outnumbered some 5-to-1. Lastly, Elizabeth of York was crowned Queen of England today, more than a year after her marriage and two years after Henry VII [VIII] was.

2. Thank you, Sharon, for this interview, and thank you, Priscilla, for creating these characters. I’ve read all your books and have enjoyed them thoroughly. If anyone here hasn’t read them yet, you are in for a treat. Let that TBR pile grow by leaps and bounds as you add these wonderful books.

3. Wow, what an amazing interview……interesting, thought-provoking, riveting….& that’s just the interview. Can hardly wait to read the book! I made a note of it awhile back when you mentioned it in a post, Sharon. That must be when I discovered The Lady Killers. So thank you both.

4. Great interview Sharon. One day I hope and aspire to being interviewed by you about by debut novel (of the century!).
   Koby, I’m sure that I’m not the only fan of Sharon who is entirely intrigued by you. You seem young; a chaplain in the army, yet with an unparalleled knowledge of historical events. Are you the reincarnation of one of the Chroniclers we all study.. perhaps Matthew Paris or Froissart? Perhaps (and I hope so), you are chronicling the present day events for future historians to study? Please don’t ruin your eyesight by writing on parchment or velum well into the night with only a small candle for light! Get yourself a Mac!

5. “Intrigued” does not mirror the level of my curiosity when Koby is concerned, Ken. I’m just too well-behaved to openly ask all the questions “thronging” in my head:-) But seriously, Koby I’m so happy to hear that you are safe. Each time I try to visualize life in a war zone my imagination fails me. I’m really lucky to live where I live, after all 🙂
   Sharon and Priscilla, I really enjoyed the interview, and I do agree with Koby about the question of antisemtism. Very interesting indeed.

6. We really ought to form a Koby fan club to honor our very own mysterious young chronicler. And I’d love to interview you when Othon’s book comes out, Ken; not sure about Angelique, though.
   I finished The Sanctity of Hate late last night, and think Priscilla did an excellent job of showing medieval Anti-semitism in all of its ugly complexity. I tried very hard to capture the cruelty while rooting it in a medieval context in Falls the Shadow, especially in the confrontation between Simon de Montfort and Rabbi Jacob and his son.
   Here is today’s Facebook Note; better late than never, right?
   For me, one of the most significant events of the MA occurred on November 25th, 1120, when the White Ship sank just outside the harbor at Barfleur after its drunken crew steered it onto a rock. It was estimated that 300 passengers were drowned, the only survivor being a butcher’s apprentice from Rouen. Most of the passengers were highborn and included the only legitimate son and heir of King Henry I. The consequences of this tragedy would be enormous, for Henry’s attempt to sire a son with his second wife failed and he then attempted to name his daughter Maude as his heiress. The result would be a civil war that caused great suffering to the English for almost two decades. As we know, Maude’s son ended the civil war and was crowned in 1154, the first king of the dynasty that would later be known as the Plantagenets. A sobering thought (no pun intended) to think that if the White Ship crew hadn’t been hitting the wine casks, there would likely never have been a Plantagenet dynasty. (That sound you just heard is my gasp of horror) At the risk of sounding sadistic, I enjoyed writing about the sinking of the White Ship; writers are addicted to high drama. Here are the closing paragraphs of my account in When Christ and His Saints Slept.
   * * *
   During the night, fog swept in from the west,, patches of ghostly grey lying low along the horizon. Sometimes he slept. Or did he? His thoughts were rambling, confused. He would not always remember where he was or why he was suffering so. Why was the Almighty taking so long to bring him home?
   When he heard the voices, muffled and distorted in the fog, he felt a weary wonderment that his ordeal was over, that God’s good angels were coming for him at last. But they came not in winged chariots, as the priests had taught. Instead, they glided out of the fog in a small fishing craft, its hull painted yellow and black, its single sail as bright as blood.
   Berold tried to yell; it emerged as a hoarse croak. But they’d already seen him, were dipping their oars into the sea. And then they were alongside and one of the men had nimbly scrambled out onto the mast, was cutting him loose, and Berold realized that for him, salvation had come in the unlikely guise of three Breton fishermen. He had been spared to bear witness, to tell the world that the White Ship had gone down off Barfleur Point, with the loss of the English king’s son and all aboard, save only a butcher’s lad from Rouen.
   * * *
   There were a few other events worth mentioning on this date. In 1177, the young Leper King Baldwin of Jerusalem defeated Saladin at the battle of Montgisard. And in 1487, Henry Tudor finally got around to crowning his queen, Elizabeth of York, my “Bess” in Sunne in Splendour. But for me, everything else pales in comparison to the loss of the White Ship, for had it not happened, I’d still be doing penance for my sins, otherwise known as practicing law, instead of getting to write about the Yorkists, Welsh princes, and my Angevins. and also getting to interact with my wonderful readers on Facebook, my blog, and Goodreads. I am sure it would be no consolation to those tragic souls who went down on the White Ship, but they did not die in vain!

7. Let’s hear it for wine casks on White Ships!! And Sharon, while you would have been doomed to a life of repentance, think of the ramifications for all of us who would have been denied the pleasure of this great adventure.

8. “To stumble upon a novel by SK Penman will be an awfully big adventure!”
   Just had to say this—-I’ve always loved that Peter Pan line (from movie or book?) & love it even more modified.

9. Thank you all for those kind words about the interview! Now I am off to reread Sharon’s description of the sinking of the white ship…oh maybe just reread the whole book. There is no way I can read just one page!

10. Sharon, I agree wholeheartedly with what you say about Priscilla’s characters. You see deep inside them and feel their anguish and joy and every other emotion under the sun. I keep typing more but I don’t want to give away anything from Priscilla’s earlier novels, so I keep deleting what I write. Everyone should read them so I can talk about all the things in them that I love.

11. Thanks, Joan; I’m always happy to be linked in any way with Peter Pan! And on a related topic, I loved Johny Depps Neverland.
    Today’s Facebook Note.
    November 26th, 1252 was the date of death at age 64 of Blanche of Castile, daughter of Alfonso and Leonora, and therefore granddaughter of our Henry and Eleanor. After Richard’s death, Eleanor traveled to Castile to bring back one of her granddaughters to marry the son of the French king Philippe. She chose Blanche, then Blanca, over her elder sister, Urraca, supposedly because the latter’s name was too “foreign.” But that was definitely an excuse, a means of saving the elder girl’s pride, for it was common for a young bride to change a foreign name to one more familiar to her new subjects. Eleanor’s other granddaughter Richenza became known as Matilda after she was raised at Henry’s court. In my books, however, I kept her as Richenza, for I already had too many Matildas; what I wouldn’t have given to rename a few of the Henrys and Williams! Blanche became Queen of France and after her husband’s death, she acted as regent for her son, the future St Louis. She was clearly a woman of ability and courage and ambition, but she’s never been a favorite of mine. She was also the Mother-in-law from Hell, making life difficult for Louis and his young queen Marguerite, who was one of the four famous sisters of Provence, all of whom wed kings. But she deserves credit for all she did to secure her son’s throne. And in all honesty, Eleanor was not a warm and loving mother-in-law, either.
    November 26th, 1504 was the death date for the controversial Isabella, Queen of Castile, whose reputation has been tarnished by her association with the Inquisition. She is also linked with Christopher Columbus, and she was the mother of Katherine of Aragon and Juana la Loca, neither of whom had very happy lives. C.W. Gortner has written about Isabella in The Queen’s Vow. I haven’t had a chance to read it yet because of my Ransom deadline. But I did read Christopher’s novels about Juana la Loca and another controversial queen, Catherine de Medici, and enjoyed them both very much. So The Queen’s Vow is on my TBR pile, which is looking alarmingly like the Leaning Tower of Pisa these days.

12. Ah, I see Sharon has once again preempted me, but I do not begrudge her that, as my tardiness came from my service, which I greatly enjoy.
    Oh, you’re all making me blush! Please, to quote a book I once read: “Sage? I’m a mere dabbler and an inveterate reader, ’tis all.” There is no need to create a fan club for me; I am well content in my position, and my only real desire in this setting is to have the joy of hosting Sharon and showing her around should she come to Israel to do research on Balian d’Ibelin. And Kasia, if you have questions, ask away! I do not promise to answer everything, but I will do my best to satisfy your curiosity, as well as that of anyone else here.

13. I have often referred to Koby on Sharon’s Facebook page as the “too good to be true” Koby, and to be honest, have questioned if he is a real person. Have wondered, if he is a “real boy” (to quote Disney’s version of Pinnochio). 🙂 🙂

14. Neverland is exquisite. So talented & diversified is Depp & when paired with the likes of Winslet, Brando, Binoche, Bonham Carter, DiCaprio, Ryder, etc, great cinema.

15. Blush away Koby….you are brilliant!

16. I’ve read them, all and I am so happy that there will be a new one to read!

17. Sharon, on a medical note, this may interest you because you’ve been researching the subject of PTSS (is it syndrome or disorder?), there’s going to be a discussion on Charlie Rose with his brain experts, on the 12th episode of their “brain series”. He didn’t give a date for it, but the program can always be accessed after airing.

18. Thanks, Joan. I definitely would like to hear that show. I wanted to ask you something, but I don’t have your e-mail address. Can you e-mail me via the Contact Sharon section on my website? Thanks!

19. It’s sent Sharon.

20. Today’s Facebook Note.
    On November 27, 1095, Pope Urban called for a crusade to rescue Jerusalem from the infidels, which led to the First Crusade and the deaths of thousands of people—not only all who died during this initial foray to the Holy Land, but all who died in subsequent crusades. There is disagreement about how many crusades there were; some say seven, others nine. The first was the most successful in military terms, for they managed to capture Jerusalem; it was also the bloodiest, resulting in the brutal massacres of noncombatants in the captured cities. The second was a fiasco, probably better known for what did or did not happen between Eleanor and her uncle in Antioch. The third is the most famous because of the two larger than life commanders who captured the public imagination, in their time and in succeeding centuries—Saladin and the Lionheart. The fourth ended with a shameful assault upon the city of Constantinople, so they never even got to the Holy Land. The fifth has been largely forgotten, from 1217-122. The sixth involved the Emperor Frederick II, who was excommunicated at the time and who pragmatically struck a deal with the Saracens that enabled him to assume control of the Holy City instead of fighting for it; Henry III’s brother, Richard of Cornwall, also took part in this one. The seventh was another failure, resulting in the capture of the French king, Louis IX, son of Blanche in yesterday’s Facebook Note, later canonized by the Catholic Church. Twenty-some years later, Louis gave it another shot; this ill-advised venture ended in his death in Tunisia. Some historians count Edward I’s unsuccessful campaign against the brutal Sultan Baibars in 1271-1272; my readers will remember this one for the unsuccessful attempt upon Edward’s life by one of the storied Assassins. In-between the organized blood-letting, there were minor skirmishings and the infamous Children’s Crusade of 1212, in which children of France and Germany were said to have spontaneously vowed to liberate the Holy Land. As you’d expect, that did not end well. In recent years, some historians have cast doubts upon the story, and it is hard not to hope they are right.. Dante placed the belligerent troubadour Bertran de Born in one of his circles of Hell for stirring up strife between Henry and his sons. I’m sure it never occurred to Dante, but I’d have put Pope Urban in one of those circles, too. Here is the link to a funny website envisioning historical events through the prism of Facebook. Both Richard and the Saracens “unfriend” the Pope, but of course he perseveres; sadly, medieval popes always did. http://coolmaterial.com/roundup/if-historical-events-had-facebook-statuses-part-2/
    And on November 27th, 1198, one of the more interesting and admirable women of the MA died in Palermo at the age of forty-four, Constance de Hauteville, aunt to Joanna’s husband, King William, and unhappy wife to Richard’s nemesis, the emperor Heinrich. We all know about Eleanor’s rebellion against Henry. Few know that Constance courageously took part in a rebellion against Heinrich for the most honorable of reasons—to spare her beloved Sicily any more suffering under Heinrich’s iron rule. I have written a short story—yes, me—about Constance, which is to appear in the George RR Martin anthology, Dangerous Women, but unfortunately it has been delayed and I have no idea when the anthology will see the light of day.

21. On November 28th, 1170, the brilliant Welsh leader, Owain Gwynedd, also called Owain Fawr, Owain the Great, died at age 70. His most capable and gifted son, the poet-prince Hywel ab Owain, expected to succeed him, but sadly he was ambushed and killed by his treacherous half-brothers Davydd and Rhodri. I got even with Davydd by making him the villain of the piece in my mystery, Dragon’s Lair, but the death of Hywel was a great blow to the Welsh. Fortunately Owain’s grandson Llywelyn ab Iorwerth would soon be blazing like a comet across the skies of Wales and in 1194, the 21 year old Llywelyn defeated Davydd and sent him off into English exile.
    On November 28th, 1290, Edward I’s queen, Eleanora of Castile, died at age 49. Her grieving husband set up the beautiful Eleanor crosses in her memory. That romantic gesture and the legend that she’d sucked the poison from Edward’s wound when he was attacked by an Assassin with a poisoned dagger have made Eleanora popular with the general public, but she was not so popular in her own time, having earned herself a reputation for avarice. We do know that she was dearly loved by the honorable Othon, though, and maybe Ken will consider posting something on Othon’s behalf about the lady he discreetly worshipped from a distance?
    Lastly, Henry Tudor and Elizabeth of York’s daughter Margaret was born on this date in 1489; she would later marry the King of Scotland, but her life was not a particularly happy one, and worse was to come. The screen writers of The Tudors erased her from the Tudor family tree; or so I’ve been told by friends who watched that fantasy series.

22. At Sharon’s request, just a short note to add what I know about Eleanor and Othon’s relationship.
    Although there is no mention of Othon’s presence at Edward and Eleanor’s wedding in Spain in 1254, we do know that Othon was introduced into Edward’s household in 1249-50 and that Edward was accompanied by his mother, Archbishop Boniface (a Savoyard, like Othon), Edmund and ‘several of his household.’ It is reasonably safe to assume that Othon was present and it was there that he first saw (and I say) fell in love with Eleanor of Castile.
    There are extant records that show that Eleanor regarded Othon with high esteem, particularly for his part in saving Edward’s life following the assassin’s attack with a poisoned dagger, while they were all in the Holy Land together. Earlier, in 1266, Eleanor had recognised Othon’s service to her husband in the battles of Lewes and Evesham with grants of land and houses and sums of money, which eventually led him to become one of the richest men in England.
    Sharon is right to say that in her time, Eleanor was not generally popular and was accused of unjust enrichment of herself. Much of Eleanor’s property and wealth did come from the confiscated lands of the ‘disinherited’ after Evesham and from lands or manors acquired by usury of Jews. This gave cause to a campaign of ‘outcry and gossip’ throughout England, so much so that Archbishop Pecham wrote to her thus; “For God’s sake, Lady, when you receive land or manor acquired by usury from Jews, take heed that usury is a mortal sin to those who take the usury and those who support it….you must therefore return the things thus acquired to the Christians who have lost them .. My Lady knows that I am telling you the lawful truth and if anyone gives you to understand anything else he is a heretic.”
    A contemporary doggerel put the case thus:
    “The king would like to get our gold,
    The queen our manors fair to hold.”
    Though her holdings and the means by which she acquired them are undoubtedly true, later historians have not placed the blame on her perceived avarice, but on a systematic exploitation of the Jews by Edward to provide a means of channelling Jewish wealth to Eleanor and thus to himself. As Lisa Hilton has put it: “Between …1275 and 1290, when they (the Jews) were expelled (by Edward) from England, the Jews were Eleanor’s moneybox.”
    There is of course little or nothing in writing of the time which could point towards there being love and mutual affection between Othon and Eleanor (apart from the gifts mentioned above and I have had to invent what will eventually appear in my book. I think however that the pilgrimage he made to Jerusalem to pray for her soul as described by Esther Clifford in the only ‘complete’ biography of Othon, is what pointed me in this direction:
    “Although he must postpone the day when he should approach the Holy City at the head of a victorious army, he could still go as a pilgrim, his battered armour exchanged for a cowl and his tall charger for a humble ass. Neither Christian nor Saracen had yet reached the stage of evolution where total war was taken for granted and, and on the roads through the sultan’s dominions, lines of captives from the fallen Christian towns crossed groups of pilgrims passing unmolested on their way……. He was acting as an emissary (from Edward), for news had reached him while he was still in Acre, that in the autumn of 1290, Eleanor, Edward’s chere reine, had died. Edward was inconsolable and Othon not only sympathised with his friend’s sorrow, but mourned the queen on his own account, for everyone seems to have loved her. She in turn had a particular regard for him, perhaps as the bachelor friend of Edwards … …whom she had trusted to draw up the marriage contracts of her daughters and to give her details of her future sons-in-law, of the greatest interest to a happy wife and loving mother…. One of her last acts had been to grant him some of the houses in London that had come to her after the expulsion of the Jews in 1290 and in her will she left him two of her manors, Ditton in Cambridgeshire and Turweston in Buckinghamshire….”
    So, I believe that Othon loved Eleanor throughout her life and was devoted to her protection (I will write later of his help to her after he is ordered by Edward to avoid captivity at the battle of Lewes in order to go and safeguard Eleanor). What cannot be contested is that Edward loved Eleanor and she in turn loved him. They must have had a very healthy relationship, for she bore him sixteen children!
    Finally, and perhaps in recognition that she bore some of the blame for the means by which she had acquired her wealth, Eleanor, on her deathbed, requested that all the wrongs done in her name be righted. Rest in Peace.

23. Oh, beautiful, Ken! That was absolutely wonderful. And while Sharon has once again posted before me, I will mention that today the Council of Clermont ended, with Pope Urban II appointing Bishop Adhemar and Raymond IV of Toulouse to lead the First Crusade, Skanderbeg became lord of Kruja, raising for the first time the flag of Albania, which is still used to this day, and Magellan reached the Pacific Ocean. Also, yesterday William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway received their marriage license. It is worth noting that they were allowed to marry despite the marriage banns being read only once – but their daughter was born in May, which explains it.

24. Ken, I do agree with Koby! Wonderful! As for Eleanor and Edward, it is the truth universally acknowledged (:-)) that they were devoted to each other, but do you think they truly did not care much for their children? They are often accused of indifference. How then can we explain Eleanor’s most poignant gesture, namely Alfonso’s heart buried with her? Perhaps he was just her favourite child? Judging by his name and the memories of her dear homeland it probably evoked, he might have been. I haven’t read Marc Morris’ biography of Edward so far (but I do remember you have found it excellent and absolutely a must-read :-)), but perhaps he has undertaken the subject?
    Sharon, Joan, Stephanie, Koby, sorry for not writing these days, but in Poland family members live very close to each other (often in the same house) and I’m spending my free time helping my sister (who, as it happens, is my closest neighbour:-)) with her brand new baby (my second nephew), who was born last week. Plus my spoilt children plus work plus housekeeping… I’m ending up in bed at 09.00 p.m. totally exhausted! Happy auntie, that’s me 🙂 Wish me luck so I could survive.

25. Kasia, it’s hard to know. I guess that because Alphonso lived to be 10 or 11, he had developed a more mature personality than his siblings who had died at a younger age and certainly he was considered by his parents to be the heir apparent. They were maybe more able to closely relate to him as an adolescent and were more able to understand the coming man rather than the child. His death at his age must have come as an enormous shock!

26. Do I detect an Austen fan, or at least a Pride & Prejudice junkie here? Kasia, I was just at the Polish deli in the market, buying all kinds of delicious things & thought of you. It’s one of my fave places to browse & always come away with more than I intended. Unlike you, I love cooking & will make a lovely soup tomorrow, among other things. Lucky you, a brand new baby to kiss & cuddle. Your children must adore him. Congratulations to all.
    Sharon, that site you posted the other day is so funny….I’ll have to check it out every so often. Mmmm, Dangerous Women! That will be interesting….wonder how many in the anthology?
    Ken, well now I see where Othon fits in….I didn’t know who he was. Looking forward to reading the novel one day.
    Oh, & if you are a fan of Austen, Kasia, “Lost in Austen” is fantastic…..can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched it! Very clever!

27. Ken, that was a wonderful post. Thank you.
    Here is today’s Facebook Note.
    I am happy to announce that Academic Travel has set up a website for next year’s Ricardian tour and they are accepting reservations. Space is limited, so if you are interested in going, do contact them soon. Here is the link to the website. http://skp0913.com/ The tour will cover ten days in all, eight days for the tour itself and two for travel, from September 7th until the 16th, and we will be visiting all of the places most closely connected with Richard: York, Middleham, Bosworth Field, Leicester, Ludlow Castle, Tewkesbury abbey and the battlefield, Windsor Castle, and ending our stay in London, where we will be visiting the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and Crosby Hall, which was Richard’s townhouse. We will have local guides at each stop and we will be meeting historians and archaeologists, including Philippa Langley, who was one of those most closely involved in the Leicester Dig that resulted in the discovery of Richard’s remains—yes, I am that sure the DNA will confirm it! You can find all the details of the tour at the afore-mentioned website. We had a wonderful time during our Eleanor tour last year and I fully expect lightning to strike twice. Richard deserves no less.
    And on this day in history, some interesting deaths to report. On November 29th, 1314, Philippe The Fair, King of France died; Philippe was a nasty piece of work, with the blood of the Templars and countless French Jews on his hands. And in 1330, Queen Isabella’s lover, Roger Mortimer was executed for treason. Lastly, in 1530, Cardinal Wolsey died on his way to London to answer a charge of treason. He could have expected no mercy from his master, Henry VIII, for Henry was particularly vengeful to those who’d fallen from his royal favor, so Wolsey’s death surely saved him more suffering.

28. Kasia, I am tired for you! I kind of feel like I have the same type of day recently, but for different reasons! There is always far too much to accomplish in a day. I only snuck on here to say ‘hi’ because I’m waiting for my kitchen floor to dry after mopping it. I figure my floors should be mopped once or twice a year whether they need it or not. 😉

29. Oh, and congratulations to your sister, Kasia!

30. And today, I am posting before Sharon! More importantly, though, Roger Mortimer Earl of March, Isabella of France’s lover and co-conspirator was executed, and Lionel of Antwerp (through whom came the Yorkist claim to the throne) was born. Coincidentally, his daughter Phillipa (through whom the Yorkist claim to the throne came – her great-grandson was Duke Richard of York) married Roger’s grandson.

31. Actually I beat you to it, Koby, but it was snagged in the Awaiting Moderation trap; how bad is it when my own posts get flagged as suspicious? I am going to set it free now. I didn’t mention Lionel of Antwerp, though.

32. I’ll call it a flawless moral victory then. Or the triumph of technology over timeliness.
    Also, Kasia, I forgot to say congratulations on having a new nephew! I hope all your family is very happy.

33. Re Stephanie’s mopping the floor twice a year, whether it needs it or not, I posted a question recently on FB without a completely convincing answer in return:
    “I live in a really nice (modern) house, in a quiet cul-de-sac, with no through traffic and very few cars, surrounded by lawns, bushes and trees. So where does all this *****y dust come from?”
    Perhaps you can tell me….?

34. Stephanie, be grateful you don’t live in the city like me (a residential area, but still). I gave up on keeping up with the stuff that seems to pour in thru the windows. I figure if I can get a good crosswind, with all windows open, it’ll just blow right back out again!

35. Kasia, congratulations on your new nephew.
    Today’s Facebook Note.
    All of the people I write about took the day off on November 30th. But there were two non-medieval deaths worth mentioning. On November 30, 1705, Catherine of Braganza, the much put-upon queen of Charles II, died. I always felt sympathy for Catherine. Deeply pious, this convent-bred bride was never at home in England, distrusted for her Catholic faith and scorned for her inability to give Charles an heir. Charles, of course, was probably the greatest womanizer ever to sit on the English throne; sorry to deny you the laurels, Edward IV. (And yes, Henry I sired over 21 illegitimate children, but I think he cared only about the sex; the women were merely the means to an end. Whereas I think Charles and Edward genuinely liked the ladies.) Catherine had to accept the presence at his court of her husband’s favorites, which had to be painful as well as humiliating, for she seems to have developed real feeling for the charming, lusty, and good-humored man she’d married. Charles became fond of her, too, not enough to “stay faithful to his marriage bed,” as they phrased it in the MA, but enough to try to protect her from the hostility of his more rabidly anti-Catholic subjects; he also intervened whenever a royal mistress was too disrespectful of his long-suffering queen. He refused to put her aside even after it became obvious she would never give him an heir, in kindly contrast to Henry Bluebeard Tudor. Of course it could be argued that in sparing Catherine’s feelings, he did his country no favors, for England would surely have been better off without the kingship of his inept, idiot brother, James. Catherine survived Charles by twenty years, remaining in England instead of returning to Portugal. She is said to have been the one who introduced tea drinking to the British public, thus inadvertently contributing to the causes of the American Revolution—remember the Boston Tea Party, people? The New York City borough of Queens is named after her, as she was the queen at the time of its founding—or so says Wikipedia.
    And on November 30th, 1910, the man I consider the greatest American writer, Mark Twain, died. His last years were filled with sorrow and bitterness and I think he was probably glad to go. RIP, Mark. I think you would be pleased to know that you are just as esteemed in our time as you were in your own.

36. In Priya Parmar’s “Exit the Actress”, (so far the only book I’ve read about Charles 2nd, but not the last), we get a good sense of what Catherine had to put up with. The worst for her had to have been the despicable, grasping Barbara Villiers, Lady Castlemaine “The King’s Whore”, whose proclivity for procreation had to be the twisting of the dagger in Catherine’s heart. Hated the woman! And if there’s a place out there somewhere, Catherine gets the last laugh!

37. Joan, Sharon has recommended that same book very highly, but it’s never made it to my “currently reading” list.
    I just commented on Facebook that I recommend a series called “The First Churchills” if it can even be found any more. It deals only a little with Charles and then moves on to James, William & Mary and finally Anne, but it is a very well done series and very interesting.
    As to my dirty floors, dust and such, I say “whether it needs it or not” very tongue in cheek. I live in the heart of Minneapolis / St. Paul and dust and air pollution is the bane of my existence as well. Sigh. I’m not the tidiest housekeeper in the world, but I do know to keep on top of things or else it gets too chaotic! My husband comes from a Dutch ethnic background and his mother was a “white glove” housekeeper (i.e. spotless at any time of day). I can’t compete with that!
    By the way, if any of you were wondering, the name “Ling” is not Chinese. 🙂 It’s actually English (we think it’s another word for heather or gorse) though that part of my husband’s ancestry is in the minority to his Dutch heritage. He’s 6′ 2″ and sandy blonde.

38. Stephanie, it’s thanks to Sharon that I picked up the book & it’s a delicious “first” novel of Parmar…..a unique style & just so good! Loved it! I’ll have to check out your suggestion online.
    My mom is Dutch & quite the opposite of what you’ve described. We were 7 kids in a matchbox of a house & I think she just gave up….so we eventually took over for her. She was a seamstress (not for $$$)….today she’d be called a fashion designer. Sewed everything from winter coats to wedding gowns to suits to frilly dresses for 6 girls, & even helped fill the Red Cross’ quotas for home-sewn baby items. She was happiest dreaming up new creations.
    When my 5’3″ daughter (who always “felt” tall….she’s a spirited redhead!) visited a college in Holland some years back (her friend was reconnecting with his buddies), she was astounded at the great height of most of the group…starting at 6’4″!! I’m the only one in my family who has the tall-ish gene, though by today’s standards not that tall. And luckily my son got it too, same height as your husband.

39. My husband says he was nowhere near the tallest in his class (which was full of Dutch folk (at least within a generation or two at most of WWII immigrants) at his 6’2″. (He’s from SW MN and there are several such pockets in small communities down there.)

40. Sharon, Sam Clemens (Mark Twain) was born on November 30, 1835. His death took place on April 21, 1910. His Autobiography (1 volume of 3 published so far) is very interesting reading, including discussion of his friendships with U.S. Grant and the young Helen Keller. Interesting that Stephanie mentions “The First Churchills” above, since Winston was also born on 30 November, 39 years after Clemens.

41. Interesting posts, as always.
    Today’s Facebook Note.
    December 1st was not a lucky day for the following people. On this date in 1135, King Henry I died, a death that would set off nineteen wretched years for the English people, a time when they said “Christ and his saints slept.” Apparently the story that he died of “a surfeit of lampreys” may just be a legend; too bad, for I rather liked that one. He did, however, die after feasting upon lampreys, which his doctors had forbidden.
    Also on December 1st, 1170, Thomas Becket returned to Canterbury after a six year exile in France. He wasted no time in infuriating his king again, and the clock began ticking toward his desired martyrdom on December 29th. Can I prove he sought martyrdom? No, but as a former lawyer, I think I could make a convincing case based on the evidence—his insistence upon excommunicating the Archbishop of York and the bishops of London and Salisbury, knowing full well that he’d be flinging a torch into the hayrick of Henry’s Angevin temper; his refusal to compromise; then his refusal to flee from the four knights who would slay him, even though his monks, aware that he was in great danger, pleaded with him to do so. Instead, he confronted and taunted the knights, and so gained immortality for himself and put Henry in an impossible position. I can’t say he anticipated being made a saint, but it may have crossed his mind, knowing how shocked Christendom would be by the murder of an archbishop in his own cathedral. I doubt that he’d have been pleased that Henry managed to wriggle out of the trap and his killers were subjected only to the penance of a pilgrimage. And since there is no evidence that Becket had an appreciation for irony, he probably would not have been amused that the reason his killers escaped punishment was because he’d refused to accept Henry’s attempt to reform the law with the Constitutions of Clarendon. As I had Henry say in Time and Chance, “The ultimate absurdity of this, Ranulf, is that their crime is one the Church would deny me the right to punish. Thomas insisted unto his final breath that only the Church could judge the offenses of men in holy orders and any crimes committed against them.” Since all the Angevins had a strong sense of irony, we can safely say that Henry took some grim amusement from that.
    And on December 1st, 1235, Isabella, the daughter of King John and Isabelle d’Angouleme, sister of Henry III, died in childbirth at the age of twenty-seven; the baby died, too. She’d been wed six years earlier to Frederick II, the brilliant, controversial Holy Roman Emperor, and had given him two children. Frederick was said to be fond of his beautiful young English wife, but her brother Henry was not happy that she was kept so secluded, rarely appearing in public. We do not know how Isabella felt about any of this–the match with Frederick or his harem or the luxurious, isolated life she led as his empress. Women’s voices were rarely recorded throughout most of history.

42. Thank you all for your kind words! My nephew is fine, although I’m not sure whether he will manage to survive his elder brother’s fits of jealousy 🙂
    Sharon, fascinating note! I love the scene in Time and Chance when John of Salisbury comes to plead with Hal in Thomas’s name. Just a much-telling insight into the two men, the one-time chancellor and his one-time ward’s mutual relations or rather what’s left.
    As for yesterday’s anniversaries, also Louis le Gross of France was born in 1081. What a coincidence, for in 1119, he and Henry I would meet at Bremule, the king of England winning the decisive victory. Interestingly, in the battle only a few knights died, as the twelfth century warrior was more concerned to capture- and thus profit from ransoms- than to kill. In his excellent Tournament Professor David Crouch draws attention to the comic accent that occurred in the course of the preliminary stage of the battle and was later described by Louis the Fat’s first biographer, Abbot Suger. Louis VI of France offered to fight Henry I in person. In the twelfth century warfare the idea of a heroic single combat was a common one. Individuals were ready to take up the challenge and responsibility in order to avoid greater losses and settle the dispute even before the fighting in serious began. Louis was ready to take up such responsibility and proposed to fight between the two armies, but Henry refused. If he had agreed they were to fight “separated by a swift stream and a rickety plank bridge” (Tournament, p. 5), the thought that their armies found highly amusing, for both kings were rather stout men, and who knows what would have happened if they fought on the bridge:-)

43. As for today’s anniversaries, Robert of Torigni gives the 2nd of December 1156 as the day when Henry and Eleanor’s eldest son, William died, aged three. The princeling was later burried at Reading Abbey, at the feet of his great-grandfather, Henry I (the abbey’s founder). I was reading about Henry I yesterday and thanks to Henry of Huntingdon I’ve learnerd that the king was known for “the great delight in his grandchildren, born of his daughter by the Count of Anjou”. Quite an unexpected trait in sometimes ruthless king:-) They two-year-old Henry and one-year-old Geoffrey were probably with him in the last moments of his life, at least this is how I have understood it 🙂
    I wish you all beautiful Sunday! It’s frosty and freezing here, in Poland, but for me, being allergic to almost everything, it’s perfect:-)

44. Kasia, what a great post about Henry I and Louis of France. I hadn’t heard that story. Coincidentally, I just did a scene in Ransom in which the French had offered to settle their differences with five champions on each side. Richard said that would be fine with him–with one stipulation, that he and Philippe be two of the champions. The French dropped that idea like the proverbial hot potato.
    I think Robert de Torigny made one of his rare mistakes here, for the generally accepted date for the death of Henry and Eleanor’s first son is in the summer of 1156. It is interesting to think how history might have been changed had he lived.

45. PS Kasia, I liked the Bremule story so much that I am pinching it for Facebook, today being a slow news day, with credit to you, of course.

46. Here is today’s Facebook Note. As you can see, Kasia, it is very Kasia-centric!
    December 2nd was another slow news day in the medieval world. But yesterday my Polish friend Kasia had an interesting post on my blog, and so I am “borrowing” it today. She says that prior to the battle of Bremule in 1119 (which would be won decisively by Henry),
    “Louis VI of France offered to fight Henry I in person. In the twelfth century warfare the idea of a heroic single combat was a common one. Individuals were ready to take up the challenge and responsibility in order to avoid greater losses and settle the dispute even before the fighting in serious began. Louis was ready to take up such responsibility and proposed to fight between the two armies, but Henry refused. If he had agreed they were to fight “separated by a swift stream and a rickety plank bridge” (Tournament, p. 5), the thought that their armies found highly amusing, for both kings were rather stout men, and who knows what would have happened if they fought on the bridge:-)” The cite is to David Crouch’s excellent book.
    Coincidentally, I just finished a scene in Ransom in which the French suggested that they settle their differences with the English by having five champions fight for each side. Richard said he’d be delighted to do that, on one condition—that he and Philippe be two of the champions. The French then dropped that idea like the proverbial hot potato.
    Last week, I mentioned that Lionheart will be available in paperback in the UK and Down Under at the end of December. Today my American paperback publisher would like me to remind everyone that their edition of Lionheart will be published on January 3rd and is available for pre-order. Here is the link to the Amazon mother ship. http://www.amazon.com/Lionheart-Novel-Sharon-Kay-Penman/dp/0345517563/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1349830467&sr=1-1
    Lastly, I hope my friends and readers out on the West Coast stay safe and dry until that monster storm passes by.

47. Robert of Torigni also had an incorrect year for the marriage of Geoffrey and Constance, 1182. In his edition of the Chronicle, the great French medievalist Léopold Delisle proved in a footnote that 1181 was the correct year.

48. Sharon, thank you! I’m honoured. Your story of Richard and Philip has also brought a smile to my face.
    As for Robert of Torigni, I wasn’t quite sure about the info, that’s why I have written “Robert of Torigni gives the 2nd of December….”. Haven’t taken it for granted 🙂
    Malcolm, that’s quite interesting, for in Devil’s Brood Robert is present at Geoffrey and Constance’s wedding. I doubt Sharon has made a mistake. But why the abbot himself did?

49. Sharon, could you recommend any book dealing with medieval (preferably the 12th century) Christmas traditions? I would be most grateful.

50. So far I have come across Linda Jackson’s Medieval Christmas and Christmas: Its Origin and Associacion by William Francis Dawson.

51. Sorry, Sophie, not Linda Jackson:-)

52. Kasia, I’ve never come across a book that deals specifically with medieval Christmas customs, would love to find one.
    Robert de Torigny was very reliable, but even the best make errors. 🙂 He is cited for the erroneous and widespread story that John was born in 1167, not 1166. But actually this may be due to a misreading of his chronicle, for it is likely he meant that entry to be placed in 1166. Interestingly, John’s biographers invariably use the wrong date, but all of Eleanor’s biographers get it right. This is doubtlessly because they discovered that Eleanor was in England for almost all of 1167, so if John had been born in December of that year, he wouldn’t have been Henry’s!
    Here is today’s non-historical Facebook Note.
    Nothing historical to report today. So I decided to go with an uplifting story appropriate to the holidays. This website has some very heartening stories of soldiers and the pets they saved during their tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. The bond between humans and animals seems to be strengthened during wartime, for men (and now women) under fire need a semblance of normalcy, something to remind them of their homes and former lives. For many, this takes the form of dogs and cats, and so it is not surprising that they are willing to ignore regulations and defy the odds to rescue their furry friends. It is a little easier now thanks to organizations like this one. When I read From Baghdad with Love, about a Marine struggling to get the dog he loved out of Iraq to the US, he was on his own and prevailed due only to his own stubbornness, the kindness of others, and sheer luck. He subsequently wrote a second book about his life with his rescued dog once they were back in the States. After discovering that the dog suffered from PTSD, it led him to the realization that he did, too; because he’d been a career soldier, he’d dismissed his symptoms, rationalizing that he’d done too many tours of duty to be affected that way. Pen Farthing, a British soldier moved to rescue dogs used for fighting in Afghanistan, formed his own rescue society upon his return to England, as you can read about here. These stories of soldiers desperate to save the pets that made life tolerable in a hellish war zone shows yet again that when we help animals in need, we are helping people, too. Can anyone doubt how much a loved dog or cat means to a family who has lost everything they had in Hurricane Sandy? Sadly, critics of such rescue operations never seem to understand that. Anyway, here is the link to some stories that do have happy endings. http://www.sacfund.org/Pages/GhostsStory.aspx

53. I am still partial to the Plantagenets, but Will and Kate seem like a nice young couple, so I am happy for them. http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/03/world/europe/uk-royal-pregnancy/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

54. We kind of expected this once the Queen’s jubilee celebrations were over & I too am happy for them. I love this couple, so fresh, new ideas, warm, & personable. I was so close to shaking Will’s hand in our National Capital on Canada Day 2011….just to touch all that history….kind of gives you shivers. That handsome royal face so close to me was enough though, & when the motorcade left the Hill later on, found a great spot to view Kate up close. All the females in our family celebrated their wedding that summer by creating “fascinators” & wearing them at a special dinner.

55. I too would love to read a book on medieval Christmas tradition….I’m always looking for a cozy story or other Christmassy book this time of year. Kasia, is Sophie Jackson’s book cozy?

56. Just found a short youtube video on the above book. If anyone is interested, just type in TheMedievalChristmas.wmv Thanks Kasia. And thanks Sharon, for the above site.

57. Bye, Bye, everyone. I’m off to sunny Australia to check out Sharon’s Australian Fan Club. Back at end December.

58. Sharon, thanks for the link. I’m happy for the whole royal family. Brand new baby, royal or not, is always cause for celebration. Believe me, I know something about it these days:-)
    Joan, the book is very nice, but too general, at least when my “needs” are concerned. The second I’ve mentioned is much better. I wish I could find myself so close to Kate and William one day. How the world has changed indeed! Can you imagine calling Her Majesty the Queen simply Elizabeth? :-):-) But William and Kate truly are very nice young couple.
    Ken, good luck, happy journey, and best wishes. Do write from time to time, for we are going to miss you 🙂

59. As for todays anniversaries (hope no mistakes this time:-)), in 1214 Hal’s one-time chief ally William I the Lion of Scotland died after 49-year reign. He was succeeded by his only legitimate son, Alexander [II]. I’ve found David I’s second grandson most fascinating figure. Must purchase his biography by D.D.R Owen one day. Seems like well worth a while.

60. Indeed, Kasia. It is good to see you again, and that Sharon and you have kept it up in my absence. Also, today the Treaty of Paris was agreed upon by Henry III [IV] and Louis IX. Henry agreed to renounce control of Maine, Anjou and Poitou but remained Duke of Aquitaine kept Gascony and parts of Aquitaine. In exchange, Louis withdrew his support for English rebels and ceded to Henry the bishoprics and cities of Limoges, Cahors and Périgueux.

61. Ken, have a safe flight and a wonderful time Down Under. We will miss you and Othon and Angelique. I hope you will find some time to contact us from a sunny Australian beach as you sip a Pina Colada and work on your tan.
    Today’s Facebook Note.
    On December 4th, 1214, the King of Scotland, later known as William the Lion, died. William came to grief when he joined the Great Rebellion against Henry in 1173, and paid a high price for it when he was captured at the siege of Alnwick Castle, for Henry held him prisoner for over a year and compelled him to swear fealty to the English Crown before being released; to add insult to injury, Henry also forced him to pay for the cost of garrisoning Scottish castles by Henry’s men. William got along much better with Richard, for Richard allowed him to buy back the castles he’d had to surrender to Henry and Richard was also willing to recognize the independence of Scotland. That would infuriate the Victorian historians, who were very empire-minded. But for Richard, this was bread cast on the waters, as William then proved to be a loyal ally when Richard was captured on his way home from the Holy Land, refusing to join in John’s conspiracy. At one time, William was going to marry Richard’s niece, Richenza, but the Pope refused to give them a dispensation for the marriage, claiming they were too closely related. Years later, William had despaired of having a son and he considered wedding his daughter to Richard’s nephew and Richenza’s brother, Otto, with the idea that Otto and his daughter would rule Scotland after his death. What happened to the consanguinity problem? Different Pope. But William’s barons balked, not liking the idea that the crown would pass through a female. And then William’s wife got pregnant again and he abandoned the Otto alliance, hopeful that his wife might give him a son, after all, as she eventually did.
    Going further back in time, on December 4th, 1123, died a man who would be called a Renaissance Man had he not been born five centuries too soon. Omar Khayyam was a Persian poet, philosopher, mathematician, polymath, author, and astronomer. In the West, he is best known for The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, loosely translated by Edward Fitz Gerald in the 19th century. The first verse is perhaps the most famous:
    “The Moving Finger writes
    And, having writ,
    Moves on, nor all thy piety nor wit
    Shall lure it back to cancel half a line
    Nor all thy tears wash out a word of it.”

62. And what a verse that is!!!!!!

63. I’ve been mulling this over in my mind so went online, & seems like everyone is doing likewise……the issue of who would be rightful heir to the throne if twins were born to the Royal couple, delivered by C-section. One source proposes that the doc would have to make a medical decision between the baby who’s in position to be born first, & the baby closest to the surgical entrance. What would the kings of auld have thought of this! They had enough “heir” issues as it was!

64. I have to admit that never even occurred to me, Joan. I think the kings of auld are still in a state of shock at learning it is the man, not the woman, who determines the sex of a child. If he weren’t already dead, that surely would have sent Henry VIII into cardiac arrest.
    Here is today’s non-historical Facebook Note.
    I confess that I am a Christmas music addict; I can never get enough. I am one of those annoying people who are delighted when store malls start playing it in mid-November. Since there is not much history to discuss today, I thought it might be interesting to talk about Christmas songs. My own favorite is “What Child is This,” naturally because it is set to the music of “Greensleeves.” I love “The Little Drummer Boy,” which was my father’s favorite, and classics like “Silent Night” and “O Holy Night” and “Come, All Ye Faithful.” I also love the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “Christmas Sarajevo.” I think one of the most beautiful and saddest Christmas songs is “I’ll be Home for Christmas,” for I interpret it as longing for what is gone and cannot be recovered. I like cheery Christmas songs like “Dominick the Christmas Donkey” or “Silver Bells” or “Mele Kalikimaka.” But I don’t like cutesy or joke Christmas songs. I have always loathed “I Saw Mama Kissing Santa Claus.” I don’t like “All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth,” either, and Madonna’s “Santa, Baby” is like chalk on a blackboard. I can tolerate the Chipmunk song as long as they don’t play it too often. Since consistency is the hobgoblin of small minds, though, I admit that I think “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” is sort of funny. So….who is in my camp and who wants to wear ear muffs during the entire month of December? What are your favorite Christmas songs and the songs you love to hate?

65. Oooh, good question Joan! I’m actually inspired, because the Bible portion we read this week is from Genesis, where Judah’s twins by Tamar is born. It’s an interesting parallel to Esau and Jacob. There, Esau came out first, with Jacob holding his heel, but Jacob became the eldest. In Tamar’s case, it was even more interesting – one of the twins stuck out his hand, and the midwife tied a red string around it to indicate he came out first. But then he pulled it back in, and his brother came out, and was immediately named Peretz – that is, ‘interrupt, erupt’. Only then did Zerach, the one with the red string on his hand come out.
    Sharon, obviously I am not very knowledgeable on the issue of Christmas music. And Hanukkah music does not have a large repertoire. But out of those Christmas songs I know, the Huron Carol is my favorite, specifically this rendition of it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OyJJaa7J-Y

66. Oh, Sharon, I see my comment is awaiting moderation, probably due to the Youtube link I posted… would you mind approving it?

67. Well I thought by this time we’d have heaps of favorite Christmas carols, incl some interesting Polish faves of Kasia.
    I love all the classics, esp when sung by favorite artists, or played on trumpet, Classical guitar, hand bells, or cello. “Angels from the Realms of Glory” by Dame Kiri Te Kanawa is gorgeous. Handel’s Messiah….”For unto us a child is born”. Also love new versions of the classics….”What Child is This” by Sarah McLachlan (fantastic artist) is a fave. “Carol of the Bells” 12 cellos, The Piano Boys. “Cherry Tree Carol” by Judy Collins with her celestial voice….very poignant. “The First Noel” by Crash Test Dummies because of the simplicity & harmony. John Denver & The Muppets “The 12 days of Christmas” because my oldest granddaughter, at 1 year of age, sang along with Miss Piggy’s cute additions. Once heard “Silent Night” in a docu…in a small Austrian village church & cannot find it!! Magical!! What brings back the best memories is “Adeste Fideles” (we sang this in Latin) & “O Holy Night”. Going to Midnight Mass when we were growing up, meeting all our friends outside the church afterward, then walking home on crunchy snow & usually with huge soft snowflakes falling, reflecting all the Christmas lights…..memories are made of this. What irks me? Some of the above or really noisy stuff that has no humor. Definitely ear muffs in Nov & sometimes in Dec, esp in malls.

68. Well, my comment is still awaiting moderation, but in any case, today Henry VI [VII] of England was born, and Pride’s Purge took place, during which Colonel Thomas Pride forcibly removed from the Long Parliament the members who were not supporters of the Grandees. This lead to the Rump Parliament and the execution of Charles I.

69. Sorry, Koby; I was out most of yesterday. I’ll go “free” your post now. It snags mine, too, if that is any consolation.
    I like your Christmas songs, too, Joan. The Twelve Days of Christmas has never appealed to my personally, but it was my mother’s favorite, so I like to hear it for that reason.
    Here is today’s Facebook Note.
    On December 6th, 1421, the future King Henry VI was born. His was a sad life, stalked by tragedy and mental illness, ending in murder. There is not much else to say. R.I.P, Henry.
    I really enjoyed the responses to my Christmas song post yesterday. It is nice to know that I am not alone in my obsession! I forgot to mention the worst offense of all, though. I don’t even know the title of this song, but it commits an unpardonable sin. It turns Christmas into a verb! So the singer warbles on about “Christmasing with you” and I can only shudder every time it invades my space.
    The world lost a gifted music-maker yesterday with the death of the jazz great, Dave Brubeck. And below is an unbelievable story from France in which an 18th century chateau was bull-dozed by mistake! Now I am about to plunge into the next chapter, but once Richard humiliates Philippe yet again, I will re-surface. These defeats he is inflicting upon the French king will not end the war, but Richard is enjoying them enormously. Philippe, not so much.
    http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/05/15702961-le-oops-18th-century-french-chateau-razed-by-mistake?lite

70. “Le Oops” indeed!!! Unbelievable!
    Koby, I love those Biblical stories.

71. Another Facebook post.
    My friend Earl posted this link earlier and I want to make sure no one misses it. It is the most beautiful version I’ve ever heard of Silent Night, sung in Welsh. Not to be missed. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHOJSPq18TE&feature=share

72. Koby, I do agree with Joan! The story is delightful! I have to check my Old Testament version of Jacob and Esau, for I think the translation missed the details you have provided. I don’t mean to sound subversive, after all being a Catholic I should focus on the New Testament, but as you know it is devoted entirely to one man:-), so I find the Old Testament far more enjoyable. It’s more like historical book, after all. Keep posting! I’m looking forward to the next story:-)
    As for today’s anniversaries, I have found out that on 7 December 1141, Henry of Blois, bishop of Winchester, papal legate and above all king Stephen’s younger brother held a council at Westminster in order to reaffirm the church recognition of Stephen. Henry changed sides, for he had been one-time supporter of the Empress. He was an extraordinary man in his own right. I have come across a delightful nugget of info about Henry in the Plantagenet Chronicles. He certainly had more political skill than his elder brother, and outshone the latter not only in this field, but also as a patron of the arts. His patronage was almost on the scale of a Renaissance prince. To decorate his Episcopal palace Henry brought antique sculptures from Rome. He also commissioned numerous buildings, altars, crosses and probably the finest book of medieval England, the Winchester Bible. And here is Henry in his own words, presenting one of his altars to heaven:
    ‘May the Angel takes the giver to Heaven for this gifts, but not just yet, lest England groan for it, since on him it depends for peace or war, agitation or rest. Art comes before gold and gems, the author before everything. Henry, alive in bronze, gives gifts to God. Henry, whose fame commends him to men, whose character commends him to heavens, a man equal in mind to the Muses, and in eloquence higher than Marcus’. How very modest! 🙂
    And on 7 December 1154, Henry Fitz Empress crossed to England from Barfleur to be crowned king twelve days later. Eleanor accompanied him, although they were in two separate boats, crossing the Narrow Sea in a stormy weather. I’m reading that the little William was also there, and even Hal albeit safely sheltered in his mother’s womb:-)
    Now down to checking the links, yours, Koby and the one provided by Sharon.

73. Thank you, Kasia and Joan! I’m glad you enjoyed it. I shall attempt to tell more stories when I can.
    Kasia, in addition to what you said, Gilbert de Clare died today; for those who do not remember, he lead the massacre of Jews at Canterbury, lead the central division of Simon’s army at the Battle of Lewes and accepted the Earl of Cornwall’s surrender, and fought under Prince Edawrd at Evesham. He also lost the Battle of Llandeilo Fawr in the 1282 Invasion of Wales.

74. I am running a bit late this morning, but here is today’s Facebook Note.
    On December 7th, 1154, Henry and Eleanor sailed for England in a savage storm to be crowned as the second King Henry and the first Queen Eleanor. This was only one of many times when Henry insisted upon defying nature and the advice of his sailors to sail in a violent gale and I’ve never understand this lunacy. It was not as if he did not have examples at hand of the dangers; during his reign, one of his ships sank with the loss of at least three hundred lives. And while the White Ship’s sinking was blamed on a drunken crew and not the weather, it still showed that crossing the Channel was never to be taken lightly. Henry apparently passed on the lunacy gene to Richard, for in May of 1194, he was desperate to return to his continental domains and launch his war upon Philippe to recover his stolen lands in Normandy. The weather was atrocious, so bad that none of his fleet captains would sail. So of course Henry’s son set out in his own galley. He soon had to take shelter in a cove on the Isle of Wight and then next day was forced to return, somewhat shamefacedly, to his fleet at Portsmouth. The weather continued to be appalling and this time he waited for it to pass, not sailing for Barfleur for another ten days. I like to think this return to sanity was the result of his angry mother putting her foot down. There are many things our colorful Angevins did that I would not, but sailing in a maelstrom certainly tops the list.
    Also on this date in 1295, Gilbert de Clare, the Earl of Gloucester, died. I did not like him, for good reasons, as those of you who read Shadow will remember, so I do not want to start the day talking about him. He died. Enough said. His widow, Joan of Acre, the daughter of Edward and Eleanora who was born on crusade, did not grieve long, soon wedding a squire. This set Edward into such a rage that he imprisoned the unlucky bridegroom and pitched a royal temper tantrum that was immortalized in a clerk’s entry describing the repair to the crown, damaged “when it pleased the king to throw it into the fire.” Joan was able to coax her angry father into forgiving her, freeing Ralph, and grudgingly accepting their marriage. I suspect she was a young woman who was good at getting her own way.
    Today is also the 71st anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. A visit to the monument in Honolulu is a moving experience.

75. Here is a short but sweet video (2 mins +) with John Rhys-Davies (who played Henry of Blois) talking about the Winchester Bible. I’ve come across this bible in many docus (unfortunately not bookmarked) but found this one today. I didn’t realize it was commissioned by Henry. So thanks Kasia.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8TBtXfG2b0
    Koby, we’d love more stories & I may even follow Kasia’s lead & start reading some of the Old Testament again.

76. Sharon, I have a post awaiting moderation…..a very short youtube video on John Rhys-Davies & the Winchester Bible. Thanks!

77. On December 8th, 1154, Henry and Eleanor landed in England, having sailed from Barfleur in a wild storm, as I mentioned yesterday. They would be crowned on the 19th. I tried to capture their triumphant, euphoric mood in the last paragraph of Saints:
    * * *
    “Ranulf glanced back once. Henry and Eleanor were still out in the snow-blanketed bailey. They waved as Ranulf turned, and that was to be the memory he would carry into Wales: the two of them, standing together in the bright winter sunlight, smiling, sure that the world, like the English crown, was theirs for the taking.”
    * * *
    On December 8th twenty years later, in 1174, King William the Lion of Scotland was forced to accept the humiliating harsh terms of the Treaty of Falaise, in which he and the other Scots lords had to swear fealty to Henry as their liege lord. A very high price for gaining his freedom. Had this held, the Scots would have found themselves in the same subordinate position as the Welsh. But luckily for William, Richard was in dire need of money for his crusade and he never seems to have had dynastic ambitions in Scotland, so he was willing to return the strongholds that William had been forced to surrender to Henry and to acknowledge Scottish independence—for a price, of course. As a result, though, he enjoyed good relations with Scotland for the remainder of his reign. Henry had William brought in chains from Alnwick and then imprisoned him in Falaise Castle. This seems to mirror Richard’s treatment when he was taken prisoner in Germany. But the difference was that William had been invading England at the time and in alliance with Henry’s enemies in a serious attempt to dethrone him, whereas Richard was under the protection of the Church and no state of war had existed between England and Germany.
    Also on December 8th, 1542, Mary, Queen of Scots, was born. Hers was a life filled with such improbable drama and really bad decisions that no novelist would have dared to invent any of it.

78. Sharon, the Welsh verion of Silent Night is indeed beautiful. Thank you for the link.
    As for William the Lion, I cannot even imagine the degree of humiliation he must have experienced when captured before the walls of Alnwick and then taken to Newcastle with his legs shackled beneath the belly of his horse. Thank God for Jordan Fantosme and his Chronicle. I love the man and his work:-) Simply invaluable.
    Joan, I cannot express my gratitiude for the link. I got goose pimples all over my body while watching the video. The Winchester Bible is so perfect, simply a masterpiece, even with these unfinished initials. Do you know what film it is? With Henry of Blois as one of the characters?
    Stephen’s younger brother might have been cunning and vain, but still I cannot help admiring his artistic pursuits. He must have been a sophisticated man indeed, the English (Anglo-Norman) equivalent of Lorenco de Medici, albeit living a few centuries earlier 🙂

79. I really don’t have time, and probably won’t until late tomorrow, so I just wanted to thank you all for the compliments and links, and wish you a happy Hanukkah – we lit the first candle tonight.

80. I just posted a Happy Hanukkah message on Facebook, Koby, but I want to wishyou a special one; you make my blogs so interesting!

81. Re John Rhys-Davies….Henry of Blois….Winchester Bible
    http://www.facebook.com/bigbible/posts/347036685384601

82. Kasia, I just posted a link that will need Sharon to free it. All I could find on google on the subject of Rhys-Davies & this elusive “film” is on a facebook page which the link will bring up & which I don’t understand. It says something about the “still” having been taken from film that’s currently being edited. So does that mean a film is in progress??? Or a shortie? Would you know anything about it Sharon? Wouldn’t it be great if a movie or series is in the works?
    It is an incredibly beautiful work of art. Just when one gives a thumbs down to a historical figure, along comes a redeeming feature. I’m going to try to find the other docus as well.
    Koby, Happy Hanukkah…..peace & joy.

83. I will go and free your hostage post now, Joan.
    Today’s Facebook Note.
    December 9th, 1165, was the date of death for the Scots King known as Malcolm the Maiden, who was only twenty-four at the time. He suffered from ill health and it has been suggested he may have died of Paget’s Disease. He was unmarried and was succeeded by his brother William the Lion, whom we discussed earlier this week.
    Moving on to the non-medieval, the renowned English poet, John Milton, was born on December 9th, 1608. And the actor and writer Kirk Douglas was born on this day in 1916. I had to mention this because of an act of kindness by Mr. Douglas this summer. I had mentioned in one of my blogs that I’d loved his book about the making of the classic film, Spartacus, and the ending of the Blacklist. To my astonishment, I received a handwritten note from him, telling me he was pleased that I’d enjoyed it. I have no idea how this was brought to his attention, but he made my day, week, and month! For those who have not read “I am Spartacus,” you are in for a wonderful reading experience, as entertaining as it is informative, as amusing as it is insightful. And if anyone has not yet seen this brilliant film, I urge you to remedy that before the year is out. It has more than stood the test of time and should not be missed.

84. Oh, brava, Sharon! What an honor to receive a handwritten note from Kirk Douglas!!

85. Happy Hanukkah, Koby. And thank you! I have learned so much of your fascinating traditions via your posts (and Wikipedia:-)).

86. Sharon, I’m posting a link. Please do free it. You will be delighted, especially Joan who shares my passion for illuminated manuscripts:-)

87. Here’s the link. Do check it. It’s a must-read and a must-watch:-)
    http://britishlibrary.typepad.co.uk/digitisedmanuscripts/

88. Thank you for the well wishes. I’ve posted a few pictures of Menorahs here, if anyone is interested: http://sageofthesky.tumblr.com/post/37595886072/hanukkah-the-festival-of-lights-jews-all-over
    Today, James I of Scotland was born, the League of Cambrai was formed, and Thomas Culpeper and Francis Dereham were executed for having affairs with Catherine Howard.

89. Ah, I see Kasia and I share the same fate – my comment is awaiting moderation as well. I can’t wait to see what you linked, Kasia.

90. I see my website is holding several hostage several of your posts this morning. I will ride to the rescue straightaway. Meanwhile, here is today’s Facebook Note.
    This is not medieval, but we are used to those pushy Tudors crashing the party. On December 10th, 1541, Thomas Culpeper and Francis Dereham were executed for the crime of carnally knowing Henry VIII’s fifth wife, Catherine Howard. Culpeper and Dereham were sentenced to be hanged, drawn, and quartered, but because Henry VIII had once been fond of Culpeper, he agreed to spare him the worst of the sentence and Culpeper was beheaded. Henry showed no such mercy to Francis Dereham, who suffered the ultimate penalty. Francis Dereham’s execution has always seemed particularly unfair to me for he was not charged with sleeping with Catherine after she wed Henry and became queen. His “offense” was having sex with her before she married Henry. Catherine was executed the following February, and there is something pathetic about the account of her last hours; she spent it practicing kneeling before the block so she would make a proper death and not disgrace herself. If ever there was a minnow swimming with sharks, it was silly little Catherine Howard. Legend had it that she declared, “I die a queen, but I would rather have died the wife of Thomas Culpeper.” It is not true, was discredited by historians long ago. People going to the block in Tudor England did not die defiantly. They did not dare to do so, for they wanted to protect their families from Tudor vengeance.

91. Re your post, Sharon…..a pity to think these victims of Henry Viii (Cruelty incarnated) did not have the freedom to heed the future Dylan Thomas’ admonishment…”Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” For me, one of poetry’s most powerful statements.
    Now Kasia! You opened up a treasure chest with that site! Absolutely beautiful. The “pictoriated initials” are a “book” in themselves…with images, stories, meanings, nuances. I went to Recent posts also, & love “Shot through the heart……..with Arthur & Guinevere, medieval romance, chivalry, tournament, & troubadors. The last page, with knights fighting in a tournament, is delicious! Also love the 2 hedgehog images & will have my daughter show these to Chloé (the little artist), who’ll have her paper & paints out in a flash. I’ve never known a kid so in love with animals, insects, etc. (At 4 yrs, she held a young boa at one of those community events with trainers, massive smile on her pretty face). Thanks so much for sending it to us.
    Koby, I found your link with the Menorahs very poignant. It’s such a beautiful ritual. Thank you.

92. Oh Kasia, that link was amazing. I love it. And Joan, thank you. The purpose of Menorahs is to spread the light and publicize the miracles, after all, so you seeing it and enjoying it makes me happy.
    Today, we all know Sharon is going to write properly about a death, so I’d just thought I’d mention Ogedei Khan also died today. Of course, there was a somewhat significant birth as well for us, but that is another matter…

93. Koby and Kasia, I agree with Joan–simply wonderful posts.
    Here is today’s lengthy and sad Facebook Note.
    December 11th is always a sad day for me, as it was on this date in 1282 that Llywelyn ap Gruffydd was slain at Cilmeri, and with him died any hopes for Welsh independence. There were so many deaths in my books, deaths that changed history, usually for the worst. But few deaths were as difficult for me to write as the death of the man the Welsh would call Ein Llyw Olaf—Our Last Leader. More than twenty years ago, I was driving along a Welsh road as darkness came on, thinking what a challenge it would be to write of Llywelyn’s tragic end. Suddenly it was as if I heard a voice, so clear and vivid that it was almost as if the words had been spoken aloud. A man ought to die with his own language echoing in his ears. When the time came to write that scene, I remembered.
    From The Reckoning, page 534.
    * * *
    “Is it true?” he asked. “Are you the Welsh prince?”
    Llywelyn labored to draw enough air into his lungs. “I am Llywelyn, son of Gruffydd, son of Llywelyn Fawr, Prince of Wales and Lord of Eryri,” he said, softly but distinctly, “and I have urgent need of a priest.”
    The young Englishman seemed momentarily nonplussed. “I’d fetch one,” he said hesitantly, “if it were up to me.” Kneeling in the snow, he unhooked his flask, supported Llywelyn’s head while he drank. “There will be a doctor at the castle,” he said, and then, surprisingly, “I’m Martin.”
    “Thank you, Martin,” Llywelyn whispered, and drank again. He was almost amused by their solicitude, their determination to keep him from dying. He could envision no worse fate than to be handed over, alive and helpless, to Edward. But he did not fear it, for he knew it would not come to pass. He’d be dead ere they reached Buellt Castle, mayhap much sooner. He measured his life now not in hours or even moments, but in breaths, and he would answer for his sins to Almighty God, not the English king.
    Another of the soldiers was coming back. “Here, Martin, put this about him.”
    Martin took the blanket. “He’s in a bad way, Fulk,” he murmured, as if Llywelyn ought not to hear. Fulk picked up the lantern, and swore under his breath at the sight of the blood-soaked snow.
    “Christ,” he said, and then, to Llywelyn, almost fiercely, “You hold on, hear? We’re going to get you to a doctor, for the king wants you alive!”
    Llywelyn gazed up at him, marveling. “Indeed,” he said, “God forbid that I should disoblige the English king by dying.” It was only when he saw that Fulk and Martin were uncomprehending that he realized he’d lapsed into Welsh. But he made no effort to summon back his store of Norman-French. A man ought to die with his own language echoing in his ears.
    The English soldiers were discussing his wound in troubled tones. But their voices seemed to be coming now from a distance, growing fainter and fainter until they no longer reached Llywelyn. He heard only the slowing sound of his heartbeat, and he opened his eyes, looked up at the darkening sky.
    * * *
    When they realized Llywelyn was dead, the English soldiers cut off his head so they would have proof of his death to show King Edward. After they rode away, Llywelyn’s squire Trevor crept out of hiding.
    Page 536.
    * * *
    They’d left a blanket behind, blood-drenched by the decapitating. Trever reached for it, began to drape it over Llywelyn’s body, taking great care. By the time it was done to his satisfaction, he’d gotten blood all over himself, too, but he did not mind, for it was his lord’s blood. Sitting down in the snow beside the body, he said, “I’ll not leave you, my lord. I’ll not leave you.”
    And that was how Goronwy found them, long after the battle of Llanganten had been fought and lost.
    * * *
    Llywelyn’s brother Davydd claimed the crown, vowing to continue the fight against the English. But the Welsh knew it was over. A poetic people, they expressed their grief in anguished elegies, none more impassioned and heart-rending than the one written by Llywelyn’s court bard, Gruffydd ab yr Ynad Goch.
    See you not that the stars have fallen?
    Have you no belief in God, foolish men?
    See you not that the world is ending?
    Even after so many centuries, the pain of that lament transfixes us, allowing us to share their sorrow, their uncomprehending rage, and their understanding that Wales had suffered a mortal blow when their prince had been struck by that English spear. Ah, God, that the sea should cover the land! What is left us that we should linger? That haunting cri de coeur was Llywelyn ap Gruffyd’s true epitaph.

94. Sharon, thank you! I have to blink back tears while reading it. And the elegy is simply heartbreaking. I cannot quite recall the last time I was so moved. I think I will spend today’s evening re-reading The Reckoning.
    Joan and Koby, I’m so glad you like the site. The Distinguished Pedigree of Mrs Tiggy-Winkle has totally disarmed me. I love animal stories and I’ve found the hedgehog story simply delightful 🙂
    Joan, a message to Chloe: there’s a wonderful book awaiting her reading, namely The Tower Menagerie by Daniel Hahn. Although I suppose it will have to wait a few more years:-)

95. I’ll join you Kasia, in your tears, lamenting a great man & the loss of hopes for an independent Wales. Such a beautiful & sorrowful passage, Sharon. I was shocked when he was killed & felt like keening. The devoted, unassuming, gentle Trevor, talking to his dead master, made me cry harder. That ability you have, Sharon, to cause us not only to cry for Llewelyn as we’re reading (& for days later), but to put us in Trevor’s place & deeply feel his sorrow & pain, & even to carefully drape the blanket along with him…..that is your gift. And now, to send us right back there…….this is why we read your novels. And the elegy is almost more than one can bear.
    Koby, you are spreading the light too.
    Kasia, I’m intrigued now by The Tower Menagerie & will look it up. Chloé is now 8, so maybe she’s old enough? I’ll check it out. Thanks for suggesting it….I’m always looking for interesting books for her & her 5 yr old sister, Leila. One of my fave bookstores closed this year & I relied on them for great children’s books.

96. Thank you, Joan. Today, Geoffrey, Archbishop of York, bastard son of Henry II died. Also, I’m surprised Kasia didn’t mention King Stephen Báthory of Poland also died today… perhaps you would like to write about him, Kasia, when you have the time?

97. I’d like to hear about him, too, Kasia.
    Here is today’s Facebook note, rather late.
    I would like to thank you all for your eloquent and moving comments yesterday to my post about the death of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd. It means more than I can say to know that my books have touched others like this.
    The news has seemed particularly sad this week. That dreadful shooting at a Portland Mall. An alarming crime in the Philadelphia area, where a woman was robbed at gunpoint by two boys, age seven and thirteen; the seven year old told the older boy to “Show her your piece.” Words fail me. A particularly gruesome story of a husband and wife who ran a dog-fighting ring out of their house, a house they shared with their five children. So I want to post today about things that will give us a reason to smile. I’ll start with this news for fans of the brilliant writer, Barbara Kingsolver. Her publisher is giving away a copy of her newest book. Man of La Book is one of my favorite blogs and I have him to thank for calling this to my attention. Here is the link to his blog.
    http://manoflabook.com/wp/?p=7170&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ManOfLaBook+%28Man+of+La+Book%29
    I am including a story below of a family that saved two monarch butterflies from Hurricane Sandy. I know that many will read this and think the efforts of the family were quixotic or even odd. But I think they taught their children a valuable lesson about compassion and the environment.
    http://www.care2.com/causes/2-monarch-butterflies-escape-hurricane-sandy-thanks-to-thoughtful-family.html
    Lastly, this is an example of forgiveness that is truly remarkable. Some of you may have heard of the auto accident last week in which a Dallas Cowboy player, Josh Brent, drove while drunk, and crashed his car. He survived, but his passenger, Jerry Brown, a fellow football player, did not. He has been charged with manslaughter and has to live with the burden of killing his best friend. I read that he wanted to attend the memorial service for Jerry, but feared he would not be welcome. Well, Jerry’s mother not only assured him that he was welcome, she asked him to ride with her to the service, saying he and her son had been close friends since college and she knew that Josh grieved for Jerry as much as his family did. This is a very special woman.

98. Very interesting post Sharon. I’ve read only 2 of Kingsolver’s books, The Lacuna & Poisonwood Bible. Loved both, unusual & layered. By the end of Lacuna I was blown away. I’d love to see Poisonwood Bible in Spielberg’s hands….(have one scenario already done for him, the score being an operatic piece punctuated by African chanting.)

99. today’s Facebook Note.
    I’d like to thank Rania and Koby for remembering Geoffrey, the Archbishop of York, yesterday, for I admittedly did not. So I thought I’d make it up to him by posting about him today. I discovered something interesting about him last night. I’d always heard that he died on December 12th, 1212, as both Rania and Koby posted. But according to Marie Lovatt, the author of his entry in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, he most likely died on December 18th in 1212. He died in exile and even in death he proved loyal to his father. Henry had wanted to be buried at Grandmont, but after his death at Chinon, that was not possible and he was buried instead at Fontevrault Abbey—and thank heaven for that! But Geoffrey was buried at the Grandmontine house of Notre Dame du Parc outside Rouen which had been founded by Henry in 1156.
    Geoffrey’s career as Archbishop of York was a remarkably turbulent one, filled with feuds and tension and chaos. But as his Oxford biographer points out, his main faults were impetuosity and a lack of judgment, not the worst of sins. As compensation for ignoring him yesterday, I am going to share a passage from A King’s Ransom which pertains to him. So here is Geoffrey, as seen through Eleanor’s eyes. (I am giving all this background history for the benefit of new readers because this is his first appearance in Ransom.)
    * * *
    Eleanor leaned back in her seat, studying Geoff covertly through half-closed eyes. He’d been raised at her husband’s court and she’d made no objections, believing that a man should assume responsibility for children sired in and out of wedlock. But their relationship had soured when she and her sons had rebelled against Henry, for Geoff had never forgiven any of them for that. Richard had honored all of Henry’s deathbed promises and approved Geoff’s elevation to the archbishopric of York, even though all knew that he did not have the temperament for a Church career and Geoff himself had never wanted to take holy vows. Few had expected him to stir up so much turmoil, though, in his new vocation. He’d feuded bitterly with the Bishop of Durham, even excommunicating him. He’d clashed with Longchamp and antagonized York’s cathedral chapter by trying to get his maternal half-brother elected as Dean of York. He’d horrified his fellow prelates by having his archiepiscopal cross carried before him in other sees than his own, and then offended Hubert Walter by challenging the primacy of Canterbury over York. Eleanor had lost track of all those he’d excommunicated, including a priory of nuns. She’d always known that he’d inherited his fair share of the Angevin temper, but he’d never been so unreasonable or so belligerent in the past, and she could only conclude that York’s archbishop was a very unhappy man…. Seeing Geoff glance in her direction, she discreetly lowered her gaze, thinking it was a shame that Harry had been so stubbornly set upon making Geoff into what he was not, could not be, and never wanted to be.
    * * *

100. Oh, that was a brilliant scene, Sharon! Thank you very much. Today, Pope Callixtus II died, he of the famous Concordat of Worms, as did Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II ‘Stupor Mundi’.

101. Today, James V of Scotland died, makign Mary Queen of Scots.

102. I forgot about Frederick yesterday, Koby! I’m glad you liked the scene.
     Today’s Facebook Note
     On December 14, 1287, one of the worst floods in history occurred. It was known as the St Lucia’s flood because it happened the day after St Lucy’s Day. A dike broke during a savage storm and it is estimated that 50,000 people were drowned in the Netherlands and northern Germany. Hundreds also died in England. The flood changed the history of the Netherlands by creating direct sea access for the village of Amsterdam, which allowed it to become a major port city.
     On December 14, 1476 (maybe) Vlad the Impaler died. Prince of Wallachia, he earned a reputation in his lifetime for great cruelty, as his name indicates. But his real notoriety came in the 19th century when the novelist Bram Stoker chose Vlad’s family name—Dracul—for his infamous vampire, Dracula.
     And on December 14th, 1542, King James V of Scotland died. He was the son of Margaret Tudor and the father of the little girl who would become known to history as Mary, Queen of Scots.

103. There are no words. President Obama spoke for us all when he said our hearts are broken.

104. Exactly my thoughts Sharon. My prayers go out to everyone.

105. You perfectly describe what we all feel, Sharon. My prayers and condolences are with everyone.
     Today, the Battle of Baia took place, where Stefan Cel Mare, Stephen III of Moldavia, decisively defeated Matthias Corvinus, King of Hungary. Corvinus was injured three times during the battle, and barely escaped with his life.

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