history
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Today is St Andrew’s Day, 30th November. St Andrew was one of Jesus’ apostles. and is also the patron saint of Scotland and other countries like Romania and Greece. His feast day celebrates him as one of Jesus’s first disciples and is marked by cultural celebrations in Scotland, whose national flag is the saltire, a…
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Here is a new song about Richard III’s visit to Exeter – have a listen! It has a very nice melody and some great mediaeval vibes. Click here! If you like it, here is the link to buy it for just 50p: Here These are the lyrics of the song: After leaving Salisbury he headed…
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Recently I came across an archaeological article which I found very interesting as it had similarities to Richard III’s finding and identification. Duke Bela of Macso was a young Hungarian nobleman who was assassinated, aged approximately 25, in 1272. On August 6, King Stephen died, and his young son, Ladislaus, IV ascended the throne. Infighting…
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The link below just cropped up in my Facebook feed, alleging that, because Richard III’s Y-DNA didn’t match the modern supposed bearers of the Y chromosome, it would cause a royal scandal regarding who is the rightful monarch of the UK. Also it states that the ‘false paternity’ occurred between Edward III and Richard III,…
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Vervain (Verbena officinalis) is another fascinating medieval herb with a rich history! Here are some interesting facts about vervain: Magical and Superstitious Uses Sacred herb: Vervain was considered a sacred herb in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, and was associated with the gods. Protection and purification: The herb was believed to offer protection against evil…
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“….Back during this time [1381] King Richard III was on the throne….” Quote taken from https://tinyurl.com/3558yumz. It would seem that the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381, during which the famous rebel leader Wat Tyler was murdered, has become somewhat fashionable. Articles about it are frequently dropping into my in-box and there is even to be a…
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By Maria Leotta It was 2017 when I first heard of a film about the life of Philippa Langley. I immediately called her to congratulate her but I knew nothing specific about the film. I followed every update, I read every article and I waited in trepidation for the trailer. When the cast was revealed,…
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If you read this link—https://www.tatler.com/article/is-the-duke-of-york-title-cursed-prince-andrew—you’ll find this statement: “….Following its first creation in 1385, the Dukedom of York has never been inherited: its holders have either died without male heirs or been crowned king….” Not true! Edmund of Langley, son of Edward III, was the 1st Duke of York, and his son, Edward of Norwich,…
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Medieval buildings uncovered for the first time at the Tower of London. As part of preparations for installing a lift outside the Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula, we have undertaken an important archaeological excavation to record and preserve the fascinating histories beneath our feet. Go to this link on the Tower of London Facebook…
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I have written recently about Jo Harkin’s new book, The Pretender, (https://murreyandblue.co.uk/2025/05/05/the-pretender-takes-the-same-old-attitude-to-richard-iii/) which tells the story of Lambert Simnel, who claimed to be Edward, Earl of Warwick, for whom the Yorkists fought (and lost) the Battle of Stoke Field in 1487. You can read about the earl here https://www.englishmonarchs.co.uk/plantagenet_25.html. And about Lambert Simnel here https://richardiii.net/faqs/richard-and-his-world/aftermath/lambert-simnel-and-the-king-from-dublin/…
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