In 13th century Provence there lived four sisters. Daughters of Count Raymond Berengar V of Provence and his wife Beatrice of Savoy, all would rise to greatness becoming Queens of France, England, Germany and Sicily respectively. These sisters had a huge impact on Western Christendom, and this month we’ll explore how the personal affected the … Continue reading Sisters & Queens
Tag: France
The Mother of France & her Daughters
Catherine de Medici waited a long time to become a mother, having her first child after 11 years of marriage to Henri II of France. They went on to have another 9 children with 3 of their sons becoming Kings of France: Francis II, Charles IX and Henri III. Despite being from the powerful Medici … Continue reading The Mother of France & her Daughters
Lessons for my Daughter: Anne of France & Suzanne of Bourbon
“My daughter, the perfect natural love that I have for you…gives me the desire and the determination to prepare a few little lessons for you while I am still with you, knowing well your inexperience and extreme youth and hoping that in time you will recall these lessons and that they will help you a … Continue reading Lessons for my Daughter: Anne of France & Suzanne of Bourbon
Trailblazers: Joan of Arc ‘The Maid of Orléans’
During a war that lasted over 100 years, a French teenager rose from humble beginnings to become a famous warrior. She led an army into battle against the English, changing the course of the war and history. This warrior mystic who believed she received visions from God met a tragic end at the hands of … Continue reading Trailblazers: Joan of Arc ‘The Maid of Orléans’
Trailblazers: Christine de Pizan (GUEST POST: @galleryofthecityofladies)
When Some Sources Say asked me to write a post about a female trailblazer for ‘Women’s History Month’ Christine de Pizan came instantly to mind. She was the inspiration behind my Instagram account ‘Gallery of the City of Ladies’ and is widely thought to be the 'First professional woman of letters in Europe'. Christine was … Continue reading Trailblazers: Christine de Pizan (GUEST POST: @galleryofthecityofladies)
The Scottish Queen
Mary Queen of Scots. What new is there to say? She is one of the most well known historical figures in British history, and her dramatic life of passion and intrigue has enthralled people for centuries. Yet today I want to focus on a very specific moment in her early life, one that often gets … Continue reading The Scottish Queen
The Accursed Kings
“Accursed! Accursed! You shall be accursed to the thirteenth generation!” This was the curse roared from the flames of Jacques de Molay’s pyre in Maurice Druon’s classic novel The Iron King. In 1314 the death of Molay, last Grand Master of the Knights Templar, symbolized the end of this powerful organisation of “holy soldiers”. This … Continue reading The Accursed Kings
Some Sources Say 