Eliza Knight's Blog, page 51

Braveheart aka William Wallace

Happy Friday history lovers!

Today I'm guest blogging over at Laura Vosika's blog about William Wallace.

Stop by to learn a little history behind this fascinating man!

Cheers, Eliza

Castle of the Week: Stirling Castle

Picture showing castle up on Castle Hill.For hundreds of years, Stirling Castle has held prominence and power in Scotland. Sitting atop a crag, the castle reaches into the sky, an imposing dominant force to be reckoned with. Being a seat of power, the castle has been through many sieges time and again--several times during the Scottish War on Independence (think William Wallace and Longshanks) and the last attempt with Bonnie Prince Charlie in the 18th century. To take the castle meant you were taking Scotland--holding the power.

Stirling first became an important stronghold in the 7th or 8th centuries and was home to powerful rulers: King William, Robert the Bruce, Mary Queen of Scots, James V. The castle is huge, housing a chapel, grand great hall, king and queen's lodgings (each with three rooms: outer hall, inner hall, bedchamber), storerooms, great kitchens, gardens, vaults, and so much more. Courtiers flocked to the castle. To be seen at Stirling, to be a part of that court was indeed a noble thing--unless of course it was under siege, then you'd best get your armor on and weapons ready.

Some pics of Stirling Castle...

Drawn in the 17th century by John Slezer Castle Gardens in front of Prince's Tower Prince's Tower Northern Bailey Entrance to the CastleThe castle is open to tours, and if you should find yourself in Scotland is not to be missed! Its decorated for the 15th century, so when you enter, its like stepping back in time. Check out the official site here: http://www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk/

My series, The Stolen Bride Series features William Wallace and Stirling Castle. In fact, the Battle of Stirling Bridge is on the beginning scenes in The Highlander's Reward.


She belonged to another… But was destined to be his…
Lady Arbella de Mowbray abhors the idea of marrying an English noble occupying Scotland. When she arrives in Stirling, she is thrown into the midst of a full battle between the Scots and the English. Besieged by rebels, she is whisked from her horse by a Highland warrior who promises her safety. But when he kisses her she fears she's more in danger of losing herself.
The last thing Magnus Sutherland wants is to marry the beautiful English lass he saved. As the laird of his clan, he has a responsibility to his clan and allies. But when Arbella is attacked by one of his own men, he determines the only way to keep her safe is to make her his. A decision that promises to be extremely satisfying.
Magnus brings Arbella to his home of Dunrobin Castle in the Highlands. And that’s where the trouble begins… Their countries are at war and they should be each other’s enemy. Neither one considered their mock marriage would grow into a deeply passionate love. What’s more, they were both unhappily betrothed and those who've been scorned are out for revenge. Can their new found love keep them together or will their enemies tear them apart?
“Eliza Knight has crafted a wonderfully entertaining, emotional and sensual read. I loved the sizzling romance and the exciting adventures. Magnus, the hot Highland hero, stole my heart just as he did Arbella’s.” Vonda Sinclair, Award-Winning author of Scottish romance
Buy Links:  Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Smashwords

True Medieval Bra and Underwear? -- What do you think?

Photo By University Innsbruck Archeological InstituteI'm sure recently you heard about the discovery of the medieval bra and underwear found in the Austrian castle. If you haven't heard... well then I'm telling you now. Archaeologists from the University of Innsbruck found (in 2008--only now hitting headlines) what appears to be several linen bras and a pair of underwear while excavating at Lemburg Castle in Tyrol. They were stuffed inside a vault in the south wing, along with old shoes, a codpiece and some shirts--one can only imagine what would possess someone to shove these items into a vault... The mind does come up with several fun ideas!

Perhaps two young lovers were in the act when a sound alerted them to someone's approach. Not having enough time to dress they shoved their garments into the vault and ran naked--but their were several bras, perhaps it was a situation even more scandalous!

Or a maid had stolen the items, hoping not to get caught, she hid them to pick them up later but never got the chance...

Why do you think they were stored there?

All right, back to whether or not they are bra and panties...

Photo By University Innsbruck Archeological InstituteNow, the thing is... We don't really know if these are bras and underwear. There is no doubt, since they did a carbon dating, that the garments are from some 600 years ago. The underwear resembles a string bikini -- not unlike what was worn by some men. And the "bra" itself, designed of linen, lace and other adornments. There looks to be a spot where a backstrap could have been--torn edges make it seems so. But if you look around the front at the bottom of the piece, it is also torn--looks as though it has come off of a corset or kirtle--which was a long tightly fitted smock that was worn under gowns, sometimes tied tight to give support.

What do you think?

Video of the Week: Filthy Cities -- Medieval London

Happy Monday history lovers! Be prepared to spend the next hour entranced with the filthiness of medieval London, brought to you via YouTube and the BBC... Get your tea and popcorn!

Watch Out for Those Scots!

Watch Out for Those Scots!
Throughout history, the Scots were thought of by the English as barbarians, and the Scots didn’t think too highly of the English either. I love using this conflict in my books, and in THE HIGHLANDER’S REWARD, I decided to make it a running joke for the reader. Our heroine, Arbella de Mowbray, has grown up hearing awful things about the Scots, especially Highlanders, from her maid Glenda.
By the end, she’s learned that these rumors were not true, but they sure were a lot of fun for us! And they drove Magnus to his wit’s end.
Want to hear some?
·       The men ate their young. ·       The warriors kept the bones of their victims tied to their beards. ·       The horses were trained to sniff out an English lady and trample her to death. ·       The women were witches. ·       The children ran naked, even in the dead of winter. ·       No person of truly English blood could survive one.·       And so many more :-)
Imagine her terror when a fearsome Highlander whisks her from her horse? Never fear, Magnus is one hot, hunky hero and the only thing she needs to watch out for is the sultry pull of his kiss. Then again, why watch out? Why not just enjoy?
I hope you enjoy the fun of playing these characters off of each other like I did. I’ll leave you with a fun sneak peak.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She belonged to another… But was destined to be his…
Lady Arbella de Mowbray abhors the idea of marrying an English noble occupying Scotland. When she arrives in Stirling, she is thrown into the midst of a full battle between the Scots and the English. Besieged by rebels, she is whisked from her horse by a Highland warrior who promises her safety. But when he kisses her she fears she's more in danger of losing herself.
The last thing Magnus Sutherland wants is to marry the beautiful English lass he saved. As the laird of his clan, he has a responsibility to his clan and allies. But when Arbella is attacked by one of his own men, he determines the only way to keep her safe is to make her his. A decision that promises to be extremely satisfying.
Magnus brings Arbella to his home of Dunrobin Castle in the Highlands. And that’s where the trouble begins… Their countries are at war and they should be each other’s enemy. Neither one considered their mock marriage would grow into a deeply passionate love. What’s more, they were both unhappily betrothed and those who've been scorned are out for revenge. Can their new found love keep them together or will their enemies tear them apart?
AN EXCERPT – Arbella starts off this conversation… Taken from the middle of chapter eight…
“Do you have many attacks at Dunrobin?”“Attacks?”“Aye. Glenda said that the Scots fight nonstop.”Magnus growled low in his throat. If he ever got his hands on this Glenda…“I willna say we are never attacked, but ’tis rare. Our last attack was over five years ago.”He heard her loud intake of breath, and rolled his eyes. “Dinna be so shocked. We are not all the heathens the English make us out to be.”“I never said that.”“Ye dinna need too. Your gasps and expressions and mutterings of the foolish Glenda are enough.”“Glenda is right about a lot of things.”“I challenge ye to name one.” He couldn’t wait to hear what she had to say.“Well, she was right about Highland warriors.”“And what did she say about us?”“That they were gigantic. That if I ever encountered one, he would frighten the breath from my body. Perhaps I might even die upon seeing one.”
Buy Links:
Ebook: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / SmashwordsPrint: Amazon/ Barnes and Noble
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Eliza Knight is the multi-published author of sizzling historical romance and erotic romance. While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she chases after her three children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) she likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. She lives atop a small mountain, and enjoys cold winter nights when she can curl up in front of a roaring fire with her own knight in shining armor. Visit Eliza at www.elizaknight.com or her historical blog History Undressed: www.historyundressed.com Twitter:@ElizaKnight and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizaknightauthor
*This post was first published at MuseTracks

A Highland Hero's Warhorse

Happy Monday history lovers!

Today, I am blogging over at Seduced by History about warhorses and what a Highland hero's warhorse would have looked like.

I'd love for you to stop by and say hello!

Here's the link: Seduced by History Blog

Cheers,
Eliza

Historical Romance Review: Highland Avenger by Hannah Howell

I'm a huge fan of Hannah Howell's Highlanders, and with her latest novel, Highland Avenger, she doesn't disappoint!

ABOUT THE BOOK...
Once, Arianna Murray Lucette believed she'd met the man she could always rely on. She was wrong. Now she is fleeing for her life, and when her enemies attack a ship bound for her only refuge, she believes all hope is lost. Until she awakens on Scotland's shore to a pair of the most entrancing blue eyes she has ever seen.When Sir Brian MacFingal first spots the sun-streaked beauty on the beach, he mistakes her for dead. Soon, however, he discovers a woman more full of life and vitality than he ever dreamed possible. But though he knows he is fit to defend her life—even at risk of losing his own—can such a raw warrior as he ever be worthy of her love?
On sale now in both print and ebookISBN: 978-1-4201-1879-7, Kensington Zebra Books


MY REVIEW...From the opening pages, Ms. Howell takes the reader on an adventure to remember. I first opened this book during one of my princesses gymnastics class, and gasped several times before I had to put it away because parents thought something was happening in the class... It was soooo good! Arianna is the type of heroine I truly admire. She's been through so much pain, humiliation and still she comes out on top, fighting for those she loves and for herself. Sir Brian is totally worthy of Arianna as well. Finding her injured on the beach, he doesn't ask any questions or second guess himself, he whisks her to safety. The man fights for a woman he barely knows because of honor and in doing so, slowly finds himself falling in love.I loved the setting--the Highlands and era are given in vivid detail. I admit to being frustrated when the two just couldn't figure out how to be together, I wanted to jump into the book and shake some sense into them both--but who wouldn't when two characters are so obviously perfect for each other!? And yet another reason why Ms. Howell is a master at her craft.The end was thoroughly satisfying and I highly recommend this book!

The Regency Era Social Ladder

During the Regency era (and prior to...and after) there was strict social ladder upon which one fell. In fact the ladder I've listed below could be interchangeable with many times in history and even today. It was hard to climb said ladder, but quite easy to slip and fall for some. Typically you were born into your situation. A royal was born a royal, unless they happened to be lucky enough to marry into royalty. Same went for the aristocracy. It could be slightly possible for someone to raise themselves to gentry level by providing excellent service to the monarch, thus being awarded a title and perhaps a substantial piece of land. The best way to climb the social ladder was obviously marrying into it. The second way was to accumulate wealth, which could be difficult to do in a society with strict rigid order.

The Ladder:


Monarch  -- At the time of the Regency, the King was unable to rule and so his son, the Price Regent ruled in his stead. Royals  -- Family members of the monarch who were in line for the throne, some quite removed. Aristocracy  -- These are the nobles. Gentry  -- These are high-born people, land-holders, lower aristocracy, a knight and his family. Middle Class  -- although this term wasn't used until later, it referred to professionals such as bankers, physicians, lawyers, wealthy merchants, etc...Artisans and Tradespeople -- This is a group of skilled workers, highly trained in a specific trade, and while some could make a pretty living, most did not. These were often mantua makers, watchmakers, dress makers, etc... Servants  -- Servants worked for not only for nobles and gentry, but for the middle class as well. They included butlers, housekeepers, maids, cooks, stable workers, etc... They did not make very much money and were often provided quarters within the household they worked for. Wages among servants varied widely depending mostly on your position and who you worked for. A butler for an earl would make substantially more than a butler for a banker--and within themselves, the earl's butler would feel he was at a more elevated position than that of the banker's butler. Laborers  -- Laborers had a particularly hard life. They worked themselves to the bone for very little coin. We're talking peddlers--the gal who sells oranges or flowers, the oyster collector, chimney sweeps, factory workers, street cleaners, etc... Paupers  -- Paupers either had no work or found only occasional/seasonal work. They were the destitute, with nothing to their names and growling bellies. They often fell to crime, prostitution, and even died at an earlier age from exposure, illness or the dangers of living on the streets.
I admit to being fascinated by all social classes, but if I had to choose one to belong to, I think it would be gentry. Don't get me wrong, I would love to be a Queen or a Duchess, but the rules of society were too strict and confining. As a member of the gentry, I'd still have access to mostly the same things, but perhaps I could live a more "normal" life. Maybe...

Take Magnus With You Contest!

Hello History Undressed Readers!

I wanted to let you all know about a fun contest I'm hosting right now called, Take Magnus With You. Magnus is the hero in my latest novel, The Highlander's Reward (available now in both ebook and print).

Winner of the contest receives a gorgeous sterling silver Celtic knot necklace.


Check out my website for the fun details and many ways to win!!!!

Historical Romance Review: My Brave Highlander by Vonda Sinclair

If you love a good romance and a hot Scot, get your hands on Vonda Sinclair's newest release, My Brave Highlander, book 3 in the Highland Adventure series. I've really enjoyed all three books in Ms. Sinclair's series.

ABOUT THE BOOK...


Battle-hardened warrior Dirk MacLerie isn't who everyone thinks he is. He's Dirk MacKay, heir apparent to the MacKay chiefdom and Dunnakeil Castle on the far north coast of Scotland. When he returns home after a long absence, will his clan know him and will the duplicitous enemy who tried to murder him twelve years ago kill him in truth this time?
Lady Isobel MacKenzie is a beautiful young widow betrothed to yet another Highland chief by her brother's order. But when her future brother-in-law accosts her and threatens to kill her, she is forced to flee into a Highland snowstorm. When she runs into a rugged and imposing man she thought dead, she wonders if he will turn her over to her enemy or take her to safety.
Dirk remembers the enchanting, dark-eyed Isobel from when he was a lad, but now she is bound to another man by legal contract—an important detail she would prefer to forget. She wishes to choose her own husband and has her sights set on Dirk. But he would never steal another man's bride… would he? The tantalizing lady fires up his passions, testing his willpower and honor at every turn, even as some of his own treacherous clansmen plot his downfall.
MY REVIEW...

I REALLY enjoyed My Brave Highlander. Lots of action and sensuality--Dirk is so intense and yet when he's near Isobel the heat crackles and his defenses fall. The scenery is vivid and magical. I felt like I was in the midst of the Highlands, the snow falling and melting on my cheeks. Beyond the sizzling sensual tension (which Ms. Sinclair is an expert at weaving!) the adventurous plot had me on the edge of my seat. And Dirk's enemy--HATED with a passion. Ms. Sinclair has the unique ability to pull an emotional response from her reader on every single page.

Filled with romance, I had a constant smile to my face, I got chills, the whole nine yards! This might be my favorite of all three books in the Highland Adventure series. Well done, Ms. Sinclair--I highly recommend this book! And I can't wait to read the next one!