October 14th in history
Here are the historical events that occurred yesterday, October 14th.
The best-known event was the Battle of Hastings, a battle that changed history in ways that are still reverberating today. As we all know, William the Bastard—more politely known to posterity as William the Conqueror—was the victor, and the Saxon King Harold Godwinson was slain on the field. Helen Hollick has written a novel about Harold and Elizabeth Chadwick’s novel, The Conquest, also deals with this period in English history from the vantage point of both Normans and Saxons; Elizabeth has a very good description of the Battle of Hastings.
On October 14, 1322, Robert Bruce defeated Edward II at the battle of Byland, forcing Edward to accept Scottish independence.
According to Wikipedia, one result of the implementation of the Gregorian calendar was that there was no October 14th in 1582 in the countries of Italy, Poland, Portugal, and Spain. Please don’t ask me why other countries got to enjoy the 14th, for I haven’t a clue. But I bet at least one of my readers will know!
And on October 14, 1586, Mary Queen of Scots went on trial on a number of charges, including conspiracy and the planned assassination of her cousin Elizabeth. I think the best novel about Mary is still Margaret George’s Mary Queen of Scots.
The best-known event was the Battle of Hastings, a battle that changed history in ways that are still reverberating today. As we all know, William the Bastard—more politely known to posterity as William the Conqueror—was the victor, and the Saxon King Harold Godwinson was slain on the field. Helen Hollick has written a novel about Harold and Elizabeth Chadwick’s novel, The Conquest, also deals with this period in English history from the vantage point of both Normans and Saxons; Elizabeth has a very good description of the Battle of Hastings.
On October 14, 1322, Robert Bruce defeated Edward II at the battle of Byland, forcing Edward to accept Scottish independence.
According to Wikipedia, one result of the implementation of the Gregorian calendar was that there was no October 14th in 1582 in the countries of Italy, Poland, Portugal, and Spain. Please don’t ask me why other countries got to enjoy the 14th, for I haven’t a clue. But I bet at least one of my readers will know!
And on October 14, 1586, Mary Queen of Scots went on trial on a number of charges, including conspiracy and the planned assassination of her cousin Elizabeth. I think the best novel about Mary is still Margaret George’s Mary Queen of Scots.
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David
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Oct 16, 2016 09:19AM
Just finished reading Ian Mortimier's "Medieval Intrigue" that purports Edward II lived after his supposed murder. Edward II seemed to be a very mediocre King, but Ian's book is an interesting read IF you are a big fan of Royal Conspiracies. Sharon, have you studied early 14th century English history for any of your novels? If not, do you plan on moving into the era after Richard I is done?
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I have a rather superficial knowledge of the 14th century, David, just the basics. I have heard the theory before that Edward II was not really murdered at Berkeley Castle. Kathryn Warner has made the study of Edward's reign her life's work, thinks it is credible. I don't know enough myself to judge, but I'd like to believe he did not really suffer that horrific death as legend has it. I have always wanted to write about Owain Glyn Dwr, which is likely to be my next "saga" after I finish The Land Beyond the Sea and do the promised mystery for Justin de Quincy fans.
Sounds great-hope your dragons (deadline and medical) are at bay. Love your work, thanks for all the great books. I think your next saga will be amazing!https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Owain_G...
If Edward II was indeed murdered, he's likely to have been murdered quickly and efficiently. Gruesome and gross legends are likely just later inventions. The best known one is especially silly, I've seen it pointed out several times that it would have been a slow and inefficient way to kill someone.
Agreed-Mortimer makes an extremely strong case for Edward II surviving and Edward III was aware of that fact Sure hope Sharon picks up the tale about Owain. His life is a novel. (or 3)
I'm reading Helen Hollick's novel, though it's not really just about Harold, as much as it's equally focused on all the important players - Harold's entire family, king Edward, Edyth Swanshea, William etc. At least so far.Next up on my reading list is "The Handfasted Wife" by Carol McGrath, another novel about Harold and Edyth, and I'll look up "The Conquest" next.
BTW, do you think that George R.R. Martin probably used Edward the Confessor as inspiration for Baelor the Blessed, maybe alongside Henry VI as well?
I think Mr. Martin used English history for a ton of stuff. I do agree that your take is most likely correct.
I agree with David. I think GRRM took inspiration originally from the Wars of the Roses, but then his imagination soared and we can agree he has a first-rate imagination.
I know that he took inspiration from various things in English history - and not just English history (but mostly). The Wars of the Roses provided most of the inspiration for the War of the Five Kings, and Robert's Rebellion as well to a point, but for his earlier Westerosi history, GRRM obviously drew inspiration from things like The Anarchy (the civil war known as Dance of the Dragons between Rhaenyra and Aegon II), or Henry VIII (Aegon IV the Unworthy is obviously based on him, Maegor the Cruel as well to a point).I was just wondering if you see those specific parallels I mentioned. The World of Ice and Fire in particular goes into details about Targaryen kings like Baelor and Aegon IV, but there's a lot of mentions of them in the main series, as well. Baelor is a controversial king, who was incredibly pious and obsessed with religion, as well as celibate (refusing to consummate his marriage, among other things) and is revered as a saintly king, but there's actually a lot of reason to argue (as Tyrion does in A Storm of Swords) that he was incredibly incompetent, nearly caused a disaster for the country, and may have been mentally ill.
Both Elizabeth and Helen's books makes excellent reading Sharon. Many years ago I once found an interesting book by an author named Hope Muntz I think? It's title was I again think... 'The Golden Warrior' It was a long time ago and it was centred upon Harold. By present day standards it may well be perhaps outdated and not as good as I fondly remember but I do recall absolutely loving it!Yes, Margaret George's 'Mary Queen of Scots' is a great novel indeed. It prompted me to buy her other excellent novels.
You could probably find it in an on-line bookstore or search engine, Leila. It might be fun to read it again after all these years and see how it---and you---had changed.
Yes; I've found copies available here on Amazon UK Sharon, mostly rather expensive of course. I was pleased to see the many five star reviews of this book too. I am sure though I do have my original copy buried somewhere among my books so will be spending the morning searching for it. It will be like looking for a needle in a haystack lol. You're inspiration on here has once more brought up past memories and the desire to begin another search for a past super read Sharon. As you say, it might well be fun for the reasons you give. Take care.
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