Letters of the Queens of England

by Anne Crawford (Editor)

This work allows the queens to speak for themselves through their own correspondence, with each letter set in context and a general introduction on the role of the queen in medieval and Tudor England. Including letters from virtually every English queen from Matilda of Scotland to Katherine Parr, this anthology reveals the character and power of many medieval English queens previously neglected by historians as faceless consorts. The letters show these women as considerable political figures in their own right, and as strong, intelligent, occasionally awkward, members of society. Illustrated throughout, and complemented by a genealogical and marriage tables, this resource provides an introduction to the foremost women of medieval and Tudor England.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, British Literature, Medieval History, Biography, Royalty

256 pages, Paperback

First published August 25, 1997

Reviews

[Orsolya]

One of the biggest open windows into the lives of royal figures is the letters written by their own hands (since we clearly can’t travel back into time to actually converse with them personally). Anne Crawford, a former Assistant Keeper at the Public Record Office, compiled some letters (and biographies) of some of the Queens (or Queen Mothers) in “Letters of the Queens of England”.

Crawford introduces “Letter’s of the Queens of England” by announcing to the readers that some of the figures portrayed have more letters available than others which resulted in having to decide which would be more valuable to use/include in the anthology. Conversely, some Queens left no letters behind but were included with biographical coverage in order to provide a comprehensive look at these women. This explanation provided a clear insight into what to expect in “Letters of the Queens of England” and was thus, well appreciated.

The introduction also includes facts regarding when signatures were first used, which languages (and why) letters were written in, fertility rates, and marriages and is therefore a great queenship introduction to the average reader. Crawford immediately demonstrates intelligence and passion concerning the topic.

“Letters of the Queens of England” is divided into five sections (Norman Queens, Angevin Queens, Plantagenet, Lancastrian & York, and Tudor) which allows for readers to pick and choose their queens of interest. For those opting to read the text through, the chronology makes sense and is smooth. This can also be said about the writing style which is clearly well-researched but not overly scholarly (more of a brief look) resulting in an interesting and well-paced read.

At times, the abundance of names and figures can become difficult to handle especially for those readers unfamiliar with the histories. Crawford does provide genealogical charts and marriage tables in the appendix which helps to sort through the cluster.

Although it is effective and revealing to read letters written by queens; some of Crawford’s biases do bleed though regarding each queen, meaning that it is clear what image is being attempted to define each female and the message that is being reinforced with each letter (although the letters’ contexts are also described). Luckily, these opinions aren’t overly pushed down one’s throat (but they are still obvious).

“Letters of the Queens of England” becomes a bit repetitious and dry as each section describes the same elements of each queen’s life and the information therefore runs together without standout moments. On another negative note, “Letters of the Queens of England” also contains some inaccurate information. However, most were minor and the accuracy overall is acceptable. Although, some of these errors question the editor of the book (for example: Lady Rochford –Jane Boleyn—being called Anne).

Although purely personal, I would have preferred Crawford to have used a different font for the actual letters for ease of quick differentiation of the passages.

Overall, “Letters of the Queens of England” is a terrific resource for those doing research on specific queens and wanting to cite their letters in full. Plus, the content is certainly interesting for Anglophiles and is accessible and interesting with a better insight into the lives of these women. “Letters of the Queens of England” is suggested for royalty-lovers.

[Bri]

Excellent source of academic information.

[Cynthia Mcarthur]

Great reference material.

[Carolyn]

The letters themselves are interesting, but often Crawford's analyses of the queens verge on the ridiculous.

[Aurora Borealisz]

I found this book well written, researched, informative, with many photographs which enhance the text and make it more real, and easy to read. These women come back to life through their letters and we hear their voices and concerns - Eleanor, Queen Dowager of England, to her son, Edward I [written between 1286 and 1291] requesting he intercedes with the King of Sicily for the Abbess of Fontevrault to guard and preserve the franchises of her house from being damaged and that she may not be molested or grieved. Philippa of Hainault, wife of Edward III, to John de Thoresby, Chancellor, 16 December 1350-5, requesting that John Alsey - one of the coroners in the county of Bedford- be removed from office having behaved 'underhandedly and maliciously' towards her and her tenants. Many more. Anne of Cleves, Queen of England, to Henry VIII, 11 July 1540, graciously and cleverly accepting the annulment of her marriage, which saved her life, and turning her from being his wife to being his sister! She might not have been beautiful, but she certainly had brains. Henry of course was very pleased and showered gifts on her, rather than a death sentence! With Catherine Parr she seems to have shared an innate gift for tact and diplomacy in extreme situations, which other wives did not possess, not even a woman of remarkable intellect like Anne Boleyn. Katherine Parr, sixth and last wife of Henry VIII, was a very accomplished, intelligent, enterprising woman, well-ahead of her time, well-versed in French and Spanish, self-taught in Latin, loved by her step-children. Henry appointed her Queen-Regent in the summer of 1544 when he went to war with France and she proved to be a very hardworking. competent, practical, and eager one! The energy and enthusiasm in her letters is very contagious, but they all remain loving and humble, showing her total understanding of how to deal with a man as dangerous and self-obsessed like her husband.

I truly enjoyed this book and direct contact [so to speak] with these women through their letters.

[Sam]

The letters themselves are very interesting and can definitely serve as excellent reference material. A compilation such as this is truly great, and I do believe that it worthwhile for anyone interested in the history of English queens to have on their bookshelves.

On the other hand, I was quite shocked by how some queens were described by the author. Those that she did not like were represented quite harshly, with such judgment that I do not find to be very professional.

One example is the author describing Isabella of Angoulême as "greedy, arrogant and selfish" and as an "unpleasant woman" - traits that the author notes her English children as not having, but sharing with the French children of her second marriage almost entirely. Definitely nothing nationalistic to be found here, for sure.

Another example is the description of Katherine Howard as a "spoilt child"; a "foolish girl" without "moral sense or common sense" who was only interested in "enjoying herself" and ultimately "responsible for her own downfall". It would be good to remind the author that Henry VIII executing Katherine was not something that she deserved, even if she committed adultery.