A Double Eclipse

On 16th March 1485, there was a total eclipse of the sun. The locations from which the whole of the sun would be obscured lay to the south of England, so that from England more than 80% of the sun would be obscured, enough to reduce the light and make the day darken ominously. It…

We like to answer our readers’ queries …

On Thursday, someone enquired: “Who had a better claim to the throne than Henry VII”? The short answer (excluding the right by conquest): almost anyone. Conventionally, his mother was descended from Edward III through the Beaufort line, but they were only legitimised “excepta dignitate regali”. However, the balance of evidence suggests that his parents were…

To go to Leicester…or not….

(I cannot acknowledge the photographer of the above illustration, because I do not know, but whoever he/she is, thank you. It expresses something inside me.) I read everywhere of the countless Ricardians who intend to—or long to—go to Leicester when Richard is finally laid to rest. Their desire to be there is more than understandable,…

Welcome to the 21st Century, Your Grace

For better or worse, Richard III is now a worldwide pop-culture icon, joining the ranks of Kirk, Spock and McCoy, Harry Potter and Severus Snape, Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi, Aragorn and Legolas. Many more reams of paper and backlit words on computer screens will be written about him. His fans – whether authors of…

Shakespeare, by a modern rival:

We all know that his history was suspect, although possibly as good as the sources of his time dictated. Here is a review of his literary style:

TO BELIEVE – OR NOT TO BELIEVE – THAT IS THE QUESTION

Most Ricardians have spent many years honing their beliefs and building up a knowledgeable sympathy and regard for the character and actions of Richard III during his lamentably shot life-time. But even passionate supporters often disagree. Endless arguments (usually amicable I’m pleased to add) continue between supporters. Whether Richard had a wild romantic love affair…

Richard’s final journey….

These are the details of Richard’s final journey to Leicester Cathedral. King Richard’s final journey…. http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Details-Richard-III-s-reinterment-procession/story-26070476-detail/story.html There is more at http://www.itv.com/news/central/2015-02-23/leicester-richard-iii-route-road-closures-leicester-cathedral-events/

The Richard III Connection

I have long been interested in genealogy and, like most family historians, the Holy Grail is to connect my family to Royalty, especially Richard III! Unfortunately this is nearly impossible*, but I have done it in an indirect way. I found out that my 4 x great grandfather was a portrait painter by the name…

Russell & Rotherham, Lord Chancellors of King Richard III

The office of Lord Chancellor is one of the oldest of the Great Offices of State, second in rank only to the Lord High Steward. It dates from Herfast, the first Lord Chancellor of England, appointed in 1068 by King William I, Duke of Normandy. King Richard III had two Lord Chancellors, John Russell and…

Richard’s Prayer Book….

There is a very interesting report on Richard’s Prayer Book at http://www.itv.com/news/central/2015-02-20/ancient-prayer-books-sheds-new-light-on-richard-iii/ The photograph is by ITV News Central. There is a video for those who have the right device, which I, unfortunately, do not.