My Trip to York Minister

Even at sunset its massive walls captured my breath, as I stood outside. Its grandeur was captivating. 

It wasn’t till the following day I ventured back to its massive presence, York Minster (Cathedral). After seeing it the night before with my cousin, I now know why so many speak so highly of it. The outside alone was just amazing beyond words.  Standing out front of the doors just made the hair on the back of my neck tingle with a familiarity I cannot describe.

A bit of history, York Minster is one of Northern Europe’s largest Cathedrals. Its presence has been noted since the time of Bede. Its beginnings began as a wooden church in 627 as a place of baptism for Edwin King of Northumbria, that year.  In 637, it was converted to a stone structure under Oswald of Northumbria and dedicated to St. Peter. Later in the 8^th century and school and a library were attached to the structure. Various ups and down of the church happened afterwards, burned by the Danes, fires, the church was rebuilt a number of times. In 1215, Walter de Grey was made archbishop and ordered the church to be rebuilt to the likeness of Canterbury. In 1220 building began and in 1420 the building was considered finished and consecrated.

Now, on to my little tour.  Of course, I had to pay a bit to go in. Student discount YAY! One thing I learned on this trip was to never leave home without that ID, I probably saved around 100 British Sterling total. Overall, I was more than happy to pay the small sum of sterling they asked and made a small donation, especially since it went to the buildings upkeep. How did they maintain York Minister?  I asked a nice friendly church volunteer and got a very well informed answer. Well, it was being worked on while I was there. One of the facades to the west I believe was draped in a green cover and intricate scaffolding.  Stonemasons are rare these days I was told, so when the church gets wind of some in the area, work or maintenance is the first order of business to be done on the old stonework of the building.

Then it was time to explore the inside. By just walking in to the doors; I cannot tell you all, how massive the sight was and how it captivated my tired eyes and head. The organ was being warmed up for later in the day (At times, I believe the organ was made for angels.), visitors were meandering around at their own pace, and I saw a tour here and there. It was quite peaceful actually.  Various stain-glassed windows were filtering the sun below making it splatter on to the floor, illuminating various corners and isles of the minister. One could get lost in there for sure just taking all the sights and sounds in. Like any student or historian, I went straight to the catacombs and exhibits that I found and learned what I could in the short amount of time I had.  I had to run and catch the train in a matter of a few hours. 

Burial of Prince William of Hatfield, Infant son of Edward III

The catacombs were underneath the main priory screen in the center of the minister. It was dark, and had that musty old castle smell, but very impressive. They had a few exhibits and you could see and the old stones of the original cathedral were left over, as columns before they were moved the building outwards and larger. There was some pretty gorgeous wooden furniture, specifically a trunk.

I went back up stairs and out, and wandered around to see who had funeral vaults, saw some I knew and some I was not so familiar with. All quite impressive.

My gaze then shifted upwards. It was a sight I probably will never forget. The latticework and intricate design and stonework of the celling were astounding. 

Overall York Minister did far more than impress. It blew my mind away. I know now why Richard III had his son instilled Prince of Wales in its massive and captivating walls. It was built for a prince, and for a king.  A well-loved king of the north.

A little video I made of the inside:)

Bosworth

The early morning fog covered the ground like a soft plush blanket. The lush green grass of the marsh and surrounding fields seemed to be a favorite of the horses.  As they walked the field many tried to steal a snatch or two.  Their riders weary, pulled their heads up and spurred them lightly forward. Yet they could sense what was coming soon. Ever so soon as the sun began to rise.

Brakenbury was quiet for a change. Yet, quiet boisterous the night before at the inn, Richard thought he would never sleep. Tossing and turning in his room in the inn’s upper bedroom, sleep never came easy for him away from his normal chambers in London, and especially now, alone. How he missed Anne. She was not supposed to die. So many things awaited him back in London. His niece Elizabeth, needed a marriage and then there was her other sisters. He needed to make their mother happy. He needed her support, most importantly he needed this usurper, Henry Tudor dead. Of bastard lineage, now in England to challenge his right to the crown, Richard’s crown.  

He gripped the hilt of his sword. It was cold, even through his leather gloves. He repeated to himself the words of the priest from the morning mass as he blessed them all as they prepared for battle. He asked God again to give him strength and watch out for him. He prayed to his wife Anne to watch out for his soul and his body if he fell. He tried to push that thought out of his mind, far, far away.

One of his commanders called for them all to halt. Banners danced in the air in the distance. Their colors vibrant against the morning grey sky. He could see the Welsh banner men struggling against the winds and then the standard of Tudor.  A chill ran down Richard’s spine. Soon, very soon, everyone’s fate was to be decided.......

c. June 30, 2014 A.C. McMillin 

6 feet under… in the Middle Ages

The fascination of afterlife, and where our souls travel to, once we pass on is a complex yet colorful visit in the Middle Ages. The society and culture of the medieval person, both of upper class and peasant were a far stretch from our secular society of today.  Superstition ran rapid, as well as a belief system that was very intertwined within the Catholic faith of the period. This directly impacted how and the traditions behind preparation for death of a loved one, and the ritual of letting them pass on, such as a funeral. Death was very much apart of medieval life, much more than today because of this general attitudes towards life and death were both equally important to the medieval person.

Preparation as well as how elaborate the celebration of ones life varied from peasant noble as one would expect. This also changed as time went on as far as what was and how the events were recorded down. During the 15^th Century, documentation of medieval traditions became widely recorded including funerals of past kings. The medieval image of death is very well illustrated when looking at the literature created in the time. Illuminations of vivid and descriptive scenes of death or dying, ones deathbed, funeral rites all support the fascination of death and predation to be received by God. Emphasis was also placed in prayers placed in prayer books such as “Office of the Dead” that the owner would recite to shorten their time in purgatory. It is not an uncommon assumption to think that the average medieval man feared death. He feared for the salvation for his soul, hence the preparation with prayer, and other religious preparations were an important staple in many lives during this time, and especially in the end. The last thing any medieval individual wanted was to be stuck in Purgatory, or end up in Hell. For that fear was a very real one for many and something everyone worked to avoid during their lives.

We have a pretty good description of Edward IV’s funeral. His death was unexpected but it was after an illness of 10 days or so. Some preparations might have taken place earlier. It’s hard to tell. Edward died April 9^th. Before he was delivered to God’s hands, tradition of a priest was called to the bedside to read last rights. He was then repented of all his sins, and made a request for all debts to be paid, and in turn all sacraments were given from the church.

Edward IV

The description of Edward’s funeral we have, is a pretty good description gathering from Sir Thomas More, whose description is backed up by Mancini’s account of the event. Both descriptions give very detailed accounts of funeral preparations of the body, as well as the décor added to the procession, all showing a lavish display of wealth and royalty. His body was noted to have lain naked on a board in Westminster Palace, so that both lords both spiritual and temporal could see. Displaying of the body was done to dispel any rumors that his death did not really happen. Next, he was embalmed and wrapped in “cerements” of waxed linen cloth with a cap of estate on his head and his feet were adorned in red leather shoes. He next “lay in state” for eight days at St. Stephens Cathedral. While he was there, royal, as well as servants of the community performed requiem masses and watched him. April 17, his body was placed on a bier, covered with a large rich golden cloth and carried to Westminster Abbey. In his procession, 15 knights, and esquires accompanied him. Above him was a canopy of clothe fringed in gold and blue silk, and flanked at the corners by the four banners; Trinity, Our Lady (Mary?) St. George, and St. Edward, whom he was named after. Mass was held and he was placed in his resting place.

Richard’s funeral 1485

Despite what we have seen through popular media; Richard did more than likely, have some sort of funeral.  Also in preparation for unexpected death, the mass that was said that Monday morning before his last battle was to cleanse his soul in case of preparation of death while in battle. It is important to remember that during this time, England was in a state of war this was always a possibility. Richard was unfortunately was not the popular king in the battle. His body was looted, striped naked and paraded to town draped across the back of a horse like sac of grain. The time frame between when he was brought to town and actually noticed, I am not sure of but one of the main reasons why he was rescued by the Grey Friars was because they were the order in the church that took care of executed and people whom died in battle. 

Looking at the skeletal remains, we know he was tied at the hands. Reason for the friars not to undo this, might have been one of convenience. His grave was dug in a central location of their friary chapel and he was laid to rest more than likely in a sense of urgency. I am sure the though came to someone’s mind that they had to bury the body quickly due to the display that was prior to the retrieval of the body.  Naked, with out even a shroud, his body was placed haphazardly in his grave.  A pillar was later placed near his tomb in the chapel, but its existence is long gone due to the monastery being destroyed under the rule of Henry VIII. In stark contrast, Sir Simon de Montfort whom also died in battle never received a funeral or a proper burial. He was quartered and various body parts tossed in a river. Richard got lucky that someone acted quickly enough to save his body from a similar fate. 

 

Burial rituals for peasants did happen, but were not as lavish as Edwards. More than likely close to what Richard experienced. But the bodies after the wake were placed in the parish’s cemetery and the bodies were wrapped in a shroud. Circumstances and when and how someone died, definitely impacted how one was brought to St. Peter’s gates. But the contrast of Edward’s funeral and then Richards’ show the how easily a basic ritual or custom can be changed to suit the need of the time, especially in the time of war.

http://www.bl.uk/learning/histcitizen/medieval/death/medievaldeath.html https://medievalchristianityd.wikispaces.com/Death+and+Burials+in+Medieval+Times

https://www.getty.edu/art/exhibitions/death_middle_ages/index.html

Richard, Duke of Gloucester if things had been different

And he loves to camp out in my head... Thats family for ya....

The warm glow of the priory lights and prayer candles beckoned to me. The familiar smell and warmth of the incense of the quiet chapel, seemed to welcome me in and in to its arms for prayer. Prayer seems to be my only comfort to me most these days. So many emotions, so many things have happened over the years. Rumors, looks, whispers all follow my every step it seems. It is here I find peace, peace with myself and peace with the very demons that haunt my existence.

"Tudor. The name haunted me. Tudor how I loathed that name. Ever since they came to court, and saturated it with their opinions, polluted thinking, a debauchery; I have decided to stay on the outside and look in remain silent int he shadows for the time being.  My wife dead, how I miss her. She was my true love. Oh Anne, sweet Anne. I pray you are free and loved as I loved you. Since I asked you that day in the Yew garden to be my wife. 

The rumors haunt me. The princes, Edward and his little brother Richard. Edward's boys where such a delight to me. Our games of hide and seek were adventures beyond our imaginations. I just wanted to keep them safe, as I promised Elizabeth, I would. I was their protector...But even in the tower, they were not. Betrayed, humiliated and lied to..."

Jesus's face while he hung from the crucifixion above my head, looked as if he was about to say something to me as I glanced up at him. I must continue, he needs to hear what my heart feels. 

The flickering lights bounced off the stained glass and other objects in the room. I felt somewhat at peace. I continued, 

"I feel so humble my Lord, so humble now. How is it a man such as myself, skilled with a sword, and with horsemanship can be reduced like this from rumors. Perhaps I grieve too much, feel too much. I plan to seek the truth of what happened to my nephews. Someone had to have wished them harm, I indent to find out one day who did this horrible deed.

I am your humble and always loyal servant, Richard, Duke of Gloucester."   

Setting Some Facts Straight: My Review of "The White Queen"

I, like many for the last 10 weeks or so have been watching Starz "The White Queen.” At first, I struggled to get through the first episode due to drugged stupor from surgery but once I finally watched it, I was curious as to what the series had to offer.

The series is based off the book of similar title set during the War of The Roses in England in 1450s or so. It’s a medieval period themed series: my cup of tea basically. So me and my knowledge, biting my tongue many of times, and mind; ended up watching the show in its entirety. In the end I was amazed. I had read mixed reviews, and was actually quiet shocked of how the series was perceived by many audiences. In the end, I certainly did not follow the tone of the journalists who wrote the reviews. Still I wonder what was put in their drink that day. Did they forget that film is like any art form, it is interpretative and first and foremost it is art. Criticizing it won’t do you a bit of good. The overall consensus: the show left me wanting more, and a with a few sleepless nights with the vision of Richard III dead body on the ground….I got a little freaked out…. Shock factor achieved there Aneurin.

The acting. Words don’t even come close. We are introduced to Elizabeth and Edward first. The Anne and Richard, played by Faye Marsay and Aneurin Barnard. They stole the show. As well as Amanda Hale who plays Margaret Beauford and Stanely. I am uncertain of the actors name. The twists, the emotions, the technique, they all used, especially Aneurin, is just captivating. I remember watching the first episode where Richard III is really a main character and I was just floored. His performance just blew me away. Give him a prize someone. I have seen a ton of period movies and not, and"The White Queen" just blew it out of the park. Bravo! Now, the show is over and I miss my medieval fix!

With that being said, we get to my review of the series. I understand liberties were taken with some aspects of the filming, i.e. lack of armor, clothing, and other details, (red paint on the window frame) which being a trained medievalist, I didn’t complain and just let it slide. As far as critiquing, the only real problem I had was some of the themes addressed in the story line. There is just not even close or loose historical base to have made the claims. It is a little bewildering to me as a historian and a scholar, that they were even suggested. As a result, it created confusion amongst many viewers and their views of specific characters, especially of Richard III. Of note, I did have a blast helping my peers understand the period after the show was over that following night.

Now back to Richard. He is probably the most misunderstood of all the English Plantagenet kings. A lot of it traces back to what happened after and before his death.
Now my gripes. First, I had a slight issue with the relationship that was suggested in the show between Lizzy (Elisabeth of York) and Richard. This more than likely never happened, actually it didn’t. It was a result of gossip and rumor. Anne and Richard actually shared a bed up until she got ill. This wasn’t very common in that day. King’s and Queen’s had separate chambers. If he had had an affair, she would have been the first to know, since they shared a bed up until the end, when it was feared that he too would become ill.

Is there any evidence? No. There is only one letter in existence that Lizzy wrote that is more than likely a misinterpretation or a fake. It is also know, or it should be that if Lizzy was educated, she would have known about courtly romance and courtly love, introduced by Marie de France. This needs to be taken into consideration. It greatly impacted writing at the time, as well as composition. When looking at her writings, these are some of the aspects that pop out and yes, could be misinterpreted quite easily for “love” not “admiration,” which in fact it was. Richard was planning a wedding for her. As a responsible and thankful niece, of course he would be in admiration of her; he is helping her plan her future marriage. This is a big deal and an expensive one.
Some notes about the letter. The letter found by George Buck, who lived about 100 years after Richard’s death. It claimed to have “have seen a letter written by Elizabeth of York to John Howard, 1st Duke of Norfolk, shortly before the death of Queen Anne Neville, in which Elizabeth declared her love for Richard III and her hope of becoming his wife. In Buck’s words, the letter asks Norfolk “to be a mediator for her to the King, in behalf of the marriage propounded between them”, who, as she wrote, was her “onely joy and maker in this world”, and that she was his in heart and thought: “withall insinuating that the better part of February was past, and that she feared the Queen would never die.” The letter, if it ever existed, is now lost.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Buck) Now as a scholar, it is quite interesting that a letter oh 100 years later emerges, then disappears. Something in this is not right. Hence, why it is thought that the letter was a fake, or misinterpretation, and oh by the way.. it’s missing now too.

Another source, that documents and discusses this letter as well as the information received from the Croyland Chronicles; the book Richard, Return of the King, by Patricia J. Collins, the same letter cited, and is also discussed. She also brings similar points about the letter, and the fact that Richard repeatedly publicly denied any such plans to marry his niece. Yet rumors circulated like wild fire after Anne’s death and did not help the situation. It was known is that he wished to remarry soon, as he had no heir to the throne at that time, he needed some job security. But it would make sense that the rumor mill went overboard, despite the good that Richard did. The game was to the defeated the one who is your opponent make them a victim of libel or slander, gossip and rumor and chip at them until they break. The rumors continued after his death under the rule of the new king, he had to establish power. And of course, they had to clean up the rumors of any public notion of what people once thought of Elizabeth of York when she married Henry Tudor. She had to be fit to marry a king. Place the blame on the dead king, he is dead so he can’t defend himself; easy scapegoat.

What do we take away from this? Just because it ends up in the daily newspaper, doesn’t mean it is fact or true. The educated public is a very small pool and most are the clergy, rumors are what makes the wheel and the power go around.
Finally, the princes in the tower. This is probably one of todays and in this time period, the biggest unsolved mystery to date. The show suggests that Elizabeth swapped young Richard out, with an imposter. That so did not happen. There are doctor records that show proof he was in the tower and he was ill. The gossip flew when they disappeared, again, who was unpopular? Richard III he was blamed for their disappearance. In defending Richard, it is questioned that Elisabeth’s loyalty eventually switched to him, but it was too late for obvious reasons, for him to save his throne. The simple fact that it did shift to him, is an indication that he was not responsible for their disappearance or why would she have changed loyalties if in fact he had something to do with the disappearances? It would not make sense, as what little evidence we have suggests.

The likely culprits? Margaret Beauford, and Stanley. They both wanted Tudor on that throne, and history shows that there is pile of bodies to that lead to that “iron throne”. Now, hypothetically, it is possible that she switched one of her children. But the biggest factual and theoretical problems that historians face today, is there is just no evidence anything that even suggests or supports who murdered the children, or in fact that they were even murdered in the first place. My personal theory; one died, the other more than likely died as well. From someone’s hand, no, from illness, yes. I vote tuberculosis; we already have a few dead of the disease currently in the show.

An article in The Guardian(http://www.theguardian.com/science/2013/feb/05/princes-in-tower-staying-under), discusses the urn that was found in the tower with some bones of two children found at the bottom of a stair case during a renovation, that could possibly hold some clues to this mystery. Since the discovery of Richard III and DNA testing of his remains, a suggestion was made to have those bones DNA tested but the request was denied. This actually puts a very interesting twist on the plot. The Church of England, and the Queen were even consulted and supported the denial. Perhaps they really do know what happened, it’s some big secret? We might never know. Is this enough to prove Richard III responsible, no. He was a very loyal, and catholic and held the church in great esteem, why would he commit a mortal sin on a child, he had other problems to worry about, and they were great by far. He went to great lengths to deny public accusations, where the Croyland Chronicles suggests, as well as the York House Books, as the one responsible for their disappearance. Again, the blame landed on a king whose competition wanted power, and if they could break him down piece by piece, they would and to take what they wanted in the end, that being the throne.
History always seems to have a different picture, than its interpretation or artistic departure. This is why I enjoy film. Sometimes it is nice to take a departure from what we know and to let it go.

My overall opinion of the show was it was terrific, beautiful, and just wonderfully written from an artistic perspective. From a historical perspective, it leads a lot into much needed discussion. But this is good for people like me. I love to teach others about what I love and know. There are so many aspects of medieval life that just one show cannot even begin to understand its complexity. It’s a complex but fascinating period. My biggest advice to people wanting to learn about the period or the people in it? Do your research wisely, and really look at who your sources have been written by. If you are reading about Richard III, if it is later for example 1600’s, the opinion will be painted poorly. This is something we are discovering today and is unfortunately the case in so much of our documentation. Sometimes a little of rewriting the past has to take place.

Finally, take a step back and try to think like that medieval person who wrote the material especially if it’s a primary source. Many angles need to be thought of when you go read into that piece. Who are they in favor with, what is their position at court, what is their education level, and are they a man of importance. To look at the life and times of individuals of the past, some of our best sources are the actual legal documents and letters of that time. For example “The Paston Letters.” They give anyone a perfect window into that time. The world of the Middle Ages is a fascinating time period and that was clearly depicted in the show“The White Queen.” It is a show worth its weight in gold. I highly suggest it.

Starz “The White Queen” is currently up for a People’s Choice Award for 2014.

Also vote for Aneurin Barnard for his role of Richard III

~ Andrea C. S. McMillin, BA Medieval Studies w/ History U.C. Davis and current scholar
October 26, 2013