Wheel of Fortuna

How was medeival society influenced by Fortuna's Wheel?

The relationship mysticism and its importance with in the belief system of Medieval society is a strong example of this. Fortune or Fortuna’s Wheel (Rota Fortunae) known by some is an ancient and medieval philosophy that refers to the constant changing nature of fate. It is a wheel that is owned and spun by Fortuna. It can change individual places on the wheel at random, thus determining their “fate.” They can have great misfortune, or be blessed with good. 

The wheel itself is depicted in many manuscripts both medieval and ancient and highly referenced in the medieval allegorical religious teachings of the time.

John Lydgate's Siege of Troy, showing the Wheel of Fortune

Fortuna Wheel's beginnings began in Ancient Greek mythology, as a celestial zodiac with 8 points, and the 9^th being the pointer.  It is referenced in the play Everyman c. 1495. In this play the wheel is known to play reference to the value placed on everyday things, and stress the “temporary” nature of them. Death comes of course unexpected to those who do bad deeds, there is emphasis placed on doing good deeds in order to secure a place in Heaven.

The emphasis of these philosophies and the strong religious teachings of the day more than likely were very prominent in the morals of many of the day. For many in the Middle Ages, this would have been more than likely a very important aspect of their beliefs and thought process.  To many this piety, and loyalty show the value placed on morality and to keep in mind the teachings both allegorical and religious of the day in thought and decision making process. 

Unfortunately, as history rolls on, many were not completely in control of what was to come next in life. Plagues and famine and poor crop production, were seen as signs of poor fate that directly came from the Wheel of Fortuna and influenced the basic belief system of the time.

First edit of book cover!

Tossing this out for feed back and suggestions. Just comment below to let me know what you think, I need to change etc. Very much appreciated! Thank you readers! 

What to Wear During the War of The Roses

"The White Queen"

I have always been a huge costume nut.  Great films and shows always are an excellent source of inspiration for me and anyone to create something fun, and eventually useful. Back in my college years, "Braveheart" helped me create an early medieval outfit for one of my medieval studies class, and lots of “Ohhhs and Awwws” from classmates.  Emma Thompson's and Ang Lee's adaptation of Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility" resulted in half a wardrobe filled with Regency period dresses, which all got worn to various Gaskell’s Balls in the Bay Area.  Yet no Mr. Darcy was seen.  Le sigh.

Most recent in my period costume film quest, I have discovered “The White Queen” produced by Starz yet even though not 100% historically accurate; has inspired pattern makers and costume/period dress nuts like myself, now to have a reason to make some pretty festive and beautiful frocks.  I finally have a use for the pewter crushed velvet in my sewing fabric stash! YAY! 2014 Night at the Symphony Costume Contest/Event, here I come!

Elizabeth Woodville

 

Back on topic. Dress.  It’s the War of the Roses.  Edward IV is trying not to get his supply of cloth cut off from Flanders and strikes a deal with Burgundy and his sister Margaret of York is escorted by the Earl Warwick, Richard Neville, to Burgundy for her pending marriage to help keep this important relationship open, and trade to keep going, despite rising conflict lurking in the horizon.  With this political backdrop, what did ladies wear, mainly the ladies at court? Dress during this time was actually quite depended on region.

15th Cent Italian Dress

For example Italy was on its own wavelength in contrast to the rest of the continent, as seen in paintings during the times. The northern part of Europe dressed a bit more to climate.   

Patterned fabric of period

The century began with the gown called “cotehardie” which we refer to as the one with the large bell sleeves and fitted down through the waist. This style faded quickly with introduction of new designs.  Gowns were long of course, and trimmed with fur (ermine, mink etc.) on the cuff, around the collar and sometimes the hem. Fabric was available in various dyes at this time.

The darker colors, reds, blues, dark green, blacks with brocades or patterned in artichoke or oak leave patterns; were of significant cost, mainly worn by those who could afford it, meaning the nobility. This style of gown is most known by the name: “houppelandes” which refer to the long flowing dresses of the time.

Garments were displayed or worn with a style called “slashing” which meant it was opened to reveal an other bit of clothing underneath, like a kirtle or under gown in contrasting colors (most common white or black). A chemise was worn close to the skin.  As time went on, repairs in sleeves of both men and women also accentuated this method of style.

Sleeves were mostly cuffed with matching fur from the color yet could be transferred to other gowns, with ornamentation on the cuff with jewels or embroidery. Also at times, if fur wasn’t worn, patterned fabric was used on both collar and cuff, which became more fashionable later in the century.

So what have I done with all this wealth of inspiration and creativity? I have put it to some use. I have made some alterations and adaptations of my own, but here is a glimpse of my current sewing project.  Today, we are lucky, we have sewing machines, just imagine all this work was done by hand at one point in time.  Headpiece… don’t ask me if I am going to make a hennin, I am not there yet. 

Step one: cutting out the dress: 

Detail of the side of the bodice, before I finished bead work.

Where we are at as of Sunday: Black sash, bodice jeweled, sleeves work in progress.

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 

The White Knight Syndrome

Why we are all so enamored by the story of Richard and Anne?

Richard rescues Anne from the battlefield

 That moment in the middle of Tewkesbury battlefield in “The White Queen” where Richard, who is still the Duke of Gloucester (portrayed by Aneurin Barnard) at this time, rescues Anne Neville (portrayed by Faye Marsay) from impending doom.  Just about every girl’s heart stopped for a minute.  And we all sigh and dream that we are in Anne’s place.  Why? It’s the fairy tale come true romance, we have all dreamed of: “Knight in shining armor” comes to rescue fair damsel in distress” which is Anne.  He is like Lancelot!  This idea is not a new one; it actually has it roots very far back in folklore and of the chivalric tales of the Middle Ages.  This is also more than likely why the real story about Anne and Richard was so popular amongst 14^th century society.  In a world of political upheaval and turmoil, the idea of romantic love was a break from reality that most wished and desired. Reality was war, loss, and destruction.

Having already discussed the concept of courtly love and the importance it had amongst society, its time to take the story a bit further. What were people’s lives like that led them to believe and wish for their “white knight” to come bounding through terrors, slay dragons, and rescue them from afar? What was life like for the noble woman of the 14^th century?

The political pawn

Isabelle and Anne

Anne Neville came from one of the most politically prominent families during the time of the War of the Roses. Her story and her upbringing are actually quite typical of what a young lady of noble status would have experienced during this time and also previous periods of the Middle Ages. Having daughters meant that families who sought or wished to maintain their power and lands, had means to do so.  The ability of expanding their empire or household was a large possibility of a good marriage between their daughters with other lords and nobles in the realm or from neighboring countries.  In cases where money was involved, it also was a way that monies were obtained and made in the form of a dowry.  The higher the dowry was for the soon to be bride, the more valuable she became to her suitors and her family.

To manage the household

Noble women in the Middle Ages didn’t just sit around bear children for their husbands, do needlepoint and gossip, they actually were schooled from a young age to know how to run a large household, amongst other duties. They would have shadowed their mothers growing up and assisted them in their duties, such as making sure goods were stocked in the kitchens, if messages needed to be sent to neighboring lords for items or assistance, they made sure they were sent. Days were structured starting with prayers said each morning at mass and followed up each night by prayer. This routine would be taught to her daughters as well.  She would have ladies in waiting to assist her with dressing, arranging her hair, and other tedious aspects of medieval life.  In addition to overseeing how the house ran, she would also supervise the education of other noble daughters, as well as her own girls.

embroidery and other hobbies of the ladies

Evenings after meals, were prepared and served, to the liking of the head of the household, stories of courtly love, poetry, games, and music were the most popular forms of entertainment in most noble households. It is here that the stories of “Tristan and Isolde”, or “De Morte Arthur” were told. It is more than likely these stories were what Anne heard quite often growing up in Middleham and Warwick castle. To a little girl who’s father had great plans, the thought of being carried off by her true love was a perfect dream for her, as well as many other girls pending an arranged marriage to someone they did not know.

Honor thye husband

One of the most important lessons a mother in the Middle Ages, as well as the church, taught her daughter was to honor their husband.  This also was meant towards their fathers as well. To disobey or dishonor brought shame to the household. This alone stressed acceptance to a political or arranged marriage matches between a young bride to her husband to be.  It is also why stories such as “Tristan and Isolde” were seen as scandalous, yet quite popular amongst court tromboudors. 

Her education from upbringing also is what made the lady of the household the main emotional support for her husband. This is clearly evident in many of the scenes of “The White Queen” between Anne and Richard, and also in history with Cecily Neville, Eleanore of Aquitaine and others. The women where the ones who many of times picked up the pieces if they had to move, wait patiently with children during a siege, and at times without their husbands during long standing wars.  Her job was to keep her household safe, yet be of support for her husband off at war and keep hope alive for his safe return. She was the keeper of his heart and of his soul should harm fall upon him, as her blessing was said to protect.

Finally, one of the most important aspects of her duties to her husband was to bear him an heir, to carry on the line of the family. In some cases this was easily done, others like Richard and Anne, this was not easily accomplished and the outcome was not of best circumstances.  For there one and only heir died tragically.  We don’t know enough about Anne to know why she was only able to have one child.  But it was very devastating for her, as well as Richard. It changed their lives forever.

The challenges and duties of a noble lady such as Anne Neville faced in her life, were more than likely quite demanding and at times very stressful.  The image of the knight in shining armor or “white knight” is a very realistic illustration of the psyche of not just one but many medieval noble ladies during the 14^th century. It is very easy to conclude that this is one of the reasons why the relationship between Anne and Richard today is so appealing to many, and not just the ladies of the Middle Ages. There is always a point in our lives where we all want to be rescued by a knight in shining armor from the evils or demands of society.

Sources: http://www.lordsandladies.org/daily-life-noblewoman-middle-ages.htm

How Kingdoms Were Won: Women of History and Fiction

Anne Neville and Margery Tyrell

Behind every great king is his queen. This was a very important element during both the War of the Roses, and also surprisingly the novels of Songs of Fire and Ice (Game of Thrones Saga), by George R. R. Martin. Also many of the characters in contrast to their historical counterparts, all had surprisingly short life spans. Whether Martin, planned his characters to be similar to those who were the real players of the War of the Roses, they defiantly were an influence in his writings. We see this when we look at Margery Tyrell.  Surprisingly, some of the events of her character’s past, as well as events that she goes through throughout the stories are quite similar to Richard III’s queen, Anne Neville. 

Anne’s early life is one not known to many. She surprisingly escaped most of the paper trails of the Middle Ages, as we are left with barely a footprint of her existence. But we know she did have quite a role to play in the orchestrating of power moves to help her family gain power and finally access to the throne. Whether she was secretly coveting the throne and the power behind it, we really do not know. But we know about her family the most, especially through her father Earl of Warwick, Richard Neville. Anne more than likely learned quiet a bit even though one may think she was just a pawn to her father’s power moves, but she was gaining power and lands for her family. Thus leading them to become one of the most powerful families in England during the 15^th century and the War of the Roses.

If we take a look at Margery Tyrell, she doesn’t have a powerful father but a very powerful, and sharp grandmother who helps her achieve her moves to power.  A similarity to take note.  We also do not really know much about her once she is introduced in to the story line, but her ambitions are very clear.  Margery knows, even after Renly dies, she wants to be the queen of the seven kingdoms and to sit on the iron throne. We see her impressing the people of Kings Landing, we also see her befriending people who can help her achieve her desires i.e. Sansa.  In an almost charming way, she goes to the poor people of King’s Landing to give and pass out food, earning their trust in return, and earning the trust of the Lannisters.  Anne did this with her husband with gifts to the church and by supporting her husband during his affairs in the city York.  It was noted by the recorders that they were well loved in the city because of this.

Another similarity between the two, both had husbands die early in their lives.  Their first husbands to be spot on.  Noted, Margery Tyrell in the HBO series "Game of Thrones" is portrayed a bit older than what she is in the books, but both queens where quite young when they lost their significant other, and both being in battle. 

Because we really do not have much to go off of as far as character for Anne, one can only suspect that she was very knowledgeable of affiars of state, to be in the station she was in. Margery, as well shows the tenacity and intelligence even at times more sinister than her future husband, Joffrey Baratheon, with her power moves and plays to get what she wants.  Perhaps Anne also had motives as well.  As far as who was devoted to their kings, Anne would win this card. She was loved and renowned to many, even when she died. For her husband it was noted, grieved this loss. Margery is a bit more spiteful and eager and honestly is like a roster in a hen house to get to the iron throne.  In the end, both were players of the game of power that in the end cause many a demise that we wish didn’t always have the outcome that it did.  

Like I have stated before, “Game of Thrones” is like the “War of Roses,” everybody you end up loving, dies.  The York and Lannister houses, knew this all too well, especially during the year 1485.

Books of Art and of Prayer

"R. Gloucester" before king.

“Lord Jesus Christ, deign to free my, your servant King Richard, from every tribulation, sorrow and trouble in which I am placed…hear me, in the name of all your goodness, for which I give thanks, and for all the gifts granted to me, because you made me from nothing and redeemed me out of your bounteous love and pity from eternal damnation to promising eternal life.” ~ From Richard III personal Book of Hours

 

Coat of Arms with boars of Richard III

A book can be a window to one’s soul. This is one of the reasons for the popularity of prayer books during the Middle Ages.  Prayer was always supposed to being you closer to God, especially in the Medieval Christian faith. During the 1400’s manuscripts started to become more available to the general public, not just the nobility.  Because of this, we have more historical evidence of what was read and circulated during this time, than we do from previous reigns.

These prayer books of the Middle Ages were also known as “Book of Hours.” Their use as a devotional item is this main reason for their prevalence and preservation today. There are many famous prayer books that have survived for example: Les Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry, the Visconti Hours, Hours of Catherine of Cleves, and even the personal prayer book of King Richard III, which has a story of its own. What were these books for? And why where they so important to the medieval owner?

A page from Richard III's Book of Hours

To understand the importance of these books of prayer, it is important to understand the impact of religion on society at this time. Life during the 15^th century was nowhere near as secular as it is today.  Daily life revolved for both the nobility and common folk around the church; the Catholic Church. Prayer was said daily, and many frequented church at least once a day, at times more especially during Lent.  Before a day of battle during war; mass was said before engaging the enemies, on the battlefield.  Because of this, many would being the books with them to battle or with them on their campaigns to make sure their souls were cleansed or prepped incase they ended up in Gods hands.

These books were known as “primers.” They provided the readers or owners a range of personal prayer to recite as apart of their own daily meditation. Important prayers included passages from psalms, and collections of the Old Testament. These texts were grouped together in the books, which we know as the “Hours.” Examples of some of these included “Office of the Virgin” and “Office of the Dead” (Source: notes: “Book of Hours” Lecture from England in the Time of Richard III, Future Learn class)

The structure of the books yet even though many commissioned for the individual, personally did have a similar structure or layout.

A Calendar of Church feasts

An excerpt from each of the four gospels

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The fifteen Psalms of Degrees

The seven Penitential Psalms

A Litany of Saints

An Office for the Dead

The Hours of the Cross

Various other prayers

(source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_hours)

These books because of the period they were produced have paintings inside them, which are very useful in understanding 15^th and 16^th century life.  It is this reason why they are very popular with scholars when studying the period. They also are very important in understanding medieval Christianity. The books were tailored to their owners such as a man, or lady, and at times their names incorporated into some of the text and prayers to make it more personal. Also heralds or coat of arms were incorporated into the book to identify its original owner.

 

The rosary held by Anne, was also an important religious item.

Today hundreds survive in England alone.  Mainly because there were a large portion made, and they were produced in large numbers. Being that they were personal possessions of many, this aided their survival during the Reformation, yet still a fraction where subject to being discarded and destroyed with the destruction of the monasteries.  They were originally created as original manuscripts, but later were manufactured in commercial workshops with the personal details or inserts put in to give personalization for the owner.  With the introduction of printing, the books were printed via woodcut on vellum or parchment and parts were left not detailed for later imagery and colorization and personalization for the new owner.  Almost majority were composed in Latin yet some in French and Latin.

“At day-break on the Monday following there were no chaplains present to perform Divine service on behalf of king Richard, nor any breakfast prepared to refresh the flagging spirits of the king; besides which, as it generally stated, in the morning he declared that during the night he had seen dreadful visions, and had imagined himself surrounded by a multitude of dæmons. He consequently presented a countenance which, always attenuated, was on this occasion more livid and ghastly than usual…” Croyland Chronicle (http://www.r3.org/on-line-library-text-essays/crowland-chronicle/)

It is interesting to note one of the prayer books that has survived today; was one of King Richard III.  It is believed that 11-13 books survived today that were form his personal collection.  It is not surprising to find that he owned one, being a devote Catholic it was a common item to have, and to accompanied him on his travels and battles.  His book as noted above, has an interesting story.  The book is actually a second hand book, which is to have believed to been made around 1415 in London.  A close examination of the prayers included n the book; tell us that it was made for a priest.  Sometime after Richard acquired it, the long prayer at the end was added.  This prayer added holds an important significance. Not only does it ask for protection and relief from grief and sickness, but it also asks for protection from the hatred and the plots of his enemies and for reconciliation or forgiveness from them.  This prayer he added is actually a variant of a standard prayer that was included in similar versions of Book of Hours.  The prayer was widely circulated and even used by some of Richard’s contemporaries such as Alexander, Prince of Poland.  It later became important in the post-Tridentine Roman-primer that was printed and became standard staple in the Counter-Reformation of lay piety. 

 

One last prayer (Richard III portrayed by Aneurin Barnard)

When examining Richard as a person and his connection to his religion; catholcisum, this prayer it demonstrates an individual who is devoted, pious, but also isolated in his individualism.  This shows the importance of prayer in lay people of the later Middle Ages.  It also shows us how his individual enemies, and their intent and actions affected him as a person.  His concience in turmoil is directly shown through his need for personal prayer symbolizing his closeness to his religion and reasons behind his own personal for forgiveness.  This book of Richards’ and its meaning, offers both insight to the hostility and turmoil of medieval life during the War of the Roses and the impact of faith on the individual.  The prayers against harm from thyne enemies and need for protection show how unstable English society was at this time. 

After his untimely death at Bosworth, it was said that Henry Tudor found Richard’s prayer book in his tent, and gave it to his mother, Margaret Beaufort. She apparently altered it and wrote her name in it.  The prayer he wrote “praying for deliverance from various forms of affliction, sickness and danger” was left intact.  Unfortunately, the prayer’s intent and his closeness to his faith that he hoped would keep him out of harms way, didn’t quite work out that way.  It is noted though his faith and hope in God, did give him the courage to fight until his death.

Duffy, Eamon. Marking the Hours: English People and Their Prayers 1240-1570 Published by Library of Congress/Eamon Duffy c. 2006 pp. 100-102 (google ebooks)

Personal notes from “England in the Time of Richard III” course by Future Learn Nov. 2013.

http://www.medievalhistories.com/book-of-hours-of-richard-iii/ accessed: 2/28/14

http://www.lambethpalacelibrary.org/content/annunciation accessed: 3/1/14

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_hours accessed: 2/28/14

Wooden Swords, Hobby Horses, and Educating Richard

The War of the Roses was a war that lasted through many a childhood for children during the fifteenth century.  One child included was Richard, the son of Richard, Duke of York and his mother Cecily Neville, a great beauty deemed by many. The family was of high station, but this didn’t keep the war at bay for the household.  Most assume that if your family was well off, even in the time of war in the Middle Ages, they were spared some of the hardships associated with war, but that was not the case at all for the youngest son of York.

Richard was the last child of Richard and Cecily's. In my research I have found that sources deter between Cecily having 10 or 11 children, including one child born after him, which did not survive very long. Infant mortality and mothers others who gave birth during the Middle Ages, prove over and over, to be a very life threatening situation. The medieval person, and midwives included, had no knowledge of disease, germs, how to prevent infection or access to painkillers or antibiotics if a problem arouse. You could have a fairly smooth delivery but the risk for infection resulting in “child-bed fever” was exceptionally high due to lack of preventative hygiene.  The next hurdle for any child who made it past their first year which held its own mortality rate of 25%, was surviving childhood in where, mortality alone was a 50% survival rate.  Noting, these statistics varied socioeconomically and demographically as well.

The little castle toy (above) would have been a typical toy in the 15th C.

Richard’s early years were rather turbulent. It’s a surprise to some that because of the war and conditions, he made it through this time.  He definitely did not have a peaceful childhood like one would hope. Looking at all the experiences he went through, it is very easy to understand why some would conclude he might have been a bit of a control freak or a tad insecure in later life. [1] After surviving infancy swaddled and nursed by a wet nurse, memories he more than likely would not remember suggest that the chaotic world around him was constantly changing, for good and for worse.  When other children his age where playing with toys such as kites, spinning-tops, hobby horses or making castles out of wooden blocks, he was being shuffled around to escape the dangers of war with his mother.  We know from literature written later in the Middle Ages, primary after 1400’s most children were aware of their roles in the household at a young age.  But this documentation also stresses the importance of play in the household.  This aspect of play helped the children learn their duties.  Knowing this, Richard and his siblings might of had little toys similar to what a knight would have, a wooden sword, a castle with figures where his sisters had dolls. 

But even the aspects and the adventures he might have had during play, as a child could not prepare him for what was to come.  Cecily seems to have been more apart of his life than most parents during his childhood, more than likely due to war and the need to keep her sons safe. His father on the other hand, he saw not so much, it was a relationship that was rather brief, but expected during this time. At the age of seven during the battle of Ludlow, his father and older brother Edmund, fled to Ireland escaping pending Lancastrian forces.  Richard with his brother George, one of their sisters, and the Duchess Cecily were all taken as prisoners of war.  They were held at Wigmore, and then later moved to Tunbridge Castle by their mother’s sister whom had married a Lancastrian husband. His brother Edward (later Edward IV) had fled to Calais.

 

A manuscript showing very young children in the care of women.

Cecily escaped from Tunbridge after a short time and was able to gain safety for her small children in the chambers of John Paston. Meanwhile, war waged around them.  The adventures of childhood play more than likely limited because of the war for Richard and his siblings.  Cecily had been called to London, not two days after they came to the Pastons’ and the children were left in the care of servants. Edward had returned to London after his victory at North Hampton. Henry VI was now his prisoner. Due to this time, and on going war, relations with the immediate family were close and treasured. Because of this, it is important to recognize the early relationships Richard had as a child, specifically with Edward.  This closeness that he developed with his older brother is what made him into the honorable and loyal brother he is noted to have been. The relationship Edward had with his younger siblings, specifically with Richard was a close one, for he visited the children almost every day, if possible. Richard probably admired and looked up to him greatly as he grew older, like a mentor.

In October 1460, Richard’s father Richard, Duke of York and his mother, and Edmund, Earl of Rutland returned to London. Parliament came to an agreement and enacted an Act that would make the Duke of York, “Heir-Apparent” and Lord Protector for the whole duration of Henry’s life.  This case was probably not hard at all to present to Parliament, as Henry had repeated bouts of insanity multiple times during his reign.  Richard, Duke of York had rights to the throne as well, through his family line that ran down through second son of Edward III. Henry VI was only related through the third son.  This stated that Henry VI could still be on the throne, but he had to acknowledge that Richard Duke of York was the “Heir-Apparent.” This didn’t go over well, as Queen Margaret fled with her son to Scotland in opposition to the decision made by Parliament.

The family spent that winter and Christmas at Baynard’s Castle. It was apparently the last time Richard saw his father. The Duke and his son Edmund traveled to Sandal Castle and spent their holidays there.  As the festivities of the winter months continued, so did the threat of ongoing war and unbeknownst to Richard, his mother Cecily, and the other children, they were to never see their father or husband, or Edmund their older brother again. On December 31, Richard Duke of York fell in the battle at Wakefield, with his son Edmund and many of his loyal knights. The heads of Edmund and the Duke were stuck on different gates of the city of York. It is noted that the Dukes’ was placed on Micklesgate Bar with a paper crown, as a form of insult. [2]

News traveled to London about the devastation of the battle of Wakefield. Duchess Cecily was grief stricken, and terrified for the safety of her children.  Fearing harm would come to them, she put Richard and George on a boat and sent them to Holland out of harms way. According to “The History of Richard III” by George Buck, Richard and his brother George, eventually were sent to Ulrich, which at the time was the largest and most prestigious city in Holland. A move perhaps to be near their older sister Margaret whom was married to Charles the Bold of Burgundy. It was there they received a “Princley and liberall education.” Richard did not return for a good few years later, by then he was ready to become a knight.

Notes:

[1] http://www.livescience.com/27625-king-richard-iii-control-freak.html

[2] Markham, Richard III: His Life & Character Reviewed in Light.

Sources cited:

http://www.representingchildhood.pitt.edu/medieval_child.htm

http://www.the-orb.net/non_spec/missteps/ch6.html