Carlos II

What is in a name? Of Don Carlos, in various incarnations

Being named Carlos was not really a good thing if you were a Spanish Hapsburg – well with the exception of the first, namely Carlos I of Spain. But this Carlos was not really Spanish. Yes, his mother was Spanish – the woman known to history as Juana la Loca or Joanna the Mad – …

What is in a name? Of Don Carlos, in various incarnations Read More »

Niece, cousin and wife rolled into one – meet Mariana

After far too many posts outside of my favourite era, I feel an urge to return ”home”. The 17th century beckons, and I long for men in breeches and coats, lace collars and cuffs, for women with covering skirts, with their hair tucked out of sight. I long for the swaggering of young musketeers, for …

Niece, cousin and wife rolled into one – meet Mariana Read More »