France Archives - Anna Belfrage

Rise, wash, convert – 25 of July 1593 was an unusual day in the life of Henri IV

By Anna Belfrage / July 25, 2020 / 4 Comments / faith in history, Historical People, Writing / 16th century, Catherine de Medici, Catholic league, Converting for a crown, de Guise, Fanatism, France, Henri IV, Huguenots, Intolerance, Luther, reformation, Religious conflict, Religious wars, St Bartholomew Massacre, The bloody aftermath of a wedding

I am presently taking part in the Historical Writer’s Forum Blog Hop. This year’s theme is “Momentuous events”, and as history is choc-full of momentuous events, it wasn’t exactly easy to whittle things down. But when restricting myself to momentuous events in July, today’s subject leapt out and grabbed me by the throat. Well, figuratively …

Rise, wash, convert – 25 of July 1593 was an unusual day in the life of Henri IV Read More »

The White Queen of France

By Anna Belfrage / September 28, 2017 / 7 Comments / Historical People, History, Medieval times, Women in history, Writing / 13th century, Blanche of Castile, Castilian princesses, France, Louis IX, Mother of a saint, Powerlady

In medieval times, the Castilian royals had a preference for naming their daughters Urraca or Berenguela, now and then adding a Sancha or a Leonor to the mix. Alfonso VIII was no different, which is why he named his eldest daughter Berenguela and his second Urraca. A third daughter was given the name Blanca after …

The White Queen of France Read More »

Avesnes vs Dampierre – a 13th century family feud

By Anna Belfrage / February 1, 2017 / 3 Comments / Historical People, Human life, Medieval times, Writing / 13th century, Bigamous marriage, France, House of Avesnes, House of Dampierre, Margaret of Flanders

In a previous post—quite some time ago—I wrote about Blanka of Namur, Swedish queen who was immortalised by a nursery rhyme. I must admit that I knew very little about Blanka—there isn’t much to find, and other than concluding her father’s name was Jean and that she had ten siblings, I concentrated mostly on Blanka’s …

Avesnes vs Dampierre – a 13th century family feud Read More »

Weep, Ingeborg, weep

By Anna Belfrage / October 29, 2016 / 13 Comments / Historical People, History, Human life, Medieval times, Writing / 12th century, A failed marriage, Denmark, France, Ingeborg, Philip Augustus, Twenty years imprisoned

In 1237, Ingeborg, Dowager Queen of France, died. At the time of her death, she was approximately sixty years old, and had lived more than forty years in France, having arrived as a young and pretty bride-to be in 1193. Her intended was Philip II, King of France, a.k.a. Philip Augustus. At the time, he …

Weep, Ingeborg, weep Read More »

Tough times, tough lady- meet Mahaut!

By Anna Belfrage / July 17, 2016 / 2 Comments / Historical People, History, Human life, Medieval times, Writing / 14th century, Capet dynasty, Conspiracy and potential murder, France, Mahaut d'Artois, one tough lady, Ripping off your nephew

Those who regularly read my blog will know I have a fascination with strong historical characters – and especially women. I suppose this reflects on my belief that I am a strong woman – and would have made a great ruling queen back when ruling queens and kings wielded real power. Of course, had I …

Tough times, tough lady- meet Mahaut! Read More »

Ana – Spanish princess, French queen

By Anna Belfrage / December 9, 2015 / 3 Comments / Historical People, History, Reflections, Writing / 17th century, France, Louis XIII, Louis XIV, Mazarin, Queen Anne, Spanish Hapsburgs

It’s some time since I wrote anything about a Spanish Hapsburg, and by now I am suffering such severe withdrawal symptoms I’ve decided there’s nothing to it but to throw myself headlong into the story of Ana María Mauricia, Spanish Infanta and future French Queen. Choosing Ana is rather apt, as here in Sweden December …

Ana – Spanish princess, French queen Read More »

France

Rise, wash, convert – 25 of July 1593 was an unusual day in the life of Henri IV

The White Queen of France

Avesnes vs Dampierre – a 13th century family feud

Weep, Ingeborg, weep

Tough times, tough lady- meet Mahaut!

Ana – Spanish princess, French queen

SIGN UP TO MY NEWSLETTER & GET A FREE E-BOOK

SHARE

Stay in Touch