Queen Isabella Archives - Anna Belfrage

Loving all his imperfections – in remembrance of Roger Mortimer. who died #otd 1330

By Anna Belfrage / November 29, 2020 / 6 Comments / Historical People, Medieval times / 14th century, Death by hanging, Edward II, Edward III, English history, Queen Isabella, Roger Mortimer, The King's Greatest Enemy, Treason and its aftermath, Usurping a crown

An author setting out to write a fictionalised version of historical events must decide from what point of view these events will be related. After all, if I were to write from Hugh Despenser the Younger’s perspective, the rebellious barons led by Roger Mortimer of Wigmore and Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, were a nasty lot …

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A gift fit for a queen

By Anna Belfrage / September 7, 2017 / 8 Comments / Historical People, Life and death, Medieval times, Writing / 14th century, Edward II, Execution by breadknife, Murdered bishop, Queen Isabella, Walter Stapledon

In a feudal society, the first-born son generally hit the jackpot. His was the future title, his were his father’s lands, and not very much was left for his younger brothers – unless, of course, the mother had her own lands and titles that could be settled on a younger son. Alternatively, the younger son …

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Sweet Elizabeth – the life of a child bride

By Anna Belfrage / August 17, 2017 / 12 Comments / Historical People, History, Human life, Medieval times, Women in history, Writing / 14th century, de Bohun, Elizabeth de Badlesmere, England, Leeds Castle, Mortimer, Queen Isabella, rebellion & its aftermath

Today I thought we’d spend some time with a young lady who, I suspect, preferred living well below the radar, albeit she had no notion of what a radar is , seeing as she was born in 1313. Still, Elizabeth is one of those medieval ladies who sort of steps out the pages mostly because …

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In great ambition lies destruction

By Anna Belfrage / November 29, 2016 / 20 Comments / Historical People, History, Human life, Life and death, Medieval times, Writing / 14th century, Anniversary of an execution, destruction, Edward III, illicit love, Queen Isabella, rebellion, Roger Mortimer

On the subject of men who carry the seeds of their own destruction within, today I’d like to introduce you to Roger Mortimer. Seems apt, given that it is 686 years today since he was executed. This is a man who epitomises the consequences of too much ambition, too much greed. He was also an extremely …

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A tunnel, a tunnel, a kingdom through a tunnel

By Anna Belfrage / February 20, 2016 / 19 Comments / historical fiction, Historical People, Medieval times, Writing / 14th century, Edward II, Edward III, overthrowing the usurper, Queen Isabella, Roger Mortimer, secret tunnel

Some weeks back, I introduced you to Ralph Stafford, a gentleman (?) notorious for having abducted his second wife, Margaret Audley. When the bride’s parents protested, the king, Edward III, ruled in favour of Ralph. The king, you see, was indebted to Stafford – and to a bunch of other young men – for their …

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Queen Isabella

Loving all his imperfections – in remembrance of Roger Mortimer. who died #otd 1330

A gift fit for a queen

Sweet Elizabeth – the life of a child bride

In great ambition lies destruction

A tunnel, a tunnel, a kingdom through a tunnel

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