must read Archives - Page 60 of 82 - History of Royal Women

Gunnora – An influential regent

Monday, 22 February 2021, 6:00 Moniek Bloks 1

This article was written by Carol. Gunnora was the wife of Richard I, Duke of Normandy, grandson of Rollo, the first Duke of Normandy. Gunnora was born around 950 and she died in 1031. Legend has it that she met Richard when Richard’s eye fell upon her sister Seinfreda while riding in the forest. Seinfreda [read more]

Book News March 2021

Saturday, 20 February 2021, 6:00 Moniek Bloks 0

*contains affiliate links* Katherine Parr: Opportunist, Queen, Reformer: A Theological Perspective Hardcover –15 March 2021 (US) & 15 December 2020 (UK) Unlike other biographies, which have focused on the court politics of the Tudor era, the romantic desires of Henry VIII that drove his serial marriages, and the military and economic challenges to England at [read more]

Al-Khayzuran – A forgotten force (Part one)

Wednesday, 17 February 2021, 6:00 Moniek Bloks 0

Al-Khayzuran bint Atta had been born in Jurash in modern-day Saudi Arabia before she was kidnapped from her home to be sold as a slave. She was presented to the caliph Al-Mansur, who was the 2nd Caliph of the Abbasid Caliphate from 754 to 775, and she would eventually become the favourite concubine of his [read more]

Book Review: Anna Duchess of Cleves: The King’s Beloved Sister by Heather R. Darsie

Monday, 15 February 2021, 6:00 Amy Eloise Kelly 0

*contains affiliate links* Anna Duchess of Cleves: The King’s Beloved Sister is the first book from author Heather R. Darsie and has been well-received since it was published as a hardback in 2019. Amberley publishing has now released this new format paperback copy, packed with primary research and illustrations so that the book can reach [read more]

Benedita of Portugal – A Princess in the shadows (Part one)

Wednesday, 10 February 2021, 6:00 Moniek Bloks 0

Infanta Benedita of Portugal was born on 25 July 1746 as the eighth child but fourth surviving one of Mariana Victoria of Spain and King Joseph I of Portugal. Benedita’s three elder sisters were Maria (the future Queen Maria I of Portugal), Mariana and Doroteia. Her mother had suffered several stillbirths and without a son, [read more]

Royals and Dukedoms

Monday, 8 February 2021, 6:00 Moniek Bloks 0

The British monarchy and nobility have various titles, often leading to confusing situations if you’re not familiar with them. So what is the difference between a royal duke and a regular duke, and how can a dukedom held by a royal stop being royal? The basis of both titles is the same, and they are [read more]