The image of the medieval warhorse as a giant snorting, stamping beast is a myth, according to new research, with many mounts of the era no bigger than modern-day ponies. The chargers of English knights were often below 14.2 hands, which would see them classed as ponies today. A hand is four inches and is a measurement specific to horses, and measures their height from the … [Read more...] about Medieval warhorses no bigger than modern-day ponies, research finds
Medieval British History
Miniature castle built by soldier who inspired Shakespeare character saved
A miniature castle built by a soldier who inspired a character in William Shakespeare’s plays has been saved from collapse. Sir John Fastolf was immortalized in caricature by Shakespeare as the cowardly knight Sir John Falstaff in Henry IV parts one and two and in The Merry Wives Of Windsor. The real Fastolf served three English Kings – Henry IV, V, and VI – and fought in the … [Read more...] about Miniature castle built by soldier who inspired Shakespeare character saved
Restoration work begins on rare medieval mural of St George at Farleigh Hungerford Castle in Somerset
A team of expert conservators from English Heritage have begun restoration work on a rare medieval mural at a castle in Somerset. The image of St George at Farleigh Hungerford Castle was commissioned as part of refurbishments in the 1440s by Walter, First Lord of Hungerford. But damp conditions and misguided early 20th century attempts at preservation have left the saintly … [Read more...] about Restoration work begins on rare medieval mural of St George at Farleigh Hungerford Castle in Somerset
Throw Her into the Pond! – A History of Witch Hunts in Britain
When Halloween time is upon us, our thoughts turn to monsters, ghosts, goblins, and—of course—witches. Often misunderstood and the subject of religious persecution, real witches are nothing like their fictional counterparts, though that did not stop fear and superstition from leading to accusations of witchcraft aimed at both real witches and nonwitches from the Middle Ages to … [Read more...] about Throw Her into the Pond! – A History of Witch Hunts in Britain
Swords clash and horses charge for re-enactment of Battle of Hastings
On the very spot where King Harold and his men did battle with William the Conqueror nearly 1,000 years ago, the sound of swords clashing rang out once again on Saturday. Speartips glinted in the October sunshine as around 500 soldiers donned chainmail armour as they marched to the battlefield. Although blades were blunter than they were in 1066, high drama was still on … [Read more...] about Swords clash and horses charge for re-enactment of Battle of Hastings
Ten Interesting Facts about King Henry II
The great-grandson of King William I, Henry II, would prove to be almost as illustrious as his ancestor and just about as notorious. Sometimes portrayed as a villain responsible for the murder of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, Henry’s legacy is greater than this death and his conflicts with the Catholic Church. By the end of his reign, Henry had expanded … [Read more...] about Ten Interesting Facts about King Henry II
Ten Interesting Facts about Cardiff Castle
Cardiff Castle is one of the jewels of the Welsh city. Its foundations go back nearly two millennia, and it is quite arguably the foundation on which the present city is based. From ancient Roman fort to modern-day attraction, Cardiff Castle has a rich history with many interesting stories to tell. We have identified some of the most fascinating facts about the castle, its … [Read more...] about Ten Interesting Facts about Cardiff Castle
Ten Interesting Facts about King Richard III
Often portrayed as a villain thanks to the mysterious disappearance of his nephews and the Shakespearean play bearing his name, King Richard III was an interesting figure in British history. His ultimate defeat at the Battle of Bosworth Field closed the door on the War of the Roses and ushered in the Tudor Period. Of course, for all the controversy that surrounded his time on … [Read more...] about Ten Interesting Facts about King Richard III
Ten Interesting Facts about Warwick Castle
Amongst the many castles constructed by William the Conqueror following the Norman Invasion in 1066, Warwick Castle is often regarded as one of the most beautiful. While originally a wooden fort and then a motte-and-bailey style that was typical of the Normans during the 11th Century, the current castle structure was constructed during the 12th and has endured through many … [Read more...] about Ten Interesting Facts about Warwick Castle
Secrets of Viking-age hoard revealed as it goes on public display in Scotland
Experts have unlocked fascinating secrets of a Viking-age hoard discovered by a metal detectorist which is set to go on public display. The 10th-century hoard of more than 100 objects, including gold, silver, jewelry, a rare Anglo-Saxon cross, and textiles, was found in a field in Dumfries and Galloway in 2014 and acquired by National Museums Scotland (NMS) in … [Read more...] about Secrets of Viking-age hoard revealed as it goes on public display in Scotland
Castle Heist: Mary Queen of Scots’s rosary and other items worth more than £1m stolen from Arundel Castle
A set of “irreplaceable” gold rosary beads carried by Mary Queen of Scots to her execution in 1587 are among historic treasures worth more than £1 million stolen in a raid at Arundel Castle. Other items taken in the burglary of the West Sussex castle include coronation cups given by Mary to the Earl Marshal as well as gold and silver items. The display cabinet showing the … [Read more...] about Castle Heist: Mary Queen of Scots’s rosary and other items worth more than £1m stolen from Arundel Castle
Ten Interesting Facts about King Edward I
King Edward I, son of King Henry III, had quite an interesting reign. Even from his earliest days as a prince and his father’s heir, Edward found himself caught in the middle of political squabbles that made Game of Thrones look quaint. Not long after his ascension to the throne, he joined the Ninth Crusade, and in the later years, he became a bane of the Scottish people. He … [Read more...] about Ten Interesting Facts about King Edward I
A Brief Brit History: The Story of Magna Carta
Magna Carta is truly one of the most important legal documents in history. It introduced concepts of individual rights, limits on royal power, and provided a framework for similar agreements between governments and their people (including the United States Constitution). In Latin, the name translates to “Great Charter,” which effectively sums up what it was meant to be. Join … [Read more...] about A Brief Brit History: The Story of Magna Carta
Cerne Abbas Giant’s likely age revealed but air of mystery remains in new study conducted by the National Trust
The Cerne Abbas Giant was probably first constructed in the late Saxon period, according to a new analysis, which has surprised archaeologists and historians. The 180ft (55m) naked chalk figure brandishing a giant club overlooks the village of Cerne Abbas in Dorset. Its origins and purpose have been shrouded in mystery, but experts can for the first time reveal the likely age … [Read more...] about Cerne Abbas Giant’s likely age revealed but air of mystery remains in new study conducted by the National Trust
Ten Interesting Facts about King Henry IV
King Henry IV is more than a Shakespeare play or the father of King Henry V. The man once known as Henry Bolingbroke before he ascended the throne after the forced abdication of his cousin, King Richard II. A good bit of his reign was spent putting down rebellions from Wales and nobles still loyal to Richard. His reign set the stage for those monarchs to follow as well as … [Read more...] about Ten Interesting Facts about King Henry IV
Ten Interesting Facts about King John
“Whenever the history books are kept, they’ll call him the phony King of England.” So goes the lyrics for “Phony King of England” from Disney’s animated Robin Hood film. Most of what people know today about King John of England comes either from the legends of Robin Hood or John’s barons forcing him to sign the Magna Carta. Of course, thou fiction has been less than kind to … [Read more...] about Ten Interesting Facts about King John
Ten Interesting Facts about King Richard I
King Richard I of England is a figure who arguably lives greater in legend than actual fact. Richard has often been a figure in Robin Hood lore either as a looming presence or an actual character who arrives to save Robin from Richard’s wicked brother John. In reality, Richard wasn’t quite as heroic a figure as these tales make him out to be, and he spent much of his reign … [Read more...] about Ten Interesting Facts about King Richard I
Brit History: Plague Doctors in British History
The Black Death (also known as the Bubonic Plague or simply “The Plague”) ravaged Europe for Centuries beginning in 1346 and continued periodically until the early-18th Century. By the time of the Great Plague of 1665, doctors had become used to treating plague victims, but had little to no success, typically only easing the symptoms until the patient died. Early treatments … [Read more...] about Brit History: Plague Doctors in British History
Ten Interesting Facts about King Henry V
While King Henry V only reigned for nine years from 1413 to 1422, his time on the throne was one of the most influential in England’s history. Henry was one of the most militarily successful kings of England and helped push the tide of the Hundred Years’ War in England’s favor. In fact, it was his fighting prowess that earned him the nickname “Warrior King”. Of course, there … [Read more...] about Ten Interesting Facts about King Henry V
The Monarchs: Richard II – The Tragic Boy King
Richard II succeeded to the English throne at the age of ten and by the age of fourteen was playing a major role in English politics, particularly the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381. But his reign was blighted by the ambitions of his powerful uncles, most notably John of Gaunt who constantly threatened Richard with rebellion. More interested in art and culture than war and … [Read more...] about The Monarchs: Richard II – The Tragic Boy King
Through the Lens: Fiddleford Manor in Dorset
It's the little things you come across when you're exploring England that stick with you the most. I came upon Fiddleford Manor House completely by chance one day and I was completely enchanted by it. It was a special day, sometime between Christmas and New Year's when we were in England for the holiday season, back in 2013. I was on an expedition around Dorset and Wiltshire … [Read more...] about Through the Lens: Fiddleford Manor in Dorset
The Monarchs: Edward II – The King Betrayed By His Wife
Ultimately a failure as a king, Edward II spent the majority of his reign battling with the baronial lords of the time who constantly rebelled and sought to gain power over the king and control of the country. Edward II incurred large debts during his years as King and oversaw the Scots’ famous victory at Bannockburn by Robert the Bruce. Criticized for his habit of taking close … [Read more...] about The Monarchs: Edward II – The King Betrayed By His Wife
The Fiver – Five British Castles Still in Private Ownership
Britain is filled with castles, once-glorious fortresses that were the homes of kings and lords. Since the days of yore in which they served as the center of a local community’s life, many have fallen into ruin, and others have become far too expensive to main. As such, they’ve been given over to charities and trusts that have opened them to the public. A relatively small … [Read more...] about The Fiver – Five British Castles Still in Private Ownership
Royal Oak: Ten of the Spookiest National Trust Properties to Visit This October
This post was sponsored by the Royal Oak Foundation, the American affiliate of the National Trust. Anglotopia Readers can get a discount on joining – details at the bottom of the post! In dark moors and high cliffs, many a spooky old home and ancient castle sits. Even those that don’t appear frightening can sometimes be haunted by the spirits of those who once lived there, … [Read more...] about Royal Oak: Ten of the Spookiest National Trust Properties to Visit This October
British History Mysteries – Where are the Princes in the Tower?
One of Britain’s greatest unsolved mysteries is that of the deaths of King Edward V and his brother Richard, Duke of York. Richard, Duke of Gloucester (and future King Richard III) housed his young wards in the Tower of London for their protection prior to Edward’s coronation. However, before that could happen, Edward was declared illegitimate and Richard was crowned in his … [Read more...] about British History Mysteries – Where are the Princes in the Tower?
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