@gbs82.bsky.social
History writer. Comics enthusiast. Hufflepuff.
My insta post on why Richard II is my 10th favourite monarch
March 1, 2025 at 11:29 AM
My insta post on why Richard II is my 10th favourite monarch
I don’t know why, but when I read this classic Quicksilver line in an issue of silver-age Spidey, I read it in @edidin.bsky.social’s voice.
January 4, 2025 at 10:20 PM
I don’t know why, but when I read this classic Quicksilver line in an issue of silver-age Spidey, I read it in @edidin.bsky.social’s voice.
The King abandons the traditional Balmoral summer for a pleasure cruise of the Balkans. The world media goes crazy for pictures of the King and Mrs Simpson. The pressure begins to get too much for Wallis.
Check it out wherever you get your pods
Royal Revolutions ep 3
Check it out wherever you get your pods
Royal Revolutions ep 3
December 24, 2024 at 11:54 AM
The King abandons the traditional Balmoral summer for a pleasure cruise of the Balkans. The world media goes crazy for pictures of the King and Mrs Simpson. The pressure begins to get too much for Wallis.
Check it out wherever you get your pods
Royal Revolutions ep 3
Check it out wherever you get your pods
Royal Revolutions ep 3
I am searching for a (living) historian who is sympathetic to Edward VIII/Duke of Windsor. I’m struggling to find one.
Anyone come across one?
Anyone come across one?
December 23, 2024 at 1:02 PM
I am searching for a (living) historian who is sympathetic to Edward VIII/Duke of Windsor. I’m struggling to find one.
Anyone come across one?
Anyone come across one?
Richard III and Henry VII were both ruthless. But we don’t get the impression that they enjoyed spilling blood.
But Richard II and Henry VIII seemed to enjoy striking out at enemies, masterminding plans to maximise humiliation.
That’s the difference between ruthless and cruel
But Richard II and Henry VIII seemed to enjoy striking out at enemies, masterminding plans to maximise humiliation.
That’s the difference between ruthless and cruel
December 15, 2024 at 10:03 PM
Richard III and Henry VII were both ruthless. But we don’t get the impression that they enjoyed spilling blood.
But Richard II and Henry VIII seemed to enjoy striking out at enemies, masterminding plans to maximise humiliation.
That’s the difference between ruthless and cruel
But Richard II and Henry VIII seemed to enjoy striking out at enemies, masterminding plans to maximise humiliation.
That’s the difference between ruthless and cruel
Check out our latest Royal History Geeks podcast. The Abdication crisis of 1936 - Britain’s most recent “Royal Revolution”
This was about SO much more than then tale of two forbidden lovers
www.royalhistorygeeks.com/new-podcast-...
This was about SO much more than then tale of two forbidden lovers
www.royalhistorygeeks.com/new-podcast-...
December 11, 2024 at 1:40 PM
Check out our latest Royal History Geeks podcast. The Abdication crisis of 1936 - Britain’s most recent “Royal Revolution”
This was about SO much more than then tale of two forbidden lovers
www.royalhistorygeeks.com/new-podcast-...
This was about SO much more than then tale of two forbidden lovers
www.royalhistorygeeks.com/new-podcast-...
Language matters.
Today we’re talking about a close relative of James Tyrell’s possessing an object of Edward V’s.
When we say it belonged to Tyrell’s brother-in-law it raises eye brows.
When we say it belonged to Tyrell’s wife’s sister’s husband, it all sounds quite remote
Today we’re talking about a close relative of James Tyrell’s possessing an object of Edward V’s.
When we say it belonged to Tyrell’s brother-in-law it raises eye brows.
When we say it belonged to Tyrell’s wife’s sister’s husband, it all sounds quite remote
December 2, 2024 at 3:24 PM
Language matters.
Today we’re talking about a close relative of James Tyrell’s possessing an object of Edward V’s.
When we say it belonged to Tyrell’s brother-in-law it raises eye brows.
When we say it belonged to Tyrell’s wife’s sister’s husband, it all sounds quite remote
Today we’re talking about a close relative of James Tyrell’s possessing an object of Edward V’s.
When we say it belonged to Tyrell’s brother-in-law it raises eye brows.
When we say it belonged to Tyrell’s wife’s sister’s husband, it all sounds quite remote
Some (very) top like thoughts from me on the new “smoking gun” evidence around the Princes in the Tower
December 2, 2024 at 11:57 AM
Some (very) top like thoughts from me on the new “smoking gun” evidence around the Princes in the Tower
You can try and make medieval Kingship look as glamorous as you like.
But every time I’m researching contemporary records for the 14/15th century I’m struck by just how much of the King’s time was taken up clarifying who owns what land…
But every time I’m researching contemporary records for the 14/15th century I’m struck by just how much of the King’s time was taken up clarifying who owns what land…
November 24, 2024 at 12:23 PM
You can try and make medieval Kingship look as glamorous as you like.
But every time I’m researching contemporary records for the 14/15th century I’m struck by just how much of the King’s time was taken up clarifying who owns what land…
But every time I’m researching contemporary records for the 14/15th century I’m struck by just how much of the King’s time was taken up clarifying who owns what land…
In my view Richard’s failure was a tendency to over-indulge a belief in his sovereignty.
When his back was against the wall in the 1380s, he became a masterful political strategist.
But after the success of his come back in 1397/8 he got cocky again.
Was it this that led to his final misjudgment?
When his back was against the wall in the 1380s, he became a masterful political strategist.
But after the success of his come back in 1397/8 he got cocky again.
Was it this that led to his final misjudgment?
November 23, 2024 at 12:14 PM
In my view Richard’s failure was a tendency to over-indulge a belief in his sovereignty.
When his back was against the wall in the 1380s, he became a masterful political strategist.
But after the success of his come back in 1397/8 he got cocky again.
Was it this that led to his final misjudgment?
When his back was against the wall in the 1380s, he became a masterful political strategist.
But after the success of his come back in 1397/8 he got cocky again.
Was it this that led to his final misjudgment?
Arguably, Richard II’s policy objectives were not that different to those pursued by Edward IV and Henry VII in the next century. We (generally) remember both of those as great reformers.
(I will concede that Richard’s methods were more extreme - but only a bit more extreme)
(I will concede that Richard’s methods were more extreme - but only a bit more extreme)
November 23, 2024 at 12:14 PM
Arguably, Richard II’s policy objectives were not that different to those pursued by Edward IV and Henry VII in the next century. We (generally) remember both of those as great reformers.
(I will concede that Richard’s methods were more extreme - but only a bit more extreme)
(I will concede that Richard’s methods were more extreme - but only a bit more extreme)
Had he succeeded, would we remember him as a great reformer? A man who stemmed the power of the nobility, stabilised the machinery of government and ended England’s economic dependence on war…?
November 23, 2024 at 12:14 PM
Had he succeeded, would we remember him as a great reformer? A man who stemmed the power of the nobility, stabilised the machinery of government and ended England’s economic dependence on war…?
We remember Richard as a failed despot. This is fair enough.
On the show I argue that had it not been for his final miscalculation - taking the Lancastrian lands and leaving Henry Bolingbroke as a desperate man with nothing to lose - Richard may have succeeded.
On the show I argue that had it not been for his final miscalculation - taking the Lancastrian lands and leaving Henry Bolingbroke as a desperate man with nothing to lose - Richard may have succeeded.
November 23, 2024 at 12:14 PM
We remember Richard as a failed despot. This is fair enough.
On the show I argue that had it not been for his final miscalculation - taking the Lancastrian lands and leaving Henry Bolingbroke as a desperate man with nothing to lose - Richard may have succeeded.
On the show I argue that had it not been for his final miscalculation - taking the Lancastrian lands and leaving Henry Bolingbroke as a desperate man with nothing to lose - Richard may have succeeded.
First of all, the show has a “post-watershed” feel, which I love. But if you are not someone that enjoys mixing history with slightly cheeky humour, this might not be for you.
November 23, 2024 at 12:14 PM
First of all, the show has a “post-watershed” feel, which I love. But if you are not someone that enjoys mixing history with slightly cheeky humour, this might not be for you.
Help! I need a stamp expert.
In his memoir, the once Edward VIII claims that he fought to have his left profile displayed on the stamp, even though it was his turn to look the other way.
But don’t monarchs always show their left side on stamps? It’s coins that alternate.
Or am I missing something?
In his memoir, the once Edward VIII claims that he fought to have his left profile displayed on the stamp, even though it was his turn to look the other way.
But don’t monarchs always show their left side on stamps? It’s coins that alternate.
Or am I missing something?
November 22, 2024 at 4:49 PM
Help! I need a stamp expert.
In his memoir, the once Edward VIII claims that he fought to have his left profile displayed on the stamp, even though it was his turn to look the other way.
But don’t monarchs always show their left side on stamps? It’s coins that alternate.
Or am I missing something?
In his memoir, the once Edward VIII claims that he fought to have his left profile displayed on the stamp, even though it was his turn to look the other way.
But don’t monarchs always show their left side on stamps? It’s coins that alternate.
Or am I missing something?
One other thing struck me about Arthur.
He was - I believe - a Prince of great determination.
Most likely fragile from his adolescence, he relentlessly carried out the public duties that were expected of him but may never have come naturally.
He was at work and on display just days before his death
He was - I believe - a Prince of great determination.
Most likely fragile from his adolescence, he relentlessly carried out the public duties that were expected of him but may never have come naturally.
He was at work and on display just days before his death
November 21, 2024 at 5:51 PM
One other thing struck me about Arthur.
He was - I believe - a Prince of great determination.
Most likely fragile from his adolescence, he relentlessly carried out the public duties that were expected of him but may never have come naturally.
He was at work and on display just days before his death
He was - I believe - a Prince of great determination.
Most likely fragile from his adolescence, he relentlessly carried out the public duties that were expected of him but may never have come naturally.
He was at work and on display just days before his death
And Arthur had friends.
When he was about 10, his household was expanded to include a group of boys his age and about 5 years older. Companionship for the Prince was likely a factor in this.
There is some evidence of boyish banter between them. Arthur seemed to be really close to at least one
When he was about 10, his household was expanded to include a group of boys his age and about 5 years older. Companionship for the Prince was likely a factor in this.
There is some evidence of boyish banter between them. Arthur seemed to be really close to at least one
November 21, 2024 at 5:51 PM
And Arthur had friends.
When he was about 10, his household was expanded to include a group of boys his age and about 5 years older. Companionship for the Prince was likely a factor in this.
There is some evidence of boyish banter between them. Arthur seemed to be really close to at least one
When he was about 10, his household was expanded to include a group of boys his age and about 5 years older. Companionship for the Prince was likely a factor in this.
There is some evidence of boyish banter between them. Arthur seemed to be really close to at least one
His parents’ evident grief at Arthur’s death is fairly well known.
Such care was, I suspect, on display in the boy’s lifetime.
Henry VII seemed to agonise about his eldest son’s “fragility”, perhaps even prioritising his son’s wellbeing over dynastic considerations.
Such care was, I suspect, on display in the boy’s lifetime.
Henry VII seemed to agonise about his eldest son’s “fragility”, perhaps even prioritising his son’s wellbeing over dynastic considerations.
November 21, 2024 at 5:51 PM
His parents’ evident grief at Arthur’s death is fairly well known.
Such care was, I suspect, on display in the boy’s lifetime.
Henry VII seemed to agonise about his eldest son’s “fragility”, perhaps even prioritising his son’s wellbeing over dynastic considerations.
Such care was, I suspect, on display in the boy’s lifetime.
Henry VII seemed to agonise about his eldest son’s “fragility”, perhaps even prioritising his son’s wellbeing over dynastic considerations.
Arthur often seems a lonely figure. Many miles away from the rest of his family and subject to an intense upbringing.
I think he may have been more tightly woven into the bosom of his family than we think.
There are suggestions (not hard evidence) that he spent summers with his family at Woodstock
I think he may have been more tightly woven into the bosom of his family than we think.
There are suggestions (not hard evidence) that he spent summers with his family at Woodstock
November 21, 2024 at 5:51 PM
Arthur often seems a lonely figure. Many miles away from the rest of his family and subject to an intense upbringing.
I think he may have been more tightly woven into the bosom of his family than we think.
There are suggestions (not hard evidence) that he spent summers with his family at Woodstock
I think he may have been more tightly woven into the bosom of his family than we think.
There are suggestions (not hard evidence) that he spent summers with his family at Woodstock
When I was writing about Arthur Tudor, the entire process was fascinating and revealing. However, it was not full of giant surprises. Perhaps unusually, much of the “traditional narrative” around the Prince held up rather well.
But there were three or four (quite pleasant) surprises along the way
But there were three or four (quite pleasant) surprises along the way
November 21, 2024 at 5:51 PM
When I was writing about Arthur Tudor, the entire process was fascinating and revealing. However, it was not full of giant surprises. Perhaps unusually, much of the “traditional narrative” around the Prince held up rather well.
But there were three or four (quite pleasant) surprises along the way
But there were three or four (quite pleasant) surprises along the way
In my view, we don’t have the evidence to meaningfully speculate on Richard II’s sexuality.
But reading him as a mean gay makes all kinds of levels of sense
But reading him as a mean gay makes all kinds of levels of sense
November 21, 2024 at 11:55 AM
In my view, we don’t have the evidence to meaningfully speculate on Richard II’s sexuality.
But reading him as a mean gay makes all kinds of levels of sense
But reading him as a mean gay makes all kinds of levels of sense
At 8.15 UK time, I’m going live with the History After Dark girls at their awesome YouTube channel.
I’ll be babbling about everyone’s favourite (???) history hero: Richard II…
I’ll be babbling about everyone’s favourite (???) history hero: Richard II…
November 20, 2024 at 8:04 AM
At 8.15 UK time, I’m going live with the History After Dark girls at their awesome YouTube channel.
I’ll be babbling about everyone’s favourite (???) history hero: Richard II…
I’ll be babbling about everyone’s favourite (???) history hero: Richard II…
Was Richard II a bad King?
Or was he just 100 years ahead of his time…?
Or was he just 100 years ahead of his time…?
November 16, 2024 at 11:07 AM
Was Richard II a bad King?
Or was he just 100 years ahead of his time…?
Or was he just 100 years ahead of his time…?
“Buckingham’s” rebellion wasn’t Buckingham’s. Nor was it Elizabeth Wydeville’s. Nor was it Margaret Beaufort’s.
It was a coordinated movement of the gentry across southern England.
We still need to do far more research to establish exactly why Richard’s government was so undesired.
It was a coordinated movement of the gentry across southern England.
We still need to do far more research to establish exactly why Richard’s government was so undesired.
November 13, 2024 at 12:22 PM
“Buckingham’s” rebellion wasn’t Buckingham’s. Nor was it Elizabeth Wydeville’s. Nor was it Margaret Beaufort’s.
It was a coordinated movement of the gentry across southern England.
We still need to do far more research to establish exactly why Richard’s government was so undesired.
It was a coordinated movement of the gentry across southern England.
We still need to do far more research to establish exactly why Richard’s government was so undesired.
I never really get it when history fans say they get bored of too much content on certain time periods.
I could literally spend the rest of my life researching 1480-87 England and find new things to fascinate me almost every day
I could literally spend the rest of my life researching 1480-87 England and find new things to fascinate me almost every day
November 13, 2024 at 8:29 AM
I never really get it when history fans say they get bored of too much content on certain time periods.
I could literally spend the rest of my life researching 1480-87 England and find new things to fascinate me almost every day
I could literally spend the rest of my life researching 1480-87 England and find new things to fascinate me almost every day