Royalty in History

[angelaudie]

How else could you explain her escaping to England instead of France?

Scotland basically rebelled against her and overthrew her. Mary, like any ruler would, wanted her throne back. Monarchs during this time believed it was their God given right to rule. Mary was certainly no exception. France couldn't help her. They had their own issues at the time and simply were in no position to help her. England was in a better position and it did seem possible that Elizabeth might assist her. Elizabeth recognized Mary as the rightful ruler to Scotland. Elizabeth knew what it was like to have your people turn against you. It was probably these things that kept Mary alive for so long to be honest. Now, I do think she should have just cut her losses and went to France and lived in exile. But this was a woman that sincerely believed God put her on the throne. She wasn't going give it up that easily. No ruler would.

I agree Mary was rather plain looking. But she was better looking compared to other people during that time.

[azaleaqueen]

European royalty was plagued with the Catholic-Protestant thing at that time. This was one of Mary's problems. I think that's the thing that finally got her executed--she was supposed to be part of a plot to overthrow Elizabeth.

[Deleted]

I think that was because she was so desparate to get out of prison already. Can't say I blame her.

And compared to Elizabeth, she WAS a beauty.

[Deleted]

I think that was because she was so desparate to get out of prison already. Can't say I blame her.

Yeah, wasn't it nearly 20 years (18 maybe?)?

Mary was very tall and slender, so I think she appeared very regal. Plus, her colouring was very much admired. She seems a bit plain in the face now, but I think that was what people wanted to look like back then. It's hard to tell from paintings, though. Have any of you seen portraits of her mother? Now, she was gorgeous, as far as I can tell.

[SluttyMary]

May 2, 2008 19:58:58 GMT -4 guinastasia said:

From what I've read, Cleo was actually supposed to be really fug.

I think most agree that she wasn't classically beautiful, but had tons of charisma and was very intelligent, which made her very attractive. And wasn't she also very much into cosmetics?

[Deleted]

May 14, 2008 22:24:03 GMT -4 Mouse said:

How else could you explain her escaping to England instead of France?

If I recall it right, according to Lady Antonia Fraser's excellent biography, she didn't escape to England, she was waiting for Elizabeth to give her a safe-conduct to travel to France, and when things got rough and she hadn't heard from her cousin, she tried to travel without it. So, not a stupid move, but a rushed one.

As an aside note, I visited the Loire castles last month, and you can see XVI century Scottish graffiti in Chenonceau, written by Mary Stuart's guards while she was living there. Interesting!

[MrsCatHead]

I have started reading about the period BEFORE the Tudors and man, it explains a lot! I'm reading Weir's Wars of the Roses and it's so dense and packed with info. It's hard to keep all the titles and families straight (thank Weir for the tables in the back of the book!) but man, it's interesting.

I'm now very very curious about Henry VI's wife, Margaret of Anjou. Anyone know of a good book about her?

[Deleted]

I'd love to get my hands on that. I haven't read much on the WotR, so I think that's next on my agenda.


Years ago, I was reading a cheesy romance novel set in the time of Edward IV, and it had the Black Prince and Joan of Kent as secondary characters, and I wish I could find it.

[Deleted]

Currently I'm reading two books by Alison Weir: The Princes in the Tower, and The War of the Roses. Yes, later, Victoria's family and beyond seems to be my favorite as far as royals go, but I'm find the whole saga of poor King Edward V and Prince Richard fascinating.

(And speaking of Victoria's family, I have a cousin, Paul, who reminds me of Kaiser Wilhelm II, for some unknown reason)

[ennui]

Considering the date on this topic, I don't know if anyone is still interested in the Wars of the Roses, but I highly recommend The Sunne In Splendour: A Novel of Richard III by Sharon Kay Penman. It's an epic tragedy, and affirms that history is written by the winners. It was in Henry VII's best interest to malign Richard III, and he certainly did an excellent job.

The Wars between the Yorks and Lancasters are heartbreaking. They all knew each other, grew up together, were related to each other (however distantly). And ruthless ambition lead them to try to kill each other. The betrayals and alliances are fascinating, in a sad way.