Little did I know when I retired two years ago that my teenage dream of becoming a writer would be reignited to the extent it has. Nor did I understand what a journey of discovery was ahead of me when my favorite historical fiction author suggested I write a book about the Black Prince.
But here I am ... not only among the foremost authorities on the Black Prince but others from around the world who share my interest and passion for a man who was born almost 700 years ago.
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| Canterbury Cathedral Lodge & Conference Center |
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| Richard Barber, Esteemed Historian |
Richard Barber, known for his original biography of the BP, opened the conference sharing what can be understood about the BP from images of him: effigies, coins, seals, badges, and illustrations. Portraiture didn't exist as we know it today so there are no contemporary paintings of him.
Royals in the middle ages utlized their stylized images on coins the way politicians today might use Twitter. Coins were the one medium medievals had that passed from hand to hand in a world where most of their subjects never came into contact or laid eyes on them. As important as money is today, it was even more so for rulers in the middle ages, especially the ability to control and standardize coin value.
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| Passionate, Engaging Michael Jones |
A second speaker, of whom I now hold in even greater regard, is the recent Black Prince biographer
Dr. Michael Jones. His passion and connection with the Black Prince were palpable. This biography sheds new light on the Prince's personal devotion to the Trinity and personal commitment to chivalric ideals but more importantly reveals that the prince did not choose to go to battle in Castile in support of Pedro the Cruel but was forced to do so by King Edward III. Historians have long criticized the BP for this decision claiming it was an indication of his desire for vainglory. This misconception has now been fully dispelled.
The following presentation by Dr. Francis Woodman on
The Fair Maid of Kent sent me spinning off the rails. Unfortunately, most male historians portray Joan as rebellious, defiant, and a manipulator of men even as a naive, vulnerable 12 YO abroad in Flanders. Dr. Woodman's heavy 'dissing' of Joan was so severe, I've been convinced I need to write my own white paper to be presented at a future medieval conference to represent an alternative, and less biased view, of her behavior.
The evening concluded with a presentation in the crypt with an expert on the archeology of the Lady Chapel in its place of honor located directly below the tomb of St. Thomas and just outside the BP Chantry. The Lady Chapel is one of the few places within the Cathedral where the colored-painted murals have survived.
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| Lady Chapel Mural |
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| Lady Chapel Mural |
Little did I know when I retired two years ago that my teenage dream of becoming a writer would be reignited to the extent it has. Nor did I understand what a journey of discovery was ahead of me when my favorite historical fiction author suggested I write a book about the Black Prince.
Here it is midnight in the Old Pueblo and you're swimming in history centuries older. Today (Saturday) I'm going to a re-burial of human remains from a time when this was the far Northern Frontier of New Spain. These folks lived at a time when all there was of Tucson existed within the Presidio walls. Beyond the walls of the fort was a hostile desert and even more hostile Apaches. Say "Hi" to the Black Prince for us.
ReplyDeleteI still remember how awesome it was to see the tomb of Nefertari in full color. I can imagine this experience might be much the same.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear of Dr. Woodman's read on Joan, since I know how passionate you are on the subject of this 12-year-old femme fatale. Would like to think that there are at least a few male historians out there who reject her characterization as a conniving 14th century Lolita.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to see the painted murals! Everything is so whitewashed for the Medieval period it seems! TV, movies, even many refurbished properties have such neutral bare walls, when in reality we know much colour was used, both in the form of paint and tapestry!
ReplyDeleteRe: The male perspective on JoK🤬🤬🤬 I definitely think you should write a paper to give another perspective! I’m not at all sure it’s just the male POV though, especially after reading that horrid book by the woman who was distantly related to her! At least that was fiction...
I’m eagerly awaiting the release of Michael James book here in the US, as I’m unable to get it! You completely sold me on it!