Elizabeth Richeza: The Interesting Life of The Medieval Queen of Bohemia and Poland

Although it is commonly accepted that in Middle Ages women in general did not have an easy life, it is as well agreed that few of them managed to bear a certain degree of independence from its standards, considering how able were they in holding the exercise of organizing their own life style. Elizabeth Richeza perhaps was neither an exception to the rule but at the same time she was not the rule herself. During the context of the 13th and 14th centuries, as far as it can be attested, few of her gender who shared her position could have had long tragedies throughout her lives as this Queen did.

And the first of them came in her tender age. Elizabeth was born Eliska Rejcka (Spelled Eliška Rejčka in Czech and Ryksa Elżbieta in Polish) on the first day of September, the year being 1286. Her parents were the King of Poland, PrzemysI the Second, and his wife, Richesa of Sweden, who died giving her birth. Elizabeth was their only surviving child and by the time her father was murdered, she was a valuable heiress to this kingdom. Soon afterwards another one followed:

"As a child she was engaged to the young Otto, son of the Margrave of Brandenburg and relative of her stepmother Margaret of Brandenburg. However, the boy soon after."

Despite the lack of information we have about her between the age of nine until her teenage days, what can we say is that at the age of fourteen, she became Queen of Bohemia and Poland by marrying the widowed King Wencelaus II. However, such a marriage had nothing but political meanings since:

"His first wife Judith of Habsburg had already given him a son and three daughters. He had already subjugated Kraków in 1291, during the lifetime of Elizabeth's father. Because of her young age, the marriage was not celebrated until 26 May 1303, when she arrived in Prague and was crowned the Queen of Bohemia and Poland, adopting the name Elizabeth at the same time (as Richeza was unused and seen as strange in Bohemia)"

Of this marriage, she gave birth only to a daughter, at the age of seventeen, whom she named Agnes. And not so later she became a mother, another tragedy fell upon Elizabeth's life: she became a widow and the Queen Dowager of both lands at such an age. But, at the moment, she would govern the reign for her stepson, Wencesclaus III, who, unfortunately, was murdered. This sad situation she was into turned Elizabeth to a very valuable bride, not only due to the dowry she had but as well as her beauty and wit she displayed, though we could not find traces of personalities from the few sources used to write this article.

The duke of Austria, Rudolph of Habsburg, managed to inherit this crown and married Elizabeth, who maintained her position as Queen. As said here:

"He was chosen Bohemia's king and Elizabeth remained queen. The reign and marriage lasted only a short time - Rudolph died 4 July 1307 of dysentery after becoming ill during the siege of the fortress of a nobleman in revolt."

As a result of another widowhood she came to face, Elizabeth's inheritance only increased and now she had towns and more households to take care of. If all of this can state peace to someone who witnessed death in its worst way even to medieval days, where it was probably more natural to die through diseases (as expectations to live were very short) than being actually murdered, depending of the object and place one is researching, it cannot be affirmed for certainty. After all, her stepdaughter's husband managed to hold the crown to himself, thus turning Elizabeth as a Queen Dowager again in opposition of her first husband's daughter, also named Elizabeth, who was now Queen of Poland and Bohemia. 

Before she settled outside Prague, it is said she supported her brother by law towards the claim he disputed with Henry of Carintia, but as he was the victor of the struggle for the Bohemian crown, she was forced to flee away. However, as said in the last paragraph, it was her stepdaughter's husband, John of Luxembourg who held the crown as King John III in 1310. But by then, she was permitted to go back to her lands, where she settled with her lover, a man named Henry of Lipá, whose position was unequal compared to hers. It is contested whether they were married or not, as if she did marry him, then he would have a claim to the Bohemian throne. We can only but wonder that perhaps by avoiding marriage, she would have her peace at least after having herself involved in trouble with politics (by supporting her brother by law of the second marriage) and after having grown up surrounded by tragedies, she soon managed to settle.

However it was not without difficulties, as we can see below:

"In 1310 John of Luxembourg became the new King of Bohemia, thanks to his marriage to Elizabeth, daughter of King Wenceslaus II and his first wife. John's rule faced substantial opposition from Bohemian nobles, who decided to support Ryksa-Elizabeth. (...) The second important leader of the anti-Luxembourg faction was the powerful nobleman Jindrich of Lipá (Henry of Lipá), who was the Moravian Hetman and Governor of the Bohemian Kingdom in the abscence of the King. Soon a romantic relationship developed between Ryksa-Elizabeth and Henry of Lipá, which, for political reasons, never led to marriage. (...) In order to weaken the position of the powerful nobility, in 1315, King John deprived Henry of all his offices and imprisoned him. However, the position and popularity of the Dowager Queen was so strong in Bohemia that John, fearing a civil war, released him in April 1316."

But, finally, with some peace "they moved to Brno and spent ten happy years there (1318-1329) until his death. Some sources believe the couple may have married in 1319. After Henry's death, Elizabeth turned her attention to culture and religion, built churches and Cistercian convents (from 1323), and financed the making of illustrated hymn books. She died in Brno and was buried under the floor of her cloister church at the side of her beloved Henry".

After leading a life full of sad events, uncommon indeed though not rare amongst women in her position, what differs Elizabeth Richeza from others of her gender and position was the degree of independence and wealth she managed to secure for herself, after all, a life where in general happiness was not expected. With little information, it is sad to figure it out how women whose lives were similar like her awake little interesting in historiography. Though with this article, most of the common sense surrounding the lives of medieval women of upper classes is contested, it is not intended to make it as rule but to enlighten other countries's characters who are by so many unknown and, somewhat, bring them back to life. 

Sources: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=123509032

http://www.wikiwand.com/en/Elizabeth_Richeza_of_Poland

http://self.gutenberg.org/articles/elizabeth_richeza_of_poland

http://medieval-women.tumblr.com/post/86502093199/elizabeth-richeza-of-poland-queen-of-bohemia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Richeza_of_Poland

Algirdas, Grand Duke of Lithuania: The Last Pagan Ruler in Medieval Europe.

Whenever History of Middle Ages is studied, most interests on this matter takes us to England or France's History during this period, especially with this latter, whose historiography is most popular and followed by many researchers and historians themselves. However, it still remains difficult the possibility of transferring the dominion of french historiography to other's. With this thought, it's questioned how the History of certain countries is less valuable than others and based on what critters one is more studied than another. Nevertheless, this article presents an attempting to leave behind the anglo-french centralization by giving light to a figure that few have heard about. His name was Algirdas and he was the Grand Duke of Lithuania in Middle Ages, though as the ruler he was his reign began on the year of 1345 and lasted until his death in 1377.

But what we are about to discuss is not his reign as whole or how he helped to unite Lithuania as one, since there were states that his father had divided between their sons until Agirdas became Grand Duke of the whole duchy he united through the deposition he had afflicted his younger brother; but rather his controversial religious views in a century that Christian Churches were already well established, Rome was very powerful and  unquestionable as its Holy sovereign that every monarch had to obey and, perhaps most important, no signs of pagans such were the Danes was there to cause the Church of Rome trouble or other Catholics in Europe. Still, Lithuania was regarded as the last pagan region to convert, even though it kept much of paganism in its culture and way of life. But in days of prosecution, where even Christian heretics were burned, how did this duke manage to deal with his own faith and make sure to turn Lithuania into a powerful duchy, some claiming its lands reached until Moscow with the rule of Agirdas? That's what we are discussing today.

Born circa in the year of 1296, probably by the the end of the month of May, he was the oldest son of Gediminas (sometimes spelled Gedymin) Grand Duke of Lithuania (though his lands were on the western side of Lithuania) and his wife, Olga Vsevolodovna of Smolensk. Whilst his father was still alive, Algirdas received Crewa (or Krèva) from him, as said here: "The Origo Regis Jagyelo records that "ducem magnum Lithuanie Gediminum" had seven sons, of whom "tercius Olgerth, pater dominis regis" to whom his father gave "Crewa"."

Few is documented of his childhood and adult affairs, but what else can be said of the last pagan ruler in Europe is about how he used paganism, like his father, to manage diplomacy to favour Lithuania. As it was said before, the youngest brother of Algirdas, Jaunutis, became the heir of his father, probably because his mother was a Polish princess. However, he did not manage well the loyalty of his older brothers and soon he was placed aside when Algirdas became the Grand Duke of Lithuania, uniting the duchy at least. To avoid any sort of rebellion, Algirdas gave some other part of Lithuania to his younger brother, but relied on Kestutis who aided him in military expeditions, expand lands in eastern sides, almost reaching Moscow, but giving Algirdas thrice failures when he attempted to break in the region.

In matters of religion, it is curious to attest that, despite how many people who surrounded him at the time were Christians, Algirdas apparently remained pagan. Below, there is a citation that explains furthermore about how the praise to their own Gods worked:

"While the Lithuanian pantheon consists of dozen of household (i.e minor) gods and goddesses, the two most important ones were Thor-like Perkunas and crafty Velnias (also Velinas). Velninas was the chthonic god of the underworld and was responsible for all mischief on earth - he was the misbehaving trickster god. Missionaries interpreted the cult of Velninas as a form of satanic worship, as Lithuanians would venerate him by sacrificing a goat."

And there's more:

"(...) According to the lore of the time, Velnias was the god responsible for the Lithuanian victory at Tannen-berg. He had extorted the secret of working iron from the god Kalvelis and had supernaturally enhanced the Lithuanians' swords. He was also the keeper of the souls of the dead prior to their final separation from the earth. (...) Perkunas was the chief god and protector of the Lithuanian state. He ruled over fire, thunder and  lightning. Soil could not be titled until he blessed it with the first rumble of thunder in the spring. (...) Perkunas was thus the protector of order in the world and was perennially at odds with rascally Velnias".

In present days, this paganism leaded to a new religion, neo paganism, known by the name of Romuva, but, back to the reign of Algirdas, what can we say about these rites and beliefs under this context? Considering how Algirdas was married to a woman of an Orthodox faith and remembering how his father, Gediminas, also married to Christian women, was reported to have welcomed Orthodox and Christian faith in Lithuan, but refusing to be baptized in the new religion. Following his father's politics, Algirdas did not do different. By promising he would convert, he never did. As the excerpt affirms that:

"Modern historians argue, that "For Gediminas and Algirdas, retention of paganism provided a useful diplomatic tool and weapon... that allowed them to use promises of conversion as a means of preserving their power and independence". According to Hermann von Wartberge and Jan Dlugosz, Algirdas remained a pagn until his death in summer 1377. Contemporary Byzantine accounts also support the Western sources: Patriarch Neilos described Algirdas as fire-worshipping prince; another Patriarch Philotheos excommunicated all Ruthenian noblemen who helped impious Algirdas. Algirdas' pagan faith also went into the 14th Byzantine historian's Nicephorus Gregora's accounts."

But such manipulation did not prevent bigger issues to come, such as were the Teutonic Knights, who desired to input Christian faith in Lithuania. However, through his most loyal brother, Kestutis, they were swept away briefly. Although his religious views sometimes confuse historians as whether he was pagan or not - which might explain the good skills in diplomacy this duke was- his death and the name of his children were definitely pagans. As said below:

"Algirdas married Uliana, daughter of Aleksander Mikhailovich, Prince of Tver. During the 27 years of their marriage, Algirdas and Uliana had 7 sons: Jogaila (-Vladislav) in 1351, Skirgaila (-Ivan) in 1453, Katibutas (-Dmitri), Lengvenis (-Simeon) in 1360, Karigaila (-Casimir), Vygundas (-Aleksander), and Svitrigaila (-Boleslav); and 3 daughters: Helen, Maria, and Aleksandra. Because these children were born in still pagan Lithuania, the sons were given pagan Lithuania names. They converted to Christianity for political reasons later in their lives, receiving Christian baptismal names."

Despite this particular controversial view of Algirdas, whose figured was build by Christians historians (or Russians even) who claimed he was Orthodox due to many churches of that faith he build, it can be argued this was a politics of freedom of religion since there is no evidence that he prosecuted Christians, but rather was almost prosecuted by them hence why the Teutonic Knights were instigated in converting him to the "true" Holy Church. But he never did and the proof of significant paganism in his life is in his death. 

"On May 24th Algirdas' body was burned on a funeral pyre in a sacred oak grove near Vilnius according to the pagan custom of the time. Cremated with Algirdas were eighteen horses and many of his valuables."

A man of old traditions, Algirdas was definitely a figure who better represented the resistance against Christianism in Lithuania. Although this region was, afterwards, converted to that faith, it can be contested its success in general. After all, paganism there left much more inheritances than Catholicism itself and the result of this struggle was a sort of syncretism that resides in Lithuania until nowadays, especially in holidays. 

Historical characters as Algirdas can be found in any country's history, but unfortunately in these days there are other focus to infamous dynasties and its deeds. Although this article was about religion, there is much more in Algirdas we could have written about. His reign was prosperous, and, as a ruler, he was respected and skilled in diplomacy; but few were the sources found that spoke of him or even of his dynasty. Lithuania is as rich in History as any other country, but perhaps the choice in sticking to the already known makes difficult in making way to other discoveries.  

Sources: http://fmg.ac/Projects/MedLands/LITHUANIA.htm#Algirdasdied1377B

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algirdas

http://www.truelithuania.com/romuva-neo-paganism-in-lithuania-102

http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Algirdas,+Grand+Duke+of+Lithuania

http://www.lithaz.org/history/algirdas.html

http://www.gutenberg.us/articles/algirdas,_grand_duke_of_lithuania

http://www.baltictimes.com/news/articles/1962/

Wilhelm II of Germany & The Women In His Life: The Complex Relationships of the Last Emperor of Germany

                                                 

High above we have four portraits of the women related to Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany we are discussing on the article; above on the left, we have Empress Frederick of Germany, Queen of Prussia Victoria, previously nicknamed as Vicky, the princess royal of United Kingdom who was the oldest daughter of Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert; on the right, Princess Hermine Reuss of Greiz, the Emperor's second wife; on the centre, the portrait of Emperor himself and below, the portraits of his first wife, Empress Augusta and his favourite daughter, Princess Victoria Louise. 

Frederick William Victor Albert (in German: Friedrich Wilhelm Viktor Albrech), commonly known as Wilhelm II, Emperor of Germany and King of Prussia, was definitely one of the most controversial characters History knows in 20th century. Often maligned as he's seen as the cause of the first World War that had killed many and left Europe devastated, Wilhelm II's personal life is less ambiguous than his own politics. Born with a temper and a caprice personality, learned to avoid women's company as he had no touch to deal with the subjects they spoke, but nevertheless was the kindness, softest and sweetest when he was around them. 

It is impossible to understand a character by only judging his political sides. Even through them, as it is in a society, relationships are formed, engaged and sometimes dissociate by any causes. Wilhelm II as a ruler, did not rule alone, despite how often he addressed himself as the only one to rule Germany. Around him, military and furthermore controversial figures were found. However, often history gives a main focus to male companionship's. What about women's? Why were they left in most cases as footnotes?

Leaving aside politics, this article intends to give a light to the relationships Wilhelm had with the women that most surrounded him in his life: his mother, his daughter and his wives. Naturally, could be added his sisters, but perhaps the impact they left in his life are not as significant as these already cited, did.

Empress Frederick was evidently the woman who left her mark in her son's life in her own raised. Born Princess Victoria of the United Kingdom, the oldest and favourite daughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, grew as a brighter child, outspoken and much like her mother. Albert was ever proud of his daughter, giving his Vicky, as she was known by the family, a happy childhood. Her marriage to Frederick, Crown Prince of Germany was a happy one, arranged by the Queen and the Crown Prince of Germany, soon to rule yet Wilhelm I. Wilhelm II was, thus, born in 1859, but his relationship with his mother was very... ambiguous. One of love and hate, indeed. As stated below:

"Victoria, princess royal of Great Britain, did not reciprocate Wilhelm's devotion. Having had high hopes for Wilhelm, she was very disappointed with her son's disability and made no effort to hide her feelings from him. As a result, the boy was burdened with feelings of inadequacy. Princess Vicky was a very difficult woman who tried to mold her son into the image of a 19th-century British liberal. Wilhelm became bitter about her and her country."

This distance would only increase when Wilhelm relied on Bismarck, a man much detested by both of his parents. Bismarck was a military, rough man who united German's states into one single country through his iron's hands. Conservative, he was a man of war who much influenced Wilhelm whilst he was the heir of the Prussian crown. And whilst such differences remained between these two, it's also argued how far was his love for his mother, some even claiming the nature of it:

"In one letter, Wilhelm writes: "I have been dreaming about your dear soft, warm hands. I am awaiting with impatience the time when I can sit near you and kiss them but pray keep your promise you gave me always to give me alone the soft inside of your hands to kiss, but of course you keep this as a secret for yourself."

In another letter, he tells her: "I have again dreamt about you, this time I was alone with you in your library when you stretched forth your arms and pulled me down. Then you took of your gloves and laid your hand gently on my lips for me to kiss it... I wish you would do the same when I am in Berlin alone with you in the evening." "

Ironically was that the rejection from Vicky's part would be the cause of Wilhelm's despise he felt for his mother's homeland, even if he spent most of his days in England and was Queen Victoria's favourite grandson. As a matter of a fact, throughout Wilhelm's childhood, must be remembered the traumas he had to deal with due to a problem he had in his left arm and whose experience affected his personality.

"As he began walking, his good arm would be tied behind his back, in an effort to force him into using his paralysed left arm, a frustrating double handicap that caused Vicky to note that: "He gets so fretful and cross and violent and passionate that it makes me quite nervous sometimes.""

As she wrote as well to Queen Victoria:

"No one should see him with this machine on... Not the servants or brothers and sisters and that it should not be talked about as it would be very painful to us."

And then, to deteriorate their relationship, the letters Wilhelm wrote when he reached age 16. In his love life, he developed a crush towards his first cousin, Grand Duchess Alice of Hesse's daughter, Elisabeth, known as Ella, who was Empress Vicky's niece as she was sister of Ella's mother. But her rejection to his proposal would affect his moral, and that's precisely when Augusta came in.

Auguste Viktoria Friederike Luise Feodora Jenny was not seen as a good match for Wilhelm, at first, due to her lineage, even though she descended from Queen Victoria of United Kingdom's half sister, Feodora and being, thus, Wilhelm's second cousin. Born into the duchy of Schleswig- Holstein, the oldest daughter of the Duke Frederick VIII had a complicated start as her sisters by law thought her rank was low for a future Emperor and Vicky herself distrusted Augusta in the beginning, but eventually Empress Dowager and Empress Augusta's relationship improved, with Augusta often seen at the company of her mother-in-law and sticking with her when Vicky was dying, despite their differences in matters of politics. With Wilhelm, their relationship, however, was definitely happier from the very beginning, despite the contrasting personalities they had. Such devotion can be especially seen here, where we observe that their differences was never an obstacle for the love that Wilhelm longed for:

"The two had a very strong and lasting connection from the very start and enjoyed a happy marriage. She was a source of both stability and pampering to her husband who, it was said, could not survive without a woman to fuss over him. For her part, she adored her husband as probably no one else in the world. She had more artistic interests than he did but they both shared a very conservative political outlook and a very deep Christian faith. (...) The Kaiser, with his notoriously stressed and eratic personality, could always find calm and comfort with Dona who would attend to his every need and invite him to pray with her. Sometimes this meant that she neglected herself. It was commented on that when the Kaiser would take his meals, she would spend most of the time attending to him rather than eating herself and by the time she started her husband would be finished and call for her to walk with him, which she would, leaving many to wonder how she was able to keep from going hungry."

Perhaps everything Wilhelm felt that his mother could not give him, he found on Augusta. She gave him seven children, being six of the male sex and the seventh being of the female one. As a wife, Augusta filled her duties just as the Empress she was, helping, defending and standing for her family regardless the occasion. In return, the Emperor doted on her, displaying her with the sincere affection and kind soul that is rarely known by others.

Of these children Augusta gave birth, it was Victoria Louise (in German: Viktoria Luise Adelheid Mathilde Charlotte) who would give Wilhelm's happiness. She was, by far, his favourite child. Victoria, nicknamed as Sissi, was regarded by willful and dignified manners, and the beauty and grace she inherited from both her parents. Popular amongst the Germans, Sissy would be one always regarded for being the dutiful princess she was. This was a consequence of the education she had as a child:

"From childhood she had been brought up strictly and with discipline, also with the possibility of becoming a regent one day"

Though little is found of their relationship, what can be said is that Wilhelm II, who was a strict father, was more permissive towards this daughter: "her oldest brother later wrote, that Victoria Louise was the only one "...who succeeded in her childhood in winning a earn corner of his heart."".

And when she was married to the grandson of King of Hanover, Ernst August, although there were some political tensions, he did not hesitate in giving her a great festivity. Of that relationship, Wilhelm II would be the great-grandfather of Queen Sophia of Spain, whose mother Frederica was the Queen of Hellenes and only daughter of Victoria Louise.

Indeed a happy home Wilhelm managed to built after his childish and early adult's life frustrations he had towards his mother in general, his eager to please and competitive ways that would make him seen as an eternal child. Well loved by his wife and his daughter, he left his teachings to them and vice-versa. With them, he became softer. And would become more so with his next wife, Princess Hermine Reuss of Greiz.

Born in December 18th 1887, in a principality, this lady who would be Wilhelm II's last and also beloved wife was quite younger than him, but age was not an obstacle for Wilhelm to remarry a year after the death of his dear Dona. Raised by the Grand Duchess of Baden, Louise, who was the daughter of Emperor Wilhelm I (Wilhelm's grandfather), Hermine was married before having met the Emperor, to a prince named Johann. With him, they had five children, one of them, Henrietta, who was married to Wilhelm's grandson, Prince Karl (he was the son of Prince Joachim, who was the favourite son of Empress Augusta). Here's an excerpt of how they meta and fell in love:

"In January of 1922, one of Hermine's sons sent birthday wishes to Wilhelm II, former German Emperor, living in exile at Huis Doorn, in Doorn, the Netherlands, who then invited the boy and his mother to Doorn. Wilhelm found Hermine very attractive and greatly enjoyed her company. Having both been recently widowed, the two had much in common. Wilhelm was determined to marry Hermine despite objections from his children. 63 year old Wilhelm and 34 year old Hermine married on November 5th, 1922 in Doorn. Although Wilhelm had abdicated, he continued to use his royal styles and titles and therefore Hermine was styled Her Imperial Majesty The German Empress, Queen of Prussia."

Towards his new wife's family, Wilhelm was less strict and perhaps more amable...

"Hermine's youngest child Princess Henriette came to live with Hermine and Wilhelm at Huis Doorn. Wilhelm stayed out of his stepchildren's affairs, with the exception of Henriette. He seemed to have a genuine affection for her, and she came to be known as "the general"".

Which explains how come Henriette was married to Wilhelm's grandson, Prince Karl. Unfortunately, in 1946 they would get divorced after only six years of marriage.

Finally, we can conclude this article by stating how influential women were and the degrees of their modeling in Wilhelm's character. It is not with this finality, however, to blame one or another who left a great mark in this controversial Emperor, but to remember the social relationships he had with these women and to remember he was too a human being that, even with his flaws, wanted the love his mother never could perfectly give him. But through both marriages, Wilhelm managed to have a peaceful life, even though it was frustrated for not having the life he wanted (as Emperor restored to his throne, a request Hitler denied for his personal dislike for monarchy). However, he did find his happiness and these strong women we here came to know are proof of the just as strong character he had that he left on them. 

As a popular dictate says: "Behind every powerful man, lies a stronger woman". Whether this is actually a dictate or not, it does represent the meaning of this article. 

Sources:http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/kaiser-wilhelm-ii-s-unnatural-love-for-his-mother-led-to-a-hatred-of-britain-8943556.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2507296/The-true-story-Princess-Vicky-son-Wilhelm.html

http://www.meaus.com/0188-victoria-louise.htm

http://www.unofficialroyalty.com/princess-hermine-reuss-of-greiz/

http://listverse.com/2014/11/25/10-mad-tales-from-the-life-of-germanys-last-emperor/

http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/world-war-one/wilhelm-ii/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilhelm_II,_German_Emperor

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augusta_Victoria_of_Schleswig-Holstein

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Princess_Victoria_Louise_of_Prussia

http://madmonarchist.blogspot.com.br/2009/09/consort-profile-kaiserin-augusta.html

http://histclo.com/royal/ger/w2/rgw2cvl.htm

http://histclo.com/royal/ger/w2/rgw2-child.htm

http://www.thecourtjeweller.com/2015/07/tiara-timeline-prussian-tiara.html

Edward Woodville, Lord Scales: Was He The Last Englishman To Represent The Ideals of Knighthood?

In the present days, it's commonly associated a romanticized idea of brave, romantic knights to an specific period in History, Middle Ages. But these characteristics were not the only ones that formed a knight back to those days. Honour, loyalty, vowing to God, to keep the faith and protect the weakest ones were part of these code defended by many.

To be a knight was, to many, another way out of the situation a man was born into. For example: in a family of ten children, it was usually a primer concern to the destiny of the oldest children, by keeping the lands to the oldest and heir, sending the other to the Church, marrying another... However, what was the destiny of the youngest ones who survived infancy and sometimes became the problem to their parents concerning their future? Most became errant knights, wandering around, waiting to be paid and join a battle or even so defending a cause and protecting the poor.

And naturally, there were not only mercenaries in this social category called "Knighthood." But dutiful, men of words who lived for battles. It was the case of the Black Prince, Edward of Woodstock, oldest son of King Edward III of England or even Emperor Charlegmane, both princes known for their battle skills, war-like profiles and honourable men who carried hope and went far from the stereotype of "saving damsels". But this social imaginative idea of great men, entitled socially as saviors, that for centuries inspired poems and tales, supposedly came from King Arthur and his Knights. As said below:

"The ideals described in the Code of Chivalry were emphasised by the oaths and vows that were sworn in the Knighthood ceremonies of the Middle Ages (...). These sacred oaths of combat were combined with the ideals of chivalry and with strict rules of etiquette and conduct. The ideals of a Knights Code of Chivalry was publicised in the poems, ballads, writings and literary works of Knights authors. The wantering minstrels of the Middle Ages sang these ballads and were expected to memorize the words of long poems describing the valour and the code of chivalry followed by the Medieval knights. The Dark Age myths of Arthurian Legends featuring King Arthur, Camelot and the Knights of the Round Table further strengthen the idea of a Knights Code of Chivalry. The Arthurian legend revolves around the Code of Chivalry which was adhered to by the Knights of the Round Table - Honour, Honesty, Valour and Loyalty."

That being said, certainly it can be said that this romanticized concept of an honourable man, fighting bravely, rescuing damsels, promoting their faith against heretics stayed in popular imaginary for long. But how long? Back to the 15th century, especially in England, after the death of Edward of Woodstock, not many men were seen embodying seriously this kind of Knight, few being able to fit in such descriptions and by then this was not as popular as was in High Middle Ages and Centre Middle Ages.

But Edward Woodville would prove to be the exception. Born probably in 1450's, he was the tenth child of Richard Woodville and Jacquetta of Luxembourg, previously Duchess of Bedford. Their marriage was a scandal at the court of King Henry VI, as Jacquetta was married to the king's uncle and her second match was for love. However, she soon received the royal pardon and remained the second lady in kingdom until the death of Katherine de Valois, Queen Dowager. 

Edward is commonly known as the younger brother of his famous sister, Queen Elizabeth Woodville. But he is rarely mentioned in documents and it's Anthony who is regarded for the role he participated in many of the events inside Edward IV's reign, though Edward was probably a young boy at that time.

Few is known about this young handsome man and the photo here we used it is attributed to him, though it's hard to find a portrait of him. In his lifetime, he is described according the whole medieval's social concept of a Knight. Edward followed his duties with honour, faith and truth. He never turned back to his enemies or allies.

When he was sent to Scotland with Richard, the Duke of Gloucester, even then he was recognized as a man of word and brave man, bestowed by the duke with a knight banneret. He also escorted the future Duchess of Burgundy, Margaret, King Edward IV's sister, to Burgundy. And was sent to the Southampton to stop the French threat.

All this and more, Edward's role in Edward IV's reign is few documented. He took part of the King's funeral when he died in 1483, but was forced to take exile when Richard of Gloucester became King Richard III. In fact, Edward Woodville was one of the men Edward IV trusted along with Anthony, his older brother, to manage the household of Prince Edward with the Queen. But with the struggle of power between the Plantagenets and the Woodvilles, Edward had to flee away and met Henry Tudor in exile. In this fragment below, we can perceive how Edward and Henry, different in each one's belief, were drawn close to a common goal:

"It is more than a year before we hear of Sir Edward Woodville again: and in the interim it is obvious that he had joined his fortunes to another foe of Richard III;, far more formidable than himself, Henry, Earl of Richmond, the future Henry VII., who since 1471 had been in hiding in Brittany; Richmond was of course as strongly Lancastrian in his sympathies as Woodville was Yorkist: but the two men, both exiles in a foreign land, were drawn close together by a common detestation of Richard III."

Returning to fight Richard III in the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, with the victory of Henry VII, Edward was part of the Knight of the Garter in 1487 and also entitled with the Captaincy of the Isle of Wight. But his career was also spent in Spain, where he was known as Señor de Scales, a title he took to himself upon Anthony Woodville's execution. There, he fought away the Moors along side Isabel of Castilla and Fernando de Aragon, as we can see here:

"Woodville, who though a personal enemy of Richard III. was also (as we must not forget) Yorkist in sympathy, soon tired of the peaceful and essentially Lancastrian court of the first Tudor king, and longing to return to that restless, warlike career which had become a second nature to him, went abroad in search of adventure—possibly at the suggestion of Henry VII. himself. The eyes of all Christendom were at that moment turned on Granada, where the Moors were making their last desperate stand in Western Europe against the armies of the Catholic Kings. Thither Woodville turned his steps, intent on bearing a hand in the capture of this last stronghold of the infidel."

And, through the eyes of a contemporary man of the name Andrez Bernaldez, chaplain of the archbishop of Seville, we have an account of the presence of Edward at the Spanish court:

"Bernaldez tells us that one day in the month of May in the year 1486, the King Don Fernando, with a mighty host, and many Castilian nobles, left Cordova and encamped near the town of Loja: and there came with him an English lord, a relative of the English Queen, who called himself Lord Scales.(...) Bernaldez goes on to tell us that this noble lord came to Spain to serve God and make war on the Moors, with three hundred valiant soldiers and archers in his train. The Moors issued forth from Loja in large numbers, to prevent the Christian camp from being pitched before the town, and a vigorous action with arrows and small ordnance ensued between them and the Castilians and the followers of Lord Scales. The latter, seeing that the encounter had begun, desired leave to fight after the manner of his country; and, dismounting from his horse, and armed with sword and battle-axe, he charged forward at the Moorish host before them all, with a small company of his men, armed like himself, slashing and hacking with brave and manly hearts, killing and dismounting right and left. The Castilians, seeing this charge, rushed on to support it, following on the heels of the Englishmen with such valor that the. Moors turned tail and fled, the Christians chasing them into the suburbs of Loja, which they captured and did not lose again. Many Moors were killed in this encounter, and some Christians as well, and the English lord was struck with a stone which broke his teeth, and three or four of his men were slain"

And finally...

"Peter Martyr, taking up the tale where Belnaldez leaves off, tells us further that Lord Scales waL brought back senseless to his tent, where his life was saved by the extraordinary skill of the surgeons, though it was found impossible to replace his broken teeth. As soon as he was permitted to leave his tent, he went to pay his homage to the Queen, who testified her sympathy for his misfortune. But the youth spoke lightly of his wound. "Christ, who reared this whole fabric,", said he, "has merely opened a window, in order more easily to discern what goes on within." A witty response, concludes Martyr, which so pleased the Spanish sovereigns that shortly afterwards they sent him home to his native land in England, laden with many splendid gifts."

He left, indeed, a great mark on the Spanish monarchs and perhaps gaining some favour from Henry VII, since Edward was Captain of the Isle of Wight. In 1488, however, his last adventure came to happen. To aid the Duke of Brittany to keep its independence from the French crown, without royal permission, Edward used his authority in the Isle of Wight to raise army to defend the duchy of Brittany. This was a policy that Henry VII was unsure whether to get himself involved or not, mainly because he was looking for arrange peace deals, but to get his oldest son Prince Arthur married to Infanta Catherine of Aragon, he had to aid as well the Spanish monarchs to get their lands back, so eventually he sent his forces to Brittany, but, unfortunately it was too late for Edward, who had participated in such negotiations and fought bravely until his last breath against the French. In the excerpt below, it's said that:

"In 1488 trouble flared in Brittany and, despite not receiving royal approval or permission, Sir Edward raised an army of 440 men from the Isle of Wight and set off for France in May of that year.  In July 1488, at St Aubin, battle was joined between the force commanded by Sir Edward, a group of Bretons who had joined his company and the French.  The Bretons apparently abandoned the fight and the French soldiers killed Sir Edward and all his men, apart from one.  This poor young man had the task of returning to the Island with the sad tale of the many losses."

Based on what's said about Knighthood, especially inside England's history and its characters, perhaps it's fair to point out that Edward Woodville, uncle to Queen Elizabeth of York, younger brother to Queen Elizabeth Woodville, was the last man standing inside the proper medieval standards. After all, as the tenth son of a big family, what career would he have had outside the battlefields? A hero he was, and as such he died. Like Edward, the Black Prince, was in his time, Edward Woodville was the knight errant that History unfortunately blacked out from its pages.

Sources:http://www.americanantiquarian.org/proceedings/44806496.pdf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Woodville,_Lord_Scales
http://www.oneinspecyal.com/html/edward_woodville.html
http://www.susanhigginbotham.com/subpages/edwardwoodville.html
http://www.ibtauris.com/Books/Biography%20%20True%20Stories/Biography%20general/Biography%20historical%20political%20%20military/The%20Last%20Knight%20Errant%20Sir%20Edward%20Woodville%20and%20the%20Age%20of%20Chivalry.aspx?menuitem=%7B13CD56BD-E765-4110-9D61-F310B0367CAB%7D
http://www.lordsandladies.org/knights-code-of-chivalry.htm

Elizabeth Petrovna: Russia's Virgin Queen

Elizabeth of Russia, in Russian spelled Yelizaveta Petrovna, was the youngest daughter of Tsar Peter the Great and Martha Skaronska, later styled as Empress Catherine I, his wife. Following the old calendar, she was born on the December 18th 1709 (or December 29th, according to the new calendar) nearby Moscow, in Russia. 

Her legitimacy would be questioned throughout her life, as her mother was not a high born lady by the time she married to Tsar Peter. Nevertheless, Elizabeth was "officially proclaimed a princess (tsarevna) on 6 March 1711 and crown princess (tsesarevna) on 23 December 1721", turning the princess a good match to her suitors.

During her childhood, she would be raised according the French culture, learning its language and habits, as it was believed she'd be Louis XV's Queen consort. But this legitimacy on her mother's side was questioned so the marriage never happened. However, others suitors came to propose: from Prince George of England until the King of Spain, but she declined them to the fondness she kept to Prince Carl August of Holstein-Gottorp, but, before they'd marry, the prince died. 

With her education placed under foreigner tutors, Elizabeth found in music and dancing a passion that would last her lifetime. Another habit of hers was riding, by which she proved to be an excellent horsewoman. As for her appearance, it was said she was tall and beautiful, with ash-blonde hair. Below, we can have an idea of how she was seen through other's eyes thanks to the writings of the Duke of Liria, an Spanish ambassador that stayed at Peter's court that time:

"Princess Elizabeth... is a beauty the like of which I have never seen. The colour of her face is remarkable. She has flaming eyes, a perfect mouth, the whitest neck and a remarkable body. She is tall and extremely lively. She dances well, rides without the smallest fear and is intelligent and pleasant in conversation."

With the abolishment of the law of succession, signed by Tsar Peter, Supreme Council could choose the heir to Russia's crown. Elizabeth would not become Empress until years later. In a paralell with the English Queen Elizabeth Tudor, the tsarevna would have to wait until she was crowned Tsarina herself. Her lifestyle was one very carefree, often being the centre of attentions in balls, being very popular with the army and a major part of Russians, who were complaining that, compared to Tsar Peter the Great's reign, Empress Anna's lost all of its prestigeous to the Germans she favoured. Despite the threats Anna did to Elizabeth, especially by exiling this latter's lover, the tsarevna would not bow down. In this fragment, it is better perceptible their relationship and how the late beloved tsar's daughter had caused its impression with the Russians.

"By 1740, however, Elizabeth had matured; she was frustrated by her cousin, Empress Anne's, vindictiveness as a political leader and the perpetual threats of banishing Elizabeth to a nunnery. As Empress Anne lay on her deathbed, the people hoped that Elizabeth would take the throne. Instead, she was passed over in favor of Prince Anton and Anna Leopoldnovna’s newly born son, Ivan VI, on whose behalf his mother, served as regent. Secret agents acting on the orders of the Regent Anna watched Elizabeth day and night. Anna was worried that Elizabeth would incite a revolt against her, because Anna recognized that as a foreigner, the Russian populace distrusted her, while Elizabeth was a favorite of the guards and loved by the people. 

On November 25, 1741, Elizabeth was ready to take her place among the annals of Russian political leaders. She began her coup d’état by praying in a private chapel with a silver cross in hand. Then, with the help of her political supporters, Elizabeth arrested Regent Anna's husband, advisors, and person, consequently establishing herself as Empress."

Apparently, when she seized the throne, "Elizabeth Petrovna addressed three hundred grenadiers. Holding up the cross, she asked the men: "Who do you want to serve? Me, the natural sovereign, or those who have stolen my inheritance?"

By the promise of not executing anyone, this princess became Empress Elizabeth of all the Russias. Her twenty years reign is remembered for the opening of universities, advancement in culture and her fair rule. Indeed, she kept the promise of not executing any person whilst she lived by suppressing death penalty from the justice system. She was also proudly welcomed by her subjects. As the daughter of her father, she tried to bring back his reforms and the glory of his days. She banished Empress Anna's favourites back to Germany, and turned the official language spoken at court to French. To the positions in her government, only Russians were appointed, as well as dismissing "the Cabinet of Ministers and restoring the Senate". Basically, "her guideline was to keep a foreigner at his post only if no Russian could do the job".

In the meantime, she used her skills in diplomacy, much against popular belief she disliked politics (although it is true Empress Elisabeth was not very fond of managing her government, rather leaving to her favourites this task, she was not an incompetent ruler herself and never ran from duties), and resolved frictions Russia had with Sweden long before her reign, and as well chiefed the Alliance of France, Russia and Austria against Prussia in the Seven Years's War. She donated much to Ortodoxe Church and opened Universities too. Another benefict she brought to Russia back to those days can be atested in the following fragment:

"The development of industry and commerce led to an economic boom during the reign of Elizabeth Petrovna. European demand for Russian iron equalled 100% of its production. The abolition of internal customs in 1754 increased trade and the national income."

But even so, the diminishment of an active rule she displayed previously in government was set aside to her enormous enjoyment in parties and fashion. Music, gowns, balls... all of this held her attention. St Petersburg became the centre of an enlighted culture. Many ambassadors were found there, either from Western Europe or not. 

In the meantime, her personal life did not go unnoticed however successful she was as the Empress of Russia, committing to bring back the glory her predecessors lost. As Elizabeth Tudor was in life, Elizabeh Petrovna officially never married. She had countless favourites and lovers, perhaps a man by the name of Oleksa Rozum, with whom it is said she secretly married and had children with. Oleksa was a musician at court and, due to his favoured position before the Empress, held many titles and positions. But, unlike Elizabeth Tudor and her Robert Dudley, their love did not last long.

The reason of why both women remained unmarried and went through to achieve their goals as Empress and Queen of distant kingdoms and different ages are related to family. Although Elizabeth Tudor had an unhappy childhood, unlike Elizabeth Petrovna, those women were prosecuted by relatives afraid to lose their crown. And to keep it, they would share it with no one else.

Empress Elizabeth I of Russia had a life that many also compared to Marie Antoinette in matters of lifestyle, but her character was unique and so were the events she brought Russia. Unfortunately, as many other rulers, she is forgotten by time and not many people are aware of her deeds, especially with the rule of Catherine the Great in the next generation. Elizabeth died then single and childless on December 25, 1761, leaving to her beloved country a Tsar that ruined many of her achievements, her inconvenient nephew Peter II. 

Sources:

http://departments.kings.edu/womens_history/elizabethtsar.html

http://russiapedia.rt.com/prominent-russians/the-romanov-dynasty/elizaveta-petrovna/

http://www.rusartnet.com/biographies/russian-rulers/romanov/tsaritsa/elizabeth-petrovna

http://www.biography.com/people/elizabeth-of-russia-38006#early-life

http://www.grayareasymposium.org/blog/580

Katherine de Valois: The Saddest Queen of England

October 27th 1401, in the palace of Hotel Saint-Pol, Paris, Catherine de Valois was born. She was the tenth child of King Charles VI of France and his wife, Queen Isabelle (sometimes written as Isabeau) of Bavaria. Her oldest sister, Isabella, was the second wife of King Richard II of England. Sent to England at the tender age of six years old, the marriage was expected to be consummated when she was older, but Isabella was only ten when Richard was usurped by his cousin, Henry Bolinbroke, who became Henry IV.

Catherine, sometimes spelled Katherine, did not have an easy childhood. Often neglected by her mother, she had no one to trust. Her father, Charles, suffered mental illness. Earlier in his reign, he was regarded as "The Good", but after his first break down, "with the king now shut away and heavily guarded in Saint Pol, the political fallout became apparent. In the absence of a strong and determined leader disorder quickly grew within the French government. Queen Isabeau, a shamelessly unfaithful wife, known for her arrogance and ruthless ambition, viewed her husband's misfortune as a golden opportunity for self-advancement. Enlisting the aid of her brother, Louis, Duke of Bavaria, and her besotted brother-in-law Louis, Duke of Orleans, she managed through a series of calculated political manoeuvres, to seize control of the government of France from the rival forces of the  King's cousin John, Duke of Burgundy".

The seize of the royal children by the Duke of Bavaria caused some trouble to Charles and his advisers. With the Duke, the children of the Duke of Burgundy were there as well and they were intercepted by Burgundy's forces when he found out about what happened to his children. Dauphin Louis, his brother, Michelle, who was betrothed to Burgundy's heir, were taken to the court in Burgundy whilst Marie and Catherine were sent to a nunnery in Poissy, where she spent much of her childhood. 

In other words: France's political situation was about to break in Civil War. To their dismay, they had to deal with the threat Henry V of England was imposing them. With the failure in marrying Isabella de Valois, due to her constant refusal in marrying her late husband's enemy, Henry then, after his father's death decided to look furthermore into the House of Valois. And Catherine was the only one of her sisters who was not betrothed to anyone yet. In fact, with the economic situation affecting royal household, Marie, her sister, had to take the veil because her father could not afford her dowry to give his daughter a proper marriage. The proposal was, at first, not taken into consideration by Queen Isabeau due to the high demands by Henry. But, because of these demands were declined, Henry pushed and war eventually happened.

Victim of politic managements by her mother, Catherine had little word when negotiations began. But these were interrupted when the battle of Azincourt exploded, not aiding Catherine's situation. However, the marriage was sealed with the conditions that privileged Henry's side, as, for example, any child they'd come to have would be crowned king of France and England. Apparently, this was a deal set by Catherine herself, who was styled as 'Catherine the Fair', due to her beauty when they were introduced in person.

Finally, the marriage happened. "On 24th February, in a magnificent ceremony Queen Catherine was crowned at Westminster where an elaborated feast was held in her honour. Biographer, Agnes Strickland, notes that it was during her coronation feast that 'the only instance of active benevolence ever recorded of Catherine the Fair took place'. Seemingly indifferent to the plight of her own brother and defeated country, on arrival in England, the new Queen was soon showing her softer side. Catherine had befriended the young James, King of Scots, who having been captured by the English while still a boy, had spent most of his life as a prisoner at the royal court. By all accounts handsome, lively and affable, and a great favourite of the King's, James had recently fallen in love with Joanna Beaufort, a renowned beauty of the English court, but in his present situation marriage was impossible. Obviously taken with the plight of these young lovers Queen Catherine was determined that her new friend be restored to his kingdom, and pleaded with her husband on his behalf. To Catherine's joy Henry relented, arrangements were put in place for the King's return to Scotland and the young couple were betrothed before the festivals of Catherine's coronation had ended."

Not only this showed the very known social position a Queen as Catherine was expected to be, but as well as how she managed to work next to Henry V. It's impossible to know the nature of her feelings, but we can suppose she was one to take duties first if we consider her second marriage and its consequences were for love. Especially because she was treated as a "trophy wife" by Henry, who payed little court to his wife. As a warrior king, his concerns were most towards France and the battles he there would fight. But even so, the marriage would turn out to be, if not one full of love and passion, a respectful one. 

When Henry was in France, fighting his battles, Catherine managed to see him by travelling to her homeland, carrying a big comitive with her. The main of this voyage was presenting their son, Henry (who was born in December 6th) to him. But though the days they spent together were peaceful, the people of Paris did not greet her well. Apparently, Catherine the Fair was regarded as arrogant by them through the banquet she displayed. 

But Henry V fell ill and this illness would change the course of Catherine's life. With Henry crowned King of England and France, she was always present at the councils, but with time she was distrusted by her nationality. Catherine was a widow, Queen Dowager, mother to a king of two kingdoms... But she was a frenchwoman. Soon, her intimate circle was close to a very few friends, one of them who ended becoming the wife of Humphrey of Gloucester.

Her connections with Owen (sometimes spelled Owain) Tudor are uncertain about when it had began. At first, she was courted by Edmund Beaufort, late cousin of the king. But it came to an end with the disapproval of the council. Nevertheless... 

"If Catherine had been in love with Edmund Beaufort, it soon became obvious to those around her that she had started an affair with a Welshman, Owen Tudor. Tudor had been in the employ of King Henry V and had then been in the service of the baby, King Henry VI. Catherine then appointd him Clerk of her Wardrobe. Those around her warned her of the folly of such an affair. She continued despite the warnings, removing herself from court life, she and Owen Tudor retreated to the countryside and in 1430's place and date unknown, they married."

They managed to live happily and had three healthy sons: Edmund, Jasper and Owen. She was pregnant with her fourth child, who would be named Margaret upon her birth, when their marriage was discovered. Outraged, the duke of Gloucester dissolved Catherine's household and had the couple separated, with the young boys placed at the care of Catherine de la Pole. Heartbroken and miserable, this situation contributed to Catherine's health deteriorate. Like the daughter she gave birth but did not manage to live for not even a day, the Queen Dowager of England did not survive either. At the age of thirty six of thirty eight, she came to die.

It is said that Henry VI suffered with her death and punished Gloucester for the pain he caused to his mother. So he "legitimated" his brothers, entitling Edmund as Earl of Richmond and Jasper as Earl of Pembroke. Owen, who wished to have a religious life, became a monk. To Edmund, Henry arranged one of the best marriages that placed Richmond as one of the most important men at the realm after the king himself, with the heiress of the House of Beaufort, Lady Margaret. With that union, future Henry VII would born and as the heir of his uncle, he'd conquer the crown through the Battle of Bosworth in August, 1485.

As for Catherine, she would not receive a proper burial until the year of 1778, where this inscription is found: 

"Under this slab (once the altar of this chapel) for long cast down and broken up by fire, rest at last, after various vicissitudes, finally deposited here by command of Queen Victoria, the bones of Catherine de Valois, daughter of Charles VI, King of France, wife of Henry V, mother of Henry VI, grandmother of Henry VII, born 1400, crowned 1421, died 1438"

Sources:

http://www.intriguing-history.com/who-was-catherine-of-valois/

http://www.britannia.com/history/biographies/catherine_valois.html

http://www.westminster-abbey.org/archive/our-history/royals/burials/henry-v-and-catherine-de-valois