The History of Prostitution: Its Extent, Causes, and Effects throughout the WorldSanger, William W.
History
The History of Prostitution: Its Extent, Causes, and Effects throughout the World
Sanger, William W.
Prostitution
Rosamond, surnamed the Fair on account of her exquisite beauty, was the
daughter of Walter, Lord Clifford, and was educated in the nunnery of
Godstow. The popular tradition concerning her is that Henry, hearing of
her charms, paid her a visit, but, finding her virtue inflexible, had to
exercise his authority as sovereign to compel her to yield to his wishes.
He placed her in a building erected in the midst of a labyrinth at
Woodstock, access to which could only be obtained by a clew of thread.
Henry located her here to protect her from the jealousy of his queen
Eleanor. She bore the king two sons, William Longsword, Earl of Salisbury,
and Geoffrey, Bishop of Lincoln. During the king's absence in France he
intrusted the keeping of Woodstock and the care of the Fair Rosamond to
one Lord Thomas, who endeavored to seduce her. In revenge for the
rejection of his overtures, the faithless warden conducted Queen Eleanor
to her retreat, and the latter is said to have mixed a cup of poison,
which her minions compelled the unfortunate Rosamond to drink. It is also
alleged that the queen struck the poor girl on her lip with her clenched
hand.[293] Some assert that Rosamond died a natural death in a convent at
Oxford, and attribute the origin of the story of poisoning to the figure
of a cup which was sculptured on her tomb. It is more probable that this
effigy was placed there to commemorate the actual event. Rosamond was
buried in the church of Godstow, opposite the high altar, where her
remains lay undisturbed until they were ordered to be removed, with every
mark of indignity, by Hugh, Bishop of Lincoln, in the year 1191. She was
regarded by the people as a saint, if not a martyr, and wonderful legends
were related concerning her.
Jane Shore, the celebrated concubine of Edward IV., was the wife of
Matthew Shore, a goldsmith in Lombard Street, London. Edward possessed a
good figure and pleasing address, and was fond of athletic sports and
exercises, which he enjoyed in company with the citizens, among whom he
became exceedingly popular. His popularity extended to many of the
citizens' wives, and it was not considered out of the natural course of
things that Mrs. Shore should be removed from Lombard Street to shine at
court as the royal favorite. Historians represent her as extremely
beautiful, remarkably gay in temperament, and of uncommon generosity. The
king, it is said, was no less charmed with her temper and disposition
than with her person. She never made use of her influence over him to the
prejudice of any one, and if she ever importuned him it was in favor of
the unfortunate.
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