The Wars of the Roses; or, Stories of the Struggle of York and LancasterEdgar, John G. (John George)
History
The Wars of the Roses; or, Stories of the Struggle of York and Lancaster
Edgar, John G. (John George)
Great Britain -- History -- Wars of the Roses, 1455-1485
An account of the visit of the Burgundian nobleman, written at the
time, has fortunately been preserved; and, as has been remarked,
"far more luxurious and more splendid than might be deemed by those
who read but the general histories of that sanguinary time, or the
inventories of furniture in the houses even of the great barons, was
the accommodation which Edward afforded to his guests."
On reaching Windsor, where, by-the-by, Margaret of Anjou was then a
prisoner of state, Louis de Bruges was received by Lord Hastings, who,
as the king's chamberlain, led the noble guest to apartments in the
far side of the quadrangle of the castle, which were richly hung with
arras of cloth of gold. Edward received Louis with every demonstration
of affection, and presented him to his spouse; and Elizabeth Woodville
was, of course, all courtesy to her husband's preserver. After the
ceremony of reception was over, the king signified that Hastings should
conduct the Lord of Grauthuse to his chamber, where supper was ready;
and Louis found that every preparation had been made for entertaining
him luxuriously.
The apartments appropriated to the Burgundian are described as having
been fitted up in a way which must have impressed the eye even of a man
accustomed to the magnificence of Dijon. The walls were hung with white
silk and linen cloth, and the floor covered with rich carpets. The bed
was of down, the sheets were of Rennes cloth, and the counterpane, the
tester, and the ceiler were of cloth of gold and furred with ermine.
In the second chamber was another state bed, and a couch with hangings
like a tent. In the third, covered with white cloth, was a bath, which
in that age was in daily use.
After partaking of supper in the apartments dedicated to his service,
Louis was conducted to the queen's withdrawing room, where he found
Elizabeth and her ladies amusing themselves with different games; some
playing at marteaux with balls like marbles, and others at closheys, or
nine-pins, made of ivory.
Next day, after matins, Edward took his guest to the Chapel of St.
George, where they heard mass most melodiously sung. When mass had been
performed, the king presented his guest with a cup of gold, garnished
with pearl, in the middle of which was a large piece of unicorn's horn,
and on the cover a great sapphire. Then the king led Louis to the
quadrangle of the castle, and there the Prince of Wales, still in his
second year, appeared, to bid the Lord of Grauthuse welcome to England.
Having introduced his heir to the Burgundian lord, Edward conducted his
guest into the little park, where they had much sport. The king made
Louis ride his own horse; and of the animal, which is described as "a
right fair hobby," he graciously made a present to his guest.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account