Angevin

Arthur Bryant continues his series by examining the background to the Magna Carta.

A.H. Burne describes how, 500 years ago at the Battle of Castillon, where the Great Talbot lost his life, the English crown forfeited its 300-year-old dominion over Aquitaine.

The Tudor historian John Guy returns to his medieval roots to examine the true nature of the relationship between Henry II and his ‘turbulent priest’ Thomas Becket.

For centuries King John has been regarded as the embodiment of an evil ruler. But, says Graham E. Seel, this image is largely the creation of monastic chroniclers with an axe to grind. A close examination of contemporary records reveals a more nuanced character.

The historian’s desire for certainty is hard to square with the fragility of sources and their constant reworking by the profession. Casting a cold eye on the remaining evidence relating to the deaths of Edward II and Richard II, Ian Mortimer plots a way forward for his discipline.

Henry II was fatally injured by the Count of Montgomery during a jousting tournament. He died on July 10th, 1559.

Richard the Lionheart was born in Oxford on September 8th 1157.

Nicholas Vincent celebrates the founder of the Plantagenet dynasty who was crowned December 19th 1154.

Nick Barratt argues that Normandy’s loss in the reign of King John has had a far-reaching impact on Britain.

Arthur of Brittany was captured on August 1st, 1202.

England's royal black sheep may well turn out to be the instigator of the ancient ceremony linking Church and Crown. Arnold Kellett explains how this came about.

Robin Studd shows how Henry III's acceptance after 1259 of vassal status for England's one remaining continental territory of Gascony gave enormous scope for interference by the French crown.