Anne Hyde

Nonsuch HP is of course delighted by the news that Prince William and Kate Middleton will get married next year. It has been noted that Kate is the first woman of a non-aristocratic background (or, as The Guardian put it, a "commoner") since Anne Hyde, who married James II in 1660. Her story is certainly very interesting. Anne's father was an adviser to James' brother Charles while the family was in exile during the protectorate. Anne was maid of honour to James' sister, Mary and it is said that James seduced her and was then forced to marry her (possibly in a secret ceremony in 1659, a year earlier than the official marriage). She was described as "plain" by Samuel Pepys, but the French ambassador considered her to have the "courage, cleverness and energy almost worthy of a King's blood." She had 8 children, but only 2 daughters survived past infancy - Mary and Anne, and she died 7 weeks after Anne's birth, aged 33, in 1671. She converted to Catholicism before her death, and probably influenced her husband to eventually do the same. His conversion led to the Glorious Revolution of 1688, when he was replaced by William of Orange, ruling jointly with his wife Mary, Charles and Anne's daughter.

Guy Fawkes Quiz

Happy Bonfire Night! To celebrate the 405 anniversary of the Guy Fawkes' failed plot to blow up Parliament, here is a quiz from the BBC, a biography of Guy Fawkes, and a link to the Gunpowder Plot Society's home page. Have a good weekend and enjoy the fireworks!

The Death of Elizabeth I

Here is an excellent discussion of how Robert Cecil handled the succession of James I as Elizabeth I's reign slowly came to an end. The In Our Time programme covers plenty of other historical topics, often with contributions from leading historians and academics. If you come across any that are particularly interesting, let us know.

Lego Roundheads and Boye the Dog

Thanks to everyone for their help during Stuart Week. We've had historians and costumes, a debate a film and a battle! Tying up a few loose ends, Boye the dog wasn't really given the attention he deserved this afternoon. This giant hunting poodle was Prince Rupert's loyal accomplice across several battles, and people thought he had magical powers because of his ability to survive the fighting - he was even promoted to Sergeant-Major General! Sadly Boye's luck ran out during Marston Moor. He was tied up a safe distance from the battle but managed to escape and went looking for his master, but was killed whilst doing so, as depicted in the picture below. Prince Rupert's career after the battle is equally fascinating, and deserves its own blog post at a later date.


Meanwhile, some of you may have seen this picture of Thomas Fairfax depicted in Lego. To see further creations, including Charlemagne, Abraham Lincoln and Gandhi - click here (but sadly this doesn't work at school)

To Kill a King

"To Kill a King" was shown in Stuart Week and it was interesting to see a different take on the Civil War compared to the familiar scenes from "Cromwell". It focused on the increasingly strained relationship between Thomas Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell, the principal Parliamentary generals, as well as giving plenty of time to Fairfax's relationship with his royalist-inclined wife, Lady Anne. Here is a review of the film, and here is some insight into the problems made making it - basicly they ran out of money twice!

We would like to repeat the "History Film Club" experience in the future. What other films would you like to see shown?

Marston Moor

The Battle of Marston Moor will take place on Friday lunchtime! This was the bloodiest battle of the war, where Prince Rupert's Royalist troops, having successfully relieved the Siege of York, tried to wipe out Cromwell and Fairfax's Parliamentary army. Did they succeed? What role did Prince Rupert's dog have in all of this? You'll have to come along to find out! (Or click here if you're a bit impatient)

PS: There will also be a brief Stuart Quiz so get revising!

Restoration?

Should the Monarchy have been restored in 1660? Join the debate today in the library at 1.20. There is more information about the English Restoration here and some of the arguments for and against the monarchy here. There is also a chance to show your opinion in our poll!

PS: Don't forget the film after school: "To Kill a King" at 3.20 in the Sixth Form Common Room. Coming up tomorrow: The Stuart Quiz and the Battle of Naseby (1.20 in Room 104)

Stuart Costume

As part of Stuart Week, there will be a talk on Stuart Costume in the library today at 1.15 in the library. Come along and see the fashions of the 1600s! Coming up on Thursday - at lunchtime there will be a debate on whether the monarchy should have been restored in 1660 and the film "To Kill a King" will be shown in the Sixth Form Common Room after school.

Stuart Week

Stuart Week will take place at Nonsuch between 23 and 26 February. There are plenty of exciting events lined up including a debate, a costume demonstration, a film and a battle. More information below.

Gunpowder Plot

Happy November 5th! Here are some sites that provide more information on the Gunpowder plot of 1605, including an FAQ from the Houses of Parliament, questions on whether Guy Fawkes was framed, a more detailed look at the conspirators and a quiz from the BBC.

David Starkey on MP3

Here is a podcast of David Starkey speaking on the events of 1605 (The Gunpowder Plot) for Cambridge University. It would appear that both Oxford and Cambridge have been busy creating mp3s from some of their most eminent academics, so if you spot any other good ones, please let us know.

PS: Here's a list of interesting historical podcasts, including this one on codebreaking by the official historian of MI5