A yummy Scrabble Talk on the letter “O”.
The 14th August meeting – and my scrabble letter talk drawing nigh – I was visited with inspiration when Kim brought home some oranges in the shopping. Could this fruit be the basis of a talk?
My research revealed that oranges are first heard of growing wild in China and later cultivated there, from where they found their way to India. The Moors are thought to have planted oranges across North Africa in the first century AD. Oranges were also known to the Romans, who imported the young trees to the port of Ostia. But with the fall of Rome in the fifth century AD, the Roman trade and cultivation of oranges died out for centuries. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Medieval Life
Another Scrabble talk in form of a PowerPoint presentation, this time on the letter “T”.
Treason doth never prosper, what’s the reason?
For if it prosper, who dare call it treason.*
* Sir John Harington, Epigrams
Origins in Roman and Germanic Law
• Treason Laws in England in the later middle ages had roots in Germanic and Roman Law
• German – betrayal or breach of trust by a man against his lord (treubruch). Direct lord rather than hostility towards the king
• Roman – insult to those with public authority (maiestas – greatness, dignity, majesty)
• Concepts that were inherited from the Roman concept: Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Medieval Life
The following was presented as a PowerPoint presentation as a Scrabble talk for the letter – yes, you guessed it! – “H”.
Questions?
• What did the church have to say about those concepts?
• How did the laity imagine heaven and hell?
• How the great schism influenced the system of beliefs?
• Who went to heaven and who went to hell?
• How did those concepts influence political decisions?
• What other concepts were available?
• Should Richard III have been afraid to where he would end up in the after life?
• Should Henry the VII have been afraid to where he would end up?
• Could you choose where you ended up? Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Church, Medieval Life
The following is the first in our collection of Scrabble speakers at our branch’s general meeting on 14 August 2010.
Introduction
A few months ago, when as a Scrabble Speaker volunteer I drew the letter “U”, I must admit I had no idea what to do a talk on – I could not think of even one Ricardian topic that started with the letter “U”!
But to my great relief our branch’s social secretary, Kevin Herbert, kindly came to my rescue with many suggestions, one of which was the Union of the Hanseatic Merchants, and another was the city of Utrecht. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Richard III, Trade
Posted by: Dorothea Preis in News
A 36ft (approx. 11 m) long sign has been erected at Bosworth Battlefield saying “Bosworth 525”. It is supposed to draw attention to the Anniversary Re-enactment of the Battle. The sign is so large that it can be seen from a mile away.
This year marks the 525th anniversary of the Battle of Bosworth in which King Richard III was killed on 22 August 1485.
It is questionable whether such a Hollywood style sign is appropriate to mark the death of a person, whatever your personal view of him. It creates the image of a Disney World extravaganza rather than an interpretation of an actual battle based on factual evidence.
Source: BBC Leicester
Tags: Battles, Richard III
Posted by: Dorothea Preis in News
We just heard that all the DVDs and CDs of Loyalty Binds Me are now available to buy through Amazon.
Amazon.com (US):
Sandal Castle DVD
Sandal Castle Music CD
Middleham Castle DVD
Amazon.co.uk (UK):
Sandal Castle DVD
Sandal Castle Music CD
Middleham Castle DVD
For more information on the titles go to Loyalty Binds Me, you can of course still order directly from them as well.
Tags: Castles, Middleham, Sandal, Wakefield
Posted by: Dorothea Preis in News
To mark the 525th anniversary of the Battle of Bosworth this year, Bosworth Battlefield has launched an international search for the descendants of those who fought at the battle on 22nd August 1485.
The Visitor Centre has a list of names of many men who fought in the battle, but there is still much to be learned about them and bring them back to live, so to speak. As Curator Richard Knox explains: “We have a list of names of men who fought at the battle from sources, including the Italian historian Polydore Vergil, but we know very little else about them. We would love to hear from families who believe their ancestors are connected to the battle and start to add some flesh to the bones of the Bosworth story.”
One of those they found is James Orrell, whose ancestor Ralph Orrell was a cousin of Lord Thomas Stanley, whom he helped to decide the battle for Henry Tudor. As a reward he was paid ten marks a year for life, for good and faithful services. Fortunately his descendant displays for us more acceptable loyalties when he says: “I can’t help but feel Ralph fought for the wrong side, but understandably you didn’t argue with the Stanleys!”
On the weekend of the anniversary itself there will be a spectacular re-enactment of the battle, to which the descendants will be invited. The event will also include a thrilling jousting tournament, majestic falconry displays, skill-at-arms, guided walks, medieval market, living history encampment and expert talks. You even get the chance to meet King Richard III at lunch with his Commanders and ask him any questions you may have about the impending battle.
You can find out more from the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre as well as Leicestershire Museums.
Tags: Battles, Richard III
Posted by: Dorothea Preis in News
We learned with sadness that Carole M Rike passed away peacefully at home yesterday afternoon, surrounded by her family. She was a long time member of the American Branch of the Richard III Society and, among other duties, editor of the Ricardian Register. Her loss will be deeply felt by many. Our condolences go to her family and friends.
Loyaulte me lie.
Just a reminder that The Richard III Society, NSW Branch, is planning to remember the death of Richard III and his gallant band who fell with him (as well as those who survived) at Redmore Plain on 22nd August 1485 with a lunch at:
The Hero Of Waterloo Hotel,
cnr Windmill & Lower Fort Sts,
Millers Point, Sydney
Time: from noon
Date: Sunday, 22nd August 2010.
Room: Downstairs Luncheon Room, off the bar.
Access from Lower Fort St or through bar from Windmill St.
Do hope to see you all there!
Please let Kevin know definitely whether or not you are able to attend this function by Saturday 14th August 2010 (day of General Meeting), as he needs to provide definite numbers to Hotel management by Monday, 16th August.
Please also contact him if you need help with information on how to get there.
You can contact Kevin at social@richardiii-nsw.org.au.
Tags: Battles, NSW Branch, Richard III
Saturday, 14 August, is Scrabble time!
Every year or so we invite members to draw a Scrabble tile out of a bag and ask them to prepare a short and entertaining talk on a Plantagenet-connected subject beginning with the letter. This year we drew the letters at the April meeting, which gave us time to come up with something until the August meeting. It is always interesting to see to which fascinating subjects these letters can introduce all of us. So don’t miss hearing what Jane Roberts has to say on ‘T’, Xavier de Saint Simon on ‘H’, Leslie McCawley on ‘I’, Dorothea Preis on ‘E’ and Lynne Foley on ‘O’.
Volume 3 of the Chronicles of the White Rose has just come back from the printer. All members will receive their copy at the August meeting. So don’t miss this interesting meeting, you’ll not only get five talks, but also your Chronicles, and it goes without saying, you’ll find good company, too.
As always, guests are more than welcome to share an interesting afternoon Details on the venue can be found under ‘Upcoming Events‘).
Tags: NSW Branch
