BRANCH PROGRAMME 2016

SATURDAY 5 MARCH 2016

A TALE OF TWO PIETIES : ANNE NEVILLE AND RICHARD DUKE OF GLOUCESTER

How did Richard’s piety contrast with that of his wife and how can we use this information to illuminate Richard’s personality and attitudes ? Evidence indicates Richard was well informed on religious issues : an indication that an ecclesiastical career may have been planned by his father for his fourth son up to the age of seven. The content of this talk will be included in a forthcoming biography in the English Monarchs series.

Illustrated talk by Professor Michael Hicks

SATURDAY 2 APRIL 2016

MARGARET OF ANJOU ; HEROINE OR HARPY ?

Vilified as a “She-Wolf” , vengeful and implacable, blamed for the loss of France and the downfall of the Lancastrian dynasty, how far are these accusations legitimate ? Some historians have praised her indomitable tenacity and personal courage as she struggled to support possibly the weakest and most inept king ever to sit on the throne of England. John Reid will present a comprehensive overview, evaluating the virtues and vices of this controversial queen.   

Illustrated talk by John Reid

SATURDAY 9  MAY 2016

CLANDESTINE AND DISPARAGED MARRIAGE

Our first thought on the subject of clandestine marriage might focus on the trouble incurred by Edward IV, but how widespread was clandestine marriage in medieval society? Lynda will look at some of the reasons for clandestine marriage and why it was so denigrated. Examples include Jacquetta, Duchess of Bedford,  Katherine Duchess of Norfolk and the Fair Maid of Kent. Closer to home is the tragic outcome of such a marriage for Stephen Scrope at Castle Combe.

Talk by Dr Lynda Pidgeon 

SATURDAY 4 JUNE 2016

ASPECTS OF TUDOR ENGLAND – WHAT HAPPENED AFTER BOSWORTH ?

Was England very different under Tudor rule ? The great divide of 1485 is not really quite so wide ; the Middle Ages did not come to a full stop and Richard III did leave a legacy.

Illustrated talk by Carol Southworth

SATURDAY 2 JULY 2016

ELIZABETH WOODVILLE : THE REAL WHITE QUEEN ?

Edward IV's queen, Elizabeth Woodville, has been painted as a temptress, a witch, and an ambitious schemer ready to bring others to their death for thwarting her. Yet others have seen her as a romantic heroine, a  'most benevolent queen' and a tragic 'mater dolorosa'.  This talk will consider how she came by her conflicting reputations, what truth lies behind them and what we can really know of her relationship with Richard III.

Illustrated talk by Dr Joanna Laynesmith 

SUNDAY 10 JULY 2016

TEWKESBURY MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL

We will be promoting the Richard III Society and the Gloucester Branch by retaining a display area, in conjunction with the Worcestershire Branch, in the Main Marquee.  The Worcestershire Branch will operate on Saturday 9 July (to be confirmed).

SATURDAY 6 AUGUST 2016

A MEDIEVAL MEAL BY THE COPPER POT ,”purveyors of Fine Historic Foods”

Full details to be finalized [ NOTE : probable midday start ]

SATURDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2016

TIM PORTER STUDY DAY : TOPICS TO BE FINALISED

NB. this is a full day from 10.00am - 4.30pm

SATURDAY 1 OCTOBER 2016

BRANCH AGM followed by a short presentation, ENGLISH MEDIEVAL SAINTS an illustrated talk by Sylvia Charlewood.

SATURDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2016

THE DE LA POLES : THE FORGOTTEN YORKISTS

Talk by Stephen David [ To be confirmed ]

SATURDAY 3 DECEMBER 2016

CHRISTMAS GATHERING

Festive food and drink by way of an informal introduction to the Christmas season.

NB. this will start at noon

PLEASE NOTE :  ALL MEETINGS, UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, WILL BE HELD AT THE EMMANUEL HALL, FAIRFIELD PARADE, LECKHAMPTON, GL53 7PJ

Meetings commence at 2.30 pm with the exceptions where noted. As agreed at the AGM, for meetings where there is an outside speakers a charge of £3 will be made to offset costs [ £5 for non-Branch members ].

Programme 2016     Issue 1,  March 2016.