The Black Prince: England’s Greatest Medieval Warrior – Dr Mike Jones
The first session I attended was in the beautiful Southwark Cathedral Library, with an introduction by the historian, Nicola Tallis. Dr Mike Jones gave a talk about his book on the life of ‘an extraordinary warrior’ and ‘the embodiment of chivalry’, The Black Prince. Mike pointed out that the last description of the Prince, was given by his enemies in France. The talk ranged over the full range of the Prince’s life, his love of bling, his unusual love match with his wife, Joan of Kent, his belief that his career was divinely ordained, his triumphs against France, and difficult relationship with his father, the King. Mike showed his full knowledge of the period and the Prince, and I am sure his book would be worth the read.
The Royal Palaces: Secrets and Scandals – Kate Williams
I quickly headed down to the Southwark Cathedral’s majestic nave, and heard a talk by the historian and broadcaster, Professor Kate Williams on her book, The Royal Palaces: Secrets and Scandals. This was an entertaining and fascinating run through of the sometimes unbelievable events that have happened in royal palaces. Kate started by comparing Buckingham Palace and Versailles, how many toilets and windows they had (I’ll let you guess who wins) and some of the shenanigans that happened in both places. It was a fascinating to hear about ‘the affair of the poisons’ at Versailles to the Queen’s corgis poisoned by gin! I’m not sure I will recover from hearing about Pepys kissing a dead queen’s cadaver, but it was worth attending and made me want to visit a palace as soon as possible.
Sceptered Isle: A New History of the Fourteenth Century – Helen Carr
I managed to grab a sandwich at the fabulous Cathedral cafe, and then returned to the nave, for a discussion between historian, Nathen Amin and writer and historian, Helen Carr, about her book, Sceptered Isle: A New History of the Fourteenth Century. The Q & A began with Helen outlining her love of history from a young age and how she came to the Medieval period through her interest in the Victorians and their obsession with the middle ages. She saw the period through the lens of the ruling Plantagenets in England, especially the career of the mercurial John of Gaunt. It was enlightening to hear of the 100 Years War, The Black Death and Great Famine, and how these events could be a way to look at our own troubled times.
Agent Zo – Clare Mulley
Staying in the nave but fast forwarding a few centuries I listened to a biography of the unique life of Elżbieta Zawacka, otherwise known as Agent Zo from historian Clare Mulley. Clare talked about the life of Elżbieta, who was the only woman in World War Two who parachuted from Britain to occupied Poland. She used her knowledge of German to travel through the occupied countries working for the Resistance and the Allied Powers. This was a truly exceptional life, and I felt embarrassed not to know more about Elżbieta and felt great admiration for Clare’s passion for Agent Zo’s mission and sacrifice.
Hodge the Cathedral Cat
Of course I can’t mention a visit to the cathedral, without mentioning Hodge, who seemed to use the Festival as an opportunity to get attention (or maybe he loves history?).
Joseph Callanan (MA Renaissance Studies) is Communications Officer at the Diocese. Thanks to Fellows Auctioneers for sponsoring the Festival.
