The British History Podcast 487 – Stealing a Wife From God
Dec 5, 2025
Discover the dramatic story of Edith, daughter of King Malcolm Canmore, as she navigates the treacherous waters of nobility and politics. From her education at Wilton Abbey to intriguing betrothal plans, each twist reveals layers of ambition and rivalry. Delve into Archbishop Anselm's obsession with women in nunneries and witness the shocking consequences of his actions. Finally, explore the complex dynamics of Edith's marriage to Henry I, her consent, and the powerful implications of her choices in shaping political alliances.
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Veil Rescue At Wilton Abbey
- King Malcolm angrily ripped Edith's veil off when he discovered she wore a nun's disguise at Wilton Abbey.
- The veil had been forced on her to hide her from King Rufus and prevent likely sexual assault.
Sources Erase Women's Experiences
- Medieval scribes prioritize men's perspectives and often erase women's trauma from records.
- Jamie highlights how sources tell Malcolm's rage but omit Edith's experience of near assault and paternal violence.
Anselm's Campaign Against Noble Women
- Archbishop Anselm repeatedly insisted women educated in nunneries were effectively nuns, targeting royal women like Gunnhild.
- Anselm's interventions coincided with a suspicious run of deaths among those he opposed, which he celebrated as divine justice.