Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Margaret of Anjou, Queen during the Middle Ages, and her role in the Wars of the Roses. They explore her determination to protect the throne, the power struggle and battles, the rise and fall of the Lancaster dynasty, the unfair gendered portrayal, and her reputation as Queen and patron.
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Quick takeaways
Margaret of Anjou fought tirelessly to protect her husband's reign and ensure the succession of her son during the Wars of the Roses.
Margaret's reputation has been unfairly tarnished by historical accounts and plays, overshadowing her loyalty and efforts to safeguard her family's dynasty.
Despite facing political setbacks and imprisonment, Margaret's determination to secure the Lancastrian dynasty and protect her son's inheritance left a lasting legacy.
Deep dives
Margaret's Marriage to Henry VI and French Connections
Margaret de Mont-Jou marries Henry VI of England as a result of diplomacy between England and France at the end of the Hundred Years War. She comes from a prestigious lineage with connections to French royal families, Aragonese, and German princes.
Margaret's Duties as Queen
As queen, Margaret has the responsibility of producing an heir and overseeing their upbringing and education. She is also a symbolic role model for womanhood and is meant to exhibit mercy and peace-building qualities. Additionally, she manages her wealth and performs the practical duties of queenship.
Margaret's Rise to Power and the Wars of the Roses
After Henry VI's breakdown, Margaret fights to protect her husband's reign until their son comes of age. She aligns with different noble factions, like the Duke of Somerset, and engages in battles against the Yorkists, led by Richard Duke of York. However, her efforts are ultimately undermined by a storm in the English Channel, leading to the Wars of the Roses.
Negative Reputation and Misrepresentation by Shakespeare
Margaret's reputation has been marred by negative portrayals in historical accounts and Shakespeare's plays. She is depicted as ambitious, aggressive, and vindictive. However, recent scholarship has emphasized her role as a protector of her husband and son, highlighting her loyalty and efforts to ensure their succession.
Margaret's Fall and Legacy
After a series of battles and political setbacks, Margaret is imprisoned and eventually ransomed back to France. Her husband, Henry VI, is murdered. Despite her failures, she is remembered for her determination to secure the Lancastrian dynasty and protect her son's inheritance.
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss one of the most remarkable queens of the Middle Ages who took control when her husband, Henry VI, was incapable. Margaret of Anjou (1430-1482) wanted Henry to stay in power for the sake of their son, the heir to the throne, and her refusal to back down was seen by her enemies as a cause of the great dynastic struggle of the Wars of the Roses.
The image above is from the Talbot Shrewsbury Book, showing John Talbot, 1st Earl of Shrewsbury, presenting Margaret with that book on her betrothal to Henry
With
Katherine Lewis
Senior Lecturer in Medieval History at the University of Huddersfield
James Ross
Reader in Late Medieval History at the University of Winchester
And
Joanna Laynesmith
Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Reading
Producer: Simon Tillotson.
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