Royal Witches by Gemma Hollman

Author:Gemma Hollman
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: The History Press

10

FROM WOODS TO RIVERS

BY 1444, IT was necessary for the young king to finally marry and provide an heir for the kingdom, particularly now that Humphrey’s claim had been so damaged. Margaret of Anjou was decided upon as a suitable match. Accompanying Humphrey’s enemy, Suffolk, to the Continent to bring Margaret across the Channel was, among others, Jacquetta. She was chosen for numerous reasons. As Duchess of Bedford, and most senior (and only remaining) woman in the royal family, it was her place to welcome the new queen to the country. Jacquetta was also familiar with the rituals of the English court through her marriage to Bedford and would be well equipped to advise this foreign girl how to behave.

Jacquetta was also likely to be a simple comfort to Margaret. Margaret was just 15 years old, two years younger than Jacquetta had been upon her first marriage, and did not speak a word of English. Jacquetta would certainly have the life experience to be able to help Margaret in her new adventure and sympathise with her position. Moreover, Margaret and Jacquetta were recently related; one of Jacquetta’s younger sisters, Isabelle, had married Charles, Count of Maine in 1443. Charles was Margaret’s paternal uncle, meaning Jacquetta’s sister was now Margaret’s aunt. This loose familial connection may well have also provided a sense of security for Margaret when travelling to England.

It seems that during the journey to England, Margaret and Jacquetta hit it off. Although Jacquetta was almost twice her age and by now had five children, with a sixth born that same year, she was still vivacious, entertaining, intelligent and, most likely, exceedingly kind to the young queen.

As Margaret settled in England, Jacquetta was given the honour of being one of her chief ladies-in-waiting. She certainly would have attended the royal wedding on 23 April 1445 and Margaret’s coronation on 30 May at Westminster Abbey in her capacity as Duchess of Bedford. Jousting accompanied the festivities, as was customary, and it is very possible that Richard took part, considering his reputation and his place as Jacquetta’s husband.

While Jacquetta may have felt invigorated by the arrival of this young queen, the rest of the realm was not so enamoured. Many were on the side of Humphrey, believing that the Armagnac alliance was preferable, and others were frustrated that Margaret brought neither lands, title nor a wealthy dowry with her. In fact, the reality of the marriage alliance was even worse than any in England could have anticipated – so bad that Suffolk and those who organised the marriage had to keep the terms secret from the public as they knew how provocative they would be.

In the marriage treaty, England had agreed to cede to France the territories of Maine and Anjou. These two territories at the time amounted to around a quarter of the remaining French territory in English hands.1 These were lands for which the English had spilt the blood of thousands across a century. Lands won in the glory days

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