The Secret Queen: Eleanor Talbot, the Woman Who Put Richard III on the Throne

John Ashdown-Hill

ISBN 10: 075096846X / ISBN 13: 9780750968461

Published by The History Press Ltd, United Kingdom, Stroud, 2016

About this Item

When Edward IV died in 1483, the Yorkist succession was called into question by doubts about the legitimacy of his sons (the Princes in the Tower). The crown therefore passed to Edward IV's undoubtedly legitimate younger brother, Richard, Duke of Gloucester. But Richard, too, found himself entangled in the web of uncertainly, since those who believed in the legitimacy of Edward IVs children viewed Richard IIIs own accession with suspicion. From the day that Edward IV married Eleanor, or pretended to do so, the House of York, previously so secure in its bloodline, confronted a contentious and uncertain future. John Ashdown-Hill argues that Eleanor Talbot was married to Edward IV, and that therefore Edwards subsequent union with Elizabeth Widville was bigamous, making her children illegitimate. In his quest to reveal the truth about Eleanor, he also uncovers fascinating new evidence that sheds fresh light on one of the greatest historical mysteries of all time the identity of the bones in the urn in Westminster Abbey, believed for centuries to be the remains of the Princes in the Tower. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged.

Seller Inventory # GOR008027709

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Secret Queen: Eleanor Talbot, the Woman Who Put Richard III on the Throne
• Publisher: The History Press Ltd, United Kingdom, Stroud
• Publication Date: 2016
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 075096846X
• ISBN 13: 9780750968461
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: Very Good
• Weight: 408 grams

About this title

Synopsis

A secret marriage, a disputed throne, and a hidden queen who changed the course of English history.

When Edward IV died in 1483, the Yorkist succession was called into question. Was Eleanor Talbot, the secret queen, the true wife of Edward IV? Or was Elizabeth Widville the rightful queen? John Ashdown-Hill argues that Eleanor Talbot was married to Edward IV, and that therefore Edward’s subsequent union with Elizabeth Widville was bigamous, making her children illegitimate.

In his quest to reveal the truth about Eleanor, he also uncovers fascinating new evidence that sheds fresh light on one of the greatest historical mysteries of all time – the identity of the ‘bones in the urn’ in Westminster Abbey, believed for centuries to be the remains of the ‘Princes in the Tower’.

Perfect for readers interested in:

• English history
• Royal biographies
• The Wars of the Roses

About the Author

The late JOHN ASHDOWN-HILL was a historian and member of the Royal Historical Society, the Society of Genealogists and the Richard III Society. He wrote numerous articles for The Ricardian and was the author of Eleanor, the Secret Queen, Richard III’s ‘Beloved Cousyn’ and Royal Marriage Secrets (all The History Press).