Year: 2018

Oil of Cloves for Toothache

Tudor medicine, although based on the false assumption of ‘humours’ and with no understanding of germ theory, could nevertheless be surprisingly effective. A lot of modern medications are based on the chemical compounds of natural remedies available to the Tudors — such as clove oil. I got to learn about the efficacy of clove oil… Read more Oil of Cloves for Toothache

Black Agnes and Psychological Warfare For the Win

I love Scotland, from the streets of Edinburgh to it’s Highland Coos. Seriously, it is an awesome place filled to the brim with awesome people. And one of the most awesome people to have ever trodden upon Scotland’s soil is Agnes Randolph, the wife of Patrick, 9th Earl of Dunbar and March, known historically as… Read more Black Agnes and Psychological Warfare For the Win

Georgiana Cavendish, an Amazing Woman

Happy Birthday to Georgiana Spencer Cavendish, the 5th Duchess of Devonshire! She was born on 7 June 1757, the eldest child of John Spencer (who would later become 1st Earl Spencer) and Georgiana Poyntz. As a girl she was affectionately called “Little Gee” by her family, and she was an indirect ancestress of Lady Diana Spencer’s. During their… Read more Georgiana Cavendish, an Amazing Woman

King Edward III of England as Heir to the French Throne

On the anniversary of Louis X of France’s death, I am pleased to give you this guest post from Kathryn Warner about Edward II’s queen, Isabella of France. Royal genealogy is very tangled but crucial to understanding bigger political decisions, so one of the best things you can have a is a clear picture of who’s who.… Read more King Edward III of England as Heir to the French Throne