Ranulf de Blondeville: The First English Hero is a full, lavishly illustrated study of a nobleman whose exploits became the stuff of medieval romance, once recounted in the same breath as Robin Hood. Ranulf de Blondeville was fabulously rich and powerful. He served six kings, endured difficult regime-change, fought his way across half of France and
back and more than once turned wrested victory from defeat. He never forgot that his roots were Norman although his efforts were for England, where he made his home.
Loyal to a fault, as a youth he was disastrously married to the Duchess of Brittany, firebrand of contemporary politics, who tried to destroy him. His second wife brought happiness but not children.
He was a fiercely independent spirit with a renowned temper. Unafraid of anyone, he besieged castles aggressively, constructed and defended them stoutly and built an Earldom of unparalleled power at England’s heart. Kings lavished titles on him and the Pope sought out his support, noting his exceptional leadership.
On his death-bed he bequeathed to Henry III the only piece of Normandy ever
recovered from the French. It was rumoured that when he died the devil
himself kicked him out of hell, he was so much trouble.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
An archaeologist for 25 years, Iain Soden was born and educated in Coventry
and Durham. He is currently Senior Project Officer at Northamptonshire
Archaeology.
He has been a contributor to BBC Radio, Channel 4’s Time Team and
BBC’s Meet the Ancestors. He has directed excavations on a number of the
sites described in this book, castles, monasteries and manor houses.
It was during this work that he became fascinated by the sixth Earl of Chester,
the pre-eminent soldier and statesman of his generation and saviour of the
fledgling English state. In pursuit of his subject he has visited almost every site
mentioned across England Wales and France.
BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
| Publication:
| February 2010
|
| Availability:
| In stock
|
| Format:
| 248 x 172 mm
|
| Binding:
| Paperback
|
| Page Extent:
| 176 pages
|
| Illustrations:
| 100 mono
|
|
| 30 colour
|
Downloads:
| Available Soon
|
COVER PRICE £ 16.99
Shipping weight 0.35 kg
|