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

Fascinating but full of often dry detail. Reflects an incredible amount of research and careful cross referencing. Determining who was where and when was critical to the accuracy of Eleanor’s history.

Richard III is a tough sell for anyone who knows Shakespeare (and even those who don't, know him by reputation.) He has many defenders, but the crux of his assumption or usurpation of the crown rests on the story of the so-called "pre-contract" (read: marriage) between Eleanor Talbot and Richard's brother, Edward IV. While not a new issue (it was argued by Richard himself) it is generally less known or understood. The author has done magnificent historical and documentary research that can give Richard's defenders more of a legitimate legal basis for his actions rather than relying on intuitive emotions regarding Richard's character. The author's other book on Richard's "Last Days" is equally to be recommended.

The author presents the possible marriage of E!want Butler to King Edward IV with historical document. He provides both sides with balance. It appears that there is no clear discernment of weather they were truly married.

I am a fan of Mr Ashdown-Hill, as his works are always so well researched. He has the ability and knowledge to see what has been looked at many times before, and see a new story that needs to be told. The explanations of how and why Edward IV was able to marry two women within a couple of years, and then appear to allow Eleanor Butler to fade into the background is made very clear in this very readable book. The information on medieval marriage ceremonies (or lack of them) was particularly enlightening to me, as was his rationalisation as to why Eleanor was happy to live in obscurity, whilst the Woodville family began their rise to power.

The book clarifies the identity of Eleanor Butler (nee Talbot) cited in Titulus Regius of 1484 that outlined Richard III 's claim to the throne and why Edward V was ineligible to inherit.Anyone with an interest in the period should read this book. It summarizes Eleanor's life ,ancestry and treatment by both historians and novelists. A must read!!

Based upon an extensive use of primary sources, John Ashdown - Hill provides a provocative insight into the nature of the relationship between Edward IV and the Lady Eleanor Talbot. While the extensive genealogical analysis may be dry reading for those not familiar with this period in history, the analysis of their relationship and the impact that it ultimately had upon British history is an accessible and readable account for both historians and non-historians alike.

This is a very academic piece about the "marriage" of Edward IV to Eleanor Talbot prior to marrying Elizabeth Woodville and how that marriage, in the end, brought pain and misery all to all involved. It is very detailed and demands your full attention. Well worth the read if you are into the Cousin's War.

Well written very descriptive. Enjoyed the book from beginning to the end. Anybody who loves historical bio I highly recommend this book. Ashdown is a good author encourage to read other books by him

I was not quite sure what to expect with this book about the life of Lady Eleanor and her unintended posthumous part in the subsequent history of the country, but it is in fact a very useful study.The early chapters which some other reviewers found heavy going do require one to be attentive but provide an excellent account of the marriage and property market of the fifteenth century. The network of familial contacts is well brought out, especially the part played by Eleanor’s sister the Duchess of Norfolk.There is of course little actually recorded about Lady Eleanor as an individual but the author recreates her world very well. Unlike too many modern historians he understands medieval Catholic life and practice. His appendix of original sources is an excellent resource.There is perhaps too much of a tendency to tidy up every loose end, and I remain sceptical about the alleged same-sex affair between Edward IV and Henry Duke of Somerset in 1463 as being a physically intimate one.A book I enjoyed reading and learned from, and which I would recommend.

I have been interested in Eleanor Boteler (nee Talbot - daughter of the Earl of Shrewsbury) since seeing the beautiful reconstruction of her face in Sudeley Castle, which was her home when she married Thomas Boteler when she was just 13. She is named in the Titulus Regius as being secretly married to Edward IV after her first husband died, making Edward's marriage to Elizabeth Woodville invalid and the Princes in the Tower illegitimate, meaning that the much maligned Richard III had no reason to murder them. This wonderfully researched book provides the evidence for the marriage and goes on to describe her life, and that of her sister, the Duchess of Norfolk. Sadly, Eleanor died at the age of just 32, but cleverly managed to give the properties given to her by Edward (for love or to keep her quiet?) to her sister by a deed of gift before she died.Eleanor was buried in the Carmelite Priory in Norfolk which no longer stands. Her coffin was found in 1958 and she is now at Norwich Castle. Hers and that of her sister are fascinating stories - two amazing women.

The Author has truly immersed himself in the life of this intriguing woman. One would almost believe that he is more than a little in love with her memory, so protective is the tone of his text.

I bought this as a Christmas present, and it was well received.Other books you might like to read Cold Steel on the Rocks We Are Cold Steel Kalter Stahl auf den FelsenCold Steel on the RocksWe Are Cold SteelKalter Stahl auf den Felsen

For such a pivotal historical character, it seems frustratingly little is known about Eleanor. This book documents what is known, but its srength is placing her in historical context. I did feel I knew more about her situation and the times she lived in at the end of the book. Some of the author's suppositions are explained by what is known of other of her contemporaries. The author makes clear what is supposition and what is fact. Given the lack of historical records about Eleanor, this is probably the closest we can get to her.