Mediaeval women (was Proposed FAQ area)

From: "A J Hibbard" <ajhibbard@...>
To: <>
Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2013 3:12 PM
Subject: Re: Re: Proposed FAQ area


> Is there any actual evidence on this subject, or are we forced to
> speculate
> endlessly about their motivation when trying to make sense of their known
> actions?

A man who undoubtedly ordered the execution of one of her sons and her
brother, with however good a cause.

Can we change this thread to "Mediaeval women"?

Of course, if you're suggesting it as a topic of discussion.

On the other hand, if we actually do know something about women's attitudes
towards their children, it might be FAQ-worthy.

Or am I the only one who is perpetually puzzled about this subject?

A J

On Wed, Feb 27, 2013 at 9:57 AM, Claire M Jordan
<whitehound@...>wrote:

> **
>
>
> From: "A J Hibbard" ajhibbard@...>
> To: >
> Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2013 3:12 PM
> Subject: Re: Re: Proposed FAQ area
>
> > Is there any actual evidence on this subject, or are we forced to
> > speculate
> > endlessly about their motivation when trying to make sense of their known
> > actions?
>
> A man who undoubtedly ordered the execution of one of her sons and her
> brother, with however good a cause.
>
> Can we change this thread to "Mediaeval women"?
>
>
>

A J Hibbard wrote:
>
> Of course, if you're suggesting it as a topic of discussion.
>
> On the other hand, if we actually do know something about women's attitudes towards their children, it might be FAQ-worthy.
>
> Or am I the only one who is perpetually puzzled about this subject?

Carol responds:

You're far from the only one who is curious about this topic, but it's very hard to research since so little correspondence is extant. The Paston Letters may help a little if you're talking about women in general (the gentry in this case) rather than the nobility. Otherwise, we have Elizabeth Woodville' actions, which have been interpreted in every conceivable way, one letter from Richard to his mother (none from her to him), some wills, and I'm not sure what else.

If you're American and a member of that branch, you can join that forum and ask Anne Easter Smith, the author of a novel on Cecily, what she thinks. I'm fairly sure that she also has a website that may be helpful.

Sorry I can't be more help. You might ask Marie when she returns to us.

Carol