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Author Topic: Katherine Swynford  (Read 49837 times)

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helenazar

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Katherine Swynford
« on: December 24, 2005, 07:59:50 PM »
This thread was inspired by a historical novel I am reading, about the life of Katherine Swynford and her relationship with John of Gaunt ('Katherine' by Anya Seton). Before this book I knew very little about this subject, and now I am wondering how close this book is to historical facts (it is well written and seems well researched).

I plan on reading a non-fiction work about KS next, but in the meantime I am hoping that whoever knows a lot about her will post some known historical facts here...  Thanks in advance!

Helen
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ilyala

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Re: Katherine Swynford
« Reply #1 on: December 25, 2005, 01:25:12 AM »
i saw a couple of books on amazon about her and i was surprised that she was considered important enough to be written of... but i'm very curious about her myself...  :)
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helenazar

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Re: Katherine Swynford
« Reply #2 on: December 25, 2005, 10:23:41 AM »
In a lot of ways I find "peripheral" characters from history more fascinating than those who ended up as part of history by default. The former had achieved their fame on their own - regardless by what means, but nevertheless, while the latter could not have avoided fame even if they wanted to just by being who they were. Women like Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth Woodville and Katherine Swynford are conceivably a lot more interesting than many others that came from royalty, and I have a feeling that had someone like Mary Tudor, Catherine of Aragon or Elizabeth of York (and many of the royal men too) not been born of royal parents, we would never have heard their names in history, no matter how remarkable they seem now...  
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ilyala

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Re: Katherine Swynford
« Reply #3 on: December 25, 2005, 12:43:55 PM »
i am more fascinated, not by the ones who were born famous, but by the ones who were half famous... with an aura of mistery around them... people like edward 5th or 6th who died young and are known only for existing, like napoleon 2nd, catherine swynford being a part of that category. there will never be enough known of her because at the time people didn't consider her important enough to write about...
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Offline Prince_Lieven

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Re: Katherine Swynford
« Reply #4 on: December 25, 2005, 01:17:18 PM »
Hi guys. I've read the book and know Katherine's story well. The book is admirably researched and almost 100% accurate, only one or two minor liberties, such as Blanchette's fate. ;)
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Offline Prince_Lieven

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Re: Katherine Swynford
« Reply #5 on: December 25, 2005, 01:24:43 PM »
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Women like Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth Woodville and Katherine Swynford are conceivably a lot more interesting than many others that came from royalty, and I have a feeling that had someone like Mary Tudor, Catherine of Aragon or Elizabeth of York (and many of the royal men too) not been born of royal parents, we would never have heard their names in history, no matter how remarkable they seem now...  


Just like we would not have heard of Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth Woodville and Katherine Swynford if they had never married into royalty!  ;D
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helenazar

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Re: Katherine Swynford
« Reply #6 on: December 25, 2005, 06:00:17 PM »
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Just like we would not have heard of Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth Woodville and Katherine Swynford if they had never married into royalty!  ;D


Good point, but it was still due to their very own accomplishments (whatever those were) that got them them to marry royalty!  ;)
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Offline Kimberly

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Re: Katherine Swynford
« Reply #7 on: December 26, 2005, 02:39:15 AM »
I have seen a picture of her somewher, I will go find it later when I have finished stuffing the turkey ;D
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ilyala

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Re: Katherine Swynford
« Reply #8 on: December 26, 2005, 03:13:21 AM »
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Just like we would not have heard of Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth Woodville and Katherine Swynford if they had never married into royalty!  ;D


good point :). i'm sure there were many interesting people out there that aren't remembered by history. which does not mean they had no influence on it.
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Offline Prince_Lieven

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Re: Katherine Swynford
« Reply #9 on: December 26, 2005, 08:24:25 AM »
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good point :). i'm sure there were many interesting people out there that aren't remembered by history. which does not mean they had no influence on it.


Very true, and I agree with Helen's last post too.  ;) Now I eagerly await Kim's pic.  ;D
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Offline Kimberly

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Re: Katherine Swynford
« Reply #10 on: December 26, 2005, 08:32:41 AM »
If its a bit shakey its cos I have imbibed too much ;D
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Offline Kimberly

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Re: Katherine Swynford
« Reply #11 on: December 26, 2005, 10:20:59 AM »
I have just discovered that there is reason to believe that Hugh and Katherine had a daughter called Margaret who became the Abbess of Barking.
Also, Hollywood were going to make a film about Katherine and John of Gaunt starring Ben Hur I mean Charlton Heston and Rita Hayworth but plans were scuppered because of their adulterous relationship. ::)
Also, Alison Weir is supposedly writing a non-fiction book about Katherine...due out 2007 :P
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Offline Prince_Lieven

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Re: Katherine Swynford
« Reply #12 on: December 26, 2005, 10:24:31 AM »
Oooh, thanks for the gossip update Kim.  ;D I don't think Katherine in non-fiction can compare to Katherine in fiction, however.  ;)
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"How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?"
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bell_the_cat

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Re: Katherine Swynford
« Reply #13 on: December 26, 2005, 10:54:33 AM »
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Oooh, thanks for the gossip update Kim.  ;D I don't think Katherine in non-fiction can compare to Katherine in fiction, however.  ;)


One interesting thing ...she was related by marriage to Geoffrey Chaucer! If I'm not mistaken he was her brother- in-law.
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Offline Prince_Lieven

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Re: Katherine Swynford
« Reply #14 on: December 26, 2005, 10:59:32 AM »
Yes, this is covered in the Seton book. He was married to her sister Philippa.
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"How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?"
-Sherlock Holmes

"Men forget, but never forgive; women forgive, but never forget."
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