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In the Wars of the Roses
“Mother, will the little prince be there?”
“Yes, my son. He never leaves his mother’s side. You will see them all today, if fortune favours us—the good King Henry, his noble queen, to whom he owes so much, and the little prince likewise. We will to horse anon, that we may gain a good view of the procession as it passes. The royal party lodges this night at our good bishop’s palace. Perchance they will linger over the Sunday, and hear mass in our fair cathedral, Our loyal folks of Lichfield are burning to show their love by a goodly show of welcome; and it is said that his majesty takes pleasure in silvan sports and such-like simple pleasures, many preparations for the which have been prepared for him to witness.”
“O mother, I know. Ralph and Godfrey have been practising themselves this many a day in tilting and wrestling, and in the use of the longbow and quarterstaff, that they may hold their own in the sports on the green before the palace, which they say the king will deign to watch.
“O mother; why am I not as old and as strong as they? I asked Ralph to let me shoot with his bow; but he only laughed at me, and bade me wait till I was as tall and as strong as he. It is very hard to be the youngest—and so much the youngest, too.”
The mother smiled as she passed her hand over the floating curls of the gallant boy beside her; He was indeed a child of whom any mother might be proud: beautiful, straight-limbed, active, and fearless, his blue eyes glowing and shining, his cheek flushed with excitement, every look and gesture seeming to speak of the bold soldier spirit that burned within.
And these were times when it appeared indeed as if England’s sons had need of all the warlike instincts of their race. Party faction had well-nigh overthrown ere this the throne —and the authority of the meek King Henry, albeit the haughty Duke of York had set forth no claim for the crown, which his son but two short years later both claimed and won. But strife and jealousy and evil purposes were at work in men’s minds. The lust of power and of supremacy had begun to pave the way for the civil war which was soon to devastate the land. The sword had already been drawn at St. Albans, and the hearts of many men were full of foreboding as they thought upon the perilous times in which they lived; though others were ready to welcome the strife which promised plunder and glory and fame to those who should distinguish themselves by prowess in field or counsel in the closet.
The gentle Lady Stukely, however, was not one of these. Her heart sank sometimes when she heard the talk of her bold husband and warlike sons. They had all three of them fought for the king at the first battle, or rather skirmish, at St. Albans four years before, and were ardent followers and adherents of the Red Rose of Lancaster. Her husband had received knighthood at the monarch’s hands on the eve of the battle, and was prepared to lay down his life in the cause if it should become necessary to do so.
But if rumours of strife to come, and terrible pictures of bloodshed, sometimes made her gentle spirit quail, she had always one consolation in the thought that her youngest child, her little Paul, would not be torn from her side to follow the bloody trail of war. Her two first-born sons, the younger of whom was twenty-two, had long been very finished young gallants, trained to every military enterprise, and eager to unsheathe their swords whenever rumour told of slight to King Henry or his haughty queen from the proud Protector, who for a time had held the reins of government, though exercising his powers in the name of the afflicted king.
“Yes, my son. He never leaves his mother’s side. You will see them all today, if fortune favours us—the good King Henry, his noble queen, to whom he owes so much, and the little prince likewise. We will to horse anon, that we may gain a good view of the procession as it passes. The royal party lodges this night at our good bishop’s palace. Perchance they will linger over the Sunday, and hear mass in our fair cathedral, Our loyal folks of Lichfield are burning to show their love by a goodly show of welcome; and it is said that his majesty takes pleasure in silvan sports and such-like simple pleasures, many preparations for the which have been prepared for him to witness.”
“O mother, I know. Ralph and Godfrey have been practising themselves this many a day in tilting and wrestling, and in the use of the longbow and quarterstaff, that they may hold their own in the sports on the green before the palace, which they say the king will deign to watch.
“O mother; why am I not as old and as strong as they? I asked Ralph to let me shoot with his bow; but he only laughed at me, and bade me wait till I was as tall and as strong as he. It is very hard to be the youngest—and so much the youngest, too.”
The mother smiled as she passed her hand over the floating curls of the gallant boy beside her; He was indeed a child of whom any mother might be proud: beautiful, straight-limbed, active, and fearless, his blue eyes glowing and shining, his cheek flushed with excitement, every look and gesture seeming to speak of the bold soldier spirit that burned within.
And these were times when it appeared indeed as if England’s sons had need of all the warlike instincts of their race. Party faction had well-nigh overthrown ere this the throne —and the authority of the meek King Henry, albeit the haughty Duke of York had set forth no claim for the crown, which his son but two short years later both claimed and won. But strife and jealousy and evil purposes were at work in men’s minds. The lust of power and of supremacy had begun to pave the way for the civil war which was soon to devastate the land. The sword had already been drawn at St. Albans, and the hearts of many men were full of foreboding as they thought upon the perilous times in which they lived; though others were ready to welcome the strife which promised plunder and glory and fame to those who should distinguish themselves by prowess in field or counsel in the closet.
The gentle Lady Stukely, however, was not one of these. Her heart sank sometimes when she heard the talk of her bold husband and warlike sons. They had all three of them fought for the king at the first battle, or rather skirmish, at St. Albans four years before, and were ardent followers and adherents of the Red Rose of Lancaster. Her husband had received knighthood at the monarch’s hands on the eve of the battle, and was prepared to lay down his life in the cause if it should become necessary to do so.
But if rumours of strife to come, and terrible pictures of bloodshed, sometimes made her gentle spirit quail, she had always one consolation in the thought that her youngest child, her little Paul, would not be torn from her side to follow the bloody trail of war. Her two first-born sons, the younger of whom was twenty-two, had long been very finished young gallants, trained to every military enterprise, and eager to unsheathe their swords whenever rumour told of slight to King Henry or his haughty queen from the proud Protector, who for a time had held the reins of government, though exercising his powers in the name of the afflicted king.
133 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1892
11 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Evelyn Everett-Green
211 books13 followersBorn in 1856, Evelyn Everett-Green was the daughter of noted Victorian historian Mary Anne Everett Green, and her husband, artist George Pycock Green. She was educated at home when young, before attending Bedford College (1872-73), during which time she wrote her first novel, and the Royal Academy of Music. Her plans to keep house for her brother in India were forestalled by his death in 1876, and she turned to social service, nursing, and Sunday School teaching.
Everett-Green's first novel to be published, Tom Tempest's Victory, appeared in 1880, followed by more than 300 other books over the next fifty years, ranging from stories for young girls, to romantic fiction for older readers. She moved from London to Albury, Surrey in 1883, setting up house with her friend, Catherine Mainwaring Sladen. In 1911, the two moved abroad, eventually settling in Madeira. Evelyn Everett-Green died in 1932.
Everett-Green's first novel to be published, Tom Tempest's Victory, appeared in 1880, followed by more than 300 other books over the next fifty years, ranging from stories for young girls, to romantic fiction for older readers. She moved from London to Albury, Surrey in 1883, setting up house with her friend, Catherine Mainwaring Sladen. In 1911, the two moved abroad, eventually settling in Madeira. Evelyn Everett-Green died in 1932.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 19, 2024
Paul Stukeley is the youngest son of a Lancastrian knight. One day, as a child, he meets the young Prince of Wales Edward, son of Margaret of Anjou and Henry VI. They realize they incredibly resemble each other, so Edward involves Paul in a game of disguise: he would take the place of the knight's son and Paul would dress like him. Paul, who has instantly developed a deep love and devotion for the young prince, accepts. But soon some robbers come about with the intention to kidnap the Prince of Wales, and Paul lets them believe he is the Prince, and he's carried away until the marauders realize who he really is and let him go. Years pass and the House of Lancaster is overthrown by the House of York. Paul is the only one left of his family and is turned adventurer, since his lands were confiscated.
Passing through a forest he stumbles upon a band of robbers who are trying to abduct a young woman. He saves her, being injuried in the process. She's then housed and tended by the girl's family, the Forges, living in a nearby village. There he learns those bandits are a constant threath to them. Paul also finds out that the family are Lollards, namely protestants, and here I started to think the author mistook the century in which she was setting the book. Not only, we are even told that Lollards are spreading through England thanks to the rule of Edward IV (again this is 1470, not 1570). My suspect grew stronger when the author put pistols in the hands of her charachters.
Anyway Henry VI is again on the throne in the brief Lancastrian readeption, but the village in which Paul resides is Yorkist and not happy about it. One day Paul finds Edward the Prince of Wales wandering through the very same wood, and it's not really explained how he came all the way from France alone and why, Edward only supplies that he wants to mingle with his subjects. Edward and Paul are reunited as dear friends, and Paul brings him to the Forges, without giving away his identity. But when a peddler comes about, Edward pays him with a jewel, identical to another one Paul was wearing when he dressed with the Prince's clothes during the kidnapping. They learn that the robbers are the same as then, and now they know their identity. So they go to London and reside in a tavern, until the robbers trace them down and they're forced to escape from a window. The Prince of Wales apparently came all the way from France alone, without an escort or attendants. At this point finally Paul proposes the most logical thing, going to Westminster, to his father and the Earl of Warwick. And Edward refuses because, litterally, "the robbers could hide theirselves in alleys from here to the palace". Yes, sure Edward, so the best thing to do is return to the forest where the band of robbers hide and from there try to reach France again. Obviously they are again caught by the band, but Edward, dressed as an old hag, manages to escape, while Paul making himself again passing off as the Prince, is led away and whipped in an attempt to know the Prince's whereabouts (his disguise didn't last long). But - deus ex machina again - the chief's daughter, who wants to escape an arranged marriage and marry her sweetheart, the Forges' eldest son Jack - frees him and the two go back again to the Forges. Coincidence after coincidence. While recovering (again) Paul learns that the Prince made it back to France unschated. But since the Forges came to know that sweet, good, beautiful and angelic prince (sic) now they saw the light and all the village is magically on the right and saint side (obviously the Lancastrian). The village appeals to the Earl of Warwick to send men to destroy the bands of robbers and he obliges.
The action moves to the eve of the battle of Tewksbury. Paul is reunited with his beloved prince and ready to fight at his side. He meets the prince's bethroted Anne Neville, who is the copy of every other female charachter in the book: sweet, beautiful, modest. Of course she and the Prince are madly in love. Paul and Edward fight side by side in the battle, and of course Edward is brave, strong and corageous, but is captured by the bad yorkists and slain in front of king Edward, though with my great surprise Richard of Gloucester has nothing to do with his death. Anne Neville, dressed as a page, manage to be there with Paul. Anne faints and Paul takes her away. In the years coming Paul lives in the manor assigned to him by the Earl of Warwick during the readeption, gets married and has two sons. In the meantime he witnesses the fall of the House of York, and he sees it as a divine retribution for the slaying of the Prince. Of course Richard of Gloucester forces an unwilling Anne Neville to marry him, usurpes the throne, kills his brother's sons, is a murderer and a tyrant. When Henry Tudor's lands Paul goes to him and we are told that Henry brought peace and justice. And as for the protestants ante litteram? Of course Paul learns that the protestants are good and just, simply by listening to a few lines of the Bible in English read by mistress Forges, so the Victorian morals is safe (this book was written in about 1800).
I think that the plot of this novels speaks for itself, so I won't be long. I don't see the purpose of this plot. I don't see any interesting charachterization. I don't see any logic in what the charachters do. If the book started with the battle of Tewksbury would be all the same, because all of what happened before made no sense and had no purpose.
Passing through a forest he stumbles upon a band of robbers who are trying to abduct a young woman. He saves her, being injuried in the process. She's then housed and tended by the girl's family, the Forges, living in a nearby village. There he learns those bandits are a constant threath to them. Paul also finds out that the family are Lollards, namely protestants, and here I started to think the author mistook the century in which she was setting the book. Not only, we are even told that Lollards are spreading through England thanks to the rule of Edward IV (again this is 1470, not 1570). My suspect grew stronger when the author put pistols in the hands of her charachters.
Anyway Henry VI is again on the throne in the brief Lancastrian readeption, but the village in which Paul resides is Yorkist and not happy about it. One day Paul finds Edward the Prince of Wales wandering through the very same wood, and it's not really explained how he came all the way from France alone and why, Edward only supplies that he wants to mingle with his subjects. Edward and Paul are reunited as dear friends, and Paul brings him to the Forges, without giving away his identity. But when a peddler comes about, Edward pays him with a jewel, identical to another one Paul was wearing when he dressed with the Prince's clothes during the kidnapping. They learn that the robbers are the same as then, and now they know their identity. So they go to London and reside in a tavern, until the robbers trace them down and they're forced to escape from a window. The Prince of Wales apparently came all the way from France alone, without an escort or attendants. At this point finally Paul proposes the most logical thing, going to Westminster, to his father and the Earl of Warwick. And Edward refuses because, litterally, "the robbers could hide theirselves in alleys from here to the palace". Yes, sure Edward, so the best thing to do is return to the forest where the band of robbers hide and from there try to reach France again. Obviously they are again caught by the band, but Edward, dressed as an old hag, manages to escape, while Paul making himself again passing off as the Prince, is led away and whipped in an attempt to know the Prince's whereabouts (his disguise didn't last long). But - deus ex machina again - the chief's daughter, who wants to escape an arranged marriage and marry her sweetheart, the Forges' eldest son Jack - frees him and the two go back again to the Forges. Coincidence after coincidence. While recovering (again) Paul learns that the Prince made it back to France unschated. But since the Forges came to know that sweet, good, beautiful and angelic prince (sic) now they saw the light and all the village is magically on the right and saint side (obviously the Lancastrian). The village appeals to the Earl of Warwick to send men to destroy the bands of robbers and he obliges.
The action moves to the eve of the battle of Tewksbury. Paul is reunited with his beloved prince and ready to fight at his side. He meets the prince's bethroted Anne Neville, who is the copy of every other female charachter in the book: sweet, beautiful, modest. Of course she and the Prince are madly in love. Paul and Edward fight side by side in the battle, and of course Edward is brave, strong and corageous, but is captured by the bad yorkists and slain in front of king Edward, though with my great surprise Richard of Gloucester has nothing to do with his death. Anne Neville, dressed as a page, manage to be there with Paul. Anne faints and Paul takes her away. In the years coming Paul lives in the manor assigned to him by the Earl of Warwick during the readeption, gets married and has two sons. In the meantime he witnesses the fall of the House of York, and he sees it as a divine retribution for the slaying of the Prince. Of course Richard of Gloucester forces an unwilling Anne Neville to marry him, usurpes the throne, kills his brother's sons, is a murderer and a tyrant. When Henry Tudor's lands Paul goes to him and we are told that Henry brought peace and justice. And as for the protestants ante litteram? Of course Paul learns that the protestants are good and just, simply by listening to a few lines of the Bible in English read by mistress Forges, so the Victorian morals is safe (this book was written in about 1800).
I think that the plot of this novels speaks for itself, so I won't be long. I don't see the purpose of this plot. I don't see any interesting charachterization. I don't see any logic in what the charachters do. If the book started with the battle of Tewksbury would be all the same, because all of what happened before made no sense and had no purpose.
February 19, 2020
Probably my own fault for not knowing my history better--at least the history relating to the Wars of the Roses... From the vague allusions the author made throughout the story, it felt like she expected her readers to know what was coming, but I did not, which made things all the more tragic for me. :'(
The beginning of the book was a bit difficult to get through--in particular, the little boys' dialogue felt so formal and old-fashioned that it kept pulling me out of the story--but when the main story picked up, I enjoyed all the action and especially the deep friendship that developed. <3<\3 I was also intrigued by the inclusion of Lollardism and the Wycliffe Bible! The end of the story was, in a word, tragic, but I appreciated the way the author brought a little balance by extending the timeline into the future so it didn't end completely on that note.
Content--fighting, war, sword- and gunplay; mentions of injuries, wounds, and blood (not graphic); mentions of deaths, including executions; mentions of torture (not graphic); mentions of abuses of and persecution of "heretics" by the church; mentions of various abuses and cruelties during the Wars of the Roses; lying (not entirely condemned)
The beginning of the book was a bit difficult to get through--in particular, the little boys' dialogue felt so formal and old-fashioned that it kept pulling me out of the story--but when the main story picked up, I enjoyed all the action and especially the deep friendship that developed. <3<\3 I was also intrigued by the inclusion of Lollardism and the Wycliffe Bible! The end of the story was, in a word, tragic, but I appreciated the way the author brought a little balance by extending the timeline into the future so it didn't end completely on that note.
Content--fighting, war, sword- and gunplay; mentions of injuries, wounds, and blood (not graphic); mentions of deaths, including executions; mentions of torture (not graphic); mentions of abuses of and persecution of "heretics" by the church; mentions of various abuses and cruelties during the Wars of the Roses; lying (not entirely condemned)
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October 21, 2019A well written and well researched novel about the life and times of Edward Prince of Wales (1453-1471), full of exciting detail with a credible and engaging plot. This is a confusing and complicated period of history (so many Edwards for a start!) and the tale weaves through the details very sure-footedly. Excellent.
October 12, 2023
I recently found an over 100-year-old copy of this book in a charity shop and decided to give it a go! I learned a lot about the War of the Roses in school but this was really interesting and was super easy to follow which can be difficult for old books!
July 6, 2018
Very enjoyable read even if it was in old English, gives a good on-site to life in England back in those days and an understanding of history
June 5, 2011
Good for a young adult audience. Centers on Edward of Westminster but not includes friendly Yorkists.
January 7, 2021
This is a fairy interesting book, but it ends sad and that is why I gave it two stars.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews