Helen Castor

The Eagle and the Hart
In conversation with Lucinda Hawksley

Starts at: Wednesday 23 October 6:00 PM
Finishes at: Wednesday 23 October 7:00 PM

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Richard of Bordeaux and Henry Bolingbroke were first cousins, born just three months apart, but not ‘close’ in any sense. By Divine Right Richard was crowned, aged 10, whilst Cousin Henry, also 10, merely served at his side.

The two cousins could not have been more different. Born to rule, Richard had none of the qualities of leadership which might have eased this role. Henry, on the other hand, was blessed with the lot: a chivalric hero who inspired loyalty where Richard only stirred up fear. As their respective heraldic badges show, these two were polar opposites and confrontation was inevitable. As Richard became increasingly threatened, he banished Henry from his kingdom. The white hart became the tyrant and the eagle his usurper.

Helen Castor is a distinguished medieval historian and a Bye-Fellow of Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, as well as being a television presenter.