She-Wolves: The Women Who Ruled England Before Elizabeth

This book examines the lives of four “would be” queens of England prior to the reign of Elizabeth I. Of course Queen Mary (elder half-sister of Elizabeth) was the first female ruling monarch of England, and details of her life are presented as well. I have read extensively on English history through the years, so most of this history was not exactly new.Having recently read the book When Christ and His Saints Slept, I was well familiar with the story of Mathilde, the presumptive heir of Henry I, whose crown was unceremoniously usurped by her nephew Stephen. There followed a twenty year civil war which was only settled by the agreement that Mathilde’s son Henry would succeed Stephen on the throne. While this account of Mathilde’s life was necessarily shorter than the full length book on the subject (which was somewhat novelized), it was probably more suitable in length and historical accuracy.I was also familiar with the story of Eleanor of Aquitaine, wife of Mathilde’s son Henry, having read Allison Weir’s presumptive biography. I say “presumptive” since there is far too little source material to fill a book on her life without an abundance of filler and presumption. Again, this book contains all you need to know about her dalliance with royal power.The other two historical personages covered in this book were not as well known to me. My knowledge of Isabella was largely derived from the highly fictionalized portrayal in Braveheart. In some of my reading on English history, I had been exposed to a more historically accurate account of her travails, but this was a very good refresher in that regard.The final “queen” was one of which I had very little previous exposure, Margaret of Anjou, whose husband was essentially an imbecile. Most of these women attempted to rule either in the presence of incapable or disinterested leadership on the part of their husband, in the name of their minor sons, or both. Unlike in France, where the Salic Law forbade the succession of a female ruling monarch, the problems of these women were not statutory in nature, as much as human nature of the period.It was only with the death of Edward VI (only son of Henry VIII) and the utter absence of any possible male successor, that Queen Mary was allowed to assume the crown. In fact, the issue was more one of religion than gender, as the Protestant Edward was so desperate to avoid handing the crown to his Catholic older sister, that he designated a distant female relative (Lady Jane Grey) as his successor. Mary nevertheless survived he power struggle and paved the way for Elizabeth I to succeed her.

Great book for Book Club!

In this book, Castor presents us with a well-researched yet different portraits of England’s most infamous “She-Wolves.” While challenging to keep up with sometimes, it is a highly detailed, insightful, and powerful window into the lives of these too oft misunderstood or overshadowed Queens of England.As an amateur historian, I enjoyed reading this book and added it to references for my own historical works I’m creating.First and foremost, she provides a balanced view of the women, presenting contemporary evidence and quotes which provide a variety of perspectives about these women who have been so vilified. She doesn’t create fictional characters, by glossing over their imperfections. Instead, she sheds light on her subjects from all sides, and let’s the readers decide for themselves. After all, Queen Isabella pf France herself fell prey to the same self-gratification and tyranny of husband King Edward II. Castor doesn’t rewrite history to make it more palatable, she simply makes it more objective.Further, as an avid reader of British monarchical history, this work is well-researched. much of the lives of these women is shrouded in mystery, as women were often sidelined. However, Castor’s accounts of these women and circumstances they faced is consistent with the work of other researchers.Finally, this work is simply illuminating. Castor provides the contexts, machinations, and underlying factors that contributed the actions and lives of these women. Before my eyes, I see the worlds in which these women lived, I meet their parents, colleagues, husbands, and enemies. I trace their complex, interwoven lineages and finally just want throw my hands in the air and declare “Who cares who is King?!? You’re all related!”But, the fact is, I do care. I care about these strong women, who championed justice, protection, and even power. I see in them some of the same struggles we face today as we still struggle to overcome the short-sighted judgments of many in society; not just of women but of every label.The content of this work is truly superb albeit perhaps a little heavy. I found myself highlighting and looking up quite a few terms, but I’m not averse to learning new words. Also, I did have to reread some parts just to establish a clearer understanding. Next time, I’ll probably just print out the family tree and timelines, so that I can keep the historical figures straight in my head.Nevertheless, this work is a must-read for anyone who wishes to get a more balanced and insightful look into the Hundred Years War, the War of the Roses, Medieval England, and finally the lives of these remarkable women.

This book is gripping from beginning to end - a genuine page-turner, and I have had a number of unintended late nights because I was so reluctant to put it down. This is unusual for a history book and a tribute to the very readable and exciting presentation by the author of what might otherwise be a dry and erudite subject.The histories of the four queens are in many respects a revelation. Like most people, I had a cursory but largely misguided knowledge of them, particularly Eleanor and Margaret, courtesy of Shakespeare and other dramas such as the Lion in Winter, but I had no idea of the power and authority that these women actually wielded.The premise in the opening passage of the book suggests that there was an inate prejudice that prevented a woman becoming monarch, other than as a nominal ruler on behalf a husband or son in special circumstances. Fortunately, this theme is not continued in any great depth since, as one reads through these histories, it becomes evident that, whatever a few theologians might have said, what determined the choice of king (or queen) was partly claim of hereditary right (which could be tenuous in the extreme, such as Henry Tudor) but, overwhelmimgly, it was force of arms. In other words, if one could establish some sort of hereditary claim, and defeat all one's rivals in battle, there was little to prevent one becoming monarch, whatever one's gender. After all, Matilda would have formally become queen if the crown had not been seized by force by Stephen and, in the end, there was no gender prejudice that stopped Edward VI specifying Jane Grey as his successor, or in the widespread support (including military support) that swept Mary I to the throne in her stead.Matilda and Eleanor emerge as particularly impressive characters and one can readily envisage that either of them would have been an effective monarch. Certainly, they could not have been worse than some of the men that achieved kingship during Medieval times.Indeed, Eleanor was monarch of England in all but name for significant periods during her long and eventful history, and she remained the respected ruler of Aquitaine for most of her lifetime. Quite why she decided to lead a revolt with her sons against Henry II, a lapse in her normally reliable judgement, remains something of a mystery, but, nevertheless, she still managed to bounce back after 15 years of imprisonment. Quite remarkable.Although their stories are equally fascinating, it has to be said that Isabella and Margaret are less convincing in terms of potential monarchy and neither had the judgement and qualities of leadership that were apparent with Matilda and Eleanor. Even so, their husbands (respectively Edward II and Henry VI) were far from paragons of good kingship and their queens could hardly have been worse.I have a couple of niggles with the book. One is the title, which I find too gimmicky and largely inappropriate. The second is the presentation of some of the genealogical charts, which are sometimes less than adequate and occasionally obscured by the binding. However, these are very minor issues in an otherwise splendid book.Overall, a thoroughly good read and highly recommended.

This is a timely reminder that Elizabeth Tudor was not the first female ruler of England, and also of how the basic facts of gender played hugely into the geopolitics of our history. To be a woman with any serious currency in the Middle Ages, marriage and motherhood were essential. Elizabeth herself broke that mould, and fought her own personal and political battles to keep herself away from those traditional roles.The other featured queens/consorts accepted that fate with all the attendant dangers in times of rudimentary healthcare and high rates of maternal mortality. To negotiate these natural hazards along with the broader concerns of power, war and the need to demonstrate physical leadership, was an incredible challenge. Empress Maud, Margaret of Anjou, Isabella of France, Eleanor of Aquitaine and Mary Tudor are known to us as historical characters, but this sharp analysis of their respective roles in support of the Royal men to whom they were married or had given birth is fascinating. Along the way, of course, they were criticised and at times vilified for daring to abandon the spinning wheel and the nursery in favour of war and politics.Of them all, Eleanor is probably the most charismatic. Her long life encompassing two royal marriages, numerous offspring, a Crusade,rebellion, house arrest, and endless journeyings across Europe even in her late seventies, speaks of a woman more than worthy of respect as she struggled to keep her sons on track to inherit the lands and power that she and their father had fought so hard to obtain.Of course, at this distance from events, we can only imagine the actual personalities of these women, how much independence they actually carved out for themselves, and the extent to which they were manipulated and/or patronised by the powerful men around them. That said,there remains an abiding sense of women who didn't just sit back and let events pass them by. It is also striking that many of their male counterparts have faded into obscurity, whilst these women still attract attention; in this case, in the form of a very good book!

This is history at its most page turning. Opening with the death of Henry VIII's son, Edward VI, and closing with a brief account of the reign of Elizabeth I, this book gives fascinating accounts of the lives and times of Matilda, daughter of Henry 1, and granddaughter of William the Conqueror; Eleanor of Aquitane, the wife of Matilda's son Henry II, and former wife of the King of France; Isabella, the wife of the probably homosexual Edward II; Margaret, wife of Henry IV, who was so involved in the Wars of the Roses; and Mary I, daughter of Henry VIII. Only Mary ruled England under her own authority, but all showed courage, perseverance and determination to achieve their personal and dynastic objectives.i thoroughly enjoyed this book, which helped to fill in a number of gaps in my knowledge of English and European history in an enjoyable way.Recommended

I don't read a lot of non-fiction and this has convinced me I should try to read more. This is a brilliant book and puts into context so much of what you think you know about English history - but gives so much more.Women might have been expected to submit to their men in past times but wow did these ladies fight and manoeuvre to make their way in the world.Even if you don't think you like non-fiction, do give this one a go especially if you like reading stories of fiesty women!

Helen Cater brings to vivid life the women whose strength of personality and intelligence ensured their commanding roles in the history of Britain. Her research is thorough and her telling of their lives within the harsh reality of their times has given me the foundation by which i now approach my study of these tumultuous and fascinating years. I love the fact that she has given me women as my lynch pin and all the leading men of history now fit in around them.