English Catholic History Association

This talk examines a number of portraits of Mary I to gain an understanding of how Mary used iconography to present her queenship. Peter is based at the Centre for Medieval and Early Modern Studies at the University of Kent. His research explores the iconography of Mary I via her portraiture and material culture, as well as exploring imagery surrounding Marian coins, medals and seals.

Sadly, due to illness Linda had to postpone this talk, which was originally due to be given on 6 July 2023. The new date is 21 November. Your original registration still stands for the new date, but if you have not yet booked, you can do so via the Eventbrite link below.

“One of the greatest and most illustrious princesses in the world”
Catherine of Braganza, the wife of Charles II, is one of our most overlooked queens consort, completely overshadowed by her husband’s long-standing reputation as the ‘Merry Monarch’. Catherine, childless and unloved, is remembered (if at all) as a discarded, barren wife who took refuge against her humiliation in a firm Catholic piety that became her only interest in life. Recent scholarship on this Portuguese princess has revealed a much more determined and flexible woman with a wide variety of cultural interests who forged a new life for herself with a positivity that gives the lie to her reputation as a tearful depressive. She was, and is, fondly regarded in her native land where she served as a competent regent at the end of her life. It’s high time we recognised Catherine and acknowledged her role in Stuart Britain.

Click here to register for this talk on Eventbrite

Linda Porter has a doctorate in History from the University of York, where she studied early modern English and French history under the late Professor Gwyn Williams. She was the winner of the 2004 Biographers Club/Daily Mail Prize, which helped launch her on a new career as an author. She is the author of several works of historical biography including Mary Tudor: The First Queen, Katherine the Queen, Crown of Thistles, Royal Renegades and Mistresses. She is a regular contributor to BBC History Magazine and History Today.