Good tomorrow, dear readers. During the recent JAFF Reader/Writer Get-Together, my frequent refrain was, “I am a nerd, so I researched that.” My husband has decided that, in my case, nerd is an anagram for: Non-native English Regency Dispensary.
I resemble this remark!
Many of bits of Regency trivia were added to my repertoire when researching my other November book baby: Total Want of Propriety. Both volumes celebrated their third birthday this month, and I have happily recalled the multitudinous hours spent indulging in research or chasing various rabbit holes. It was whilst writing TWoP that I concluded I started writing to excuse my research habit.
For Volume 2: Georgianna’s Reclamation, much of my research was legal history/precedent and what was relevant to London and the upper 10,000 in 1813. As much as I enjoyed this, it was the research of Volume 1, Darcy’s Reformation, which really captured my heart and mind: Portugal!
Being a country girl through-and-through, I am an anomaly: I have never desired to tour continental Europe. Paris sounds like a nightmare; Italy, Greece, Germany, etc do not interest me. Whilst the Alps are beautiful in photos, I am well past the days of mountain climbing. I wish to see the natural beauty of Scotland, Ireland, and Wales – and of course, I would visit Derbyshire, Hertfordshire, and other locations of interest to any self-respecting Janeite. (As for London, see above comment regarding Paris.) However, after the new treasures added to my “walking font of useless information” whilst writing Total Want of Propriety, I must now see Portugal were I to visit the British Isles.
My most wonderful focus reader constantly took her red pen to my descriptions of Portugal’s history culture and geography. “This is interesting, but not necessary to the story” was her frequent refrain – those red words slashing my nerd heart to its core. But, here, on the lovely Always Austen blog, I need not worry about moving the plot along, and I can share with you, dear, dear readers, my love and enthusiasm for Portugal and its people.
YIPEE!!
One of the titbits that most impressed me was the length and strength of the Anglo-Portuguese alliance, which is the longest lasting bilateral political agreement in history. The current iteration dates back to the Treaty of Windsor, signed by John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (father to King Henry IV) and João I, Rei de Portugal, in 1386. This treaty also arranged the marriage of John of Gaunt’s daughter, Phillipa of Lancaster, to João I. Phillipa was a beloved Dona, generous and pious, and she solidified the strong bonds between the two nations. Phillipa’s children, the infantes and infantas (prince and princesses) – including the future Rei Duarte and Henry the Navigator – were described in a 16th-century poem as the Ínclita Geração (the Illustrious Generation) for their contributions to art, history, philosophy, and discovery.
Portugal returned the favour, supplying a consort for King Charles II in 1662: Infanta Catarina de Bragança. As any English history buff (nerd) will know, our dear infanta/Queen Catherine had neither as peaceful nor prolific reign as her earlier counterpart.
Notwithstanding the Treaty of Windsor’s 638-year longevity, it is not the first treaty between the two nations – others date to the 1360s. Nor even are these the start of the alliance between England and Portugal. England fought on Portugal’s behalf during the Siege of Lisbon during the Second Crusade in 1147, and an English monk by the name of Gilbert of Hastings was made Bishop of Lisbon at the Sé de Lisboa [Lisbon Cathedral] that same year.
Sigh! I hope you enjoyed my trip down memory lane. And if you did, please keep your eyes on this spot as I indulge my non-red-inkable love for Portugal.
Since I shall not “see” you again ere the holidays: Happy Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa to those who celebrate. And a wonderfully happy day to those who do not. Godspeed to you all!
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Grab your own copy of the two volume set of Total Want of Propriety through Amazon and Kindle Unlimited:
Volume 1: Darcy’s Reformation – https://www.amazon.com/Total-Want-Propriety-Reformation-Prejudice-ebook/dp/B09K8PBRY7
Volume 2: Georgiana’s Reclamation – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09L6CSKFX
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