PDF Summary:Mortal Monarchs, by Suzie Edge

Did your ancestors ever ponder why a monarch faced their untimely fate? In Mortal Monarchs, Suzie Edge explores the turbulent reigns of England's rulers—from the Norman conquest to the 20th century—and the deaths, assassinations, civil wars, and power struggles that shaped royal dynasties. Unpack the illnesses, political machinations, and personal scandals that led to a monarch's ruin.

Edge delves into royal narratives crafted by historians to legitimize new rulers and delegitimize their predecessors. Follow the ceremonious customs surrounding a monarch's final days, and discover how modern medicine offers new insights into the declining health and cognitive abilities of kings and queens throughout history.

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• The assertion that overthrown kings were often imprisoned or executed to prevent uprisings overlooks instances where deposed monarchs were allowed to live in comfortable exile or retirement.
• The cause of Richard II's death is still debated among historians, and some argue that he may have died of natural causes rather than deliberate starvation or execution.
• The belief that Edward IV was responsible for Henry VI's death is contested, with some historians suggesting that Henry may have died of melancholy or illness.
• Suspicions about Richard III's involvement in the fate of Edward V and his brother are challenged by some scholars who argue there is insufficient evidence to conclusively determine his guilt.
• The posthumous display of Cromwell, Bradshaw, and Ireton's bodies by Charles II can be seen as a politically motivated act that reflected the brutal customs of the time rather than a personal vendetta.

The decline in physical well-being, mental soundness, and cognitive abilities of rulers.

Edge emphasizes that, alongside the perils of battle and illness, monarchs shared the same susceptibilities to the inherent weaknesses that plague humankind.

Monarchs' capacity to rule was influenced by various mental and physical health issues.

Monarchs were not only genetically predisposed to certain diseases but also susceptible to the various afflictions that have beset humankind throughout history.

Monarchs often endured significant hardship due to illnesses like tuberculosis, smallpox, stroke, and dementia.

Edge sheds light on how pervasive social afflictions impacted the governance and the perpetuation of monarchic dynasties. Numerous rulers during the 16th and 17th centuries were devastated by smallpox. Elizabeth I suffered from illnesses that left her with disfiguring scars, which she hid under progressively thicker applications of makeup. Mary Sydney, who served the queen in the capacity of a lady-in-waiting, also succumbed to the disease, which left her with severe scars that markedly altered her appearance. William III's life was marred by the tragic consequences of smallpox, leading to the untimely demise of both his parents and his wife, Mary, who passed away at the age of thirty-two in 1694. Her face was noticeably distended, with hemorrhages present in the mucosal linings of her mouth and nose, indicative of an acute hemorrhagic smallpox infection that led to the collapse of several vital body systems. She met her end in the early hours of the morning. William, her spouse, was so deeply stricken with sorrow that he contemplated abdicating his royal position.

Tuberculosis claimed the lives of Henry VII and Edward VI, and this ailment is also believed to have led to the death of the Prince of Wales prior to Charles I's ascension, with suspicions that James I (and VI) endured the same disease.

The topic of cancer instills such profound dread in many people that they frequently employ less direct terminology to avoid using the word itself. Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of Henry, is thought to have died from a rare heart condition, while it is conjectured that his fourth wife may have succumbed to cancer.

The decline in a ruler's health frequently triggered power struggles and governance crises.

Edge explains that when a ruler's health is below par, it can impede their ability to effectively manage the affairs of the state. A decline in a monarch's health might pave the way for ambitious figures to seize power or lead to heightened instability.

The death of a ruler often led to regencies, battles for succession, and widespread upheaval.

Edward IV passed away in 1483, and while Winston Churchill's historical account of the English-speaking peoples often links his death to overindulgence, it is more likely that pneumonia was the actual cause. When Edward died at only forty years old he left a young heir, Edward V, who was still a child and so others had to rule for him. Richard III's rise to kingship occurred during a time marked by intense contention over who should inherit the crown, following the death of his nephews.

In 1788 when George III went mad the nation faced a constitutional crisis. The government found it essential to establish a temporary administrative framework due to the king's inability to carry out his duties. The struggle for the regency saw the Whigs and Tories fiercely vying for supremacy in the decision-making process. Parliament didn't pass the regency bill until 1811.

Analyzing the health challenges that historical monarchs encountered offers valuable understanding.

The writer acknowledges the complexities and contradictions involved in ascertaining the reasons for a person's demise after a significant period has passed since they died. The narrative crafted by Suzie Edge engages the audience effectively. Unraveling the precise causes behind the downfall of numerous rulers presents a complex challenge, yet she presents persuasive cases for potential health-related explanations.

Modern medical knowledge offers a deeper examination of the various elements that led to the illness and death of individuals of royal descent.

Edge posits that our deepening understanding of human biology and modern medical practices enhances our grasp of the ailments that may have plagued rulers of the past; she speculates that a particular genetic disorder affecting solely males, known as Attenuated Lesch-Nyhan disease, could have been one of the health issues that James I (and VI) suffered from.

Context

• The text discusses how various illnesses like tuberculosis, smallpox, stroke, and dementia affected historical monarchs, leading to significant consequences such as disfigurement, premature deaths, and power struggles. It highlights specific cases like Mary, Queen of Scots, and William III and Mary II, shedding light on the impact of these health issues on royal families and governance. The narrative also touches on how modern medical knowledge can provide insights into the potential health conditions that afflicted these rulers, such as genetic disorders like Attenuated Lesch-Nyhan disease.
• Regencies in historical contexts occur when a monarch is unable to rule due to factors like illness or being a minor. During regencies, a designated individual or council governs on behalf of the monarch. These periods can lead to power struggles and governance crises as different factions vie for control and influence. Regencies are often marked by political instability and uncertainty until a clear resolution is reached.
• Edward IV was a King of England who reigned from 1461 to 1470 and then again from 1471 to 1483. Richard III was his brother and succeeded him as king. George III was a King of Great Britain and King of Ireland who reigned from 1760 until his death in 1820.

The intertwining of spiritual beliefs, political authority, and the chaotic events precipitating the fall of royal rulers.

Edge explores how religious and political strife frequently shaped the destinies of rulers. The changing moral viewpoints of the time also bolster contentions for or against the rule of monarchs, demonstrated through the diverse retellings of their stories throughout history.

Allegations of heresy, witchcraft, and Catholic leanings frequently served as tools to undermine and remove competing monarchs.

Edge discusses the utilization of religion, or particular sects, for the advancement of political objectives. For instance, Mary, Queen of Scots was executed after being accused of heresy and witchcraft. The Protestant nation leveled a charge against her, alleging that she had plotted to assassinate Elizabeth after being captured. She was imprisoned for a duration of eighteen years before a reason for her execution emerged.

Religious conflicts and the power dynamics between ecclesiastical authorities and the government significantly shaped the destinies of numerous monarchs.

Henry II's reign was characterized by turmoil and intrigue following the assassination of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury. The steadfast position of Becket, asserting the church's dominance over the crown, was considered intolerable by the English ruler. Who will free me from this meddlesome priest, he whispered in frustration? Four knights, interpreting his words literally, carried out Becket's assassination at Canterbury Cathedral's altar.

The narratives surrounding the deaths of monarchs were shaped by their private lives and public indiscretions.

This section of the guide sheds light on the impact that social and personal scandals had on shaping the fates of rulers, contributing to their untimely deaths, and affecting their legacy in historical recollection. Edge examines how the conduct of sovereigns was often used to justify their deeds or tarnish their reputations.

Gossip about illicit affairs and same-sex attractions caused significant damage to the standing of monarchs, as did the murmurs regarding children fathered outside of marriage.

Edge highlights that the way a sovereign's death was memorialized often reflected their own actions, exemplified by the brutal conclusion to Edward II's existence involving a searing iron, an occurrence that resonated with his connections to Piers Gaveston and Hugh Despenser. The aristocracy ordered the execution of the individuals.

William II, commonly known as Rufus, is portrayed in historical accounts as a king who indulged in opulent and licentious behavior, with much speculation surrounding the intimate inclinations of Richard I. The court of Rufus was often perceived as deficient in religious depth and excessively lavish, and this perception persisted into the period when his brother Henry I ruled, with both siblings being criticized for the company they kept.

The rulers' religious convictions and rituals were crucial in forming the traditions and ceremonies linked to their passing.

The author elucidates the evolution of religious beliefs and practices over time in this section. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the transition from Catholicism to Protestantism was reflected in the treatment of rulers at the end of their reigns in both England and Scotland.

The religious beliefs of the monarchs, be they Catholic or Protestant, had a considerable impact on the customs surrounding their passing.

Edge depicts the significant change that occurred as Charles II partook in the last rites of the Catholic Church before his death. This marked a shift away from the customs of numerous previous sovereigns, who generally adopted an approach consistent with Protestant doctrines. The commemoration of Katherine Parr is distinguished as the first Protestant service in the British Isles conducted in English rather than Latin.

Suzie Edge explores the age-old tradition of removing the heart from a monarch's corpse. The conviction formed among soldiers on crusades that if they died, they would prefer not to be buried in a region they thought was populated by those of another religion, as it was far from their native soil. Their hearts were to be sent back to their native land to be buried with appropriate ceremonies. The heart of Richard I was eventually laid to rest in Rouen. The heart of James II was entrusted to the care of the Chaillot convent in Paris.

Other Perspectives

• While religious and political strife certainly influenced the destinies of rulers, it can also be argued that economic factors, such as trade, resources, and wealth distribution, played a significant role in shaping their reigns and the stability of their rule.
• Allegations of heresy, witchcraft, and Catholic leanings were indeed used to undermine monarchs, but it's also worth considering that such allegations could sometimes reflect genuine concerns among the populace or nobility about the monarch's policies or foreign alliances, rather than being purely politically motivated slanders.
• The influence of religious conflicts and power dynamics on monarchs' destinies is clear, but it's also important to acknowledge the agency of the monarchs themselves and their ability to navigate these challenges through diplomacy, reform, or other means.
• While narratives of monarchs' deaths were certainly shaped by their private lives and scandals, these narratives were also constructed by their successors or political opponents, which could lead to biased or exaggerated accounts that do not fully capture the complexity of their reigns.
• Gossip about affairs and same-sex attractions did damage the standing of some monarchs, but in some cases, these aspects of their personal lives may have been exaggerated or weaponized for political purposes, and did not necessarily reflect their ability to govern.
• The assertion that rulers' religious convictions formed the traditions and ceremonies linked to their passing can be nuanced by recognizing that such traditions were also influenced by cultural practices, the wishes of the deceased, or the political needs of the time.
• While the religious beliefs of the monarchs impacted the customs surrounding their passing, it's also possible that political expediency or the desire for social cohesion sometimes played a larger role in determining funeral practices than personal conviction.
• The tradition of removing the heart from a monarch's corpse reflects a particular cultural and religious practice, but it's also important to note that this was not a universal practice and varied greatly depending on the time period, location, and prevailing religious and cultural norms.