The Hidden Secret of the Tomb of 'Sleeping Beauty'.
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- Опубликовано: 19 дек 2023
- #tomb #medieval #englishhistory #leadcoffin #funerary #burial
At Much Marcle church in Herefordshire is a medieval tomb with the effigy of the young woman laying upon it, locally it is known as the tomb of 'Sleeping Beauty'. The tomb is that of Blanche de Grandison who died in 1347, she was the child bride of Piers de Grandison and daughter of the infamous Roger Mortimer, Earl of March. When her monument was dismantled for conservation in 2014, it revealed a secret, the lead coffin of Blanche within. In this video come with me as I explore her story and reveal the secrets within the tomb of 'Sleeping Beauty'.
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As usual, Allan (I hope that's not presumptuous, I really feel I know you!) you have given us a ten minute video that could have made a full hour's programme. What a beautiful piece of work this monument is, I do like the idea of his commissioning it out of love for his young wife - an idea supported maybe by the fact that he never remarried. And the surprise ending of finding her body in there was unexpectedly moving. Thank you again, this has made my evening.
That is kind Rhiannon, thank you. I think he must have loved her, it is such a beautiful and tender image and she was buried with such great care - I suspect he was at quite a loss.
It's a real treat to see such beautiful work in a quiet, country setting. This loving monument is quite touching.
Thank you so much! This tomb is exquisite, which I don't associate with medieval funerary architecture. The disciplined grid of panels and shields contrasts with the organic shapes of the effigy, creating a spotlight effect. This serves to emphasize the tender nature of the sculpture. If not by design its a case of accidental perfection. English history recycles tales of the ambitious tilting at the windmill of power and ending on a scaffold. It must have been strange for women like Blanche and her aunt, assimilated into the network of noble families, to find their house of origin obliterated, its titles extinguished and estates confiscated. Did the disgrace of the traitor taint his or her family? The heraldry of the tomb suggests pride in Mortimer lineage survived the fall of the head of the house.
Allan, I don't know why I find it so fascinating to see the way people were buried so long ago. Maybe it's seeing the genuine love displayed in the monuments/effigies. 2 of the most moving monuments I've ever seen was Princess Charlotte and her baby at St George chapel. And one in Westminster Abbey where you see the husband trying to hold back death from his wife, that's how it looked to me. I don't know who the woman was but I remember standing there for the longest time, you could feel his pain. Each of these can bring you to tears because you feel the death as if it was new.
The girl on this tomb is beautiful the title of sleeping beauty fits her perfect.
You are a great story-teller! Enjoyed this one, immensely, from all the family connection detail to description of the tomb and its conservation.
Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed it!
Ditto. People are really interested. In. The non textbook history of the world from the. Story's of the working people who lived it. And their mortality.
In other words as told by. People. Like you rather than the same Historians panned and thought through history books. Like we had to read in my many years of schooling. Would have loved to learn History in a format like you lay out. Thank you for what you do 🤔🤔
@@user-hk6wk3iw8y thank you for such a kind and complimentary comment, that is very much appreciated.
It’s rather wonderful that she was in situ given the age and damp issues
How touching. I hope she had a good life, and truly was loved and cherished by her husband.
I think she must have been, the monument is such a tender image of her.
Well , according to the Visitation of Gloucestershire at least, my 17th great grandmother was the daughter Isabel that you mentioned, the wife of Baldwin de Brugge, making this pair my 18th great grandparents
Cool
Tomb effigies are some of my favorite works of art, so this is so pleasing to see! I’d love to know in what colors Blanche’s effigy was painted, as has been completed on so many statues, even from Roman times. I’m sad the face of her little dog is gone, though. Thank you!
Hi Allan! I imagine the work of the conservator to be rewarding indeed. I am glad efforts have been made to preserve this precious work of art and enchanting resting place of Blanche de Grandison.
I feel very sad for her....
She had no childhood. But, times were different. I just have a certain sadness for her. Rest well.....
What a superb piece of stone work her effigy is.
This was just lovely, told gently and in a great storytelling cadence. I enjoyed your work on this wife and noble daughter.
Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed it!
It’s indeed very rare to hear of a body buried within a tomb chest. This is a rare find !
What a beautiful statue.
Very interesting video
Thank you Dr Barton
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you again for a wonderful history lesson. Best to all of you for Christmas.💕💕💕
Happy Christmas to you too.
What a compelling story and a glorious monument! Imagine what it must have looked like when new!
brilliant video
Thanks very much! Glad you liked it.
Wow that amazing and very nice that they didn't open her coffin up and just made the repairs and put her back
Superbly gentle and thoroughly enthralling Merry Christmas Allan 🎉
Thank you very much, merry Christmas!
Dr. Barton, I just love the stories regarding these tombs, especially when a surprise is found. Thanks you so much.❤️
They are fascinating aren't they - I know you like the grizzly bits as much as I do.
@@allanbarton indeed😂
That was very good .Thank you .
Really fascinating. To think that I've driven through Much Marcle countless times over the years without having any idea that such historical treasure was inside the church.
It appears that Blanche was a VERY much loved wife!! If this is the case, I'm glad!! ❤💞👍
Allan I could listen to you all day my son is the same he studied history I love to listen to him also. He is so interesting just like you but he is a colonal these days
I find him so relaxing! I find myself starting back at the beginning and rewatching!
Effigies are so beautiful, the details of the artwork and the intricacies are a sight to be seen. It was clear that Blanche was quite beautiful in life , and she was truly loved . This was a treat to see, and I’m glad I saw this . Thank you for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it!
A granny in Australia says...I am so glad to have discovered you. Quite the Seasonal gift, and I am indulging myself with a binge of your fare. From an Aussie who is grateful for British heritage and history to enjoy. Who needs fiction?
Who needs fiction indeed?! Although you may find a couple of fictional ghost stories amongst my videos.... glad you're enjoying my channel 😊
Thank you! This was an extra special episode, so well presented.
You have set the bar really high Dr. You NEVER disappoint 😊❤ Thank you
Thank you very much for your kind words! Glad you're enjoying my channel 😊
Love this. Berkeley Castle is amazing. Same Berkeley family owns it still and they have very ancient documents 😍.
Fascinating. A church that I found locked when last I was there, your video has enthused me to return!
Im so pleased they didn't open her burial wrapping.
How fascinating. You have a wonderful gift for bringing these eras of history and their people to life. Thus, their monuments, many exceptional works of art, take on meaning that would have completely been lost just at viewing. Thank you so very much for your extensive work, brilliantly presented. I feel as though fortunate to take a course all the way from The States!
I'm so glad you're enjoying my channel! Thanks for watching!
A charming story thank you. The effigy is unusually life like and the way the gown seems to flow over the side of the tomb chest very well done. Perhaps it IS wishful modern sentimental thinking, but it's easy to believe that her husband wanted the best possible memorial for a much loved wife.
A very beautiful tomb, she must have been very loved.
Wow! So interesting. You did an awesome job presenting this piece of history. Her tomb is beautiful. I can only imagine how splendid all the colors were when it was originally done. I enjoyed my time here so much that I’m going to go explore some more of your videos😊
I'm so glad you enjoyed this, I hope you like some of my other videos too!
I love this content of opening the tombs! Pls keep them coming!
What a wholesome story. Nice. You're clearly getting a rythm going with your videos too.
loved hearing about Blanche. One thing I noticed is that her hands are not clasped in prayer like so many other tomb effigies of noble ladies. Why was this?
I was wondering that as well. Not like I'm an expert but I've not seen one with the arms like that. Actually the way they are really makes it seem that she may have been pregnant.
Blanche Mortimer has the loveliest tomb effigy of anyone, save her descendent Joan Neville (countess Arundel, sister to the Earl Warwick, ‘Kingmaker’). She also died young, about 30-32, but her effigy still retains some of the coloring - enough to take your breath away when you see her extraordinarily graceful and delicate features.
I just realized I recognized the Coat of Arms and of Mortimer and possibly several of nobles you've talked about from playing the Anno Domini 1257 mod for the game Mount and Blade: Warband. It's actually kind of nice to have some context of the Noble Families I ended up rubbing shoulders with on my adventures as a Knight Errant.
This is a wonderful bit of history. One wonders from what she died, but at that time it might have been from anything. This I do know, that without you, this channel, and your vast store of knowledge, I would never have known about this Sleeping Beauty! A most Happy and Blessed Christmas, Allan!
Thank you very much! Happy Christmas! 🎄
I can’t wait for the next installment in the order of the garter series!
Coming on Saturday I think if I can stick to my schedule!
It’s an amazing carving,and does look very good considering how old it is.A lot of the old carvings on top of the caskets have been so damaged over the years.Its very rare to see one that’s this intact .And she does look very Beautiful,just like Sleeping Beauty.Her husband must have loved her dearly as he spared no expense on getting this beautiful likeness done of her..Thank you for her History!and that of her husband too 🥰
Thank you for another fascinating discourse. It is too bad that the body was not x-rayed. I also wonder if the way her hands were positioned in a seemingly protective gesture encircling her belly may have indicated that she was pregnant.
I had the same thought. It’s subtle but given how slender the rest of the depiction is the slight rise under her oddly-placed hands makes me think she might be pregnant. If that was the case, I wonder if that might be unique in this kind of sculpture?
I wondered that too! The effigy does somewhat look that way, doesn't it? But regarding x-rays, I have a feeling that there wouldn't have been much of a result from that, because of the lead enclosure.
Not sure about sculpture but there are contemporary paintings with the woman wearing dresses suggesting pregnancy but many art historians regard this as a stylistic convention. I.ve never been completely convinced.@@dianabriggs1032
Lead blocks most x-rays. So, sadly it won't work. Even if you used industrial equipment, the high-energy rays would result in a very low contrast image, so not much could be gained from them.
I am glad they left her intact, and even repaired the lead. It is in spirit with the obvious care the husband took to bury and commemorate her.
@@dianabriggs1032 the raised belly is a beauty ideal from the time. If you look at the depiction of Eve on the Ghent "Lamb of God" altarpiece you can see the same.
Thank you. Excellent history lesson and narration. I have visited the beautiful church in Much Markle several times and learned more from your presentation and carefully selected images than any guide book. Imagine the whole thing coloured! I would say that the quality of the carving is unabashedly sensual; a beautiful evocation of a chivalrous age. Visitors please beware leaning over to take photographs - the monument is so precious it is protected by a sensor alarm. So glad you also included the tomb of Edward II in Gloucester Cathedral - it is the only monument that has moved me to abrupt and undignified tears. There are also superb monuments in the Priory church in Abergavenny
A very beautiful monument and knowing the backstory makes it all the more interesting.
Merry Christmas to you and your family 🎄❤
Glad you enjoyed it! Merry Christmas!
So beautiful!
Lovely, just beautiful. Thank you very much.
Glad you liked it 😊
Another great video, Allan!
Fantastic video. I love how much we know of late medieval history.
Glad you enjoyed it!
What a story Allan! Immensely interesting. A truly beautiful monument that has survived the test of time beautifully. Thanks so much for another lovely slice of history.
Absolutely fascinating. As always Allan has found us an interesting and rare subject. Thank you so much for posting.
Wonderful as usual.
Loved this! Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Some historians in the last decades have started challenging the canon that Queen Isabella "the She-Wolf of France" was the lover of Roger Mortimer as well as, more importantly, that Edward II theoretically didn't die in September 1327 but escaped and was sheltered by the pope in Italy. See Ian Mortimer's books "The Greatest Traitor" and "Medieval Intrigue Decoding Royal Conspiracies" and "Edward II: The Unconventional King" by Kathryn Warner (this one is a gem. Love her style). Foods for thoughts here. 🙏🏽
So interesting. Thank you
Thank you so much, brilliant video!
Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed it!
Love meeting 'Old Ghosts' of any age or place in time. Makes my own soul more content somehow. Suspect I am not alone in the sensation . . .
Fascinating. Thank you.
beautiful...and informative thank you
You are very welcome.
Thank you, Allan!
Utterly fascinating.
Glad you liked it!
Very interesting and well done. Thank you.
I had never heard about this very interesting and beautiful tomb. It was touching to see the care that had been taken to make it a tribute to Blanche. I agree that it seems to tell of the husband's love for his wife. Thank you for an excellent video!
Glad you appreciated this!
Very touching. Thank you.
Glad you appreciated this!
Just stunning. Beautiful.
The craftsmanship of the entire monument is amazing. As a dabbler in clay I imagined the shields as tiles; crafting, glazing and firing each for inset. The way the artist can look at blocks of stone and see where each tiny detail should be carved, boggles the mind. Yet for the artist, it's all right there, ready to be revealed. In the effigy, you pointed out her long slender fingers, and the first detail I noticed was the seemingly elongated thumb on the left hand, and bend in the index finger, as though she was lifting or lowering it. Unfortunate about the dog's head. Can only wonder where the head or its pieces ended up. The restoration footage and your commentary really brought her story full circle. I'm also fascinated with mortuary and burial rituals through history. Thank you for another wonderful presentation. Have just received the January issue of The Antiquary and am looking forward to enjoying it.
Thanks for your insight and I'm glad you enjoyed this. Hope you enjoy the magazine!
I continue to be fascinated by your telling of British history. I marvel at the age of so many buildings and objects in your country. I had the great fortune to live in Banbury, Oxon for a time while stationed at RAF Upper Heyford in the mid 70s. During my two years in your country I visited many ancient castles, cathedrals, cities and villages. Always amazed at the still standing original construction. Your telling of the lives of people who lived and used the these resources and the impacts on their lives is fascinating 👍🏻
Glad you're enjoying my videos, thanks for watching! We do have a wealth of material historical culture in this country and it's a privilege to be able to share it in this way 😊.
Stunningly good Thank you ❤🙏
Such a good job!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I found it very interesting that the person the tomb was for wasn’t usually buried in it. So when visiting churches, aren’t there ‘dead people’ everywhere? As a child I always imagined there were and I used to say sorry when I walked over slabs on the floor.
There are, but they are usually under the ground rather than above the surface. You can't walk anywhere in a church or churchyard without walking on a grave - most of them are unmarked.
@@allanbarton I find this sort of thing fascinating but quite eery at the same time…
My first real travel was a school-trip to Florence when I was 16. I vividly remember walking along the seams between all the slabs on the church floor, like someone with severe OCD. It felt so disrespectful to just barge in those churches, walking over all those graves...
Thank you so much for your work. I feel as if I visited Lady Blanche's tomb myself.
My pleasure, glad you enjoyed it!
I am sure I have a plaque in Harwich commemorating Isabel and Mortimer' s landing in UK
I'm glad they didn't fiddle around with poor Blanche before they put her back 😞
Thank you
very interesting
Glad you enjoyed it!
Amazing video
Glad you liked it!
Thank you.
Fascinated by this!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Often men would marry another wife very quickly after his first wife's death, especially if there was no heir. The fact he never re-married is so touching. I have been to Much Markle but never knew her tomb was there. I need to go back and find it this year.
What remarkable stonework, especially the folds of her dress, worthy of a queen or empress. RIP Blanche.
Alla would it be amazing to travel back at time and see those wonderful colors 😍 ?
If only, it is a shame they have faded.
A lovely memorial
oh what a great story. She was, indeed, lovely!q
Glad you enjoyed this 😊
It would have been interested to know what she died of, too bad they didn't open the coffin. It's wonderful that they restored it and I hope it will last another 500 years.
Wasn’t this church featured on Time Team? Not in a dig, but in a segment trying to trace the ownership of the dig site.
I see quite a few pictures from the stunning Luttrell Psalter in your videos, maybe a video for the future, Sir Geoffrey Luttrell was from Lincolnshire afterall 😉
I’d been contemplating that, I’d recently had a trip to Irnham where the Luttrells lived.
The way her hands are placed upon her stomach if you look from the bottom and also from the side you get the impression she may have been pregnant at the time of her death.
Repairing and reinterring the coffin in the wall chest was the best thing to do, rather than digging a new grave outside.
Gladly, keeping the original grave, was possibly in accordance to the wishes of the deceased.
How did she die? I ask because the effigy looks pregnant, or recently so. Her hands cradle her belly so delicately, as though protecting life within or having become recently accustomed to doing so. Is there no record of the child she may have bore, which you mentioned possibly being hogwash? The image of her alone makes me think she died either during or shortly after birth of that child.
Fascinating headdress she wears! Early age marriages happened, but actual co-habitation and sexual relations.we’re considered to wait until the girl was as much as 16. Granted Edmundson Tudor married Margaret Beaufort and got her with child when she was 12. This was unusual and other Peers were suitably horrified. Margaret bore one child at 12, to pay dead husband, and despite other marriages she had no other children. The belief is that the early birthing tore her up so badly she could never conceive again.
They would have had no means of surgical intervention in those days - very tragic for those girls.
WOW! 🛌
Did they even try to get a reading on what was inside her coffin? I'm wondering because the way her hands lay (from the pictures you've shown) would lead me to believe they may have been above and below a slightly raised abdomen. I ponder if that was her natural figure or if she was (slightly) pregnant at the time and her death was a great blow to her husband who might have been looking forward to a male heir.
Often men would marry another wife very quickly after his first wife's death, especially if there was no heir. The fact he never re-married is so touching. I hav
I'm so glad they didn't open her casket. I understand human curiosity but it's disrespectful; let the dead lie in peace 🙏
Shame that they didn't get the chance to conduct non intrusive testing on the lead coffin
a 14th century power couple, I'd say.
Very interesting Allan. I feel like her hands may have been cradling her tummy area, could she have been in the early stages of pregnancy I wonder? Thanks as always.