Daughters of Chivalry
Saturday, October 31st, 2020

By Kelcey Wilson-Lee
The Short Take:
This non-fiction book focused on the five daughters of England’s King Edward I who survived to adulthood. Unlike Disney, historians have largely ignored princesses–unless they went on to marry kings. However, Wilson-Lee’s book shows that they had more influence than you might think.
Why?
Eleanor, Joanna, Margaret, Mary, and Elizabeth were distinct individuals. Though the courses of their lives were supposed to be dictated by their kingly father and the men they were betrothed to, they each faced challenges that required personal initiative.
Wilson-Lee largely avoids speculations and makes it clear when she does make a supposition. That can make the reading a touch drier but these women are so interesting you should still enjoy the read. Mary was pledged to the convent at the age of six but lived a life of rich privilege. Prestigious matches were arranged for the other four, though the outcomes were not as expected. Rebellious Joanna did as she wished. Eleanor and Elizabeth were both intellectually curious. Several of them faced moments of crisis where their influence and abilities had important impacts on the lands their husbands ruled. All knew that when they married they would still represent their father’s interests whether at home or abroad and did so willingly.
While focused on more practical matters, the author doesn’t neglect the pomp of Edward’s court, with descriptions of bejeweled dresses and lavish banquets. However, it is the preparation of these young princesses for the important (if often forgotten) roles they would play that takes center stage.
A Little Plot:
Wilson-Lee picks up her tale when Edward I and his wife return from a crusade, bringing a new daughter to join the children the pair left behind. She then follows the lives of the five daughters up to their deaths.
For more about Kelcey Wilson-Lee and her books click here.