BBC Shakespeare: The Hollow Crown, BBC2 / BBC HD

[Richard Tarleton]

Not if John of Gaunt was illegitimate.

(Mind you - if this does pan out, I'd just like to remind Forumistas how often over the years I've expressed my admiration for the quality and eloquence of BbmI's posts.)

At least he's still in with a chance, unlike the present lot who in view of Queen Victoria's likely parentage (see AN Wilson) probably have no claim at all!

My favourite exam question, from 1066 and All That - Test Paper lll (Up to the End of Henry Vll):

9. Why do you picture John of Gaunt as a rather emaciated grandee?

N.B. Candidates should write on at least one side of the paper.

[BBMmk2]

Why, thank you kind sirs! There is some question of the legitimacy of the offspring being that of Ed III, that his Mrs may have had a fling with a butcher(if my memory serves me correctly). But there are so many twists and turns throughout history with our monarchy, that make you wonder who has the actual right to the Throne.

[Alain Maréchal]

make you wonder who has the actual right to the Throne.

Did not William of Normandy simplify that decision-making process for you? An example followed by Henry IV, Henry VII, William III and others; He who gets it, sits on it.

Afterthought: if you spend too long debating and battling (e.g. Stephen v. Matilda) you produce The Anarchy.

[Pulcinella]

Afterthought: if you spend too long debating and battling (e.g. Stephen v. Matilda) you produce The Anarchy.

I first read that as........The Archers!

[Nick Armstrong]

There is some question of the legitimacy of the offspring being that of Ed III, that his Mrs may have had a fling with a butcher

...perhaps BeefO! is the rightful heir!!

[BBMmk2]

...perhaps BeefO! is the rightful heir!!

Aha! The eyes have it!! :)