#Right now I'm enjoying some sixteenth century Clan Campbell letters | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

the-busy-ghost · 3 years ago

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I love how exceedingly, unashamedly Fake some mediaeval nobles and royals could be when they wanted something. For example, Edward III sending a letter in 1328 to the “magnificent prince Sir Robert, by the grace of God King of Scots, his dearest friend, greeting and embraces of sincere affection.”

#To be fair the poor kid was only like sixteen but still #I know for a FACT that they were not the dearest friends #Even in 1328 #Some couldn't hide it though #For example John Comyn couldn't even cooperate with Bruce for very long when their country's independence was at stake #The relationship between those two men was that 'I would sell you to satan for one corn chip' meme #Admittedly Comyn was already known for his temper #But tbh I think it was only a matter of time before one of those young men killed the other #If an English spy's letter of the late 1290s is correct Comyn got first crack at it #When a meeting of the Scottish leaders in teh Ettrick forest ended with David Graham and Malcolm Wallace arguing #and Comyn grabbing Bruce by the throat #But Bruce gave as good as he got in the kirk of Greyfriars #Would love to see if there were any of those stereotypical mediaeval 'Most high and mighty lord' letters between the two of them #Right now I'm enjoying some sixteenth century Clan Campbell letters #And there's quite a few where Grey Colin of Glenorchy starts off his letters to his chief the Earl of Argyll like #'My mighty and most good lord; my dearest friend and only sure trust; and the noblest lord known in Christendom; even your socks are holy'#And then follows it up all 'Your idea stinks and your words are shit; put your money where your mouth is or I'm leaving you'#'I was organising feuds when you were in leading strings you young whippersnapper and your dad would never stand for this'#'You better get your act together or so help me god I hope the MacGregors turn up outside Inveraray itself'#'I remain your faithful servant at power'#'Also your aunt Kate says hi'#I suppose these are the mediaeval and early modern equivalent of 'As per my previous email you will find that this is not true #and I find your conduct disgraceful #'Kind regards'

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