#lancaster household

[catsofcalifornia]

Ginger from Ruff Patches in Lancaster, California

Click here for more information about adoption and other ways to help!

Click here for a link to Ruff Patches' main website.

Meet Sweet Ginger, a 5-year-old calico on a mission to find her purr-fect match! After her previous hoomans vanished (something about a "move"?), this cuddle connoisseur is ready to charm the furry socks off any pawsitive households with chill doggos or fellow feline friends. She's gentle, as sweet as sugar, and will cuddle on demand. What more could you ask for?

[preet-01]

Maxiel Political AU

Word Count: 1243

Summary: Max Verstappen only had one goal - to be President. It's all he's wanted since he was just seven years old and all that he's worked towards. But bachelors don't get elected as Presidents, for the most part. Enter Daniel Ricciardo. Daniel's the ideal candidate for the country's most prominent and stressful unpaid job: the President's loving partner, a pretty bauble for the country to fall in love with and look towards. In secret meetings, contracts are signed and a marriage is arranged. Max and Daniel must convince the American people that they are a loving couple and perfect for the White House

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Chapter Two

In the political campaign business, there are certain names that everyone knows regardless of party lines or election levels. Campaign managers, press secretaries, and speechwriters became household names for politicians and politician hopefuls over the years. 

One such name is Sebastian Vettel. 

The German-American from Philly had entered the political scene fresh out of college and had carved out a space for himself. 

From local campaigns to presidential campaigns, he had worked on everything and anything. But his most notable career achievement was approximately four years ago when he was on the Hamilton presidential campaign as the press secretary. 

Now, years later and with many successful campaigns under his belt, Sebastian was looking towards another presidential campaign to put his name on. 

Max Verstappen, by all accounts that Sebastian had heard, was the next big thing after Lewis Hamilton came onto the scene. And by rumors that he’d heard from his contacts, Max Verstappen would be running for President in 2028. 

“You’re barely finished with your first term as a Senator,” Sebastian states when he finally has a meeting with Max Verstappen. The young senator is ambitious, but he does have the results to back it. Though Sebastian would not tell him that just yet, perhaps after they’ve won the presidency. 

“The election is still four years away. Plenty of time for any inexperience to become experience,” Max states. He has no doubts in his abilities. The next few years will be enough for him to fix any shortcomings and build an electable resume for himself. 

“Indeed, I do not doubt that. Your record so far speaks for itself,” Sebastian says, though he seems to be holding back on something. 

“But?” Max inquires. 

“But there are things outside of your work record that will influence your presidential campaign,” Sebastian replies. 

They leave it at that, despite Max wanting to know more about it. Sebastian says it is a matter for a later time, and that he needs to work out some things in the background before it becomes a pressing issue. 

While Max would like to know more about Sebastian’s pressing concerns, he does have committee meetings to go to, and- his train of thought is broken by a text he gets from one of his colleagues. 

S.4398 is going to the courts for constitutional violations 

Plaintiffs hired Ricciardo from Thompson and Lancaster. Should be an easy win 

Max is confused because is he supposed to know who Ricciardo is? There were too many lawyers in the district to know everyone.  

____

“Are you wearing a signet ring?” Oscar questions. When they said that he could get an intern, Daniel assumed that he would get a helpful intern eager to learn and do whatever Daniel needed. He had been like that, taking whatever scraps he could get. Instead, he received Oscar. And while Oscar was very polite at first glance, in Daniel’s opinion the twenty-three-year-old was a menace to society – well mainly to Daniel, but he was society. “Oh god, you’re one of those lawyers,” he groans. 

“It’s a family ring and my grandfather is in town,” Daniel sighs. He hadn’t worn the family signet ring consistently since they’d found out he was a carrier, but his grandfather was in town and he couldn’t get away with it. “Have you filed the McKinley documents?” he asks, changing the conversation from his family to the newest case that Daniel had been chosen as the head lawyer. His record of winning had made it an easy decision for the bosses and plaintiffs.

“Filed them this morning,” Oscar replies, “Vergne was sniffing around about the case when I was filing.” 

“Of course he was. Boss man’s not been very subtle that this case could potentially make me partner,” Daniel sighs. His once close friendship with Jev had suffered with both of them at the same firm and Daniel’s promotion potential being greater than his. He was sad about it, of course, law school would have been hell if it wasn’t for Jev’s friendship. But Daniel wanted to become partner and he’d do whatever was needed to achieve that. 

“We’re meeting with McKinley tomorrow morning, I want you there,” Daniel tells Oscar. Oscar had been his intern for months now, but he hadn’t sat in any of the meetings so far. 

“What?” And for probably the first time, Daniel is able to surprise Oscar. 

“I think you’re ready and it is the next step,” Daniel replies. 

The rest of the day goes by without a hitch. Daniel can avoid seeing his grandfather until it’s time to leave the office. 

His grandfather is waiting for him in front of the building with a town car. “Daniel,” he greets with a nod and motions to the town car. Daniel sighs as he enters the car. All he wanted was to go home and just be a blob in his bed as he contemplated some innocuous decision that he’d made. But when Joseph Ricciardo shows up at your job with a town car, you get in the town car. 

“How was your trip, grandfather?” Daniel inquires. 

“It was adequate,” the older man replies. “I spoke with your friend, the campaign manager,” he says. 

“Sebastian? Why?” Daniel questions. As far as Daniel knows, there was no reason for his grandfather to speak with Sebastian. Daniel knows that his grandfather had gotten acquainted with Seb when Seb worked on the Hamilton campaign the first time around and he endorsed Lewis Hamilton. But since then, as far as Daniel knew, Sebastian hadn’t worked on a campaign that would require an endorsement from his grandfather. 

“He is taking on a new presidential campaign for 28,” Joseph says. “A Senator from New York,” he adds. Daniel knows one of the Senators from New York – John Robbins – they’d gotten coffee a handful of times over the years. He doesn’t think John is a presidential hopeful and he isn’t the type of candidate that Seb likes to work with. No Seb likes younger politicians, not those over the retirement age. 

“Robbins?” 

“No, the other one. Verstappen,” Joseph answers. 

“Verstappen?” Daniel tries to think back to what he knows of the young Senator from New York. Relatively new to the Senate, younger than most of his colleagues, the same party as Lewis, unmarried, and not as established as other 2028 presidential hopefuls. “He’d never win. Not yet anyway,” Daniel says. The voters didn't like unmarried newcomers they barely knew. Politics was a game of strategy and name recognition.

“Hhm, at his present state, he would not win, but should his situation change and he gets more established support, then he does have a strong chance,” Joseph says, handing him a file. “Sebastian compiled a file on him. He will be contacting you soon to discuss a potential, mutually beneficial agreement for both parties involved,” he says. 

Daniel knows what a mutually beneficial agreement means. This wouldn’t be the first time that Daniel had gotten such a file from his grandfather. His cousin’s aspirations were more in line with the videogame industry than politics, so a presidency was far-fetched. Therefore, the attention had returned to getting Daniel hitched to some Senator or Governor who could take the Ricciardo name to the highest office in the country. 

Usually, he ignored them and found one reason or another to deny them. But this was someone that Seb would be working with and that intrigued him. 

He’d meet this Senator Verstappen.

________

I feel iffy about this chapter, but it's a necessary step to get to the first meeting in the next chapter

Updates will be every other week

[the-empress-7]

If Charles is being stupid & sending them money, then he better make sure it’s coming from his own personal bank account and not the Duchy’s purse. The crown should absolutely not pay for a single cent of their lives after they have publicly bashed & humiliated everything it stands for.

Charles has enough of his own money, but it would not surprise me at all if he is sending them money from the Duchy's purse. By leaving them on the site as working royals, he can claim them as members of his household and hence eligible for money from the Monarch/Duchy of Lancaster. Honestly think about it, who is going to say no to the King?

I am tired of repeating myself, but they are still listed on the official website by CHOICE. It benefits both Charles (to funnel tax payer money to Harry) and Harry (to maintain his diplomatic visa status and tax immunity). It's the perfect ploy because both parties are equally vested in the truth never emerging, the minute one goes down, so does the other.

Charles and Harry truly deserve each other for this con job they are pulling off on the British public

You know that saying, when people show you who they are believe them the first time? I know exactly what kind of man Charles is thanks to the honors for cash scandal among a laundry list of other scandals.

Charles did not discover morality when that Crown landed on his head. He is still the same corrupt man he has always been, except now he is infinite power and is literally above the law.

[houseofbrat]

Nobody can change my mind that the exclusives being drip fed to the media by KP isn’t payback for the Rota not looking too closely or reporting too loudly on Cathy’s “cancer” and it’s nonsensical timeline and “treatment”.

Also that all these briefings from KP to the press about how the laziest middle aged royals are the greatest small r’s to ever royal, isn’t the reason why the entire family seems to barely tolerate them these days.

That media who would criticize Charles for breathing air, can publish headlines like this with a straight face when the only change Willy has made to the Duchy is to…reduce transparency into its finances:

People criticize Harry all day long but never have that same energy when Willy does interviews like this but will NEVER recognize or praise the work his father has done or the time he took to educate this ungrateful brat.

He comes across as a dilettante in these sound bites. No wonder Alastair Martin, who first revealed Willy trying to run the Duchy by WhatsApp, jumped shit and when to work for the King at the Duchy of Lancaster the first chance he got!

Do you think there’s some danger of the Streisand effect here? The comments aren’t buying this so why do they keep bringing up this topic and reminding people about the vast wealth you’ve inherited, when you have nothing to show for that priviledge?

I haven't read Hannah Furness's piece in The Telegraph in its entirety yet, but it hits notes that likely aren't going to age well in the near future, such as this:

It is surprising, even to a royal editor, to learn how much William manages to do without the wider world noticing. He films and sends regular video messages for Duchy-related events – a river conservation meeting this month, a charity boxing night. When a tenant suggested he might be interested in the agricultural festival Groundswell, he duly popped up there.

"Without the wider world noticing"? How is it that the "wider world" didn't notice when he was actually photographed at Groundswell last year? And insinuating that "the wider world" doesn't notice what you do is NOT a good look when you already have a reputation for secrecy, like Will & Kate.

Kate Middleton and Prince William's desire for privacy has been even more zealously guarded as the Princess of Wales continues cancer treatment. "It is really impressive how they are still able to command all this secrecy," royal historian Amanda Foreman tells PEOPLE exclusively in this week's cover story. "They are totally running this."

Doing things outside of the disinfecting rays of sunlight is par for the course for Will & Kate, which is why they ended up in such a huge problem last year and are about to get in trouble again. It's not really that the "wider world" didn't notice; it's that William and THE KP TITANIC choose not to communicate things appropriately, such as how much tax William allegedly pays.

Prince William has refused to reveal what he paid in taxes for the 2023-2024 financial year — breaking his father King Charles’ tradition which spanned more than 30 years. The Prince of Wales, 42, inherited the Duchy of Cornwall estate worth over $1 billion when his father assumed the throne in Sept. 2022. In addition to the tax-exempt estate, the father of three was given the Duke of Cornwall title. But William took a different approach from his father when it came to disclosing finances to the general public, as the prince declined to disclose how much he paid in taxes in his first full year as next in line to the throne. It’s understood that William paid a standard UK tax rate unspecified household expenses were deducted from the bill. However, he did not publicize the amount. This is a stark contrast to his father, who voluntarily began disclosing how much tax he paid each year since 1993, Hello! reported. Before handing over the estate’s reins to William, Charles shared that he paid more than $6.4 million in taxes from the Duchy of Cornwall for the year ending in 2021 and $7.5 million the following fiscal year, The Telegraph reported. 

In an interview with The Telegraph's Royal Editor Hannah Furness, who spent a day travelling alongside the Prince of Wales, 42, as he visited his tenants, the royal shared how he was modernising the land and property empire. This includes encouraging people involved with the Duchy to speak openly, with the Prince telling his staff to 'please give [everyone] proper authority to say what’s really going on. Not being polite because I’m in the room,' ahead of a meeting in Dartmoor. Elsewhere, Matthew Morris, the rural director of the Duchy, revealed how employees 'no longer feel the need to put on a tie when the Duke of Cornwall is in town' - perhaps unlike when Charles - who is often smartly dressed in a full suit - visited. The publication also noted how William will communicate with staff via WhatsApp and ask questions over the social media platform in order to keep updated. 

The non-serious nature of how William conducts himself is always jarring when you consider a famous anecdote about the Queen Mum dressing up to visit people someplace--perhaps during WWII & the Blitz--where they weren't able to wear their Sunday best to greet her. Someone asked the Queen Mum, when she was still the reigning queen consort, why she dressed up to see them when they themselves weren't dressed up? She responded that they would all be dressed up if they came to see her at Buckingham Palace, so she could hardly disrespect them by doing the same, i.e. dressing up nicely.

And then there's William who is allergic to a suit and tie unless it's part of the engagement dress code.

While the role has historic roots, Prince William communicates about the Duchy of Cornwall on WhatsApp. "The day after Her Late Majesty [Queen Elizabeth] died, I rang Prince William to say, 'Welcome to your duchy, Sir.' I obviously knew him, I’d been working with him for the previous eight years or 10 years to really explain to him what his future was during the time he was heir to the throne," said Alastair Martin, outgoing secretary and keeper of the records, according to The Times. "And he said, 'I'm going to give you my mobile telephone number — if you want me, just get me, just message me," Martin said. "And that’s how he works, and he is very involved." "There will be weekends when my WhatsApp messages will be in double figures, and I will be very responsive," Martin continued. "If something has gone well or badly, I will want to tell my boss, and he’ll be straight back."

And WhatsApp messages automatically delete after 24 hours unless you've specifically chosen to keep them. But it's not surprising that William--who values his privacy secrecy above all else--would choose a communication application where his employees have to spend their weekend time answering his questions at William's leisure, instead of enjoying their weekends or responding to said questions during regular working hours on weekdays.

How is this different than Meghan and her 5 a.m. emails?

Yeah, it's not surprising that Alastair Martin ditched William & his WhatsApp messages for the Duchy of Lancaster.

Yeah, it's totally possible for this article to blow up in their faces. Everyone knows the Duchy of Cornwall exists to give the heir a fortune to live on. £23 million per year, is it?

So trying to act as if the Duchy of Cornwall is now a humanitarian organization????

William has NO IDEA what "real change" is for "improving people's lives."

He takes at least 20 weeks of vacation per year, which is something most people do not get.

He receives £20+ million per year, which is also something most people do not get.

So, yeah, William is Marie Antoinette-ing it up, just like his wife.

All talk, no action.

And totally out of touch with the plebes.

[empiredesimparte]

Live broadcast of ‘Le Sacre de Napoléon V’ on the national channel Francesim 2, hosted by Stéphane Bernard

(Another journalist) Ah, we have news from the gala! (Stéphane Bernard) Indeed, the doors of the Château de Versailles are opening to welcome the Emperor's first guests. The setting makes everything more delightful: it is likely His Majesty's favorite residence. He spent much time there during his childhood. (Another journalist) Who are the guests, Stéphane?

(Stéphane Bernard) The Emperor has invited the most prominent heads of state, accompanied by their spouses or heirs, in the case of monarchies. We see Queen Viviana, whose country has very strong ties with ours. Similarly, the sovereigns of Uspana share what I would call a generational friendship with the Simparte family, dating back well before the restoration of the Francesim Empire.

(Other journalist) Here is Madame's fiancé! He is unaccompanied. (Stéphane Bernard) It is well known that the Imperial Household and the Duke of Rothsey went through a period of tension a few months ago. However, this should not be seen as a sign of the Emperor's grudge. It is simply the adherence to imperial protocol on this festive day. Nonetheless, I must acknowledge that the Duke, despite his undeniable poise and sharp mind, has not yet mastered the art of pleasing his entire in-laws.

⚜ Le Sacre de Napoléon V | N°2 | Francesim, Versailles, 27 Thermidor An 230

The guests arrive at the gala for the coronation of Emperor Napoleon V at Versailles. It was broadcast live on television by Stéphane Bernard, the famous journalist for the crowned heads in Francesim.

Beginning ▬ Previous ▬ Next

⚜ Guests at the coronation

TIM, Emperor David I and Empress Katalina of Pierreland (@officalroyalsofpierreland)

HRH, Prince Oliver, Duke of Rothsey (@officalroyalsofpierreland)

HIM, Queen Viviana II of the Ionian Union (@funkyllama)

TM, King Arnaut and Queen Lorraine of Uspana (@nexility-sims)

HM, Queen Anastasia of Carrington and HRH, Prince Hisirdoux, the Duke of Clois (@royalhouseofcarrington)

TRH, Crown Prince George, Duke of Everton and Crown Princess Anne, Duchess of Everton (@crownsofesha)

HRH, Margaret, the Princess Royal of Corrilea (@theroyalsofcorrilea)

HM, Queen Diana and HRH, Prince Gerhard of SimDonia (@bridgeportbritt)

HRH, Madame Royale Eleanor de Thornolie (@theroyalthornoliachronicles)

TM, King Giovanni and Queen Consort Cassandre (@royalhouseofcardsleyts4)

TIM, The High King and High Queen of the Presean Empire (@stthomaspalace)

TM, King George I and Queen Elizabeth of Illyria (@the-lancasters)

TRH, the Duke and Duchess of Marseille and Saint-Lyon (@sosa-royals)

HM, Rosalind II, Queen of the Armoricans (@armoricaroyalty)

HM, King Arthur of the United Kingdom of Prydain and Voltadelmar (@prydainroyals)

TRH, The Prince and Princess of Belen (@housekonig)

HIH,  The Princess Imperial Eliana of Alexandria (@thealexandrianroyals)

TM, Queen Najwa and King Abeni of Oasis Springs (@hrh-the-royals)

TRH, Crown Princess Emeline and Crown Prince Cedric of Whitmore (@whitmoreroyals)

TM, King Oliver and Queen Charlotte of Cedoria and the Isle (@thebaillieroyals)

TM, King James II and Queen Alibhe of United Kingdoms of Great Briton and Ériu (@trhor)

Her Majesty Queen Irene and HRH Prince James (@albanyroyals)

⚜ Traduction française

Les invités arrivent au gala du couronnement de l'Empereur Napoléon V qui a lieu à Versailles.

(Autre journaliste) Ah, nous avons des nouvelles du gala. (Stéphane Bernard) En effet, les portes du château de Versailles s'ouvrent et accueillent les premiers invités de l'Empereur. Le cadre rend tout plus agréable : il s'agit probablement de la résidence préférée de Sa Majesté. Il y a passé beaucoup de temps durant son enfance. (Autre journaliste) Qui sont les invités Stéphane ?

(Stéphane Bernard) L'Empereur a invité les plus grands chefs d'Etat, accompagnés de leur conjoint ou de leur héritier, pour les monarchies. On retrouve la reine Viviana dont le pays est très lié au nôtre. De même, les souverains de Uspana ont une amitié je dirais générationnelle avec la famille Simparte, bien avant le rétablissement de l'empire de Francesim.

(Autre journaliste) Voici le fiancé de Madame ! Il n'est pas accompagné. (Stéphane Bernard) Il est de notoriété publique que la Maison Impériale et le duc de Rothsey ont traversé une période de tensions il y a quelques mois. Toutefois, il ne faut point interpréter cela comme une rancune de l'Empereur. Il s'agit simplement du respect du protocole impérial en ce jour de fête. Néanmoins, je veux bien reconnaître que le duc, malgré sa prestance indéniable et sa tête bien faite, n'a pas encore maîtrisé l'art de plaire à l'ensemble de sa belle-famille.

[famefatales]

(  matthew  broome.  cisgender  man.  he/him.  )  look,  DEAN  LANCASTER  was  just  spotted  along  the  walk  of  fame.  the  twenty  nine  year  old  stunt  double  can  be  quite  destructive  towards  paparazzi,  but  fans  swear  they’re  fearless.  that’s  why  they’ve  been  dubbed  the  dirtbag  by  the  trades.  they  better  keep  their  bad  reputation  in  check,  because  once  the  hollywood  hunter  learns  [  redacted  ],  they’ll  be  forced  to  spill  their  guts.

dossier  !

full  name.  dean  everett  lancaster.  nicknames.  absolutely  not.  don't  even  try  it.  gender.  cisgender  man.  pronouns.  he  +  him.  age.  twenty-nine.  sexual  orientation.  bisexual  biromantic.  occupation.  stunt  double  and  pr  nightmare.  hometown.  bakersfield,  california.  birthday.  november  15th.  height.  6ft.  2in.  (188cm.).  body  modifications.  ear  piercings,  a  random  variety  of  small  tattoos  all  over.  reputation.  generally  negative:  known  to  start—and  finish—fights.  spoken  languages.  english.  family  tree.  travis  lancaster  (father,  absent),  jolene  lancaster  (mother),  cassie  lancaster  (younger  sister).

personality  !

he's  almost  as  reckless  as  the  tabloids  make  him  out  to  be:  brash,  impulsive,  seemingly  allergic  to  authority.  he  lives  for  adrenaline  but  avoids  emotional  vulnerability  like  it's  the  plague.  dean's  intensely  private  about  anything  that  actually  matters  (this  doesn't  include  very  many  things),  and  tries  to  lead  a  secretive  life  when  he  can.  despite  his  hot-headed  reputation  and  the  bad  press,  those  close  to  him  know  he's  fiercely  loyal  and,  frustratingly,  more  self-aware  than  he  lets  on.  he  has  no  real  interest  in  saving  face,  and  is  really  only  interested  in  staying  untouchable  emotionally,  professionally,  and  personally.

history  !

mentions:  absent  parent.

born  and  raised  in  a  trailer  park  just  outside  of  bakersfield,  california,  the  oldest  child  in  a  tight,  chaotic  household.  his  father  bailed  when  dean  was  nine.  his  mother  worked  two  jobs  and  held  the  family  together.   

dean  grew  up  fast—taking  car  of  his  siblings  and  mother,  skipping  school,  picking  fights  with  anyone  who  disrespected  his  family  or  the  place  he  came  from.  authority  never  meant  much  to  him,  especially  when  it  never  did  anything  for  him.  started  doing  dumb,  dangerous  stunts  as  a  teenager:  anything  from  bike  stunts  to  throwing  punches.  barely  had  the  grades  and  attendance  records  to  graduate,  but  managed  it  anyway.

moved  to  los  angeles  at  eighteen  with  nothing  but  a  busted  motorcycle  and  a  vague  plan  to  ‘make  it.’  couch-surfed,  scraped  by  on  odd  jobs,  and  eventually  landed  his  first  stunt  gig  after  doing  a  flip  off  a  hotel  balcony  into  a  pool.

got  a  reputation  for  being  volatile  and  impossible  to  insure,  but  was  damn  good  at  what  he  did,  and  that  was  enough  to  keep  getting  hired.  dean  clawed  his  way  into  the  industry  with  raw  talent  and  a  complete  disregard  for  personal  safety.  made  enemies  as  fast  as  he  made  contacts.

supports  his  family  financially,  especially  his  youngest  sister,  but  rarely  talks  about  it.  doesn't  want  credit,  just  wants  to  make  sure  they're  okay.

    .  .  .  wanted  connections  here.    .  .  .  headcanons  here.

[hisimmer0]

Meet Orlando and Scarlet Lancaster ♡ Noelle’s Parents

Orlando

42, Straight

Family Oriented, Ambitious, Goofball

Investor

Loves Horse-riding, Funding new Start-ups, Spending time with his family

Scarlet

39, Straight

Perfectionist, Art Lover, Insider

Humanitarian Ambassador

Loves Throwing parties, Finding new art pieces, Shopping, Yoga

This image perfectly describes their relationship, look at the smirk on Orlando’s face and Scarlet being annoyed. Scarlet's usually the serious, straight-laced one, while Orlando loves to play the joker. But their opposite personalities actually work well together. Orlando's fun-loving nature adds some much-needed lightness to Scarlet's orderly life, creating a balanced and harmonious relationship.

Their twenty-years of shared love and understanding began at a horse-racing competition. They attended this event with their parents, who turned out to be business partners.

As an investor, Orlando found his passion in owning shares from various businesses, while Scarlet channeled her creative energy into her own art gallery. A gift from Orlando on her 30th birthday.

Orlando loves her daughter to death. As a doting father, he would indulge Noelle with horse riding trips where they would invite Maddie as well and spend quality time together. He cherishes every moment with his little girl, ready to do anything for her happiness.

Scarlet initially had reservations about Noelle's friendship with Madeline, due to the rumors surrounding the Bellemore household. However, watching Madeline grow up, she came to see her as a second daughter. Madeline, in turn, found a mother figure in Scarlet, always knowing she could rely on her for advice or a listening ear.

[une-sanz-pluis]

At the highest social levels, there were the kings eldest sons (Henry and Thomas) who served with small retinues although they were only twelve and eleven years old, respectively. Although the princes were clearly too young to exercise effective command over large bodies of soldiers, there could not have been a better way of emphasising to both the English and their Scottish enemy the stability, and indeed virility, of the new regime than the king leading out an army alongside his two eldest sons, in succession to the childless Richard II. The symbolic value of such a formation would not have been lost on the king, but nor would the need to bolster the princes' divisions with men of high status and greater military experience, or at least greater age. In the groupings of Curson's particulars, Thomas of Lancaster is placed with the earl of Rutland, Walter, Lord Fitzwalter, and Richard, Lord Grey of Codnor. Meanwhile, Prince Henrys group contained units led by Edmund, earl of Stafford and William, Lord Ferrers of Groby, plus the 244 men-at- arms mustered by the treasurer and controller of the royal household, Thomas Tutbury and Robert Litton

Anne Curry, Adrian R. Bell, Andy King and David Simpkin, "New Regime, New Army? Henry IV's Scottish Expedition of 1400", The English Historical Review, Vol. 125, No. 517 (2010)

[blackboar]

Did Margaret beaufort say many times before Henry Tudor ascended the throne that my son would become king?

No, pardon my french but that’s complete bullshit.

Margaret Beaufort did not plan to make her son king until at best summer 1483. The white queen is very unrealistic in that aspect.

Margaret is an individual who have a familial loyalty and people whom she cares about beyond Henry, even though he certainly is her first concern. Margaret thinking that her son would be king is basically wishing the end of the House of Lancaster, and probably Beauforts and Holland, all whom do or could have a claim for the throne before Henry.

After 1471, we see no sign of Margaret attempting to push her son. In fact she clearly attempt to insert herself and her son in the triumphant Yorkist regime. She marry a influential lord close to power, she enter the queen’s household, she attempt to negotiate a settlement for her son.

It didn’t work for a decade because Margaret couldn’t garantuee her son’s safety in the Yorkist regime. Henry Holland’s weird death was probably a prime warning for her that reconciled Lancastrian pretenders could have a reduced chance of life expectancy in Yorkist England. There was probably third parties eager to see the Tudor heir die in exile and not return to claim his familial lands (like the Herberts, Clarence then Gloucester himself).

So she bid her time and negotiated what probably was a first step in 1482: a share of her mother’s inheritance. Edward IV died before final negotiations be made. She pushed her son king afterwards because it was the least bad option. Richard III was attempting to extradite him anyway and he was becoming a potential pretender with the new king’s flawed legitimacy. Negotiations were no longer possible.

I don’t think Margaret wanted her son to be king even after 1471. Every king she knew except Edward IV died violently and Edward himself came close numerous times. And that’s not even opening the issue of pretenders, wether overt or merely seen as potential ones. Their death rate was very high.

Hence why Hall claimed she cried during her son’s coronation: he was putting a big target in his back, she knew it and she was right considering he almost got killed weeks afterward. Anxiety probably swallowed her as her son was never completely safe and constantly facing rivals, plots, uncertainties, treasons, discontents and outright weirdos attempting to destroy him.

I personally think it’s not coincidence that she died months after him. Uncertainty kept her alive, fearful that his life would end with defeat and death. So when he died peacefully, albeit not painlessly, and the transition to her grandson was made, she knew she could leave at peace.

As an aside, if a show want to have an half-deluded character who desperately cling to the idea of making Henry king as ultimate vindication for his suffering, just pick Jasper (after 1471 though). He’s the one with big grudges toward Edward IV who personally executed his dad. He’s the one who can’t and probably won’t make peace with the Yorkist regime.

[f8foretold]

HUMANS / STEEL-BORN: the ruling class & family systems

The human/steel-born kingdom is currently ruled by 65 year old human king named Alaric. The human king king has three children (two sons and one daughter). Bertram (he/him) is the oldest at 40, Brenna (she/her) is the middle child at 38 and Drustan (he/him) is the youngest at 35. The king is hardened warrior who has fought in both international and civil wars. As per human tradition, he will not crown the next ruler until he passes of old age, is killed in battle, or until a knight challenges him in a duel for the crown and wins. His hatred for the elves is inspired by history, recent political matters and personal matters. After all, the elven king's wife killed his in battle before she, too, succumbed to her wounds.

Although there are 5 noble blooded families in the human kingdom, only the king is the king and the rest of the nobility acts as local lords that must ultimately report the king. Only the king and member of his family are allowed to have no last name. People are not allowed to have the same first name as the king's family. As for the other noble families, no wealthy people or commoners can have the same last name as the lower ranked (below #1) royal/noble families.

ROYAL FAMILY LIST & HIERARCHY

King Alaric & his children - thought to be descendants of the god Forgemaster, well rounded & fierce knights

The Armstrong family - a family of blacksmiths & bladesmiths that supplies both the royal families and the army with: weapons, shields, armor & tools

The Norwood family - a family of warriors & ranchers who are especially adept at fighting on horseback

The Wycliffe family - a family with a surprising number of ambidextrous people within it, especially skilled at dual-weapon fighting

The Lancaster family - considered the black sheep of the royal families, this family is new to the royal hierarchy, earning elevated status through prowess in battle. They've only been considered a noble family for the past 150 years.

RELEVANT & HELPFUL POSTS

Important locations & overview of gods here

Elves vs humans

Types of magic

FAMILY SYSTEMS / STRUCTURES (see under the cut)

Similar to elves in the sense they highly value family. Grudges and allies tend to be recorded in both official records and diaries and these relationships are passed down from one generation to the next. Because of this enemies and allies tend to remain somewhat stable/predictable for multiple generations.

culture tends to favor men since the Forgemaster was male and "men were crafted in the Forgemaster's image"... women & nonbinary people CAN become swordsmen but it isn't very common (women can become rulers, generals and heads of households but it isn't very common)

Heads of Household tend to be either the oldest of the family or a member of marrying age (humans typically get married in the 18-25 age range). Marriages help maintain alliances and help with a transition of power, with those most recently married gaining the choice to become Head of Household.

Royal Heads of Households serve on a diplomatic counsel, helping advice the king on both national and international matters. During times of war they act of Heads of Household.

Even non-royal families & poor families have Head of Households. For the middle and lower classes Head of Households are responsible for paying taxes and donating goods to their superiors as well as maintaining peace and order. If a family member breaks a law, the Head of Household is responsible for paying fines/bail as well as acting as the family lawyer in the court of law.

Wealthy families can elevate their status by marrying into a royal/noble family. They can also elevate their status become skilled forgemasters or skilled swordsman. They can demote their status by marrying a person of middle or lower class.

Royal/noble families can elevate their status by marrying into a noble family above theirs. They can demote their status by marrying a middle or lower class person.

Middle and lower classes can earn respect and elevate their status outside of marriage by being skilled scholars, forgemasters, and/or warriors.

[the-lancasters]

Goldsborough Palace, Windenburg

Previous| Beginning  | Next

Transcript under the cut

Robert - We asked to visit you today because I proposed to Alexandra during our trip to Lancaster Palace over the weekend, and she said yes

Elizabeth - Oh sweetheart! That is just wonderful! Congratulations

George - Yes congratulations. *as an aside* Though are you forgetting the act of parliament? The one where you need to gain my permission?

Robert - Not at all Father. But you weren't going to object anyway were you?

George - No. But you could have warned me.

George - Well this couldn’t have come at a better time now that I think about it. Weddings bring economic upswing - tourism rises too. 

Elizabeth - And weddings are such happy family occasions too -

George - I will have Yvonne arrange a meeting by the end of this week with the Master of the Household, the Archbishop, and I guess we’d better get the Prime Minister's office involved. They thought they were involved too late with Charles. They will want to have a say in the date- which is absolutely ridiculous but we will at least give them that illusion I suppose. Robert, what does your calendar look like for the rest of the month?

*George walks Robert over to the side while Alex looks a bit shell shocked*

Elizabeth - So, Alexandra! Have you given any thought to what style of dress you want to wear?

--

George - You don’t seem that surprised by this news. 

Elizabeth - Of course not, I knew what he was planning. I helped him with the ring in the end. But I didn’t know if she had accepted or not.

George - I guess it was inevitable really, after two years

Elizabeth - Do try and seem a little bit enthused George

George - Im not denying its a solid match - her aristocratic background, she's young, educated, scandal free-

Elizabeth - They are actually in love-

George – Not exactly the most important consideration here. But that father of hers has some strange notions that he likes to express at all opportunities. And the wife - 

Elizabeth - Yes, I know she's quite full-on

 George - Now we will have to host them so much more frequently. And at family events!

[isadomna]

The triangle Constance of Castile, John of Gaunt and Katherine Swynford

Part One

Katherine Swynford and John of Gaunt met whilst she was in the service of his first Duchess, Blanche, as a chamber servant. During this time, the two women were on close terms, for Katherine’s own daughter, Blanche Swynford, was placed in the same chamber as both Philippa and Elizabeth – the daughters of Blanche of Lancaster – and Gaunt was appointed as her godfather. Katherine was married to one of Gaunt’s retainers, Sir Hugh Swynford, who held a manor in Kettlethorpe in Lincolnshire. Hugh Swynford suddenly died, whilst serving John of Gaunt in Aquitaine. He left Kettlethorpe in the possession of Katherine and his son and heir Thomas, who was four years old. Hugh Swynford’s land and house were part of the Duchy of Lancaster, and as his Lord, John of Gaunt dutifully ensured the welfare of his family. He employed Katherine in his household as a ‘maistresse’ – a governess – to his daughters, and appointed her sister Philippa, the wife of Geoffrey Chaucer, to serve Duchess Constance.

In spring 1372, shortly after John of Gaunt paraded Constance through London, he gifted Katherine a generous sum of money. This is the first record of his direct association with her, and it is likely that around this time she became his mistress. Katherine’s conveyance of the news of Princess Catalina’s birth to the King suggests that she had been in attendance; having borne at least four children of her own at a young age, she would have been able to reassure and support Constance through her ordeal. But as soon as her own pregnancy became obvious, a pregnancy that could not have been her husband’s doing, she would have been obliged to resign her post and return to Kettlethorpe.

In 1373, the first son of the lovers couple, John, was born and given the surname Beaufort. Following his birth, John of Gaunt granted Katherine more money as well as a lucrative marriage agreement for her daughter Blanche. John Beaufort’s early years were probably spent at Kettlethorpe. The pattern of John’s grants to Katherine, some of them concerning its refurbishment, some of them handsome gifts, may indicate the dates of birth of their other children, and certainly suggests that the manor was being made a fit place for them to be brought up in. Kettlethorpe was a remote village with a tiny population, an ideal setting for discreet confinements and the raising of royal bastards whose existence was better kept secret – at least for the present.

Certainly the lovers were discreet, at least to begin with – had they not been, the world would soon have known of their affair, and we would not have to rely on inference and speculation in determining the circumstances in which it began. Costain argues that it was Katherine who insisted on secrecy in the early years of the liaison – she was, after all, newly widowed – but there were political imperatives to be considered too: John would not have wished to openly dishonour his new wife when all his hopes were centred on claiming the crown of Castile in her right. Thus the need for discretion was probably mutual, and it ensured that for some years to come, his affair with Katherine was conducted in secrecy and with great circumspection.

Sadly for those romantics who would prefer to believe that the Duke stayed true to Katherine within the limits of their adulterous relationship, there is some evidence that he had fleeting sexual encounters with other women during the course of it. In 1381, he was publicly to confess that he had committed the sin of lechery with Katherine herself ‘and many others in his wife’s household’. Probably John’s amours were fleeting and purely physical – and made no impact on his obviously deep feelings for Katherine Swynford.

Yet it appears that the Duchess’s Castilian ladies were already aware in 1373 that Katherine was John’s mistress. Their gossiping so annoyed the Duke that he packed them all off to Nuneaton Abbey, hoping that the Abbess would teach them discretion. If her ladies knew what was going on between the Duke and Katherine, the chances are that Constance did too.

By 1375 Katherine's position of influence with the Duke was becoming public knowledge. Although there are very few known instances of her exercising any powers of patronage, the Leicester records show that she occasionally used her influence for the benefit of others, while there is evidence to suggest that if she did ask favours from the Duke, it was usually for her own family members.

The public and liberal relationship that Gaunt and Katherine enjoyed after 1377 was due to Gaunt’s shift in position after the death of Edward III. He was the uncle of King Richard II, the most powerful noble in the country, a Prince, and even a King himself; he was powerful enough to conduct the affair without fearing the consequences. Katherine accompanied John of Gaunt that summer as he toured his extensive Duchy lands – the towns and villages where he was most at ease and felt confident in the love of the people. It was certainly at the request of John of Gaunt, within weeks of Richard’s ascension, that Katherine was granted two wealthy manor estates for life, in exchange for Gaunt’s county of Richmond. This generous gift – at the cost of his own property – is testament to Gaunt’s respect and love for Katherine Swynford in the late 1370s.

Sources:

Alison Weir, KATHERINE SWYNFORD: THE STORY OF JOHN OF GAUNT AND HIS SCANDALOUS DUCHESS

Helen Carr, THE RED PRINCE: THE LIFE OF JOHN OF GAUNT, THE DUKE OF LANCASTER

Images from youtube's video:

[thehistoryhaven]

KATHERINE SWYNFORD: THE SCANDALOUS DUCHESS

KATHERINE SWYNFORD (BORN KATHERINE DE ROET) WAS BORN 1349-50; SHE IS KNOWN AS THE DUCHESS OF LANCASTER, WIFE OF JOHN OF GAUNT, BUT HOW DID THE DAUGHTER OF A HAINAULT KNIGHT RISE TO SUCH A TITLE?

Early Life

KATHERINE WAS BORN 1349-50 LIKELY IN THE COUNTY OF HAINAULT. KATHERINE IS THE DAUGHTER OF PAON DE ROET, A KNIGHT ORIGINALLY FROM HAINAULT, HE CAME TO ENGLAND IN 1328 WITH PHILIPPA OF HAINAULT WHEN SHE MARRIED KING EDWARD III OF ENGLAND. HER MOTHER IS UNKNOWN. PAON TOOK PART IN THE HUNDREDS YEARS' WAR. IN 1349, PAON RETURNED TO HAINAULT TO SERVE MARGARET, COUNTESS OF HAINAULT, WHEN THE COUNTESS HAD TO FLEE TO ENGLAND DUE TO CIVIL WAR HE ACCOMPANIED HER. SHORTLY AFTER, ALL MENTION OF HIM DISAPPEARS.

KATHERINE HAD THREE KNOWN SIBLINGS: ISOBEL DE ROET, A NUN AND LATER A CANONESS, GEOFFREY CHAUCER, AUTHOR OF THE CANTERBURY TALES, WALTER DE ROET AND PHILIPPA DE ROET.

FROM THE YEAR 1352, KATHERINE AND PHILIPPA, HER SISTER WERE RAISED IN THE ROYAL HOUSEHOLD OF QUEEN PHILIPPA OF HAINAULT (MENTIONED EARLIER), THIS MAKES IT SEEM AS THOUGH THEIR MOTHER WAS DEAD. KATHERINE THEN WOULD'VE KNOWN ALL MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL FAMILY, INCLUDING HER FUTURE HUSBAND, JOHN OF GAUNT. KATHERINE UNDER THE QUEEN'S GUIDANCE WOULD'VE BECOME AN EXPERT IN PROTOCOL AND COURT ETIQUETTE.

First Marriage

IN OR ABOUT 1360, KATHERINE WAS PLACED IN THE HOUSEHOLD OF BLANCHE OF LANCASTER, DUCHESS OF LANCASTER AND FIRST WIFE TO JOHN OF GAUNT. IN 1466, JOHN OF GAUNT, AT THE REQUEST OF HIS WIFE ORGANISED THE MARRIAGE OF KATHERINE TO SIR HUGH SWYNFORD, A KNIGHT IN SERVICE TO JOHN HIMSELF.

KATHERINE AND HER HUSBAND HAD THREE CHILDREN, BLANCHE SWYNFORD, AFTER BLANCHE OF LANCASTER, DIED IN CHILDHOOD, SIR THOMAS SWYNFORD AND MARGARET SWYNFORD, WHO BECAME A NUN AT BARKING ABBEY.

BLANCHE OF LANCASTER, JOHN OF GAUNT'S FIRST WIFE DIES AGED 26, FROM CHILDBIRTH COMPLICATIONS OR PERHAPS THE PLAGUE. JOHN MARRIED CONSTANCE OF CASTILE ON SEPTEMBER 31ST 1368, WHO WAS THE DAUGHTER OF KING PEDRO I OF CASTILE AND LEÓN.

THREE YEARS AFTER THE DEATH OF BLANCHE OF LANCASTER, KATHERINE'S OWN HUSBAND, SIR HUGH SWYNFORD DIES. IN 1370, SIR HUGH WENT ON A MILITARY CAMPAIGN WITH JOHN OF GAUNT TO AQUITAINE. WHEN JOHN OF GAUNT RETURNED TO ENGLAND IN FALL 1371, SIR HUGH DID NOT COME WITH HIM DUE TO FALLING ILL. HE DIED IN AQUITAINE ON THE 13th OF NOVEMBER 1471.

KATHERINE, NOW A WIDOW, WAS GIVEN CONTROL OF HIS ESTATES IN COLEBY AND KETTLETHORPE IN LICOLNSHIRE, ENGLAND.

JOHN OF GAUNT'S MISTRESS

KATHERINE BECAME A MEMBER OF JOHN OF GAUNT'S NEW WIFE, CONSTANCE OF CASTILE. IR IS UNKNOWN WHEN EXACTLY JOHN AND KATHERINE BECAME LOVERS, BUT THE AFFAIR HAD DEFINITELY STARTED BY LATE 1372, AS KATHERINE AND JOHN'S ELDEST SON WAS BORN NO LATER 1373.

KATHERINE AND JOHN OF GAUNT HAD ONE DAUGHTER AND THREE SONS. THE CHILDREN WERE GIVEN THE SURNAME 'BEAUFORT' AFTER THE NOW DEMOLISHEE BEAUFORT CASTLE IN CHAMPAGNE, FRANCE.

JOHN BEAUFORT, 1ST EARL OF SOMERSET

HENRY, CARDINAL BEAUFORT

THOMAS BEAUFORT, DUKE OF EXETER

JOAN BEAUFORT, COUNTESS OF WESTMORLAND

KATHERINE IS GIFTED SEVERAL ESTATES AND AN ALLOWANCE FROM JOHN. IN 1381 JOHN IS FORCED TO BREAK IT OFF WITH KATHERINE AFTER THE PEASANTS' REVOLT, SENDING HER A QUITCLAIM.

ON THE 24th OF MARCH 1394, CONSTANCE OF CASTILE, DUCHESS OF LANCASTER AND SECOND WIFE OF JOHN OF GAUNT DIES. THE MARRIAGE HAD BEEN A POLITICAL ONE, BUT ENGLAND NEVER GAINS CONTROL OF CASTILE.

SECOND MARRIAGE

IN THE EARLY 1390S, BEFORE HIS WIFE EVEN DIED, JOHN OF GAUNT HAD RESUMED HIS AFFAIR WITH KATHERINE. IN 1396, TWO YEARS AFTER THE DEATH OF CONSTANCE OF CASTILE, JOHN OF GAUNT MARRIED KATHERINE, MAKING HER DUCHESS OF LANCASTER ON THE 13th OF JANUARY 1396. AFTER THE MARRIAGE TOOK PLACE THE FOUR CHILDREN OF KATHERINE AND JOHN WERE LEGITIMATE, NO LONGER SEEN AS ILLEGITIMATE (OR BASTARDS), THE CHILDREN WERE LEGITMIZED BY RICHARD II AND THE POPE.

AFTER HENRY BOLINGBROKE, JOHN'S ELDEST SON, BY BLANCHE OF LANCASTER, DEPOSED HIS COUSIN RICHARD II IN 1399, THE NEW KING HENRY IV INSERTED A PHRASE INTP THE DOCUMENTS THAT MADE HIS SIBLINGS LEGITMATE, 'EXCEPTA REGALI DIGNITATE' (EXCEPT ROYAL STATUS) WHICH SUPPOSEDLY BANNED THEM FROM THE THRONE.

JOHN OF GAUNT AND KATHERINE'S DESCENDANTS ARE IMPORTANT IN ROYAL HISTORY, WITH THE TUDOR DYNASTY BEING DESCENDED FROM THEM. JOHN OF GAUNT AND KATHERINE'S DAUGHTER, JOAN, WAS THE MATERNAL GRANDMOTHER TO TWO YORKIST KINGS, EDWARD IV AND RICHARD III

JOHN OF GAUNT PASSED AWAY ON THE 3rd OF FEBRUARY 1399, AND WAS BURIED NEXT TO HIS FIRST WIFE, BLANCHE OF LANCASTER. THEY WERE BURIED AT OLD ST. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL, UNFORTUNATELY THE GREAT FIRE OF 1666 DESTROYED THE CATHEDRAL.

KATHERINE SURVIVED JOHN OF GAUNT BY FOUR YEARS, DYING IN LINCOLN, ENGLAND ON MAY 3rd 1403 at around 53.

Katherine's Coat of Arms as Duchess of Lancaster, after her patron Saint, Saint Catherine who was also Saint Catherine of the Wheel.

[hildathesaint]

Hilda's herborium: Rose

Scientific name: genus Rosa with about 360 species

Country of Origin: China

Magical Qualities:

Enhances female intuition

Psychic work and dream work

Protection (having a rose with thorns helps with this)

Luck

Avoidance of conflict

Beauty

Confidence

Sexuality

Truth

Description

Rosa rubiginosa is the scientific name for rose. Roses belong to the Rosaceae family, and there are about 360 species in the genus Rosa. Erect bushes with stems are their defining characteristics.

Roses come in a variety of colours, such as red, white, yellow, blue, and many others. Roses are prized for their vivid colour, intricate petal arrangement, and fragrant scent. It also serves a functional purpose of slope stabilisation. The size of rose differs depending on the species. Roses are simple to grow since they are easily hybridised.

The majority of rose species are from Asia, while some are from Europe, North America, and other places.

Folklore

Roses have an extremely long history, with fossil evidence showing their existence over 35 million years ago. Around 5000 years ago, cultivation of roses is thought to have begun in China although it was only in the late 18th century that this type of rose made it to Europe. The cultivated roses from China were prized for their ability to bloom repeatedly each year and these cultivations ended up forming the base for most of the roses we see today after they were bred with hardy native roses.

Because of its bitter-sweet paradox of thorns and sweet smelling blooms, the rose earned its romantic associations. Love is both bitter and sweet, making the rose a perfect representation of it. The Greeks believed red roses were dyed by the blood of Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, after she cut her foot while running to attend the wounds of Adonis. Other myths suggest Cupid, God of Love, splashed white roses with his nectar thus turning them red. Either way, red too has strong associations with love and romance. Cleopatra strew roses across her room when she was with her lovers so they thought of her whenever they smelled one. Roses are commonly worn or used to during love spells to increase the power of the spell. Rose water and petals can be added to love baths to attract love and romance, while rose hips can be strung into a necklace to attract love. It is said that you can also take three (or more) green rose leaves and write the name of your lovers on each. The one that stays the green the longest is said to be the one.

Rose is also a plant of valor and protection. During the War of the Roses, both houses, Lancaster and York, adopted red and white roses to represent their houses. The red rose ended up later becoming the emblem of England. Rose petals and hips can be carried as a personal protective charms. In fact, they were often included in posies to ward off the Black plague. Rose petals around the home can calm personal stress and soothe household problems as well.

Quotes about roses

“A rose dreams of enjoying the company of bees, but none appears. The sun asks: ‘Aren’t you tired of waiting?’ ‘Yes,’ answers the rose, ‘but if I close my petals, I will wither and die.’” – Paulo Coelho

“The rose is a rose from the time it is a seed to the time it dies. Within it, at all times, it contains its whole potential. It seems to be constantly in the process of change: Yet at each state, at each moment, it is perfectly all right as it is.” – Paulo Coelho

“If I had a rose for every time I thought of you, I’d be picking roses for a lifetime.” – Swedish Proverb

“Roses fall, but the thorns remain.” – Dutch Proverb

“A single rose can be my garden… a single friend, my world.” – Leo Buscaglia

“How cunningly nature hides every wrinkle of her inconceivable antiquity under roses and violets and morning dew!” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

“When you have only two pennies left in the world, buy a loaf of bread with one, and a rose with the other.” -Chinese Proverb

[inky-duchess]

Sorry if these are silly question but I'm not a native :

1. Do households have names ? Like sometimes I read something like [whatever his name] is lord of house [name]

2.if they do have names are they named based on the surname of the family ?

3.and how to come up with a surname that fits both the character and the setting?

Thanks!

Households are a collection of the family and the servants who serve them. A House is the family. Houses did have names which were either the surname or the branch they belonged to. For example, the House of Plantagenet ruled England, until their cousins the Lancaster branch (Plantagenets descended from John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster/Son of Edward III) took over. The Lancasters still carried the name Plantagenet but they were known as the House of Lancaster. Later when their cousins took over, the descendants of the York branch were known as the House of York. When coming up with a House name, considering a name consider where the current family gain their right to the throne. If they are a direct line, monarch to heir, they will share the surname with their house.

[annachum]

Several things ASOIAF got right and wrong about depicting the Middle Ages ( my opinion )

I know more of those tv series than the books, so I'm just gonna go off with what I know about that Franchise so far

RIGHT :

. Feudalism - castles, titles, what have you

. Arranged marriages for diplomatic purposes - I mean, these are common amongst royals in the Olden Days. But those Royal parents/guardians wjth standards will also take in the 2 potential bethrothes' consent and personal compatibility into account. Also, forced marriages are widely frowned upon even in the Olden Days

. The roles of women in the Middle Ages : Women in the Olden Days partook in a variety of jobs - lower and middle class women then are often farmers, businesswomen, fishers, etc., while noble and royal women often handle their household estates/legions, gatekeep their castles while their male relatives in tow are off to a war, and several of them can actually physically fight as a form of self defense. ( look at Ellaria Sand, for starters )

. Cousin marriages : Happens often with royalty in the Olden Days

. Royal/noble fashions in feudalistic setting often akin to their house sigil colors and symbols/national flag colors and symbols

. Diplomatic councils in a nation/region/empire, where the representatives of those regions send at least one representative of that region to be in that council in a capital of that nation/empire ( that's a similar case with the Holy Roman Imperial council, for starters )

WRONG

. Lack of headdresses in the GOT series : Where are the hats, veils and headdresses in that TV series?! People in the Middle Ages often have headdresses and/or veils depend upon their social backgrounds and such

. Underage marriages : Now this is one thing I really don't like in the ASOIAF books. People in the Olden Days do often marry younger on average, but rarely ever under 16 ( legal age of marriage in the Olden Days up till 19th century ). In fact, many people in the Olden Days would be shocked if a 14 year old girl was pushed to marry a 21 year old ASAP for whatever reason ( yeah, the Romeo and Juliet tale angered MANY people even in the Middle Ages )

. Sibling, Uncle/Niece and Aunt/Nephew incest : Okay, while cousin marriages are common in the Olden Days, I doubt anyone with a sane mind even in the Middle Ages would be okay with siblings marrying each other. And uncle/niece and aunt/nephew marriages are VERY rare ( aka hardly ever happened )

. Younger sons of royal/noble houses often uphold important offices adjacent to their courts. That didn't happen much in ASOIAF, for some reason

. Ladies hardly ever survive childbirth in their early teens ( if ever ). Margaret Beaufort ( mother of Henry VII ) was an exception - she had Henry VII at around 14 and both she and Henry VII nearly died in childbirth. And that experience becomes so traumatic to her, that Margaret Beaufort never conceived more children ever again. That also contributed to why Margaret Beaufort becomes so hell bent on her son to gain power, because he was her only child and a one key route for the Lancasters to gain even more power. FYI the average of ladies to get married in the Olden Days up till 19th century was 16 to early 20s. They most often have kids between 18 to early to mid 20s.

. Castles in the Olden Days are often decorated with bright colors and banners, not dim with little lighting

Seriously, on a side note, Romeo and Juliet is supposed to be a precautionary tale of getting with a wrong person AND of what can go wrong in a courtship scene in the Middle Ages. Those Capulets in tow practically screwed Juliet over in more ways than one, and the karma they got was very much well deserved.