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IMC 2011: Sessions

Session 1628: Royal Authority, II: Brothers and Sisters

Thursday 14 July 2011, 11.15-12.45

Sponsor:Haskins Society for Anglo-Saxon, Anglo-Norman, Angevin & Viking History
Organiser:Beth Thomas, St Andrews Institute of Mediaeval Studies, University of St Andrews
Moderator/Chair:Joanna Huntington, Lincoln School of Humanities & Performing Arts, University of Lincoln
Paper 1628-aHenry II's Sons: Brothers in Arms and Brothers at Arms
(Language: English)
Elizabeth Anderson, School of Music, Humanities & Media, University of Huddersfield
Index terms: Administration, Gender Studies, Politics and Diplomacy
Paper 1628-bThe Lion and the Dove: Richard and Joanna of England
(Language: English)
Beth Thomas, St Andrews Institute of Mediaeval Studies, University of St Andrews
Index terms: Administration, Gender Studies, Politics and Diplomacy
Paper 1628-cSiblings in War, Siblings at War: Gender and Rulership in William of Malmesbury's Depictions of Robert of Gloucester and the Empress Matilda
(Language: English)
Colleen Slater, Borough of Manhattan Community College, City University of New York
Index terms: Gender Studies, Genealogy and Prosopography, Historiography - Medieval
Abstract

This session will re-evaluate the turbulent events of the late 12th century through the lens of sibling relationships. While the often tumultuous relationships of the members of the Angevin Royal house are well-known, the papers in this session will more closely examine the roles of fraternal strife and fraternal harmony on royal authority and influence. Also explored will be the role of the arguably more amicable but no less politically significant relationships between Angevin brothers and sisters, with the intention of shedding some light on the position of princesses in relation to the kingly power of their fathers and brothers. Overall, these papers will endeavour to more closely assess the marriage of politics and family.