The Archer's Lady
Copyright© 2021 by TonySpencer
Introduction
Introduction and cast of characters
This story is a continuation of two previous historical romance stories, the first a short Novell the other a novel, entitled “The Archer” and “The Archer’s Apprentice”.
Familiar characters, some are fictional (the real ones can easily be found online) The year is 1125
Robert “Robin” Archer of Oaklea, was born in February 1103, now 22
Lady Elinor, born March 1103, also age 22
Sir William Archer, father of Robin, Sheriff of Bartonshire, born in Wales 1086, now 39
Alwen, half-sister of Robin and wife of Will Archer born 1091, now 34
Father Andrew, parish priest of Oaklea born 1060, now 65
Hugh Smith, one of the bastards of Oaklea, born November 1102, now 22
Count Gervaise the Short, Lady Elinor’s husband, born 1077, now 48
King Henry I of England, youngest son of The Conqueror, born 1068, now 57
Rebecca of the Red Hand, 1094, now 31, Jewish banker, daughter of the late Jacob, born in Bristol, long-time family friend of the Archers and banker to Kings and Abbots.
New characters Empress Matilda “Maudie”, daughter of Henry I, widow of Henry V Holy Roman Emperor (1086-1125) born 1102: age 23, widowed, childless
Queen Adeliza “Adele” of Louvain, Queen of England, devoted wife of Henry I, married 1120, born 1103 now 22, childless
Margrett Lady Pitstone, Common Law wife of Henry I, Mother of Elinor, born 1076, now 49
The Black Knights, an order of about 150 black shielded knights who guard and support King Henry on a rotation basis; after some time in service they are granted arms and manors in gratitude by the King.
Squires Alain, Gilbert, Giles, Jaimes are Breton Squires who lost their knights in battle, were abandoned, but Lady Elinor has just taken them into her service.
Black Friars, are conventional monks from monasteries who work with Rebecca to maintain and protect trade, paying bills and passing on deposits and loans and use her banking services for insurance and finance. Usury (charging bank interest) was forbidden by Canon Law and both Christians and Mohammedans used Jewish bankers for guaranteeing payment in international trade and financing investments, as did Cathedrals, Monasteries, Convents, Royal and Duchal governments.
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