When we think of medieval kings, we often imagine them as powerful rulers who spent their days fighting wars, making political alliances, and dealing with the affairs of state.
However, these rulers also had personal interests and hobbies that were just as important to them as their official duties. In this article, we will explore some of the lesser-known passions of medieval monarchs and how they shaped their reigns and relationships with their subjects.
One of the surprising facts about medieval kings is their passion for the arts. Many monarchs were not only patrons of the arts but also talented artists themselves. For example, King Henry VIII of England was an accomplished musician and composer.
“Henry VIII’s passion for hunting was well-known, and he spent a great deal of time and money pursuing the sport. He was an expert marksman and loved to hunt deer, wild boar, and other game. His love of hunting was also tied to his image as a virile and powerful monarch, and he used it to project a certain image to his subjects.” – Suzannah Lipscomb, author of “The King is Dead: The Last Will and Testament of Henry VIII.”
He played several instruments and even wrote songs and musical pieces. His love for music was so great that he established a court band and invited some of the most talented musicians of his time to perform at his court.
King Henry’s daughter, Queen Elizabeth I, was also a patron of the arts. She loved music, poetry, and theater and even wrote some plays herself. She often invited actors and playwrights to perform at her court, and her support for the arts helped create the golden age of English literature.
In addition to the arts, medieval kings were also known for their love of sports. Jousting, a popular form of knightly combat, was a favorite pastime of many monarchs. King Henry II of England was an avid jouster and held many tournaments during his reign. He even died as a result of injuries sustained during a jousting match.
Hunting was also a popular activity among medieval kings. King Edward II of England was particularly fond of hunting and often spent weeks at a time in the forests, pursuing deer and other game. Hunting was not only a way for monarchs to demonstrate their wealth and power but also a way to bond with their fellow nobles.
Another passion of medieval kings was gardening and horticulture. Many monarchs were avid gardeners and spent a great deal of time and money creating and maintaining gardens and parks. For example, King Louis XIV of France was known for his love of gardening and created the famous Palace of Versailles gardens.
In England, King Henry VIII was also passionate about gardening and created several impressive gardens and parks, including the famous Hampton Court Palace Gardens. He even imported exotic plants from abroad and experimented with new horticultural techniques.
In conclusion, medieval kings had many hidden hobbies and passions that were an important part of their lives. These interests not only provided them with personal satisfaction but also helped to shape their reigns and relationships with their subjects.
By supporting the arts, engaging in sports and outdoor activities, and cultivating gardens and parks, medieval monarchs were able to connect with their people in new and exciting ways.
“Richard II was an accomplished musician and music lover. He surrounded himself with talented musicians and owned a collection of instruments, including lutes, harps, and organs. His love of music was an important part of his reign, and he used it to create a sense of grandeur and majesty at court.” – Helen Deeming, author of “Music in the Medieval English Liturgy: Plainsong and Mediaeval Music Society.”
Even though many centuries have passed since these rulers lived, their legacies and contributions to history continue to fascinate us today. By uncovering these hidden hobbies and passions, we can gain a better understanding of the lives and personalities of medieval kings and appreciate the many ways they contributed to the culture and society of their time.
“Edward II was a keen gardener, and he spent a great deal of time tending to the gardens at his various residences. He was particularly interested in growing herbs for medicinal purposes, and he kept a detailed account of the plants he grew and their uses. His love of gardening was one of the few areas of his reign where he was able to find some peace and satisfaction.” – Ian Mortimer, author of “The Greatest Traitor: The Life of Sir Roger Mortimer, Ruler of England 1327-1330.”