[From the Effigy.]
486. Eleanora of Castile. Surnamed The Faithful. First Queen of Edward I., of England.
[Born in Castile, 1243. Died at Grantham, 1290. Aged 47.]
A queen who has been described as “a loving mother to our nation, the column and pillar of the whole realm,”—godly, modest, merciful. The united influence of loveliness, virtue, and sweet temper, inspired in the heart of her renowned lord an attachment as deep as it was true. She was the mother of the first Prince of Wales. When, in 1269, her husband took up the Cross, Eleanora resolved to share the dangers of his Syrian campaign. Her ladies of the Court endeavouring to dissuade her from the journey, she replied, “Nothing ought to part those whom God has joined; and the way to heaven is as near, if not nearer, from Syria, as from England or my native Spain.” She was a patroness of literature and art, and civilisation advanced under the auspices of her well-regulated Court. Taken ill at Grantham, whilst her husband was in Scotland, she expired there. Edward followed her body thence to Westminster in the bitterest grief, and on the spot marked by the close of every stage, vowed to erect a cross in memory of his chère reine. The crosses of Northampton and Waltham still remain, models of architectural beauty. Charing Cross was the last resting-place before the body was carried into Westminster Abbey.
[From the Effigy.]
487. Henry VII. King of England.
[Born 1456. Died 1509. Aged 53.]
A monarch whose greatest vice was avarice. He was inordinately fond of money. He had 14,000l. a-year allowed him by his first Parliament for his Household expenses, and 2000l. a-year for his wardrobe; yet he left behind him a sum equivalent to 16,000,000l. at the present day. With no worse quality than avarice, he had no quality that can be called great. He was brave, politic, attentive to business, reserved, suspicious. His chief merit consisted in closing the civil wars, and securing peace and order in the country. He died at Richmond, and was buried in the magnificent chapel at Westminster, erected by himself. He also built “The Great Harry,” the first ship in the English Navy, ships before this time having been hired or pressed from merchants. It cost 14,000l. The King seems to have had remorse for his rapacity on his death-bed. He issued a general pardon for all offences, released all debtors, himself paying the debts of many; converted the Palace of the Savoy into an hospital; built several religious houses; and ordered restitution to be made to all men whom he had wronged by his extortions. It is unnecessary to state that his successor being his son, Henry VIII., not the slightest effect followed from the “restitution” clause.
488. Elizabeth. Queen of England.
[Born 1533. Died 1603. Aged 70.]