The English Heritage Podcast Episode 139 - Thomas, Earl of Lancaster and Dunstanburgh Castle
Nov 25, 2021
Join Jeremy Ashbee, Head Historic Properties Curator at English Heritage, as he dives into the intriguing life of Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, and the monumental Dunstanburgh Castle he built. Discover the political turmoil surrounding Thomas, his rivalry with Piers Gaveston, and the fiery confrontations that marked his legacy. Explore the architectural grandeur of Dunstanburgh and its connections to Arthurian legends. Was Thomas a martyr or a misfit? Ashbee unravels how this controversial figure has been shaped by history and myth alike.
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Episode notes
Thomas's Royal and Military Standing
- Thomas Earl of Lancaster was royal family but far from the throne's line of succession.
- He was admired in youth particularly by Edward I for his military qualities.
Edward II and Piers Gaveston's Bond
- Edward II's closest relationship was with Piers Gaveston, the king's controversial favourite.
- Contemporary accounts hint at intimacy but avoid explicitly labeling it a homosexual relationship.
Piers Gaveston Sparks Noble Outrage
- Piers Gaveston's low birth and arrogance as Edward II's favourite alienated the nobles.
- His repeated exiles and return with elevated status fueled intense baronial opposition led by Thomas Lancaster.
