Guest Blog: Lisa J. Yarde

This week, we're welcoming author Lisa J. Yarde with the third book in her Moorish Spain series, Sultana: Two Sisters. The author will offer a free copy of the book to a lucky blog visitor. Here's the blurb:

In fourteenth-century Moorish Spain, two survivors of a devastating tragedy become captives sold into the harem of Sultan Yusuf of Granada. Once bound by a deep friendship, both slaves vie for Yusuf's heart and the future of his kingdom. 

A young Christian girl with a hidden heritage forges a new identity as Butayna. She becomes the mother of Yusuf's firstborn son and a beloved first wife. A Jewess forsakes her past, embraces the name of Maryam and bears Yusuf several children. A clash between former friends is inevitable, as each finds diverging paths in a dizzying rise to power. A deadly rivalry lies ahead for Butayna and Maryam. Only one heir may inherit Yusuf's throne and only one woman can claim the revered title of Mother of the Sultan.

**Q&A with Lisa J. Yarde**

You are terribly obsessed with Moorish Spain. Why have you chosen to write a six-part series set in that period?

It is beyond fascinating, a turbulent and bloody period in history where two faiths clashed over the destiny of a country, yet the fusion between them created the most stunning architecture, a rich gastronomic heritage and some of the most beautiful and friendly people in the world. Who wouldn't want to explore or write about such an amazing culture?

What's the inspiration behind Sultana: Two Sisters? 

I never envisioned writing a series. When I finished the first two novels and started connecting with readers, my standard response to questions about a  sequel was always, "Let's see how well these two do." Sultana and Sultana's Legacy have done pretty well; I'm awaiting the Turkish translations of both books beginning autumn 2013 and hope the audio books will be completed this year. My obsession with the history of Granada's rulers inspired me to write Two Sisters, but the characters of Yusuf's wives begged to have their story told.

Tell us about these women of Sultana: Two Sisters.

Both are based on historical figures, Butayna and Maryam, who were the slaves and later wives of Sultan Yusuf of Granada, the grandson of the protagonists in the earlier novels. Many of the women of Moorish Spain's last dynasty are unknown, but these two were noted for their vicious rivalry. Each bore Yusuf an heir; Maryam actually had two sons in quick succession, the first born ten months after Butayna's son entered the world. Before Yusuf died, he never named an heir. The stage was set for a showdown between these ladies. It didn't end so well.

In my telling, the women begin their lives as friends, but desperate circumstances drive them apart. Maryam blames Butayna for dreadful losses and allies herself with a powerful harem faction to ruin her rival. Butayna finds joy with her eventual husband, after some significant adjustments to a Moorish way of life, but she's never completely secure in Yusuf's love. Maryam is always watching for an opportunity to destroy the relationship between Yusuf and Butayna, and advance her eldest son's interests.

What's next for you?

Would it surprise anyone if I said more on Moorish Spain? Sultana: The Bride Price will be out in the coming winter. It's the story of Yusuf and Butayna's son, Muhammad. He married his first cousin to seal a breach within the family. Things pretty much went to hell right after that. Anyone who knows me well or has read some of my work understands that I don't write HEA stories. In the rare instance my characters do have a HEA, trust me, they have earned it after some serious tribulations. Once The Bride Price is done, it's on to a trilogy about Prince Dracula of Wallachia's father and two of his brothers in The Order of the Dragon and Sons of the Dragon. I'll come back to Moorish Spain in 2015 and finish up the last two books in the Sultana series.  Ambitious, I know. 

What surprises you most about your journey as a writer?

How much I still have to learn and how exciting it's been. The first time I received an actual email from a reader in 2010, I cried because the person wrote to me. I still respond to each reader inquiry I receive, just because I am always so thrilled and grateful to anyone who's taken a chance on my work. To have readers share their likes and dislikes, that's just the frosting on my cupcake. Every day brings new connections and opportunities to grow as a writer, and I'm excited by the challenges on the horizon. 

Lisa J. Yarde writes historical fiction inspired by the middle ages in Europe. She also moderates the Unusual Historical blog.           

New & Noteworthy: June 14

(Hello readers: New & Noteworthy is coming to you a week early this month, due to the HNS conference next weekend. In July we'll go back to the 3rd Friday of the month. -Heather)

• Blythe Gifford will be signing at the Romance Writers of America 2013 "Readers for Life" Literacy Autographing, Wednesday, July 17, 5:30–7:30 p.m. at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. Admission is free. More than 400 authors will be signing books with all proceeds going to support literacy. For more details, see http://www.rwa.org/literacy

• Ginger Myrick's newest release, Work of Art: Love & Murder in 19th Century New York, is now Work of Art tells the story of Del Ryan, a clairvoyant Irish immigrant whose fairytale rags-to-riches journey comes with an unexpectedly dangerous price. Read the full blurb and see reviews at: http://gingermyrick.com/books-by-ginger

• Lindsay Townsend's new novel Dark Maiden has also just been released and is available at several retailers. Described as "an interracial, multicultural, medieval historical romance with paranormal elements", you can read Chapter One at Lindsay's blog: http://www.lindsaytownsend.net/2013/06/release-day-for-dark-maiden.html

• Lisa J. Yarde’s Sultana: Two Sisters will be available in July 2013. Sultana: Two Sisters is the third book in her Moorish Spain series, which began with Sultana and Sultana’s Legacy. The new novel explores the turbulent history of two former friends, now dangerous rivals in a bid for one man’s heart and his kingdom. Visit Unusual Historicals on Thursday, June 13 and Sunday, June 16, when Lisa will discuss the novel, share the excerpt and give away a copy to one lucky winner.

• The following Unusual Historicals contributors will be at the Historical Novel Society's 5th North American Conference in St. Petersburg, Florida, June 21-23: Heather Domin, Stephanie Dray, J S Dunn, Kim Rendfeld, & Lisa Yarde. We look forward to seeing you there!

Excerpt Thursday: Sultana - Two Sisters by Lisa J. Yarde

This week, we're welcoming author Lisa J. Yarde with the third book in her Moorish Spain series, Sultana: Two Sisters. Join us on Sunday, when the author will offer a free copy of the book to a lucky blog visitor. Here's the blurb:

In fourteenth-century Moorish Spain, two survivors of a devastating tragedy become captives sold into the harem of Sultan Yusuf of Granada. Once bound by a deep friendship, both slaves vie for Yusuf's heart and the future of his kingdom. 

A young Christian girl with a hidden heritage forges a new identity as Butayna. She becomes the mother of Yusuf's firstborn son and a beloved first wife. A Jewess forsakes her past, embraces the name of Maryam and bears Yusuf several children. The clash between former friends is inevitable, as each finds diverging paths in a dizzying rise to power. A deadly rivalry lies ahead for Butayna and Maryam. Only one heir may inherit Yusuf's throne and only one woman can claim the revered title of Mother of the Sultan.

**An Excerpt from Sultana: Two Sisters**

“Moors! To arms!”

The terror laced in the voice from outside left Esperanza aghast. Her fingers tightened on the rosary until the golden cross cut into her palm. Moors in La Mancha! They had received no word of a renewal of the ageless conflicts between the Christians of Castilla-Leon and the Mohammedans with their false religion, who kept a tenuous hold on southern Spain from their stronghold at Granada. Her father would never have risked the arduous journey given any advanced knowledge. The danger their party faced now derived from the frequent raids, with which the Mohammedans drove terror into the hearts of Christians. How had they crossed la frontera between their kingdom and the towns at the outskirts of Castilla-Leon without detection?

“The men must protect us. Your husband has twenty in his pay for our protection.”

Miriam sneered. “And if the Moorish number is greater?”

“Then, Dios mío help us.”

“You may wait upon heaven’s grace. I intend to save myself and my child.” Miriam unlatched the bolt over the shuttered doors.

Esperanza grabbed her shoulder. “No, you can’t leave!”

Miriam shrugged her off and clambered down with Palomba perched on her hip. A streak of burnished orange blazed across the evening sky. Shadows darkened the rough-hewn walls of Alcaraz, their destination.

Esperanza hung back for a moment before she followed Miriam into the crisp, dry air. The tip of her boot stubbed against a low bar and plunged her into the dirt. Dazed, she pushed herself up on her palms and knees. Her fingers fisted in mounds of sienna-colored earth.

“Esperanza! Get up now!” Efrain Peralta steadied his skittish mount and reined in the horse near her, before he dismounted. His sharpened gaze reflected in eyes the color of burnished brass. He flung the folds of his rust-colored mantle behind his left shoulder and revealed a green samite pellote slit up to the inner thigh, worn with a gold belt and a dagger in a scabbard at his hip.

A sinewy ragged man, Efrain Peralta shared the diminutive stature of his daughter. Late evening sunlight framed him in a golden-orange glare as he strode toward her. Spurs affixed to his zapatos drew furrows across the soil. The dusty tips of the shoes peeked from beneath the hem of his mantle. Lines etched in his olive-brown features betrayed a year’s worth of misfortune. The dark brown hairs atop his head had lost their luster and begun a steady retreat from his sloped forehead. A full beard with flecks of gray almost hid the creases around his mouth. At fifty-six years old, his gnarled fingers and gangling arms coupled with a receded hairline gave him the appearance of a man burdened by age. His prideful gait and a strident tone hinted at the strength he retained.

She scrambled to her feet and clutched his arms. “Papa, what are we to do?”

He clasped her to him for the space of a heartbeat. “You must flee!”

She warbled, “Where, Papa? Where can I go? I won’t leave without you or Miriam!”

The first haven along their route might have been at Montiel. They had avoided the castle there, because the Cerdas held sway over its inhabitants. Most of the sparse settlements across La Mancha crowded around fortified defenses. Set on a wide plateau, Alcaraz abutted a rugged hill. Her father had hoped to reach the township this evening. The Mohammedans had held Alcaraz until a century ago, when the tide of the Reconquista under Alfonso VII of Castilla-Leon swept over the town and its castle. It could not offer refuge from the attackers, not when they approached from the same direction.

Gedaliah’s men had closed ranks and surrounded their charges. More than half the men brandished swords, while six others drew their crossbows. Before the Mohammedans could close another third of the distance, a lethal volley of bolts cut down three men at the lead. The Jews cheered, but a slight decline in the enemy numbers would not be enough.

Miriam stood silent beside her red-haired husband’s horse with Palomba. Their mutual gazes took in the approach of the Mohammedans, who drew their swords and whooped in spiteful glee. They showed no interest in minor losses and left the bodies where they fell. Faded light clung to the edges of their long, curved blades.

Esperanza strained for the sight of someone at the ramparts of Alcaraz. No denizen appeared at hand to witness the drama south of the township. Unimpeded, the formidable band of dark-clad Mohammedans drove their mounts across the meseta, the tableland of La Mancha.

Lisa J. Yarde writes historical fiction inspired by the middle ages in Europe. She also moderates the Unusual Historical blog. 

Guest Blog: Christina Phillips

This week, we're welcoming author Christina Phillips, with her latest title set in ancient times, Betrayed. Join us on Sunday, when the author will offer a free copy of the book to a lucky blog visitor. Here's the blurb:

In 51 A.D., Druid priestess Nimue is injured and enslaved by the hated Roman Legions. Even though she is drawn to her captor, she’s determined to escape and complete her mission for the Briton king and her duty to Arianrhod, the goddess she is bound to.

The tough Roman warrior who captures her is far from the brutal barbarian she expects. His touch inflames her desires and passion burns between them. Though Nimue does not accept her enslavement, her heart surrenders to her enemy. When Arianrhod appears to her in the form of an owl, Nimue knows the union is blessed.

Roman warrior Tacitus is enchanted by the fiery beauty who shows no fear and challenges him at every turn. Though enslaving her goes against his heart, he’s determined to make her his. No woman has ever heated his blood as she does. But when he discovers her true nature as one who actually communes with the gods, his loyalties are torn between his heritage and a woman who could destroy everything he’s ever believed in.

A Romantica® fantasy erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

**Q&A with Christina Phillips**

Thank you for having me on Unusual Historicals today to talk about my Roman/Druid romances set during the first century!

What is BETRAYED about?

BETRAYED is my third book set in ancient Britain which involve forbidden love between the locals and the Roman invaders. It follows on from FORBIDDEN and CAPTIVE but each book is a stand alone and can be enjoyed without having read the other books set in that world.

BETRAYED is Tacitus and Nimue’s story. Nimue, an acolyte of the moon goddess, appeared right at the very end of the second book, CAPTIVE, and she immediately fascinated me. While trying to protect the Briton queen she is captured by her bitterest enemy, but soon discovers the Roman tribune who’s enslaved her is far from the brutal barbarian she imagined. As for Tacitus, he’s never met a woman like Nimue before and has trouble accepting that this beautiful, ethereal woman could possibly be a warrior—let alone one of Rome’s deadliest enemies. I had a lot of fun tying these two up in knots!

Is BETRAYED based on historical fact?

While BETRAYED is pure fiction I have woven some historical facts into the storyline. Caratacus was king of the Catuvellauni tribe in south-east England when the Romans first invaded. After being ousted from his kingdom he travelled west into the mountainous lands of Cymru (modern day Wales) where he spent several years leading the rebellion against the invaders.

BETRAYED is set in the immediate aftermath of the last stand of Caratacus, when he led the rebellious Celtic tribes against the Roman Legions. Caratacus charges my heroine Nimue to save his queen and daughter and this is the mission she is pledged to complete at the start of the book.

Why choose druids?

It was more a case of the druids chose me! Maximus, the hero of my first book FORBIDDEN marched into my mind one night searching for his druid heroine. So then I had to research everything I could about druids, and discovered that there was very little actually out there. Most of the information we have on these elusive people come from contemporary Roman accounts. Since the Emperor Claudius was committed to eliminating every druid from the Empire, it seems fair to draw the conclusion that these accounts were likely biased.

We know they were widely respected as the priests of Celtic society, held responsibilities for lawmaking, were the keepers of knowledge and wisdom and were known as magicians. They were also, according to the Romans, the rallying force behind the rebellious tribes that inhabited Cymru and the Druidic stronghold on the Isle of Mon (now known as the Isle of Anglesey, off the west coast of Wales).

The Romans saw Druidism as a serious menace against the might of their Empire, and Claudius was convinced that as long as Druids remained in Britannia then rebellion and resistance would continue to flourish among the tribes.

Why do you include fantasy elements in your historical romances?

It’s an odd thing, but it wasn’t something I consciously set out to do. I’ve always loved reading paranormal and fantasy books since I was a child and when it came to my Roman/Druid books weaving mystical elements into the storyline came very naturally to me.

So I decided to ignore the references that depicted druids as bloodthirsty savages. In my world the druids are highly educated and live in an equilateral society. But their gods and goddesses are a powerful force to be reckoned with. They have no intention of disappearing into the misty streams of time simply because a new culture and new pantheon have invaded their land.

What other books can we expect from you?

The fourth book set in this ancient world, TAINTED, is due to be released from Ellora’s Cave shortly. Again, this is a stand alone book and is set eleven months after BETRAYED finishes. This time, just to mix things up a bit, my heroine is a Roman patrician who falls in love with a Celtic warrior.

This week sees the release of a dark Regency romance, BLOODLUST DENIED, from Ellora’s Cave. Although the Regency is far from an unusual period in history, my hero is a vampire duke and his heroine is a Maiden of Death who hunts vampires J It’s my sexiest book to date and the first chapter is up on my website.

At the moment I’m working on the second book in my Highland Warrior Chronicles. These books have been acquired by Ellora’s Cave and feature gorgeous Scot warriors and their brave Pictish princesses. The books are set in the ninth century during the turbulent time when both Scot and Viking coveted Pictland. The first book, HER SAVAGE SCOT is with my editor and I’m looking forward to its release!

Learn more about author Christina Phillips:

Website

Facebook  

Twitter

Goodreads

Read Betrayed at:

Ellora’s Cave Publishing   Amazon

Amazon UK   Nook   ARe   Kobo

I have an e-copy of BETRAYED to give away to one lucky commenter on this post. Just leave a comment or let me know – if you could travel back in time, where and when would you go and why?

Excerpt Thursday: Betrayed by Christina Phillips

This week, we're welcoming author Christina Phillips, with her latest title set in ancient times, Betrayed. Join us on Sunday, when the author will offer a free copy of the book to a lucky blog visitor. Here's the blurb:

In 51 A.D., Druid priestess Nimue is injured and enslaved by the hated Roman Legions. Even though she is drawn to her captor, she’s determined to escape and complete her mission for the Briton king and her duty to Arianrhod, the goddess she is bound to.

The tough Roman warrior who captures her is far from the brutal barbarian she expects. His touch inflames her desires and passion burns between them. Though Nimue does not accept her enslavement, her heart surrenders to her enemy. When Arianrhod appears to her in the form of an owl, Nimue knows the union is blessed.

Roman warrior Tacitus is enchanted by the fiery beauty who shows no fear and challenges him at every turn. Though enslaving her goes against his heart, he’s determined to make her his. No woman has ever heated his blood as she does. But when he discovers her true nature as one who actually communes with the gods, his loyalties are torn between his heritage and a woman who could destroy everything he’s ever believed in.

A Romantica® fantasy erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

**An Excerpt from Betrayed**

An eerie chill trickled along Nimue’s spine, causing the hair to rise on the back of her neck and arms. Without thinking she leaped to her feet, dagger once again in her hand. But it wasn’t a lone legionary who had caught her so unawares. It was a mounted Roman officer, in a flowing scarlet cloak, with his shield in one hand and sword in the other.

For a moment all she could feel was the erratic thud of her heart in her ears, the uneven gasp of her breath in her throat. The sun dazzled her, glinting off the polished metal of his armor as he stared down at her, and obscurely she noted his impressive biceps, his muscles flexing as he urged his horse forward.

Flee. The command whispered in her mind, faint and insubstantial. But the treacherous rocks on her right, the fast flowing stream at her back and the steep bank on the far side did not offer her a speedy escape. But somehow she had to lead him farther away from the queen and princess. Except he had effectively trapped her by the edge of the stream.

Yet even as the weight of her responsibility tormented her conscience, she couldn’t drag her fascinated gaze from the Roman. His face was hard, autocratic, unsmiling. The face of countless Romans, and yet like none she had ever seen before. His eyes were narrowed, his strong jaw shadowed. And the tip of his sword was a mere arm’s length from her face.     

“Surrender to the might of the Eagle,” he said in the ancient Celtic language of her people. His voice was deep, sensuous, and dark embers stirred between her thighs, as if she faced a brave warrior of Cymru instead of a cowardly barbarian of Rome. “And you shall remain unharmed.”

Her palm was sweaty around her dagger and she tightened her grip before it slipped from her grasp. She might not have a chance against this Roman but she would never surrender to him. And she would never willingly give up her weapons, either.

“I would sooner die fighting you,” she said in Latin, just to show him she was no ignorant native of a fractured land. Her mother had taught her the language well. “Than surrender my freedom to your filthy Emperor.”

She had no freedom under Rome. As soon as they discovered she was a Druid, her life would be forfeit. Crucifixion was terrifying enough, but it was the torture she would doubtless endure beforehand that shriveled her soul.

His black stallion whickered, pawed the ground, but the Roman did not break eye contact nor did his sword waver.

“Brave words, little Celt.” Still he spoke in her language, and disbelief unfurled through her breast at the tone of his voice. Did he find her challenge amusing? “But I don’t fight women.”

She ignored the threat of his sword and stepped forward, her dagger on clear display. He had no right to enter her land and then mock her prowess as a warrior. Just because she did not possess the brute strength of a full-grown male didn’t mean she lacked dexterity or speed. She glared up at him, wishing, obscurely, she could see the color of his eyes.

“Why? Are you afraid I may unman you?” Why was she trying to raise his ire? Wouldn’t it make more sense to beg for freedom? Pretend to be a mere peasant, caught up in this revolt? Perhaps, then, he would allow her to escape without persecution?

Even as the thought teased her mind she knew the silver bracelets on her wrists, the torque at her throat and jewels in her ears plainly branded her as anything but a peasant.

For one brief moment the corner of his lips quirked, as if he found her not only amusing but highly entertaining.

“I believe,” his voice was a seductive caress along the naked flesh of her arms, the exposed swell of her breasts. “I am more than man enough for you, Celt.”

Reviews

“The author creates a world full characters that jumped of the page. I am no scholar of ancient Britain but she appears to have done a lot of research into the customs, religion and medicinal uses of various herbs etc. of the time…

“I recommend this novel to all lovers of erotic romance, especially those who like a historical theme and a strong heroine and a leading man who is the embodiment of male sexuality and virtue. I am looking forward to the next book in the series, Tainted.” 5 Stars A Readers Review

“I hungered desperately for them to come to an understanding, to bridge the divide between their cultures but I must admit for a few moments I wasn't even sure if it was going to happen, leaving me biting my nails for quite a few pages!

“If you enjoy historical romances with some steam, you are sure to enjoy this and I would expect most romance readers to enjoy it. Although the setting is gripping and enthralling, Ms. Phillips manages not to dictate a history lesson to the reader but simply draws you in, allowing the focus to stay on the two most important people.” 5 Stars Love Lust and Lipstick Stains

Learn more about author Christina Phillips:

Website

Facebook  

Twitter

Goodreads

Read Betrayed at:

Ellora’s Cave  Publishing   Amazon

Amazon UK   Nook   ARe   Kobo

Betrayed Book Trailer

Betrayed YouTube url: http://youtu.be/-ZNznIYK-dw

Public Entertainment: The Rose Theatre, Bankside 1587-1606

By Anita Davison

In 1989, workmen constructing an office building on Bankside unearthed the remains of one of London’s earliest theatres after The Globe.  These remains came under threat, until a campaign to save the site was launched, and thus the building was suspended, leaving the theatre’s remains conserved underneath, kept dark to prevent algae growth and covered in sand, cement and water.

The Rose Theatre, Bankside

During excavation, the theatre was discovered to be polygonal, with a yard that sloped forwards; the stage itself unexpectedly shallow and tapering at the sides. The Museum of London staff found more than 700 small objects which are now housed in the museum, including jewellery, coins, tokens and fragment of the money boxes used to collect entrance fees from the audience.

William Shakespeare

Portions of the theatre's foundations, under the ingressi (wooden stairs leading to the galleries), were found to be littered with fruit seeds and hazelnut shells. When combined with cinder and earth, these shells provided a tough floor surface - so tough, that 400 years later archaeologists had to take a pick axe to it to penetrate it. 

The hazelnuts were probably not eaten, the nutshells being brought to the site from a nearby soapworks, where the kernels were crushed for their oil.

Plans are in place to complete the excavation and open it to the public permanently, in the meantime there is an exhibition, accessed from Park Street.

 

Building of The Rose

Bankside in the late 16th Century was the area south of the River Thames reached by the old London bridge, notorious for its brothels, bull and bear baiting arenas and gambling dens. 

Little Rose was the name of a boggy area that contained substantial rose gardens and two buildings, leased by Philip Henslowe, a property developer from the parish of St. Mildred, whose business investments included starch-making and pawn-broking.

Together with a grocer named John Cholmley, and a carpenter called John Griggs, Henslowe built the first purpose-built playhouse to stage a production of Shakespeare's plays in 1587. 

Cholmley used one of the buildings as a storehouse, while Henslowe leased the other as a brothel. The new theatre was a fourteen-sided polygon of about 72 feet in diameter, constructed of timber, with a lath and plaster exterior and thatched roof.

 

The Rose Excavations

This was the fourth public theatre after The Red Lion, [1657] The Theatre [1576], the Curtain [1577], and the one at Newington Butts [1580]. Building these playhouses in Southwark put them outside the jurisdiction of the City of London's civic authorities.

These were open-air "public" theatres who charged a penny paid for entry. The three other London theatres, Blackfriars [1599], the Whitefriars [1608] and the Cockpit [1617], and the Salisbury Court Theatre [1629] near the site of the defunct Whitefriars were smaller, enclosed buildings for smaller audiences and charged more for entry.

In 1592, Henslow’s step-daughter married the actor Edward Alleyn and by 1593, Alleyn was associated with two theatre companies, Lord Strange's Men and the Admiral's Men who staged performances at The Rose. Alleyn certainly performed the roles of Tamburlaine and Doctor Faustus, and he probably also played Barabas in The Jew of Malta.  

The Rose soon needed enlarging to allow another five hundred spectators. This enlargement work was done by the builder John Grigg, who gave the theatre its distorted shape, described as ‘bulging tulip’.

Between 1592–4, severe outbreaks of bubonic plague closed the London theatres, so the companies were forced to tour to survive. Some, like Pembroke's Men, fell on hard times. By the summer of 1594 the plague had abated, and the companies re-organized themselves, principally into the Lord Chamberlain's Men and the Admiral's Men. The latter troupe, still led by the actor Edward Alleyn, resumed residence at the Rose.

Henslowe kept meticulous accounts and diaries during his management of the theatre company, including the costs of costumes and payments to playwrights, and the licensing fees to the Master of the Revels. He mentions in his diaries a lady he refers to as, ‘Black Luce’ who was one of his tenants and apparently kept a brothel.

Lucy’s name appeared in a number of texts, including the ‘Gray's Inn Christmas Festivities’ when the students ruled the Inn for the day, appointing a Lord of Misrule called the Prince of Purpoole. Shakespeare performed at the Inn at least once, as his patron, Lord Southampton was a member.

 

Edward Alleyn-Actor

Perhaps Shakespeare knew of Lucy through her acquaintance to Henslowe and The Rose, which could indicate she may have been the mysterious ‘Dark Lady’, Shakespeare mentions in his plays. His sonnets, Nos 127-154, are known as the “Dark Lady” sonnets where the poet mentions a mysterious woman with black hair and "raven black" eyes. Phebe in As You Like it, says "He said mine eyes were black and my hair black"

However, there was more than one dark lady in London during the late 16^th century, so who knows, but these are interesting coincidences.

The repertory who played at The Rose included Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus, Jew of Malta and Tamburlaine the Great, Kyd’s Spanish Tragedy and Shakespeare’s Henry VI part I and Titus Andronicus.

Prompted by complaints from city officials, the Privy Council decreed in June 1600 that only two theatres would be allowed for stage plays: The Globe Theatre on Bankside, and the Fortune Theatre in Middlesex Thus the Rose fell out of use and by 1606 was abandoned as a theatre as the lease had run out, so was most probably demolished.

The Rose

Museum of London
Anita's Blog

Anita Davison is a Historical Fiction Author whose latest release, ‘Royalist Rebel’ a biographical novel set in 17th Century England, is released by Claymore Books under the name Anita Seymour