Thursday, May 17th Year of our Lord 1498

Grandmother has given me these sheets with instructions I must write every day. I know not what I shall write about, as my life is quite the same from day to day - assisting my lady mother, lessons from Grandmother, perhaps some riding on Angel if I am lucky enough to sneak out. Otherwise endless chores - sewing, sewing, and more sewing! But Grandmother insists I must improve my script and get in the practice of keeping a day book, as my lady mother does in managing the house. And what Grandmother says, I perforce do! As do we all - in this household, Grandmother is the final authority.

Grandmother would say I am writing like a scatterbrain. She thinks I should concentrate more, sit still longer, speak more deliberately. I can't help it if ideas and words and motions just come tumbling out of me! When I must sit and be ladylike, I think I shall scream!

But I haven't introduced myself yet. My name is Elizabeth Isabella Boynton, daughter of Henry and Isabella Boynton of Sedbury. And granddaughter of Agnes Scrope Boynton Ratcliffe. This is my eighth summer.

Sad to say, I am so far the only living child of my parents, who grieve at each season that passes without bringing another babe into the world. I am the big sister to two of God's angels and younger sister to another. I wonder why God calls them away when it grieves my parents so? And why God leave me here to sew! I wonder, is there mending in heaven? Grandmother calls.

Saturday, May 19th

Nothing to write today. Gathered herbs for the cold room today under Grandmother's watchful eye. Mended (another!) rip in my every day kirtle.

The Lord's Day, May 20th

My lady mother and Grandmother are arguing again. They don't think I can hear them, but I can't help it. That's not eavesdropping, is it? If they didn't want me to hear, they shouldn't speak so loudly. Anyway, it is nothing I haven't heard before. Mother says I should be sent to live with the Percy's in far off Alnwick. She thinks it will help make an advantageous marriage for me. Grandmother insists I should be sent to Merrick Priory to learn from the sisters. She thinks it will be good for my soul. Father has stayed neutral in this debate so far, with the result that I have stayed with my own family.

And what about me? I don't like it when Mother and Grandmother argue, and I especially don't like it when they argue over me. I wish someone would ask my opinion, but in truth, I'm not sure what I would say. I LIKE living with my family, but sometimes it is dull here. I am the only child in the house and it would be nice to live somewhere with more children. I will have to think more on this.

Tuesday, May 22nd

I will have something to record after all! Grandmother has decided I am old enough to go to York to attend the Corpus Christi celebration! My lady mother has her doubts - one would think all evil dwelled in York - but Grandmother is determined. Grandmother believes the plays will be good for my soul. I believe the plays will be FUN! We leave in just 4 days!

Wednesday, May 23rd

Since I am to come too, the whole household will move to York. Even though we go through this every several months as we move to another manor, it sets the whole house in an uproar. At least it has stopped, for the moment, the running argument between my lady mother and Grandmother about where I am to foster!

I am called to pack.

Friday, May something or another!

Grandmother is vexed. I have not written every day. But how can I write we are packing? I just sit down to write when Tam comes and takes the table to be loaded on the wagon! Tomorrow we leave!

Saturday, May 26th

I am so sore I can barely hold myself up, not to mention smile politely at my cousins. (You are a good excuse, my friend, to retreat). We were 12 hours in the wagon today, lurching and bumping down the long straight road to York. It would be much more comfortable on Angel, but Father won't allow me to ride, for some reason. Perhaps he is afraid Angel and I will tear off and leave them all in the dust! The road is busy now, full of travelers and traders headed for the festival. At the start of the day, traveling seemed part of the fun. After being jostled through every rut between home and Burneston, however, I am tired of traveling. By the time we reach York, I shall be black and blue!

We are staying at Grandmother's younger brother's manor here in Burneston. It is not at all like the grand castle Bolton where Grandmother grew up. That is what happens to younger sons, I suppose. It will be a pallet on the floor for me tonight, as there is only 1 bed for all the family. The adults at least will be warm with 7 of them in bed and bed curtains. Perhaps I can convince Red, their dog, to sleep with me. I'd much rather Red than my cousins, Avice and Ursula. I know only too well from previous visits - they kick and stink too. Grandmother insists we wash at least twice a season (we will probably catch our death of it!) but they smell like they've never even met water! Red just smells like dog.

Monday, May 28th

Finally in York! The towers looked like a fairy castle as we approached . There must be hundreds of spires! We had plenty of time to enjoy the view. The road was so crowded with travelers, we all crawled along at the speed of the slowest oxcart. York doesn't smell like a fairy castle once you're inside, though!

I am one giant ache.

Tuesday, May 29th

Today York was a wonder to behold. I said that at supper and my father laughed at me. He said, "Wait till the morrow, then you shall see wonders!" My lady mother sniffed; York is quite crowded enough for her already.

Today Father had business and Mother stayed in so I went with Grandmother. She would say we went shopping. I would say we went praying! Grandmother says there are over 100 churches in York. I think we stopped in all of them! Pray, light candles, make an offering, over and over. The churches were not so busy as the streets, but seemed to have their share of gold anyway.

And the streets! I was glad of Grandmother's iron grip. We brought Tam along to carry our packages - his girth came in handy to make us a path. We did do some shopping. The shop of the cloth merchant, Master Adams, was like a Moorish palace, piled high with silks and damask, and wool of every color imaginable. We shall all have new kirtles, eventually. My lady mother's silk is so beautiful, I can almost imagine enjoying the sewing of it. Almost, but not quite! My own will be of sturdy wool, but it is a pretty shade of green. Grandmother says I rip my clothes too much for anything finer. I suppose she is right.

But the merchant's daughter was dressed like a princess, for all she be younger than me by the look of it. She sat embroidering at the back of the shop, wearing a velvet kirtle of rich yellow with an embroidered girdle around her waist. Grandmother sniffed as we left the shop. "Merchants putting on airs! Dressing like their betters, just because they have money. Velvet should be for knights and their families, not traders and merchants!" I wonder what his daughter thinks of her fancy dress. Does she like to sit embroidering, looking like a flower? Or would she rather out and run around?

My cousins arrived today from Rawcliffe and Wingtringham. Boys! They are loud and rude and race around the house, but does Grandmother complain? No! She says they need to stretch after their long trip. But they were only one day journeying here!

Tomorrow is the procession and the next day is Corpus Christi! I can't wait!

Wednesday, May 30th

Father says I should be in bed though the sun still shines. I confess I am tired enough to sleep if I were not so excited. Today began so long ago! We were up at matins, hours before dawn. Grandmother and Father and Mother readied themselves for the procession. The rest of the house buzzed like a hive of bees, helping them ready, or getting themselves ready, or getting in the way. (BOYS!) I helped my lady mother into her kirtle. She looked so beautiful, in the candle light she flickered like a star. Then they were off to Holy Trinity Church in Micklegate to gather for the procession.

Uncle Robert took the boys and me to the Minster Yard to await the arrival of the procession. I wanted to see them start out from Holy Trinity, but Grandmother insisted we must wait at the Minster (all the way at the end!) so to get a good spot in the Minster for the service. It was a long cold wait in the dark for the procession to make its way through the crowded streets. My cousins played tag till the crowds grew too thick but I watched the stars. I think each star is an angel. Surely if I look hard enough I will know which are my baby sisters and brother.

Just before dawn we saw the torches approaching. There was the bishop in a robe of white and gold and dozens of other men of god in dazzling dress. Then came the fanciest shrine I suppose I will ever see - all gold and covered in jewels. It was carried under a tapestry woven in gold and silver. And inside was the BODY and BLOOD of Christ! Will it do my soul good just to see the shrine, do you suppose, or do you have to see the actual body and blood? I hope God will count the shrine. Though I stretched and peered, I'm not sure I saw the Eucharist. Before I could be sure, the shrine was past and all the City leaders began parading by, with the Lord Mayor at the head. Grandmother looked very solemn as she passed, but Father winked at me.

The sun was just rising over the roofs of the town when as we filed into the Minster. I guess if we hadn't waited by the Minster, we wouldn't have gotten inside the church at all, it was that crowded. As it was, all I saw was the back of the veil of the woman in front of me. I tried to listen to the service, but Cousin James kept elbowing me in the side.

"Lord Jesus Christ, (poke)

You give us your body and blood in the Eucharist

as a sign that even now we share your life. (prod)

May we come to possess it completely in the kingdom where you live, (tug)

for ever and ever. Amen."

Amen! Was I happy to get away from worship - and James! There are indulgences for worshiping on Corpus Christ day - I hope they are enough to make up for my angry thoughts at my cousins!

After the service ended, the feasting began. We children weren't invited. I am sad we missed the subtleties. Mother says there was one shaped like a swan and another in the shape of the Minster! But I am not sad to miss the feast. Who wants to spend all day sitting and eating? That's almost as bad as sewing! Uncle Robert took my cousins and me through town, where there was plenty to see - street vendors selling pasties and ale, jugglers and musicians playing for the crowds, and everywhere people in their finest clothes and happiest moods. Uncle Robert bought us all gingerbread and marchpane shaped like fruits. That was all the feast I needed!

Friday, June 1st

Twas impossible to write yesterday. Even Grandmother would agree! But what fun! How can I even begin to tell of all I saw? My cousins James and William woke us up long before light. They were determined to see the very first play at the very first stop - Holy Trinity again - and convinced Uncle Robert to take them. I'd have liked to go, too, but Grandmother wouldn't have it. She was determined we would watch from the Minster - "fitting grounds for reflection" she said. And so we did, though we had to wait fast 2 hours for the first play - the Creation - to wend its way through the city.

I confess I was astounded to see Jesus. I almost wept when I saw the babe. But as the plays went by and each Jesus was a different person, it was easier to remember I was only watching a play. There were so many plays I can scarce remember them all, but one I minded specially. Jesus was taken right up into Heaven, I know not how! Then on come an angel to the stage to remind us Jesus will come again.

"So again come down shall he....

Who well has wrought full glad may be,

Who ill has lived full sore dreading!"

the angel exclaimed, ominously. My heart leapt at the thought of Judgement Day. Pray God and all the Saints above that I am found worthy of life everlasting. I'd not be thrown into Hell if I can help it! I SHALL pray harder, and live better, too....

Then another angel came on stage, but this one was no angel but Master Adams, the cloth merchant! I wasn't sure at first, as by then it was dark and the torches flickered in the breeze. But when the play was over, I saw his daughter helping get the stage ready to be moved. How odd it must be to see one's father as an angel!

Even today the streets of York are crowded, now with folk leaving the city. We bide here a while yet and Father tends to business. He is meeting with Lord Percy, among others. I wonder if he means to arrange for me to foster? Uncle Robert pointed out Lord and Lady Percy during the procession - as if I could have missed them. They were the fanciest people there. Lord Percy had a hard face but Lady Percy looked nice enough. Not that a moment's glance during a parade is much to go on for deciding years of my life!

I have had more time to think about my future today, despite my cousins running through the house. I still am not sure whether I would prefer to foster with the Percy's or to stay at Merrick Priory. The Percy's keep a big household, of course, and I am sure it would be very grand. Perhaps too grand. I have seen my fill of "grand" here in York these past days and it makes me feel rather small. There would be lots of other children, but I would be far from home in Alnwick much of the time. Alnwick is a full three days ride, if you make good time with fair weather and the roads not muddy. In bad weather, well, it doesn't bear thinking about!

At Merrick Priory, they might have another girl or two to stay, no one has said. They certainly aren't grand! I know because I have visited with Grandmother before. But Merrick Priory is close by, less than half a days ride on horseback from our manor in Sedbury. I could come home often. After all, if I don't ride Angel, she'll just get fat and lazy! And surely if I were miserable, Father would let me return. If I were unhappy with the Percy's, chances are Father wouldn't even know!

Then there is the question of my immortal soul. Surely it would be in better hands with the sisters! I begin to favor Merrick... if only someone would ask me!

Saturday, June 2nd

Yesterday after supper a most remarkable event took place. Before we were to bed, Grandmother brought out her favorite book, The Pilgrimage of the Soul. She had us children read to her from it. My cousins could barely make it out - even young Robert, who is almost 14 years old! I read very well. (Oh dear. I must be careful of the sin of pride. I have had practice with the Pilgrimage before and the others have not.)

Little William was all agog over the illuminations. "It must the be fanciest book ever!" he exclaimed. And then the remarkable thing happened. Grandmother began to tell stories. She NEVER speaks of her past. But she smiled at William and said she had seen a book much, much fancier - the bible at Westminster Abbey. William protested it couldn't be true. "But it is, William. Ask your Uncle Henry - he was there and saw it, too." My lord father warmed to the story. "Yes, a book covered in silver and jewels, carried on a silk cushion with gold tassels. But it was the least of the treasures we saw that day. We saw crosses covered in jewels, people in clothes so fine they put peacocks to shame. And, of course, we saw the king's crown, sword and scepter!"

This led to a chorus of questions. I was afraid Grandmother would cut us off any moment, but she seemed dreamy as she described the coronation of Richard III, how she rode to London in her brother Lord Scrope's party, and all the festive but hurried preparations.

"The King and Queen were all clothed in crimson satin, with a crimson mantles lined with miniver and ermine. We gathered in Westminster Hall at 7 am to put the procession in order. And there was much to order! First heralds, then a whole choir, singing praises to God and King, then the abbots and bishops. After that came all the symbols of royal power: the King's gold spurs, St. Edward's staff, the royal scepter and orb. Lord Lovell carried the sword of justice (though he would have preferred my Richard's role of protecting the King during anointing). And of course, the crown. Finally then came the King himself, walking under a canopy of red and green silk embroidered in gold. Though he wore no shoes, his feet did not touch the dirty road, of course, for the whole distance from Hall to Abbey was covered in ray cloth, which was later given to the poor. Then followed Queen Anne, her attendants, and all the other knights, squires, and lesser participants. I was so proud to count myself among them!"

"My Richard never had a grander moment than serving the King in his anointing. The Archbishop of Canterbury must apply the holy oil to the hands, breast, shoulders and head of the king, you know, to symbolize his power, strength, wisdom and glory. But no one should look on the nakedness of the King! So my Richard and three others held a canopy to conceal the King from the congregation. Only after the anointing could the King be dressed in his regal garments - clothes of gold, woven with golden eagles, and finally the crown. "

"After the crowning of Queen Anne, it was back to Westminster Hall, now set up for the feasting which lasted all day and into the night. Never have I had such a meal, or seen such entertainment. What ever some may say these days, I don't believe there ever was a King who looked more regal than did Richard that day."

It was only when cousin James, the oaf, burst out, "But Richard III was a murderer! He killed the young Princes!" that Grandmother ended the story. "Some may think that," she snapped, leaving it perfectly clear what she thought of those who did. "Enough idle chatter. To bed, all of you."

Perhaps if Cousin James can keep his mouth shut, we can have another story tonight....

The Lord's Day, June 3rd

We had another story of a sort, last night, though it came about not the way I had guessed. It happened that my lady mother and grandmother were arguing (again) about my fostering. To Percy or Priory, Percy or Priory.

Finally, Grandmother snapped, "I don't see how you would think to put Elizabeth in the care of the Percy's. They are more changeable than the weather and as reliable as a fox in chicken's yard!" Despite her snapping eyes and pursed lips, I was curious enough to ask her why she said so.

Grandmother's bitterness poured out. "The Percy's stand for nothing other than the Percy's. If the Earl of Northumberland were a gentleman who could be relied upon, why, King Richard would yet reign over England. It was the fine Lord Percy of Northumberland who came to Richard's aid with a good company of knights and men at arms, joined his war councils, promised to defend Richard to the end and then stood idle on Bosworth Field while the King fought with all his might and main. Abandoned by those who should have been his closest allies, Richard and his loyal allies were hacked down, while Northumberland looked on. Had Lord Percy been a man of honor, Richard would rule and my Richard would be here beside me."

Then she glanced down at me. "And you, my girl, would be a very wealthy young woman in deed. Not that riches matter, or even the feeble power of earthly kings. All that the world offers is over in time, Elizabeth, so take care of your soul! That was the lesson of my long life, and I suggest you take it to heart."

My mother could not leave this attack unaddressed. "The Percy's will be able to...." she began, but my father wouldn't let her finish.

"Enough!" he roared. "I am tired of hearing the same arguments back and forth, every day. Soon I shall look for a place to foster myself!" Then he turned to me. "Elizabeth, have you heard the case your ladies make for Percy or Priory?" I nodded. "Well, what say you, then?"

I could scarce believe my ears. It seemed as if my father were asking me where I wanted to go! Glancing at my mother and grandmother, I knew I should tread carefully. "It seems to me that my lady mother speaks truly when she says the Percy's could help find a good husband for me. Yet I also believe Grandmother is right that I must look first to the good of my soul. So perhaps I could go for a time to the Priory, for a couple of years, then later to the Percy's. I am only in my eighth summer. There is no need to find my husband quite yet, I don't believe."

Now my father put his head back and roared with laughter. I knew not what he found so funny, and I am sure I turned quite red waiting for him to speak. "Eliza, that is a decision worthy of Solomon himself! Go and kiss your ladies; they must each be glad of you, as they will each find something to like in what you have said."

"Now, having played the politician so prettily, is that in fact what you want to do? Think well on this child. It is not often that a father takes his daughter's council!"

"Yes, my lord, it is what I want to do. I have thought on it these many weeks and knew not where my heart lay. But now I think it lies with the sisters. And I will be able to visit at home more often."

"Ah, the truth will out! We thought of the good of your soul, and you thought of visiting your horse! And perhaps your family, too, eh? Well, that's as may be. It shall be as you say. You are off to the good sisters as soon as can be arranged. And we shall at last have peace in this household, my ladies." He turned a pointed glance at both women, who demurely looked down.

So, dear book, I think must leave you behind. My ladies are united in their insistence on how much work remains to get me ready for the Priory. I am afraid I shall be sewing, sewing, sewing until I enter its gates! By the time I am ready to leave, I shall be so grateful to be done with the preparation I shan't care how the sisters treat me!

Think of me with cramps in my fingers and knots in my thread, and fare you well!

Just the Facts

All of the Boyntons mentioned in this story were real people, really related to each other as described. Henry, Isabella, and Agnes all joined the Corpus Christi Guild in 1498, and certainly would have participated in the festivities.

Elizabeth's family was refered to as "of Sedbury" which didn't mean they only lived there. They owned other manors and probably traveled extensively between them. But Sedbury would have been "home base." Elizabeth was an only child and passed family lands on to her husband, a Gascoigne.

The Corpus Christi procession and plays, coronation and battle scenes are all based on accounts from the period. We don't know that Agnes or Henry were present at the coronation, but Agnes' brother, Lord Scrope was and it seems likely that Agnes would not have wanted to miss the events.

We don't know where Elizabeth was fostered, if she ever was. But her Sedbury home was close to Merrick Priory, which had a close connection to her grandmother, Agnes. Agnes vowed to remain unwed at Merrick Priory (after Ratcliffe was killed) and after she died, Agnes left Pilgrimage of the Soul to the Priory.