Review of Edward II: His Sexuality and Relationships by Kathryn Warner

 Having known Kathryn Warner a number of years, this is the book I always thought she needed to write.  Kathryn's research is always meticulous.  She has read almost every work of non-fiction and fiction on Edward II, as well as ploughing through various chronicles and Edward's chamber accounts.   What is noticeable from her latest book is the sheer number of novels and some non-fiction book that focus on the sexuality of Edward II.  This is in part no doubt due to the collapse of his marriage to Isabella of France, his deposition and his subsequent death - and the infamous red hot poker story which held sway for so many years.  The story is an invention from many years after Edward's death and there is even evidence that Edward did not die at Berkely Castle.  The story has often been repeated in an almost salacious way, even as recently in an episode of Secrets of the Royal Palaces a couple of years ago, and presented as fact. The sheer number of novels that present Edward in a homophobic way is shocking, and Kathryn Warner presents some dreadful examples.  The homophobia often seeps into non-fiction, particularly those written well in the last century.   All this is contrasted with the 'romantic' relationship of Isabella, the estranged wife of Edward II, and Roger Mortimer, who helped Isabella overthrow her husband.  And yet, is there any evidence of this from the chronicles of the time?  Absolutely not.  There is no evidence of Isabella and Roger Mortimer having having a sexual relationship.  There is also no evidence of Edward II having a sexual relationship with Piers Gaveston or Hugh Despencer in the chronicles.  But there is evidence of Edward's devotion to both these men and their influence.  Kathryn Warner also delves into Edward's relationships with women - he had an illegitimate son and there is evidence of his meeting a woman in secret.   This book is an excellent history of the reputation of Edward and Isabella as told over the years, and what the actual evidence tells us.