This month sees the publication of a fabulous and informative book about the palace of Kings Langley. It's called 'Palace Lives' and is written by Michael Long. I was very fortunate to be a sent a copy of the book by the author. It’s an excellent read, revealing how the Palace came to be built and its use as a royal nursery. The property and land came into the hands of Edward 1st’s wife and Queen, Eleanor of Castile, and her influence growing up in Castile was found at the Palace at Langley. It was due to Eleanor that the Dominican friars were able to establish themselves - she favoured them and employed them as tutors to her children. Langley was chosen as the royal nursery because of its proximity to London. It was a day’s ride from the Palace of Westminster.
Eleanor had 14 children, and her first born son was called Alfonso, and if he had lived, we would have had King Alfonso 1st. He didn’t, and it was Eleanor and Edward 1st’s fourth son, called Edward of Caernarfon, with him Langley is most associated. Long gives a sympathetic account of Edward, who was gifted the Palace after the death of his mother. We learn the surroundings at Langley meant that Edward was able to indulge his rustic pursuits such as digging ditches and thatching, alongside those whose profession it was. It was also at Langley that Edward was able to be free to enjoy the company of his favourite, Piers Gaveston. It was at Langley that we have the first recorded mention of them being together, when accounts show that Edward granted Piers oats and cheese. Even after Edward became King Edward II, he continued to spend time at King’s Langley and with Piers Gaveston. They even spent Christmas there.
Long gives detailed descriptions of how the palace was constructed- the King and Queen’s royal apartments, the solar, the chamber for Alfonso, a huge moat, and main hall. There was also a vineyard and hunting park. We also find out about those who constructed the Palace, and those who worked there. What their duties were and how their lives were lived. It makes fascinating reading.
So important was King’s Langley that Edward II chose it as the final resting place for Piers Gaveston and built him a fine tomb there. Edward arranged for masses to be said for his soul regularly, and continued to visit. It was also chosen as the resting place of another king, Richard II, and Long gives an incisive account of his reign. The Palace then passed into the hands of Edmund of Langley, born there to Edward III and his Queen Philippa of Hainault. Edmund of Langley would go on to be the first Duke of York.
It’s such a shame that King’s Langley was allowed to deteriorate and disappear bit by bit. What Michael Long has done is to bring it back to life, with a well researched book on a once splendid palace , with the royal family and the people who lived there. I am also pleased to say, his research into the Palace and priory goes on, and who knows what he may uncover?
