Book description
Matilda, wife of William the Conqueror, was the first woman to be
crowned Queen of England and formally recognised as such by her
subjects. Beyond this, however, little is known of her. No
contemporary images of her remain, and the chroniclers of her age left
us only the faintest clues as to her life. Who was this spectral queen?
In this first major biography, Tracy Borman sifts through the shards
of evidence to uncover an extraordinary story. Matilda was loving and
pious, possessed strength, ambition and intelligence, and was fiercely
independent. All of these attributes gave her unparalleled influence
over William. But although Matilda would provide an inspiring template
for future indomitable queens, it led to treachery, revolt and the
fracturing of a dynasty.
Matilda: Queen of the Conqueror takes us from the courts of
Flanders to the opulence of royal life in England. Alive with
intrigue, rumour and betrayal, it illuminates for the first time the
life of an exceptional, brave and complex queen pivotal to the history
of England.
Tracy Borman studied and taught history at the University of Hull
and was awarded a PhD in 1997. She went on to a successful career in
heritage and has worked for a range of historic properties and
national heritage organisations, including the National Archives and
English Heritage. She is now Chief Executive of the Heritage Education
Trust and also works part-time for Historic Royal Palaces.
Tracy has regularly appeared on television and radio, and has
featured in a range of magazine and newspaper articles. She is a
regular contributor to history magazines, including articles in BBC
History Magazine on the history of beauty and eighteenth-century 'It'
Girls'. In addition, she also gives public talks and lectures on a
wide range of subjects.
