{"product_id":"for-her-good-estate-the-life-of-elizabeth-de-burgh-lady-of-clare-9781916376809","title":"For Her Good Estate: The Life of Elizabeth de Burgh, Lady of Clare","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLimited power; extraordinary influence. The strategies, friendships, and enduring impact of a remarkable C14th noblewoman. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eElizabeth de Burgh showed feisty spirit in adversity and imprisonment, war and plague - and she and her friends were influential patrons of books and all arts while English craftsmanship was at its finest. Her legacy includes Clare College and Clare Hall in the University of Cambridge, and a treasure trove of records illuminating the contrasting reigns of her uncle Edward II and cousin Edward III.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHer early life was tumultuous: an arranged marriage; an abduction leading to a clandestine second marriage; a forced marriage to a royal favourite who died a traitor. At age 26, she had been widowed three times, with a child from each marriage. She suffered arrest, confinement and asset confiscation during years of civil war, before regaining control of her estates after Queen Isabella's invasion. Empowered by a vow of chastity to ensure her independence, she thrived in her long widowhood as a capable administrator, an engaged mother and grandmother, with a talent for enduring and multigenerational friendship. She became a shrewd philanthropist, founding the Franciscan friary at Walsingham and endowing Clare College, Cambridge.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrances Underhill's biography shows how Elizabeth overcame gender limitations to attain both prestige and lasting influence. Additional essays in this edition explore the invasion of 1326, the visual statements of Elizabeth's seals, and her later place in the network of artistic patronage at a time of stimulating ideas, enduring architectural treasures, fine textiles and beautiful manuscripts.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCenturies later, Elizabeth's ringing introduction to the Clare College statutes continues to inspire, and new generations of scholars pursue the Precious Pearl of Learning.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eUnderhill, Frances A.:\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e - Frances A. Underhill taught medieval history at the University of Richmond for twenty-eight years and was Professor of History, Emerita, from 1991 until her death in 2017. She loved teaching and interacting with students, and received the Distinguished Educator Award three times. 'For Her Good Estate' reflects Professor Underhill's fascination with Elizabeth, a complex and evolving woman, and how her devotion, determination, expanding vision and purposeful creativity produced an intellectual legacy that has endured for centuries.\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eWard, Jennifer:\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e - Dr Jennifer Ward spent much of her career teaching and researching at Goldsmiths College, University of London. She has written extensively on medieval women, and is still making new discoveries in the voluminous archives relating to Elizabeth, a lifelong interest.\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eSmith, Margaret M.:\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e - Dr Margaret M. Smith is an alumna of Clare Hall, retired reader in Book Design History at the University of Reading, and Honorary Curator of the Clare Ancient House Museum.","brand":"Moonwort Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50482396135698,"sku":"9781916376809","price":27.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_cee51dc2-18aa-4726-9d85-f77b3e892005.jpg?v=1730343374","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/for-her-good-estate-the-life-of-elizabeth-de-burgh-lady-of-clare-9781916376809","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}