BIZARRE ROYAL EXECUTION of George Duke of Clarence | How Edward IV killed his brother

BIZARRE ROYAL EXECUTION of George Duke of Clarence | How Edward IV killed his brother | malmsey wine

Рет қаралды 71,589

2 жыл бұрын

How Edward IV KILLED HIS BROTHER is a strange story and the BIZARRE royal execution of George Duke of Clarence is the subject of today’s English royal history documentary from History Calling. George and Edward were two of the three sons of York (the other being the future Richard III), but how did Edward become the King who killed his brother and is the famous tale that George was the royal drowned in wine really true? This video will take you back to 1478 and to the middle of the Wars of the Roses, as Edward (who was constantly a King under threat) struggled to hold the throne he had taken from Henry VI. It will uncover a family at war with each other, look at the events leading up to George’s execution, explain why Edward IV killed his brother and (assuming the stories are true) why the Duke was subjected to this bizarre cause of death. We’ll look at the original sources to see where the story that he was drowned in malmsey wine comes from and how trustworthy they are. George’s is one of the most famous royal executions in English history, but also one of the weirdest. This video will also include details of the influence Queen Elizabeth Woodville (aka The White Queen) had in the death of her brother-in-law and discuss how her mother-in-law and other brother-in-law, Cecily Neville, Duchess of York and Richard, Duke of Gloucester (the future Richard III) tried to save George from his fate. It will look at the effect the death of George’s wife, Isabel Neville, Duchess of Clarence, had on his behaviour and ultimate execution and ask whether a prophecy that a man whose name began with a G would succeed Edward IV played a part in the death of his brother George.
Patreon: / historycalling
Instagram: / historycalling
SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS switched on for new videos every Friday.
BUY OR RENT
Britain’s Bloody Crown Presented by Dan Jones (2016) [Documentary covering the Wars of the Roses. Historically accurate] amzn.to/2TPep8i (US LINK)
The White Queen (2013). [Depicts the story of the Wars of the Roses from Elizabeth Woodville’s point of view. Gets the broad strokes of history correct, but definitely not completely accurate] amzn.to/3dm7kBL (UK LINK) OR amzn.to/2VcbQO5 (US LINK)
The White Princess (2018). [Covers the marriage of Henry Tudor to Elizabeth of York. Again, gets the broad strokes of history correct, but definitely needs to be taken with a pinch of salt.] amzn.to/3ftrmNt (UK LINK) OR amzn.to/3C1NLdl (US LINK)
The King in the Carpark (2013). Documentary about the discovery of Richard III’s skeleton in 2012. amzn.to/3C0loMF (UK LINK)
READ MORE:
Phillipa Gregory, The Red Queen (2011). Fictionalised account of the Wars of the Roses told from Lady Margaret Beaufort’s point of view. Read for fun, but definitely don’t get your history from this. amzn.to/3rgXYfz (UK LINK) OR amzn.to/2V8IQa3 (US LINK)
Phillipa Gregory, The White Queen (2011). Fictionalised account of the Wars of the Roses told from Elizabeth Woodville’s point of view. Read for fun, but definitely don’t get your history from this. amzn.to/2PlPztQ (UK LINK) OR amzn.to/37bO9YK (US LINK)
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
WHAT HAPPENED TO EDWARD V AND RICHARD DUKE OF YORK
• WHAT HAPPENED TO EDWAR...
THE LIFE OF HENRY VII (part 1)
• THE LIFE OF HENRY VII ...
THE LIFE OF HENRY VII (part 2)
• THE LIFE OF HENRY VII ...
HISTORICAL MYSTERIES’ PLAYLIST • Historical Mysteries
SIX WIVES OF HENRY VIII PLAYLIST
• Six wives of Henry VIII
THUMBNAIL: George Duke of Clarence and Isabell Neville, Cardiff Castle, Wikimedia Commons, Wolfgang Sauber, CC BY-SA 3.0, 2.5, 2.0 and 1.0 (detail)
NB: Links above may be affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through one of these links, I earn a small commission. It in no way affects the price you pay.
Creative Commons licenses used see creativecommons.org/licenses/

Пікірлер: 440

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Do you find the story of George’s demise in a vat of wine to be believable and if not, why not? Let me know below and check out my PATREON site for extra perks at www.patreon.com/historycalling Remember to SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS switched on too.

@mariaramirez2982 2 жыл бұрын

I believe it, so many accounts of it. By all the different people it's got to be true

@dianetheisen8664 2 жыл бұрын

Well, due to the accounts given in your post, I am inclined to agree.

@katjack2780 2 жыл бұрын

Oddly enough, I always took the story to be true because everything I had read up to now stated it as fact. But in Thomas Penn's The Brothers York, he presents the story as more of a tasteless joke by Edward, referring to George's drinking (a case of the pot/kettle). There are no official records of his death and those that do mention it were not people in the inner circle or eyewitnesses. Michael Hicks (in False, Fleeting, Perjur'd Clarence) points out that though the tale became common knowledge, it wasn't accepted without question. He notes the Croyland writer as saying "the execution, whatever its nature may have been,...." the Great Chronicle with the qualified phrase of "as the Fame ran." and Vergil's "as they say.." And though the portrait of his daughter Margaret has her wearing a bracelet with a small casket, it doesn't necessarily mean she believed the story (she was only four years old at the time of his death). It could just as well be a visual reminder by the artist to the viewer of the supposed fate of her father. So I find myself for the first time doubting the veracity of the story, compelling though it may be.

@orionspero560 2 жыл бұрын

I think it's believable as a figurative as opposed to literal description. I think there is a cause of death of excess wine but not an intentional drowning as an execution.

@jn8ive60 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I find it believable. I think George requested that manner of death, because he loved that wine, and drank a lot of it, so his thinking was "What a way to go!" And Edward, because George was his brother, obliged him.

@FandersonUfo 2 жыл бұрын

poor Cecily Neville - her son Edmund and her husband Duke of York killed in battle - the surviving sons claiming their own mother had illegitimate children and then brothers executing brother - uncles murdering nephews eventually - I'm surprised the shock and awe of her own children did not send her to an early grave but she managed to live to 80 years of age back then - my guess is she was a tough lady

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Oh I definitely think she was tough as well. I'd like to do videos on the likes of Margaret Beaufort and Elizabeth Woodville, but I think if they do well enough, I'll add Cecily to the list as well. I'd certainly like to look into the story that Edward IV was illegitimate.

@FandersonUfo 2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling - I don't remember seeing a separate work on the life of Cecily Neville anywhere - she lived through 80 years of super fascinating history though - fingers crossed you'll do a vid on her and how she dealt with her crazy kids

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, she an interesting person who gets a bit overshadowed by the many other interesting women living at the same time I think.

@FandersonUfo 2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling - no shortage of strong female characters in British history since Boudicca of course - I think there was a female Irish pirate who met or worked for Elizabeth back in the day - female pirate vids are pretty good click bait

@kimma508 2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling Anne Neville would be another good story to tell. She was married to Edward of Westminster (son of Henry VI and Margaret of Anjou) before marrying Richard and becoming queen. Anne was the Kingmaker’s and lived through a lot during her 28 years.

@annaleebaker5654 2 жыл бұрын

I still can’t comprehend the cruelty of royals throughout history. Almost surreal how they’d execute members of their immediate family in such inhumane means. Another great video. Thank you. I’d never heard of this story. Enjoyed learning about it.

@joannabaparileszczynska 2 жыл бұрын

It’s baffling for me, your own family! Because you’re desperate to sit on the throne. I guess it really took a different kind of person to be a ruler.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I think part of it had to do with the fact that families so often weren't raised together and/or didn't live together, which must have really weakened the bonds between members.

@itsjustme7487 2 жыл бұрын

I think part of it is the desire to be the all powerful leader.

@Crazy-Cat-Lady-of-CA 2 жыл бұрын

The thing is that the person who's doing the execution would definitely know their family would do the same things to them if given the chance.

@angr3819 2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling Maybe Kings also took to having them raised separately because it had been known for brothers raised together to conspire to overthrow their fathers. They weren't exactly loving. Not as we are with our families. Even when we don't get on with any family members we don't set our to murder them so we can perhaps take their wealth.

@gothmamasylvia462 2 жыл бұрын

I find the story very believable, and the uniformity of the many stories of the execution make it even more believable. As to whether it was George's preferred method of execution, I can't say, but I find it highly possible. It might have been a joke on his part that was taken seriously.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I think it's unlikely the stories would be so well aligned too, if there wasn't more than a grain of truth in them.

@TyrSkyFatherOfTheGods 2 жыл бұрын

I could think of worse ways to go than to drown in a vat of wine.

@benyates6353 2 ай бұрын

He probably wanted a vat of wine to be delivered to his cell so he could ingest it all but Edward decided a drunk Brother might be more dangerous than a Drowned Brother and well, as they say, the rest is history.

@beckyshell4649 2 жыл бұрын

With family and friends like these people who needs enemies. It was dangerous to be near the top. You can see where Henry VIII got his paranoia from.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely. His cruelty too I think. I agree as well that the royal family was a very dangerous group to be a part of at this time. They were forever killing each other.

@naomiskilling1093 2 жыл бұрын

I also find it interesting that there seems to be no first-hand accounts of George's execution, no witnesses is something I find strange. Surely if he died by another more "normal" method, then Edward might have had his head displayed or a body produced which to me implies that either the way he died was unusual or perhaps he didn't want negative talk around having a member of his own family murdered.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, it was clearly done very privately. I suppose those present maybe didn't want the stain on their reputation as it was a controversial act. Anne Boleyn's executioner has remained anonymous for instance. We just know he was from Calais.

@deborah9775 2 жыл бұрын

Edward wanted and gave his brother multiple times to show he could be a participating member of the family. Instead he chose to sell his brother the king out & go after his wife with hate & jealousy. He was a spoiled mama's boy. good riddance to him.

@robertdudley4017 2 жыл бұрын

It's hard to argue with the contemporary sources, as they all say his mode of execution was drowned in wine, thank you as always, a very merry Christmas to you and stay safe historycalling. 😊🎄🎁

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Merry Christmas to you too and stay safe as well 🎄🎅

@itsjustme7487 Жыл бұрын

I remember as a teen, walking the mile to and from school in the winter discussing with friends if we could rather die by freezing or by heat. I can see someone remembering Duke George of Clarence saying that he wouldn't mind drowning in a vat of wine. Then orchestrate just such a demise for him.

@davidlancaster6941 2 жыл бұрын

This tale is complicated and you did a great I of sorting it out. The pix really help and give a feel for the people your discussing. I think its most probable George died in the wine. When you look at being drawn and quartered, which you describe, drowning in a wine vat doesn't seem so bizarre. Thanks for another fascinating episode. You don't disappoint. Lvya

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks David. Glad you liked it :-)

@johnny196775 2 жыл бұрын

An American, I have been fascinated by this story since I read P.M. Kendall's book on Richard III. I am grateful you covered this subject and with such a thorough analysis of the sources at the end. I found the point about the various versions of the young princes' fate in comparison with the agreement of the sources regarding Clarence's fate very compelling; the most in fact. Along with the explanation that it was at Clarence's bequest, it makes perfect sense to me. I hadn't known his wife had just passed and he had reacted so strongly before I watched this video, and that makes the means chosen make more sense to me as well. It sounds like something someone very sad might say, actually.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

I think he was sad about Isabelle, but it's worth remembering that he was very keen to remarry as well, so perhaps he wasn't as cut up about it as he made out. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Yes, it would be very unusual to have that level of agreement between independently written sources, with no other serious theories regarding his death doing the rounds if the story wasn't true.

@dianetheisen8664 2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling I think George was a weak and greedy man. I think he married Isabelle for her money and, I believe, he was led to believe by Isabelle's father, the Kingmaker, that he would have him, George, crowned 👑 king. Also, after her death, he and Richard III fought over the inheritance.

@marijaokic2427 2 жыл бұрын

Hello from Serbia. I have been subscribed for some time now and I can say that I honestly appreciate the work you have been doing with your videos. I studied English language and literature and I am very much interested in learning about history so I find this channel to be just my cup of tea. Best wishes.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much and greetings from the UK. Your English is excellent 😀

@marijaokic2427 2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling Thank you.😊 You are so kind. I am looking forward to your new videos.

@orlando1a1 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for a very balanced and fascinating video. Although there are no contemporary eyewitness accounts, the consensus seems to be that Clarence was drowned in a butt of Malmsey wine. The truth is we'll never know for sure how he was dispatched. There was sibling rivalry in his relationship with his brother Edward, which was at times fraught. I'm minded to think Edward never quite forgave his brother George for siding with the Earl of Warwick against him, even though he subsequently made his peace with Edward.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

You're welcome. I definitely think Clarence did permanent damage to his relationship with Edward by defecting to Warwick too.

@Moebian73 2 жыл бұрын

Odd deaths, AWESOME! *drooling* not really. :) Great choice HC. :) Great video!

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Haha, thank you :-)

@wellingtonsboots4074 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you History Calling, great video. It's probably true that George was drowned in the wine and perhaps he was given the opportunity to choose the manner of his death and it was just a bit of bravado. Maybe there's another reason for such a strange execution who knows. Enjoyed this

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Glad you liked it. I think (odd as it is) that the wine story is probably true too.

@itsjustme7487 2 жыл бұрын

It made me wonder if wine was one of his vices.

@mplbooks 2 жыл бұрын

Oh, I'd always heard about this but never the details. Thanks for the video!

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

No problem. Glad you liked it :-)

@lindajustacrochetsister4659 2 жыл бұрын

Great video really enjoyed 😘❤ Have a Merry Christmas 🤶 🎄 ❤

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much. Have a lovely Christmas too :-)

@nefarious67 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for another wonderful segment! I’ve listened to all of you videos and love them so much! Best wishes to all!

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the support Emma, especially for watching the less popular videos. Much appreciated :-)

@jhorrorfan2116 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this. Really interesting. I love Tudor history and your videos have made me obsessed and I will be studying it at college

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

You're very welcome and best of luck with your studies :-)

@jhorrorfan2116 2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling Thanks. I was thinking about your video on the execution of Anne Boleyn and I was thinking that maybe some historians could get together to make a film or series about the lives of Henry VIII Wives using real historical records to make the historical reenactments possible. It's something I want to see, especially when it comes to the execution of Anne Boleyn. Your video could be the basis, it really is great

@gaiawolfwitch 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for another wonderfully informative video. I came across your channel a few months back, and it has thoroughly ignited my passion for British History of the Plantagenet, Tudor and Stuart era. They are an absolute joy to listen to. Thank you for all your hard work. Many blessings x x x

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much. I'm really happy you like the channel 😀

@yvonnemacleod3205 2 жыл бұрын

Keep learning… that is so good ! Love listening to your lovely accent it’s so soothing and draws the listener in to the story being told. Many thanks and happy Christmas, stay safe xx

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! 😃 You too 🎄🎅

@ns-wz1mx 2 жыл бұрын

excellent video, you always pick such interesting topics!! i’m totally with you,i think with all of the accounts being so similar it most certainly seems like it was wine. what a brutal and bizarre way to go! 😯

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Yes, I think so too. :-)

@mariaramirez2982 2 жыл бұрын

I'm a history fanatic, if its history I have to know about it 🥰🤗 thank you so very much for the work you do researching and posting these videos. Blessing to you and may you continue your great work 💖💫

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much. I'm really happy you enjoy the videos. :-)

@leekorbel1191 2 жыл бұрын

Thank You for the work you do and for these interesting and informative video uploads. I know little of the history and events you so eloquently cover. But I thoroughly enjoy listening and learning. Very fascinating! God bless and Merry Christmas from Ohio USA.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Lee and Merry Christmas to you too.🎄🎅

@keiththorpe9571 2 жыл бұрын

Well, at least it was a vat of wine...Rather that a box of wine... That's just so low rent. I'll show myself out.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Well, they were royal. I guess they could afford the good stuff and plenty of it :-)

@keiththorpe9571 2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling Yeah, I don't know if there's a British equivalent of Mad Dog 20/20...but it would be a tub of that in which I would be executed.

@katiecoollady 2 жыл бұрын

Wonderful piece! I am reading "The Sunne in Splendour" by Sharon Kay Penman-- a wonderful take on the York dynasty. Haven't gotten to George's death yet....

@hannahcollects 2 жыл бұрын

I love that book and the afterword. I honestly agree with the author’s take on who killed Edward’s sons.

@wvmountaingirl1976 2 жыл бұрын

I've been wanting to read that

@emmabrannan7438 2 ай бұрын

Your voice is so calming and I’m a big fan of your channel! Keep em coming ❤

@HistoryCalling 2 ай бұрын

Thanks Emma. Will do :-)

@desertdragon2397 2 жыл бұрын

I've heard of downing sorrows on wine. Never heard of doing that to a nemesis. Well done research and presentation History Calling. Be well and carry on.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

I suppose we could argue that George was Edward's sorrow, but maybe I'm taking the analogy too far. Thank you and I hope you're keeping well too.

@desertdragon2397 2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling I'd say you're spot on. Be well.

@jerrydempsey3490 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent videos. Well structured with clear and concise information. Your voice is a pleasant bonus. I have subscribed today.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much and welcome aboard :-)

@janettemccubbin9009 2 жыл бұрын

Very interesting. I remember hearing this story when I was young. I love your accent, very easy to listen to. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Janette and have a lovely Christmas too :-)

@kimma508 2 жыл бұрын

I’m a new subscriber and I’m so glad that your video was suggested. I look forward to watching more videos!

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much and welcome :-)

@robertpizor577 2 жыл бұрын

As much as I abhor capital punishment in general especially when applied in such a vicious way as this, I'm amazed George lasted as long as he did in the time he lived in, frankly. He played so many dangerous games, and after Isabel's death just spiraled out of anyone's control. I think Richard was easier the smarter and more cunning brother of Edward IV as he was just as ambitious, but waited until Edward's death to play his hand. George is a blunt instrument and Richard is a samurai sword, swift and deadly before you even see it coming. Love the breakdown of the sources as always.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I don't think he was brightest spark in the fire either. It was the medieval period - you don't just go ditching your brother for your father-in-law in hopes of stealing the throne. I'm surprised Edward didn't kill him then.

@robertpizor577 2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling Completely agree!

@meeeka 2 жыл бұрын

Love the metaphor! Blunt instrument vs. samurai sword.

@robertpizor577 2 жыл бұрын

@@meeeka Thank you very much!

@onagaali2024 2 ай бұрын

I forget how long I've been subscribed to you,yet I can't see how this story of the middle York brother's demise pop up and I've never seen it. It popped up on my timeline and I checked it out and didn't see a thumbs up already for it. I'm sure I seen it before. George Duke of Clarence fate is a high stretch, yet many stories I hear of his ending are consistent with this subject.

@HistoryCalling 2 ай бұрын

Hmm, that is odd as you have been indeed been subscribed for ages. Oh well. I'm glad you've found it now and I hope you enjoyed it :-)

@onagaali2024 2 ай бұрын

@@HistoryCalling to say I enjoyed it is an under statement. This period of history is one of my favorites. One could genuinely compliment you without being thought as a sycophant. Your stories are galvanizing to say the least.

@sharonfleming6314 2 жыл бұрын

Another brill video well done 👍 always interesting 😊hope you and your family have a lovely Christmas 🎄🎄

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Sharon. You too 🎅🎄

@Ecoat65 2 жыл бұрын

I do enjoy your videos. Thanks !

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you too :-)

@amywebb4586 2 жыл бұрын

I love this era of history and you always do such a great job. I've spent much of the last year reading books (fiction and nonfiction) on the Wars of the Roses and the Tudors. I can't remember which book I read it in or what the source was but it said that George had become a drunk after the death of his wife (this would also account for his failing mental health at the time) and that he requested the drowning in malmsey wine because of all the comments he received on being a drunk and because malmsey was Queen Elizabeth's favorite wine (since he hated her he requested it simply to spite her). Also one of the books I read on Margaret Pole had a source listed that even she believed the story that he had been drowned in malmsey wine. I'm not a wine drinker but from what I have heard malmsey is a sweet, almost dessert style red wine; similar to the Spanish Maderia that Katherine of Aragon made popular during her time. Can anyone out the comment on malmsey wine? Is it still a thing?

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I'm not sure if it was Elizabeth's favourite wine, but it would be a good addition to the story if it was. Yes, the portrait of what is supposedly Margaret Pole with the little barrel on her wrist makes me think she at least believed the tale.

@bamabelleliz 2 жыл бұрын

I thoroughly enjoy your videos. I've been having a marathon lol

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much :-)

@shonaangus7876 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your content! I love that you go through the sources, critic them and present a balanced argument on them. I was shocked how consistent the sources are in terms of how Clarence died. I’ve read many books who said it’s unlikely he died like that but all the sources pretty much say he did! Personally I could believe Clarence would choose to die like this, perhaps he thought Edward would never go through with it!

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I was surprised at the consistency of the sources too, but it was certainly enough to sway me into believing the story (to be honest, at first I thought this might just be another crazy medieval tale).

@kamion53 2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling that surprised me in this video too, but we should be aware of the posibility that one source copied the lurid part from an another source as a sort of Mediaval "telephone game", although getting drowned is not as lurid as being hung, drawn and quartered, a more common practice in case of treason.

@stephencarrillo5905 2 жыл бұрын

Truly bizarre. Who WERE these people? I'd heard of George"s execution but as always am blown away by the sheer amount of research you devote to your subject matter. I suppose we could view this as a cautionary tale in terms of overdoing it with merrymaking over the holidays. As a teetotaler, it wouldn't take much wine to do me in. I hope you are well and thriving this holiday season, made more festive with your videos, no matter the subject matter. I'll be viewing next week for sure; thanks for the head's up on the schedule change. Merry Christmas.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. The research is actually my favourite bit. I like learning new things. The variety you can have as an historian is one of the things that always appealed to me about the subject. Merry Christmas to you too. The video on Wednesday will be much lighter and happier (even though those never do as well for me as the morbid ones!)

@jamestnov41945 2 жыл бұрын

Another great presentation thank.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you :-)

@Sophie-kz3jn 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, this was very interesting!

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

My pleasure. Thank you for watching and commenting :-)

@alisonridout 2 жыл бұрын

Great video. I wonder where in the Tower this happened. It could possibly have been in one of the rooms we visited last week

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Apparently it was the Bower Tower but I didn't say that because in my accent, I thought I'd end up getting 100 comments about it :-)

@alisonridout 2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling aah then w must have gone in there because we walked all the battlements and into all the towers

@michaelogden5958 Жыл бұрын

Insult to injury! Drowned in SWEET wine??? Well, at least they didn't waste DECENT wine! 🙂 I'm glad I found your channel.

@alicewatt416 2 жыл бұрын

I find it believable,how cruel and ruthless these people were. Another great video I just love your channel. I am Scott who resides in Australia and in the past few years I have learner more about the history of my great and beloved land. We were never taught about our history at school although I did learn a lot from my father who very proudly was a Green beret Black Watch commando😃

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Greetings in Australia and thank you for watching :-)

@stellaeleptheriadou3062 2 жыл бұрын

Malvasia is a rather delicious Greek wine and the name of the place,where it comes from. It is a very nice peninsula also known as Monemvasia and which still till today is a fortress. Great place to visit and great wine to drink there, while contemplating poor George’s execution.

@historybuff7491 2 жыл бұрын

I never questioned it. Since everyone seem to be telling the same story, it seemed to be true no matter how unusual.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I think the basic tenets of the story are true as well, as odd as they are.

@amarenee2020 3 күн бұрын

I feel your account is probably accurate! I want to thank you for all the time and effort you put into your videos! I recently started watching your work and am actually watching them in chronological order. Again thank you for all that you do!

@nathanfisher1826 2 жыл бұрын

Very good thanks

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Most welcome 🎅🎄

@Bus_Driver_Jay 2 жыл бұрын

See this is why I love your channel. I’d never heard of this and now I’m captivated. I do hope you’ll do one on an ancestor of mine - Hugh DeSpenser. While this is dreadful I must say… I can think of worse deaths than drowned in alcohol.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Oh Hugh DeSpenser - now that's a very interesting family tree. :-) Nasty way to go though. There's even an image of it on his Wikipedia page.

@Bus_Driver_Jay 2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling yeah I know. My last ever essay for my master's, I decided to cover the revitalisation of Tewkesbury Abbey as the family, post his uh... Getting stuck in, had the abbey repaired and revitalised as penance to the king

@Bus_Driver_Jay 2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling I must ask though… is it just me or does Hugh look rather similar to Blackadder?

@elenabi9901 2 жыл бұрын

I love this channel, I am passionate about English history and I don't find anything like it in Italy. I would be very grateful for Italian subtitles if it were possible!

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much. I'm afraid I don't know how to provide subtitles in other languages :-(

@elenabi9901 2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling what a pity

@alancoe1002 2 жыл бұрын

The only thing we know is that Clarence was executed in secret. Poison would have been the most secret way. Poison and poisoners were loathed, however, and there would be no desire on Edward's part to contradict a story about George choosing to be drowned in his favorite wine. And it's a legend now.

@tabby_cat 2 жыл бұрын

maybe he drank poisoned wine ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

@alancoe1002 2 жыл бұрын

@@tabby_cat that's a bingo.

@kaloarepo288 2 жыл бұрын

Once heard a joke about this -"the duke of Clarence drowned in a vat of wine -after having scrambled out twice to go to the loo!"

@dearoldbiddy1363 2 жыл бұрын

Poor George! If the story is true I certainly hope that 1) he was allowed to drink himself senseless before he was tossed in and 2) that they threw out that wine and didn't drink it afterwards. We think the people then were cruel but you know these days someone would have made a fortune selling bottles of that wine online. Ick!

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Oh ick, I hadn't actually considered what was done with the wine afterwards. I'd like to think they didn't drink it either.

@alancoe1002 2 жыл бұрын

The assistants would have certainly drank the wine down to a level commensurate with the volume of a struggling duke! Sort of a bonus. Malmsey was expensive! They'd talk about it the rest of their lives. Maybe that's how the story was spread so quickly. Might have been a very merry half-dozen men involved at that morning's work. By nightfall a hundred would know. End of the week, all of London.

@ns-wz1mx 2 жыл бұрын

omg i’m so late today!🤣 cant wait to watch

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

No problem. Hope you liked it :-)

@amanitamuscaria7500 4 ай бұрын

it's so bizarre and consistent, I think it's true. It sounds like the sort of thing a man might say to his brother.....well, drown me in wine! I wish there was some note about what happened to the wine afterwards.....did they throw it, or did they drink it anyway. Nothing would surprise me. Thanks. Great video.

@cathryncampbell8555 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the Primary Sources research you have done for this video! I read somewhere or other -- alas, I can't cite my source -- that expense records show that Malmsey wine was a favourite tipple of King Edward IV. So Clarence may have chosen this particular vintage in order to 'poison' every cup of Malmsey that Edward drank....

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Ah, that's an interesting idea. I've never looked at Edward's financial accounts so I didn't know that. Thank you for sharing.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Ah, that's an interesting idea. I've never looked at Edward's financial accounts so I didn't know that. Thank you for sharing.

@billycampbell854 2 жыл бұрын

Very nice story. Greetings from Appalachia.🖋️

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you (and greetings from the Emerald Isle) 😀

@josephforrest9472 2 жыл бұрын

You do a good job Lass. I think that in gratitude for support Edward granted George tax from Malmsey wine. George provoked Edward. Edward might have drowned George in Malmsey as retribution for George's treachery

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you :-)

@csh43166 2 жыл бұрын

I have come to the conclusion that the human mind is capable of dreaming up all manner of cruel ways of causing the demise of others, so I wouldn't doubt at all this is true, especially given the number of almost-matching accounts. I was thinking today about a former co-worker of mine who, unfortunately, passed several years ago. He loved this time in history, especially the Tudors, and I'm beginning to understand why! Another great job - this story was completely new to me and I enjoyed it, as I have all of your videos, very much!

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Connie. Glad you liked it and I agree that unfortunately if you can imagine it (no matter how horrible it is) someone else has probably imagined it at some point in the past and done it. :-(

@leeblack6139 2 жыл бұрын

😳😳 Mind blown. What a waste of good wine... Absolutely bizarre. Just wow.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Haha, yes there is that, though as someone else on here pointed out, the wine may still have been drunk. Waste not, want not!

@tricivenola8164 Жыл бұрын

Wow! Thanks for your research. I heard that story about some British monarch being "drowned in a butt of malmsey" when I was a teenager, and always wondered (in those dim pre-Internet days) who and when, and now I know. Yes, from the agreement of all those diverse sources, I accept that it's true, and judging by the way George's actions speak of his character, he probably requested it as well.

@vintagegal541 2 жыл бұрын

I heard this story when I was a little girl in the 1960's before I even knew about the English royal family. I'm 65 now, so that tells you how long ago that was. I have no doubt that it's true. I just finished watching Laurence Olivier's beautifully filmed 1955 version of Shakespeare's "Richard III". This murder was depicted in the film. In this case, there were too many sons battling for the crown and Henry VIII only had the one sickly son who died at 16. Makes you kind of wonder, are too many sons or not enough better?

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

That's a good question. The Wars of the Roses kicked off in part because there were so many descendants of Edward III after all and therefore so many potential claimants to the throne.

@notbill08 2 жыл бұрын

It George was accused of treason and witchcraft it makes sense that he was drowned. Also if Edward did not want to "have his brother's blood" on his hands.

@katfoster845 2 жыл бұрын

The York brothers really weren't very nice to each other at all. All three were murderers. Edward killed his brother. George killed his servant. Richard killed his nephews. As a request, could you do a video on the tale of Empress Matilda? She's a fascinating character.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Not to worry. She's already on my list :-) I love her story too, especially the bit about escaping in the snow dressed in white.

@halfkinrainbolt7041 Жыл бұрын

There is another way to take the drowning in wine of George. It appears from many accounts that he was very fond of drink and over indulged quite a bit. Is possible he literally drank himself to death, drunken accidently falling down or even possibly poison in his last pitcher of wine?

@ladymeghenderson9337 2 жыл бұрын

It was Eleanor Butler, and Richard declared that due to that 'pre contract' the woodville marriage was null and void, making all the children of that marriage illegitamate. thus poor old George was marinated

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Sure was :-) I discuss that episode in a little bit more detail in my video on the Princes in the Tower and when I get to video(s) on Elizabeth Woodville, I'll probably go into further detail there too.

@lindabarry7867 2 жыл бұрын

Admire your research. Sounds like someone with a dark sense of humor, Richard perhaps, said ‘He loves his wine, let him drink all he wants, even if it kills him!’

@katherinebackus2158 2 жыл бұрын

I do know George rebelled hardcore against his brother. That's part of why he was in the tower.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, that really wasn't a good idea. Edward IV was no kitten and not someone to mess with, even if you were his brother.

@jacobkyle4573 2 жыл бұрын

He betrayed him not once, but twice. Edward was very committed to reconciliation because he believed it the best way to stem the tides of war, but you can only be so forgiving.

@kathleenhensley5951 2 жыл бұрын

I remember reading about this when I was a teenager in Costain's book "The Last Plantagenets". That family was seriously warped. Believable..? in any other family, heck no ...but in THAT family? sure, why not? That is one of those families that if you find yourself a member, run, run long , run far. May I suggest not slowing down till you reach China?

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, the Plantagenets were a killer bunch indeed. A very dangerous family to be a part of.

@bonnieabrs1003 2 жыл бұрын

It isn’t only British Royal families. In many other countries, example countries with harems, the new ruler often killed off their brothers & 1/2 brothers so there would be less chance of being overthrown. Also, some took the former kings entire harem out into the sea & drowned them.

@edithengel2284 Жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling From the beginning! The irascible Henry II's sons battled each other and their father, the then Prince John schemed against his imprisoned brother King Richard, and blinded his older brother Geoffrey's son and imprisoned Geoffrey's daughter for life, etc., etc. Not to mention Eleanor of Acquitting battling with Henry and a son or two. Not a very functional family.

@Ossiffiedgherkin Жыл бұрын

Definitely believable. Especially for a supposed 'nobleman' of such high birth. Although it wouldn't have been an easy death, it would still be less humiliating & painful than being publicly drawn towards the place of execution & then watching one's guts being torn from the body & roasted upon a brazier! Would you the entrails or would you the wine? I know which one I would choose if I could! 😺 Your videos are always extremely compelling... Please keep up your amazing work. Merry Christmas! 😺🌲😺

@johnpeter4184 2 жыл бұрын

First I've heard of it, sure hope its true if not still makes for a great story. Shame to spoil a cask of wine. Much better than having molten lead poured down one's throat. Can't find it at the moment but I recall Shakespeare in 12th Night having Sir Toby Belch say he could drink full measure to a hogshead. BTW Murray's Irish cheese is vg with Apple pie for Apple pie without the cheese is like a kiss without the squeeze. Merry Christmas ho ho ho. When you're here I'll try to be here.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Molten lead - ouch! Merry Christmas to you too 🎄🎅

@bonnieabrs1003 2 жыл бұрын

George didn’t have a loyal bone in his body. In at least 2 battles he turns against Edward & backs Warwick. Then he decided along with Warwick to marry Isabelle (Warwicks daughter) when the king refused permission for the wedding. After Isabelle died in childbirth, Gerorge began to blame Elizabeth Woodville of witchcraft. This caused many problems as he was very obvious of his distain for her. He had had enough from his traitorous brother. The drawing & quartering was to be the method of death, but their mother persuaded Edward to let George pick his means of death. He chose the wine.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

I've never heard that George accused Elizabeth Woodville of witchcraft, but I hope to do a videos or videos on her in the future at which point I'll research her in more detail. If it comes up then, I'll certainly include it.

@bonnieabrs1003 2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling it comes from a legend about Elizabeth’s mother’s family. Melusina was the First Lady of the House of Luxembourg. There’s a belief that they are descendants of a water goddess, Melusina that was 1/2 woman, 1/2 fish. A man found her in the water & talked her into marriage. Her condition was he had to let her go back to the water periodically, & he was not to observe her. He agreed. She then appeared as a female. They were happy & had a family. But he got curious & followed her & saw that she was 1/2 fish & was disgusted by it. She was angry & said he’d never see her again. He didn’t. Generations on Jacquetta was born & seemed to have unusual powers. Her grandmother told her in every generation there was one woman that inherited special powers from the water goddess & she was one & Jacquetta would be the one from her generation. These “gifts” could be seen as witchcraft & years later Elizabeth Woodville had several unusual “gifts”. I think that before George was drowned in wine he brought charges against Jacquetta & Elizabeth for witchcraft. He brought up many different happenings (including the death of his wife & child in childbirth). Jacquetta acquitted herself very well & charges were dropped. Elizabeth was not arrested & charged. Elizabeth feared for her own life & for the lives of her children. The family legend of Melusina is described in the Luxembourg Museum as part of the countries history. The bath she destroyed when her husband spied on her is a tourist attraction. I have some book references I can copy & send to you, if you like. Let me know.

@strangementalitypaperYT Жыл бұрын

I wish this creator would set up a discord. How fun would that be?

@dianetheisen8664 2 жыл бұрын

Oh those pesky younger brothers! I believe that he was executed by drowning. Thank you for your interesting video. I am fascinated with British history, especially the Tudors and the Wars of the Roses. Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄 everyone!

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I think so too on the balance of the evidence. You're welcome and have a lovely Christmas as well. 🎄🎅

@michaelcharlton8896 2 жыл бұрын

I believe it. He probably tried to drink as much as he could when first put in, to take the edge off having to be executed. I wonder if the barrel of wine was subsequently drunk by others? What an icky thought!

@joelanturk6280 2 жыл бұрын

In Korea, circa 1762, Crown Prince Yi Sa Do was executed by his own Father.... had him suffocated in a rice chest for days until he died. The wine vat execution could totally be true.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Oh, that's horrible too. It just shows though that people seemed to pride themselves on their originality when it came to murder/execution.

@joelanturk6280 2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling Girl... You are absolutely correct! It's truly sad and maddening. Anywho, I 💜 your very informative and highly interesting videos!!! Thank you & ✝️ bless you always!!! ~ j from 🇱🇷

@edithengel2284 Жыл бұрын

Ivan the Terrible killed his son in a fit of anger, and Philip II of Spain placed his deranged son Carlos in solitary confinement where he died.

@roscluaran 2 жыл бұрын

How bizarre the York family were!

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Yup, they certainly weren't the Waltons :-)

@R08Tam 2 жыл бұрын

I love Tewkesbury Abbey. You used to be able to go down into a small crypt behind the choir and see Clarence's skull displayed in a glass case.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

I saw pictures of that. There seems to be a fair bit of doubt as to whether it's really him, but it's an interesting story. DNA would answer the question of course, now that we have his brother Richard's profile to provide a comparison.

@castlerock58 Жыл бұрын

I wonder what Edward would do to the Harkles.

@Romartus 2 жыл бұрын

There was a fourth brother, Edmund Earl of Rutland. KIlled or murdered at the Battle of Wakefield in 1460.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Yup, he's mentioned in the video, specifically his death :-)

@rrshowtime3900 2 жыл бұрын

Solid Proof of all claims required.

@AprilBird4 2 жыл бұрын

I am a huge fan of the Phillipa Greggory Novels. I consider them pure fiction and she a wonderful story teller. I do not consider them historically accurate. What they have done is have me look deeper into the true history (as we know it). One of the things I think is "intriguing", is that often the 'wild stuff' that most surely is made up (such as the Duke of Clarence being executed by drowning in Malmsey wine) ends up being the fact (or so it seems) and the quite normal and believable ends up actually being the fiction. From the account you have given here, I would have to say that it does seem to be true.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

It does seem more likely true than not and I was surprised by that myself. I'm currently looking into Edward IV's legitimacy (or rather illegitimacy) and that has greater evidentiary support than I was expecting too (I'm not necessarily saying it was true - just that I can see where the story comes from).

@AprilBird4 2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling I look forward to seeing what you find out!

@beastieber5028 Жыл бұрын

Will definitely

@WolfieDawn Жыл бұрын

I mean...I guess if I only had the two choices I would rather be drowned in wine than dragged for miles, cut open, with my intestines burned in a fire and then drawn and quartered. But God. Also his brother regretted murdering him?? Bit late there!!!

@wcfheadshots240 2 жыл бұрын

While unusual, it was not undeserved. The Duke of Clarence was a traitor - turning against his brother at least 2x's. He at least got to choose his method of execution.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, he really wasn't as clever as he thought he was. If he was prepared to depose Edward (an action which could well have led to Edward's death) then how did he not foresee Edward being prepared to get rid of him (George)?

@edithengel2284 Жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling It really sounds as if he were mentally unstable, especially after Isabella died.

@angr3819 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Lovely lot, weren't they? The Walton's would be envious, surely 😒 It's difficult to believe that he would have chosen painful drowning instead of a quick beheading by the sword or axe.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

I guess he might have wanted his body to be in tact. Just a guess though.

@angr3819 2 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryCalling Possibly, but he could have asked for a quick bang on the head with a hammer or mace, or to be pushed off a tall building or cliff.

@tinakelly8572 2 жыл бұрын

I heard he was murdered in the wine because it was the queen's favourite wine. So it was like her saying up yours.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

I've never heard that story, but I wouldn't put it past Elizabeth Woodville. I think she was a much tougher character than many people give her credit for (I mean you'd need to be to survive losing your husband, brother and three of your sons in the space of just a few months).

@valmonahan7884 2 жыл бұрын

It must be creepy to work in the Tower where so many horrific murders occurred.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

You see as a history nerd, I would find it thrilling, but that's just me :-) I have to say, when I visit I don't get any bad vibes from it. I tend to find places like the Chapel of St Peter Ad Vincula very peaceful. Of course if I was ever to see one of the Tower's supposed ghosts, I'm sure that feeling of peacefulness would rapidly evaporate as I ran screaming in the opposite direction :-)

@ladymeghenderson9337 2 жыл бұрын

strange, I was discussing this very subject, on Wednesday with members of my family during a get together. If there is any truth in this story, he died happy

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Great minds think alike :-) I hope you enjoy it and it adds to the discussion with your family.

@ItsJustLisa 2 жыл бұрын

The brothers York were definitely an interesting crew. The love/hate relationship was strong in them and I’m sure that the Duke of Warwick was right there fanning any and all flames to insure himself the best advantage, including using his own daughters for that purpose. It seems that George did go around the bend when Isabel died and I’m sure that not only was the Duke stirring him up, but Anne might have been as well. I don’t know exactly what kind of sisterly relationship they had, but Isabel was her only living sibling. With so many accounts being very similar in detail, especially since Gutenberg’s printing press wouldn’t be invented for another 14 years after George’s death, it’s not surprising that the accounts are dated so many years later. I think the saddest thing is that Margaret would herself be executed by her Aunt Elizabeth’s own grandson and her first cousin once removed, Henry VIII.

@chunellemariavictoriaespan8752 2 жыл бұрын

So... Edward and Richard are no different huh??? Yet Richard get the brunt of sins...

@mrmainlobster 2 жыл бұрын

I agree with you. He was drowned in a vat of wine.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you :-)

@edithengel2284 Жыл бұрын

I don't really believe in the hanged/drawn/ and quartered story. The last thing Edward would have wanted was a public execution of his brother. And generally speaking, it was a death reserved for the lower orders, at least in later years.

@leefr76 2 жыл бұрын

Think this was shown in the recent Sky History series Royal Bastards Rise of the Tudors. I would recommend.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

Oh, I haven't seen that one. I'll look out for it. Thanks for the tip. :-)

@wcfheadshots240 2 жыл бұрын

Do we have Royal Documents on the trial of George, Duke of Clarence.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

I didn't dive into the trial in detail, but thinking back to my research, yes, there must be something, because I remember reading that Edward presided over the trial himself.

@wvmountaingirl1976 2 жыл бұрын

I read Richard III is the one that put it in motion. Actually now that I think about it, maybe this whole thing was Richard's plan all along. I had no idea George was only 28!!!

@LKMNOP 6 ай бұрын

I like the one official who said that drowning in wine was the worst execution in history. Since when is that worse than "hanged, drawn and quartered??"

@lindsayhengehold5341 2 жыл бұрын

I think he had NPD , I feel really bad about how his children ( The Earl of Warwick and Margaret Countess of Salisbury) were treated by Henry VII & VIII. I like his wife Isabella Neville though.

@paulgibbings9553 2 жыл бұрын

To have so many very similar reports it would appear more than likely that this is true, if rather a strange method of execution. There does appear to be much animosity towards the Woodvilles, I don't know if this is because Elizabeth was a commoner or whether her family tried to grab so much power. However this seemed to be the cause of so much friction during he period at the end of the war of the roses.

@HistoryCalling 2 жыл бұрын

I think the friction was caused by both of those issues. I'll do videos on the women of the Wars of the Roses next year (including Elizabeth) and get into it in more detail then. I'll need to buy some books on it first and get completely up to speed on the topic :-)

@briansmith9439 2 жыл бұрын

Drowning as a means of executing someone was not all that unusual at the time. In a butt of malmsey was. Scotland had drowning pits in the 11th century for women and children; Richard I ordered the drowning of any crusader who killed another crusader in the 12th century, and London had an official responsible for drowning the guilty in the Thames under King John in the 13th.