England’s Enduring Love Affair with France
What is its allure?
Like love. Like Baby Bear’s Porridge. Indefinable.
Ever since William (known as The Conqueror in his home town of Caen, The Bastard in London) brought his language and culture to England, the English have always hot footed it to France.
From 1066 a French-speaking social elite was established in England. The landholding aristocracy and all the top jobs were filled by Normans. French was the first language for the upper crust for centuries. Following the example set by royals French brides were preferred.
William married Matilda of Normandy, another French king, Stephen of Blois married Matilda of Boulogne, Bad King John married Isabella of Angoulême.
When John lost Normandy, his barons who owned lands, had family and antecedents there, were so incensed they invited Prince Louis, son of Philip II of France to take the English crown.
John’s son Henry III married Eleanor of Provence, Edward I married Margaret of France, his son Edward II married Isabella of France, Richard II married Isabella of Valois,
Henry V married Catherine of Valois, his son Henry VI married Margaret of Anjou and Charles I married Henrietta of France.
Since Brexit, 100,000 residence permits have been granted to Britons in France. So far. This is home to one of the largest British-born populations outside the UK. Estimates vary but 400,000 is considered about right.
How about this for a firework?
Are the 48% of Brits who voted to stay in the EU now considered the UK’s new elite?
Post by Pamela, Photography by Mark.
