Royal Mistresses of England and France
Choose a starting date
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 21 Jun 2025End Date: 21 Jun 2025Sat (Daytime): 11:00 - 16:00In PersonFull fee £49.00 Senior fee £39.00 Concession £32.00
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
The role of royal mistress in England and France.
What will we cover?
We study the highs and lows of being a royal mistress. The position was a precarious one, dependent upon retaining the king’s affection. If you were lucky, you could be pensioned off and any illegitimate children ennobled when royal desire waned. Charles II of England was particularly generous in this regard. At worse, your royal lover might die suddenly leaving you at the mercy of a vengeful widow as happened in the case of Leanor de Guzman, mistress of Alphonso XI of Leon. We will consider the fate of several women including: Agnes Sorel and Diane de Poitiers in France; English examples include: Alice Perrers, Sophia von Kielmansegg and Ehrengard Melusine von der Schulenburg.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Explain the significance of the term maitresse-en-titre
• Illustrate the potential roles women could play as demonstrated by the careers of Diane de Poitiers and Madame de Maintenon
• Compare and contrast the fate of several royal mistresses in England and on the continent.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
No prior knowledge is required. However, a good standard of reading, writing and speaking English is essential.
An open mind and a willingness to engage respectfully in class discussion and debate.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
There will be a PowerPoint presentation and a seminar-style discussion of original sources (in translation) pertinent to the topic. You are invited to bring along/describe items you have read in newspapers/heard on radio/seen on TV that you think may be of interest to the group.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You need only bring note-taking materials. All necessary reading materials will be provided in class.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Other courses on European and British history. Please see the City Lit website.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.