Queen Eleanor's Confession - Tim Hart and Maddy Prior

Traditional English Folk song. Not to be taken too seriously as it is accurate as 'Braveheart'. According to sources it is about Eleanor of Acquitaine but could just as easily be about Eleanor of Provence.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Tim
• Hart
• Maddy
• Prior
• English
• Folk

[Ms531774]

Not about Eleanor of Aquitaine as she was no virgin as Henry was her 2nd marriage. She already had 2 children by Louis of France. And she had slept with Henry before travelling to England.

[hawkmoon03111951]

You're right, Eleanor of Acquitaine did have two children already. Eleanor of Provence was also intensely disliked by the nobility and the citizens of London. The song was not about accuracy but mischief so could be attributed to either, however, all the sources regard it as being Eleanor of Acquitaine.

[McGrenzer]

@Ms531774 A popular ballad is like a TV screenplay, it's not required to be historically accurate...only entertaining.

[hawkmoon03111951]

@McGrenzer Not sure I agree with that. A lot of people accept anything in a film as fact. The correct history is just as entertaining as false history anyway. When history is changed or distorted it is often because, the perpatrator, is attempting to push forward another agenda (Nazi party, Communist party etc). This song was probably not just for entertainment, at the time, but propaganda against Eleanor.

[ColinMedex]

Are you sure that the Eleanor in the song is Eleanor of Aquitane? Henry III's wife was also called Eleanor, and there was a prominent Earl called William the Marshall who actually was the Marshall of the kingdom at the time. Also as William the Marshall was instrumental in getting Henry III onto his throne, it would make sense that he could get away with a few liberties.

[hawkmoon03111951]

All references to the song identify it as Eleanor of Aquitaine. As such it is pure fantasy but good fun.

[tamlin10]

tim hart rip, your music lives on in our hearts and souls. thanks for posting!!!

[Vonyc25]

Died in memories of my uncle Tim hard

[brucefetter]

havent heard this in years. love it.

[asbpab1966]

@ColinMedex The writer probably hybridized two or more Eleanors.

[asbpab1966]

This video leaves out a verse that is in the Chad Mitchell version:

"The next vile sin that ere I did

To you I'll not deny

I brewed a pot of poison strong

To poison King Hen-rye

That is a vile sin said the King

G-d may forgive indeed

Amen, Amen quoth Earl Marshall

I wish it so may be.

[danvers0549]

I live close to where they both lived..Niort,Deux Sevres..All I can say is that it's a lovely song,sung  by the nicest singer!!

[KateFan]

@ColinMedex Henry III was a weak king, so it could be...

[KateFan]

Could just as easily be Eleanor of Castile as well!

Too many Eleanors...