The Mortimers of Wigmore, 1066-1485

This anthology of essays offers new perspectives on the history of one of the most important and influential noble dynasties in medieval England – the Mortimer family of Wigmore. Themes include the contribution of women in establishing and expanding the family’s importance; the nature of the Mortimers’ relationships with their Welsh tenants and gentry; Mortimer castles; the escape of Roger Mortimer from the Tower of London, as well as his execution and burial in 1330; the Mortimers at war; analysis of their landed wealth and late-medieval networks of support, particularly in Ireland; how the family maintained its wealth and influence during repeated minorities; and how the Yorkists, particularly Edward IV, drew on their Mortimer lineage to legitimise their right to the throne.