Women Who Shaped History: Margaret of York
Who is your favorite historical figure?
Word Press, daily prompt.
I’m guilty of being tardy. I didn’t post my thoughts on this WordPress writing prompt when it was given. That was back on June 19th. For what it’s worth I was recouperating from Lilies War and following bronchitis. I know, I can still write and I did. I just didn’t get it posted. But now I can say it’s not who you would think. It’s not Cleopatra, Joan of Arc, or Julius Caesar. It’s Margaret of York.
But maybe I should explain myself. There’s so much I could share, she is such an awesome woman from Jehanne’s time.
Margaret of York (1446–1503) was an English princess who married Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, in 1468. And where did this dynastic fairytale wedding take place? Of course, in Bruges! With fireworks, fountains of wine, jousts, music, and silk everywhere. One eyewitness declared:
“The like of it was never seen before nor shall be again.”
— A Bruges citizen on her 1468 wedding
So, when your wedding becomes a civic legend, you’re off to a strong start. That legend is recreated in Bruges
But Margaret didn’t just dress the part of a duchess. When her husband died in battle (he didn’t get the nickname “Charles the Rash” for nothing), she didn’t crumble. She didn’t retreat into embroidery or convent life. She stepped up and kept the Burgundian state together—at a time when everyone else expected it to fall apart.
“She is a woman entirely masculine in her counsel and spirit.”
— Contemporary Burgundian chronicler
That may sound odd to us today, but it was meant as a compliment. In a world of kings, dukes, and schemers, Margaret held her own. She protected her stepdaughter Mary of Burgundy’s claim. She arranged Mary’s marriage to Maximilian of Austria. She helped shape the future of Europe.
One Italian envoy even wrote home, marveling:
“Madame of Burgundy governs her lands with more wisdom than many princes.”
That’s why I admire her. Margaret of York didn’t rule officially—but unofficially? She was the steel corset under the velvet gown.
And speaking of velvet:
“In Burgundy, gold talks, silk sings, and women rule with velvet gloves and iron wills.”
— Anonymous French proverb
Margaret played that game beautifully. Smart, poised, politically sharp, and never one to underestimate the power of a well-timed alliance (or a well-constructed hennin).
So yes—Margaret of York is my favorite historical figure. It’s not just because of the fabulous gowns and courtly drama, although, I love those too. She reminds me that history is full of women who shaped the world. They accomplished so musch quietly, cleverly, and with tremendous grace.
What about you? Who’s your favorite historical figure—and do they throw a better wedding than Margaret?
📌 Tags:
Margaret of York, Historical Figures, Burgundian Court, Women in History, 15th Century, Medieval Women, Favorite Historical Figure, WordPress Daily Prompt, History Blog, Charles the Bold, Bruges History
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Meet Margaret of York: princess, duchess, and political powerhouse of 15th-century Bruges—and my favorite historical figure.
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Today’s #WordPressPrompt: Who’s your favorite historical figure? Mine? Margaret of York—an English princess turned Burgundian boss lady. Come meet her!
