Carol Ann Lloyd

@shakeuphistory.bsky.social

speaker, author, timeless leadership, history obsessed, Shakespeare lover www.carolannlloyd.com

In 2020, James Shapiro wrote about Shakespeare and a “Divided America.” We're more divided than ever as we mark the 250th year since the Declaration of Independence. Shakespeare wrote about issues we are grappling with right now: cultural identity, racism, and power struggles. Good time to review.

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OTD in 1773, the British Parliament passed the Tea Act. In short order, this led to the Boston Tea party and the decline in Britain's relationship with the colonies. This year we mark 250th anniv of Declaration of Independence.

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Which of Shakespeare’s leading ladies has the most lines? Rosalind from As You Like It with 685 lines. In fact, Rosalind has more lines than anyone in the play! She defies gender roles and expectations and manages her own life and the lives of others, arranging many marriages.

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Welcome home to the Artemis crew! Why “Artemis”? The new lunar program was named for the twin sister of Apollo (name of the initial lunar program), who was the goddess of the moon. Mission Specialist Christina Koch is the first woman to serve on a lunar mission.

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Hamnet is HOT! I’ve now read the book, listened to the book, seen the movie, and seen the stage production (at Shakespeare Theatre Company in DC). No surprise I’m digging back into Hamnet and will be sharing thoughts soon on the podcast. What are you reading this weekend?

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OTD in 1483, Edward V succeeded his father Edward IV as King of England. Although he was proclaimed King of England, young Edward V was never crowned. Edward V is better known as one of the “Princes in the Tower.”

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Let’s learn about the Leading Ladies of Shakespeare! One of my favorites is Juliet! We might think she’s a young, helpless girl, but she is a powerhouse. She defies her father, her society, and the law by choosing her own husband

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Here is one of my favorite Shakespeare books from some I really admire: DAME Judi Dench! With candid observations and hilarious stories, this book is a treasure for fans of Shakespeare, movies, plays—and of course Judi Dench!

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OTD in 1502, Prince Arthur died. Eldest son of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York, he was born to be the second Tudor King. He married Katherine of Aragon on 14 November 1501. Sadly, Arthur died five months later. His younger brother Henry became heir to the throne.

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Meet Elizabeth of York, eldest daughter of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville, sister of the “Princes in the Tower,” niece of Richard III, wife of Henry VII, and mother of Henry VIII. Her nickname was “Queen of Hearts,” and she’s said to be the model for that card in modern card decks.

Elizabeth of York, Queen Consort of England

I LOVE this book by Leah Redmond Chang: Young Queens. It covers the entangled relationship of Catherine de Medici, Elisabeth de Valois, and Mary, Queen of Scots. These women changed their nations and the world. What are you reading this weekend?

Another leading lady of history: St Brigid of Kildare! St Brigid is the mother saint of Ireland, one of three national saints. Founded Kildare Abbey and several convents. Patron saint of learning, poetry, healing, protection, livestock, and more.

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30-second review of How to Be A Renaissance Woman! I love this book and its witty commentary of what “good looking” and “looking good” has meant throughout history. Have you read it? I’d love to hear what you think!!

Happy St Patrick’s Day! Did you know Ireland’s famous saint was actually born in Britain? He went to Ireland as a bishop and is credited with establishing monasteries, schools, and churches. He died on March 17th, which became his feast day.

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Let’s meet a famous Medieval and Tudor woman: Margaret Pole She was the niece of Edward IV and Richard III and daughter of George Duke of Clarence She was a peeress in her own right—no husband required! She survived the Wars of the Roses only to be executed by Henry VIII

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