Plantagenet ladies and their ABCs
Kim Phillips, in Medieval maidens: young women and gender in England, 1270-1540, has some interesting information on the literacy of high-born girls in Plantagenet England.
Eleanor de Montfort, the daughter of Simon and Princess Eleanor, was about six or seven in 1265 when a friar named Boyun was commissioned to purchase fine parchment and produce a breviary for her.
Leonor of Castile, Edward I's queen, purchased a psalter and seven primers in 1290. These were probably intended for her children: Eleanor (aged twenty-one), Joan (aged eighteen), Margaret (aged fourteen), Mary (aged eleven), Elizabeth (aged nine) and perhaps for little six-year-old Edward.
Henry IV's daughters Blanche and Philippa were given ABCs, a sort of compilation of religious books. The 'A' books contained basic prayers (Ten Commandments, etc.), the 'B' book slightly more advanced material, and the 'C' book being a book of hours.
Eleanor de Montfort, the daughter of Simon and Princess Eleanor, was about six or seven in 1265 when a friar named Boyun was commissioned to purchase fine parchment and produce a breviary for her.
Leonor of Castile, Edward I's queen, purchased a psalter and seven primers in 1290. These were probably intended for her children: Eleanor (aged twenty-one), Joan (aged eighteen), Margaret (aged fourteen), Mary (aged eleven), Elizabeth (aged nine) and perhaps for little six-year-old Edward.
Henry IV's daughters Blanche and Philippa were given ABCs, a sort of compilation of religious books. The 'A' books contained basic prayers (Ten Commandments, etc.), the 'B' book slightly more advanced material, and the 'C' book being a book of hours.