Tuesday 1 December 2009

Jane Shore



Jane Shore was the captivating, sexually liberated mistress and courtesan of among others Edward IV and William Hastings. She was known for her quick wit, charm and humour rather than her beauty. Tried for promiscuity, Jane was ordered to do a walk of shame through the streets in her under garments carrying a lighted taper. Imprisoned by Richard III her allure was too strong for the kings solicitor, she was pardoned and they were married. A legendary ballad suggests that Jane fell on hard times later in life and miserable from poverty died in an East London ditch.