Matilda Gallery

Harolds oath of fealty to Duke William of Normandy

Allegedly after being shipwrecked on the French coast in 1064 (a date highly disputed amongst historians), The Bayeux Tapestry, and other Norman sources, record that Harold swore an oath on sacred relics to Duke William of Normandy to support his (William's) claim to the English throne. After the death of King Edward the Confessor, the Normans were quick to point out that in accepting the crown of England, Harold had broken this alleged oath. He makes his pledge in the presence of Bishop Odo, Adeliza, Matilda, Haco and Wolnoth. Date: 1054

© Mary Evans Picture Library/Tom Gillmor

Boniface III of Tuscany, Matilda of Canossa, Pietro

Boniface III of Canossa, Margrave of Tuscany (985-1052) with golden hat, chlamys and blue tunic, Matilda of Canossa, Margravine of Tuscany (1046-1115), and Pietro de Lante, Roman Senator (14th century), and Federico da Montefeltro, Lord of Urbino (1422-1482). Bonifacio Ducardi Toscana, Contessa Matilde, Pietro Lante, Ferderico Duca d'Urbino. Handcoloured copperplate engraving after Giulio Ferrario in his Costumes Ancient and Modern of the Peoples of the World, Il Costume Antico e Moderno, Florence, 1837

© Florilegius

Marie Lloyd in the Tatler - The Darling of the Gods

Photograph from the Tatler of 20th October 1909 of Marie Lloyd, singer, comedienne and music-hall star riding in an open topped carriage, smiling broadly. Born Matilda Alice Victoria Wood (12 February 1870 7 October 1922) Marie Lloyd began her stage career at the age of 15 at the Grecian Assembly Rooms and was popular for the whole of her life both in the UK and overseas. Date: 20th October 1909

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans