Sir Marmaduke Constable: The Veteran of Bosworth Killed by a Frog

A BBC news story today revealed that descendants from those who fought on either side of the Battle of Bosworth were set to meet in Leicester as part of the commemoration of Richard III’s reinterment. This is now, however, surely overshadowed by the fact that one of the ancestors who fought at Bosworth was a man called Sir Marmaduke Constable, about whom you need to know three things: firstly, his name was Sir Marmaduke Constable; secondly, he had a long and interesting career in a turbulent period of English history; thirdly, he was eventually brought to mortal conclusion by a frog.

The Final Journey of Richard III – What You Need to Know

Richard III kept a pretty low profile for the first 527 years after his defeat and death in the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, but since his exhumation in 2012 his diary has been much more active. The next week will see him re-interred at Leicester Cathedral (after which his activity levels will quieten down considerably) so read on to find out what is happening where and when, and how you can follow the all of the events.

The Grand Final Results

After four years of podcasting, we have finally come to the end of the series and are ready to reveal your favourite royal dynasty and to crown the Rex Factor champion. Alfred the Great, Henry II and Elizabeth I were the three finalists and the winner was decided entirely by the public vote. Read on to find out who will forever wear the Rex Factor crown…

[Warning: Spoilers!]

Vote Elizabeth!

With just a week to go before voting closes in the Grand Final of Rex Factor, who do you think deserves to be crowned the Rex Factor champion? We’ve already give you reasons to vote for Alfred the Great, and Henry II but if you are still to cast your vote then you should give serious consideration to the Tudor Queen – Elizabeth I.

The Grand Final – Vote for the Rex Factor Champion!

After four years of reviewing all the kings and queens of England from Alfred the Great to Elizabeth II, we are finally at an end. There were 18 monarchs awarded the Rex Factor but the play-offs have seen various legends fall away and now just three monarchs remain: Alfred the Great, Henry II and Elizabeth I. However, only one can be crowned the Rex Factor champion – read on for a summary of the final three and then click the link to vote for who you think should win Rex Factor – the deadline for voting is Thursday 31 July.

Click here to choose the Rex Factor Champion.

Semi-Finals – Last Chance to Vote!

The voting for the Semi-Finals of the Rex Factor play-offs is nearly finished – you have until the close of play on Thursday 12 June to cast your vote for the three monarchs who you think should make it through to the final. If you’re not sure who to vote for and don’t have time to listen to the three play-off episodes, here’s a quick guide to the 9 monarchs competing for a place in the final as well as links to all the surveys.

Semi-Final B – Vote Now!

In the second of the three play-off contests, two of England’s most successful warrior kings (Athelstan and Henry V) take on one of its most iconic (Elizabeth I) but only one monarch can make it through to the Grand Final. Read on for more information about the three contenders and how you can influence the outcome!

Semi-Final A – Vote Now!

With the first round now complete, we move into the Semi-Finals of the Rex Factor play-offs. Semi-Final A could prove to be one of the most keenly fought battles with the top seed, Henry II, up against two of the most iconic monarchs in Henry VIII and Queen Victoria. Read on for more information about the three contenders and how you can influence the outcome!

Group B – Vote Now!

The second play-off group is open for voting! Doing battle in Group B are Cnut, Henry II, Richard the Lionheart, Edward I, Elizabeth I and William III. Read on for a quick introduction to the six contenders and details on how you can vote to decide the outcome.

Group A – Vote Now!

The Rex Factor play-offs are officially underway! Group A consists of six monarchs (Alfred the Great, Athelstan, Henry I, Edward IV, Henry VIII and Charles II) but only three of them can go through to the semi-finals, so they need YOUR vote. The survey is open now until 31 March. Read on for a quick refresh of the Group A monarchs and for details on how you can vote to decide the outcome.