Rosamond Clifford: Separating History from Legend

Rosamond Clifford, often romantically termed “Fair Rosamund,” was a real historical figure who became the mistress of King Henry II of England in the 12th century. While her life is obscured by layers of myth and legend (most famously the tale of her poisoning by Henry’s queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine), she represents a fascinating lens through which to explore medieval court life, royal power dynamics, and the evolution of historical narrative. This article examines her documented history, the persistent legends surrounding her, and her enduring cultural impact.

Who was Rosamond Clifford?

Rosamond Clifford was an English noblewoman, daughter of Walter Clifford, a Marcher Lord. Historical records confirm her existence and relationship with King Henry II, likely beginning around 1174. While often portrayed as exceptionally beautiful (“Fair Rosamund”), contemporary accounts primarily focus on her role as the king’s acknowledged mistress during a period of estrangement from his wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine. She bore Henry at least two sons, though their survival into adulthood is unclear.

What is known about Rosamond Clifford’s early life?

Rosamond Clifford was born around 1148-1150, likely at Clifford Castle in Herefordshire, England. She belonged to a family of significant regional power on the Welsh Marches. Her father, Walter de Clifford, was a loyal supporter of King Henry II. Details of her childhood, education, or early aspirations are lost to history. Her prominence arises solely from her later association with the king.

How did Rosamond Clifford become involved with King Henry II?

The exact circumstances of their meeting are unknown, but it likely occurred through her father’s position at court or Henry’s travels through the Marches. Their relationship became significant around 1173-1174, coinciding with Henry’s intense conflict with his rebellious sons (The Great Revolt) and his imprisonment of Queen Eleanor. Henry provided generously for Rosamond, establishing her at Woodstock Palace.

What was the relationship between Rosamond Clifford and Henry II?

Rosamond served as Henry II’s acknowledged mistress for several years. Historical evidence suggests Henry was genuinely fond of her. He provided substantial financial support, documented through grants of land and manors recorded in the Pipe Rolls (medieval financial records). Their relationship produced children, though only the names William Longespée (who became Earl of Salisbury) and Geoffrey (who entered the church) are tentatively linked to her with any plausibility by historians.

Where did Rosamond Clifford live during her relationship with Henry II?

Rosamond primarily resided at Henry’s royal manor of Woodstock in Oxfordshire. This is central to the later legends. Henry significantly renovated Woodstock, building elaborate gardens and parks. While legends speak of a hidden “bower” or labyrinth, historical records only confirm her presence at the established royal residence. She wasn’t hidden away in isolation but lived within a known royal complex.

What happened to Rosamond Clifford?

Rosamond did not die by poisoning. Historical consensus, based on chronicles like those of Benedict of Peterborough, indicates she retired to the nunnery at Godstow, near Oxford, around 1176. She died there shortly after, likely in 1176 or early 1177. Her death was probably due to natural causes, such as illness or complications from childbirth. Henry paid for her tomb and its upkeep within the Godstow chapel, a sign of his regard.

What is the legend of Rosamond and Eleanor of Aquitaine?

The enduring legend claims Eleanor of Aquitaine discovered Rosamond’s hiding place at Woodstock, often via a thread or ball of yarn, and forced her to choose between death by dagger or poison. Rosamond supposedly chose poison. This tale first appears in French romances of the 14th century, over 150 years after her death, and was popularized by poets like Chaucer and Tennyson. It reflects later medieval fascination with courtly love and tragedy, not historical reality.

Why did the poisoning legend become so popular?

The legend thrived for several reasons: Eleanor of Aquitaine was a powerful, unconventional queen who spent years imprisoned by Henry, making her a plausible figure of vengeance. The story offered a dramatic, romanticized narrative contrasting the “fair” mistress and the “jealous” queen. It simplified complex political and marital strife into a personal, emotionally charged tale. Victorian-era romanticism further cemented it in popular culture.

Is there any historical evidence Eleanor harmed Rosamond?

No credible historical evidence supports Eleanor of Aquitaine having any direct contact with Rosamond Clifford, let alone harming her. At the time of Rosamond’s prominence (post-1173), Eleanor was under house arrest in England following her support for her sons’ rebellion against Henry. She lacked the freedom to orchestrate such an encounter. Chroniclers contemporary to the events mention no foul play.

What happened to Rosamond Clifford’s tomb?

Rosamond was buried with honor before the high altar at Godstow Priory chapel. Henry II funded the tomb and its maintenance. For decades, it was a local landmark, sometimes even associated with miracles. However, in 1191, St. Hugh, Bishop of Lincoln, visited Godstow and ordered her tomb removed from the chapel due to her status as a king’s mistress, deeming it inappropriate for such a prominent location within a holy space. It was reportedly moved to the nuns’ chapter house, but its ultimate fate after the Dissolution of the Monasteries (1536-1541) is unknown.

How has Rosamond Clifford been portrayed in art and literature?

Rosamond’s story, particularly the legendary aspects, has captivated artists and writers for centuries:

• Medieval & Renaissance: Featured in ballads, chronicles (like Ranulf Higden’s Polychronicon), and early plays, often focusing on the labyrinth and poisoning.
• 17th & 18th Centuries: Plays like Thomas Addison’s Rosamond (1707) cemented the tragic love triangle. Paintings depicted the “discovery” scene.
• 19th Century: Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poem “A Dream of Fair Women” and his play Becket brought the legend to a Victorian audience. Pre-Raphaelite painters like Dante Gabriel Rossetti and John William Waterhouse created iconic images of “Fair Rosamund.”
• 20th & 21st Centuries: Appears in numerous historical novels (e.g., by Jean Plaidy, Elizabeth Chadwick, Alison Weir) and TV series (like The Devil’s Crown and Becket), often blending history and legend. Modern interpretations sometimes attempt to reclaim her agency or present a more historical view.

What does the name “Fair Rosamund” signify?

“Fair Rosamund” is primarily a literary and artistic epithet emphasizing her legendary beauty and tragic victimhood. While chroniclers like Gerald of Wales mentioned her beauty (“rosa mundi” – rose of the world), the persistent use of “Fair Rosamund” reflects the romanticized legend rather than documented historical description. It became a shorthand for the idealized, doomed mistress.

What is the historical significance of Rosamond Clifford?

Beyond the legend, Rosamond Clifford’s significance lies in several areas:

• Medieval Royal Mistresses: Her documented support from Henry II illustrates the accepted, though sometimes controversial, role of royal mistresses in medieval courts. She was not unique, but her case is relatively well-recorded.
• Henry II’s Reign: Her presence coincides with a tumultuous period: Henry’s conflict with Thomas Becket (murdered 1170), the Great Revolt (1173-1174), and Eleanor’s imprisonment. She was part of the complex personal and political landscape.
• Power of Narrative: Her transformation from a historical noblewoman to “Fair Rosamund” demonstrates how historical figures can be reshaped by cultural needs, evolving into potent symbols of love, betrayal, and tragedy.
• Gender and Agency: Modern scholarship often examines her limited agency within the patriarchal structures of the 12th century, contrasting with the often passive victim role assigned by legend.

Where can you find historical evidence about Rosamond Clifford?

Reliable information comes from contemporary or near-contemporary sources:

• Pipe Rolls: Financial records detailing Henry II’s grants of land and income to Rosamond (e.g., manors at Wudehstoc, Everswell).
• Chronicles: Benedict of Peterborough, Roger of Howden, Gerald of Wales mention her existence, relationship with Henry, retreat to Godstow, death, and burial. They do *not* mention poison or Eleanor’s involvement.
• Godstow Priory Records: Confirm her burial and the initial prominence of her tomb before Bishop Hugh’s intervention.

Later romanticized accounts (14th century onwards) and literary works are valuable for understanding her legend but not her factual history.

Why is the distinction between Rosamond Clifford’s history and legend important?

Separating the historical Rosamond from “Fair Rosamund” is crucial for historical accuracy. Perpetuating the poisoning myth obscures the realities of medieval royal life, unfairly maligns Eleanor of Aquitaine based on fiction, and reduces a real woman’s life to a sensationalized trope. Understanding the *creation* of the legend, however, offers valuable insights into cultural attitudes towards love, power, women, and storytelling across different historical periods. Rosamond Clifford serves as a compelling case study in how history is remembered, romanticized, and sometimes fundamentally rewritten.