If I could Go Back In Time To.....

Being a history buff, who loves to revel in the mysteries of the past, I often wonder what it would be like to be transported back to a particular century - but not for too long - as I would hate to be deprived of my modern creature comforts!

The past fascinates me, especially the Middle Ages. How did those people survive from day to day, especially the serfs, villeins, the poor, and those without status or standing in life; an age when life was strictly hierarchical, religious and duty-bound, and everyone knew their place within it. However, on the plus side, things were soooo cheap! You were rather rich if you earned (or were worth) over £50 ($62) per year.

The Middle Ages were indisputably a man's world: a time of earls, barons, knights, chivalry and gentry. Women were mere bargaining chips to fuse or create dynasties, especially the ones who had their own inheritances. They had no say in their marriages, even after they were widowed. But most fascinating of all, was the level of superstition among people, because of the gross lack of education.

For example, medieval people believed that the Earth was flat (just like some in the 21st century!) and that there were dragons and other mythical creatures living in the far corners of the world. They often used the Bible to solve legal disputes, in that two people might agree to settle a disagreement by each holding a Bible and seeing who could hold it up for the longest time! Weirdest of all were the special courts that tried animals for crimes such as murder and theft. If an animal was found guilty, it could be punished by death or exile!

So to which age would I like to make my leap through time?

After careful thought, I would love to go back to the 13th century, during the time of Edward 1 (1272 to 1307) to be his Queen, no less, but for just 6 months! After all, he was a handsome dude! Not sure what he would do with Eleanor of Castile while I was there, or what he would make of my Afro! But what an adventure that wuld be. King Edward seemed to have been very confident, very able, protective and not too religious. He seemed sure of what he wanted and where he was going. Known as Edward Longshanks and the 'Hammer of the Scots', he united Britain briefly (brought Wales, Scotland, Ireland and England together) and left a lasting legacy on the English legal system, government, and culture.

He was a strong and capable ruler who is also known for his military conquests and legal reforms, but was regarded as a "complex and controversial figure", a brilliant military commander and a skilled administrator who was also "ruthless and ambitious". He introduced a number of statutes that strengthened the crown and helped to develop the English common law. He also reformed the administration of government, making it more efficient and effective. I do like confidence, purpose and self assurance in men and, of all the Middle Age kings, he certainly stands out. Edward died in 1307, age 68, while on campaign in Scotland. He was succeeded by his son, Edward II.

By going back to his time, I would also escape the famine (1315-22) and the Black Death (1328) which happened in his son's reign! (Well, one has to look after No.1!) :) I don't think I would try to change anything while I'm there because any changes might even change my life later on and even stop me from being born, so one has to be careful about being too quick to change history!

Which time would you go back to, and why? What role would you play? What would you change, if anything?

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