Eleanor of Castile was an English queen consort, the first wife of Edward I, whom she married as part of a political deal to affirm English sovereignty over Gascony. Despite the arranged beginnings, its evident that they were very much In love and she travelled extensively with the King, whish was virtually unheard of in their time. They had many children, however fewer than half survived. She died in Harby, near Lincoln, in 1290ad aged 49. Edward Vowed to build a cross at every place her funeral Courtage stopped on its way back to Westminster Cathedral. In this county, we are fortunate to have 2 crosses. One at Geddington and the other at Hardingstone in Northampton. This is the cross that inspired this song. Its a love song from Edward to Eleanor.
lyrics
I recall, the day I met you
It's the day, both our lives would change
From that moment on I desired no other
Eleanor of Castille was your name
You became, my constant companion
By my side is where you would stay
Through thick, through thin and through ill health
You would love me til your dying day
I remember, we were at Acre
An assassin, with poison on his knife
The rumour is that it was you that saved me
For that alone I owed you my life
Or the times, we went riding
From our lodge, down amongst the woods
You in front and dressed all in white
Most assured within your womanhood
But, Eleanor, Now you've left me all alone
Where you rested, I shall build a cross of stone
A monument to all that we have here
Testament to a love we shared
I shall mourn you for the rest of my days
I shall pray to the lord above
You, who in living was deeply cherished
And in your passing, I cannot cease to love
Eleanor, Eleanor
I shall love you, til my dying day
Eleanor, Eleanor
I shall love you, til my dying day
credits
from Fortune and Folly,
released March 6, 2019
Written,composed by Gary Painting.
Whistle by Kate Beresford
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