Anyone else feel like the Plantagenet dynasty has been suppressed in history?
I got into Plantagenet history after reading the Sunne in Splendour by Sharon Penman because I was interested in the War of the Roses. Since then I've been reading her other books in the Plantagenet series and have been doing research of my own. I couldn't believe how interesting the era was, it felt like something straight out of a movie.
Before I started actively reading and researching, as a complete casual in history who was born and raised in the UK, I can honestly tell you I'd never heard of the Plantagenets. It somehow never came up in school or everyday life compared to the Tudors and Victorian era. I remember brief mentions of the Roman era, Anglo Saxons, Vikings and Normans, pretty much solely because of the Battle of Hastings.
I'd heard about the House of York and House of Lancaster , Richard III and Richard the Lionheart but never knew that they were all part of the Plantagenet history. I've been telling my family and friends about some of the extended history and they're just as shocked as I was. They'd heard about the same big names I mentioned earlier but not a peep about the dynasty they belonged to. There's also the hundred years war, latter part of the anarchy, signing of the magna carta, murder of Thomas Becket and so much more that people may casually know about, not knowing the era it all took place during.
Anyone else have a similar experience? If not please share your experiences. If yes, is it just a coincidence, something that was intended or is there another justification entirely?
Posted May 10, 2026, 2:04 PM UTC