Montségur
- Written by Martin Northey
Following the death of Simon de Montfort, the leader of the Albigensian Crusade, during the siege of Toulouse in 1218, his son Amaury took command of the army. Amaury asked King Phillip II of France for help to crush the Cathars and their supporters from the aristocracy in the Languedoc.
Portugal: Land of Myth and Legend: Part 1 Of Sebastianismo
- Written by Lynne Booker, Algarve History Association
'Portugal itself has many more myths than the rest of Europe put together, which could perhaps help the latter [Europe] realise its destiny' wrote Gilbert Durand the French Academician known for his work on imagination and mythology. You might expect a country whose people had first imagined and then actually discovered the sea route to Índia to be rich in myth and legend.
Read more: Portugal: Land of Myth and Legend: Part 1 Of Sebastianismo
Portuguese Consul saved Jews - Part 2
- Written by Jack Soifer
Continuation of the article 'Portuguese Consul saved Jews' by Jack Soifer.
Portuguese Consul saved Jews - Part 1
- Written by Jack Soifer
Aristides de Sousa Mendes (1885-1954) was Portugal’s consul in Bordeaux when France was taken by the nazi. He disobeyed orders from dictator Salazar, and issued 30 thousand entry-visas to those who wished to leave it in 1940. The Portuguese Schindler saved some 10 thousand Jews.
Carcassonne
- Written by Martin Northey
I visited Carcassonne the first time in November 2001 ( I went back for a second visit in 2007) on my way back from a trip to England. I came over the channel on the Portsmouth to Caen overnight ferry. I had a good ride across France with little traffic as it was Sunday and lorries are not allowed on the road on Sunday in France.
Iberia United: Portugal won, Spain lost
- Written by Lynne Booker, Algarve History Association
The War of Acclamation beween Portugal and Spain by Lynne Booker, Algarve History Association. Portugal had finally rid itself of the Moors in 1139 and then beat the Castilians at the definitive battle of Aljubarrota in 1385. Portugal had become an independent nation and there was no further threat from Castile.
Narbonne
- Written by Martin Northey
Martin tells of his trip to Narbonne, 60 kilometers east of Carcassonne, and less than an hour's drive from the Spanish border.
The Algarve History Trail
- Written by Lynne Booker, Algarve History Association
Land of blistering hot sunny days, miles of golden sand and oasis upon oasis of verdant golf courses. The Algarve is indeed a perfect place to relax. It is also a magnificent area to explore: Romans, Moors, Crusaders, pirates, explorers. Here are some ideas for your voyage of discovery!
