November 4, 2018

Emperor Charles V and the Fugger family

Charles' election as Emperor in 1519, of which he wrote that 'there is nothing in this world we want more', was achieved by bribery, propaganda and the subtle threat of force. The seven electors regarded the Imperial election as a means to extort money and promises of future privileges from all the candidates.
November 4, 2018

Mechelen

Mechelen is a wonderful place to start finding out about the life of Emperor Charles V. Lying between Brussels and Antwerp, it is readily accessible and everywhere in the central area is easily walkable.
November 6, 2018

Lesser known cities in Andalucia – Baeza

Baeza and Ubeda are in the province of Jaen. These cities, about 90 miles miles to the east of Cordoba and 80miles north of Granada, but only a few miles apart, are well worth a day’s visit.
November 13, 2018

Lesser known cities in Andalucia (2) – Ubeda

Ubeda is only a few kilometres from Baeza and is also well worth a visit. The home of Francisco de los Cobos, Charles V's chief administrator in Spain for 20 years, it reached it peak in the 16th century.