Episode Summary: The Paston Letters with Helen Castor

Podcast: Gone Medieval
Host: Matt Lewis
Guest: Dr. Eleanor Jaenega
Special Guest: Helen Castor
Release Date: August 15, 2025

Introduction to the Paston Letters

Gone Medieval delves into the rich tapestry of the Middle Ages, exploring various facets from myths to power politics. In this episode, titled "The Paston Letters with Helen Castor," host Matt Lewis invites renowned historian Helen Castor to shed light on one of the most valuable medieval archives: the Paston Letters.

Significance of the Paston Letters

Helen Castor introduces the Paston Letters as "the earliest surviving great collection of private correspondence in the English language" (04:13). Unlike formal government or monastic records, these letters provide an intimate glimpse into the lives of a rising family in 15th-century England, capturing the personal and political nuances of the time.

"They’re one of our first chances to hear people speaking in private." — Dr. Eleanor Jaenega (04:13)

The Paston Family: Rise and Ambition

Background and Social Climbing

The Paston family originated from North Norfolk and experienced a meteoric rise from peasantry to landed gentry within a century. William Paston I, the patriarch, leveraged his legal acumen to acquire land and status, setting the foundation for his family's ascent.

"William Paston I... starts buying up lands and manors in an attempt to turn his family into landed gentry." — Dr. Eleanor Jaenega (06:58)

Helen explains how the socio-economic landscape post-Black Death allowed for such mobility, as surviving peasants had opportunities to gain land and status amidst the upheavals.

The Challenges of Naming: The Three Johns

A unique aspect of the Paston family is the recurrence of the name "John," which Helen attributes to familial traditions and the naming after godparents. This repetition adds complexity to historical analysis but was customary in their social circle.

"It's a kind of historical code... they’re just John Paston Esquire, who is the father, John Paston the elder, and John Paston the younger." — Dr. Eleanor Jaenega (16:51)

Preservation and Discovery of the Letters

The Role of Antiquarians

The preservation of the Paston Letters owes much to chance and the diligence of antiquarians like John Fenn, who resisted the common practice of destroying irrelevant papers. Fenn's foresight ensured that these letters reached the British Library, safeguarding them for future generations.

"Fenn knew what he was looking at and showed them to various people... which is why the letters are so well preserved." — Dr. Eleanor Jaenega (09:54)

The Archive's Journey

Initially published in 1787, the letters underwent a tumultuous journey, nearly lost to history before being rediscovered in the 19th century. Today, they reside primarily in the British Library, offering invaluable insights into medieval private life.

Key Figures in the Paston Correspondence

William Paston I

As the family’s founder, William was instrumental in their rise, marrying an heiress and securing land. His strategic decisions laid the groundwork for his sons to navigate the complexities of their era.

John Paston II and John Paston III

John II, the elder son, was a charismatic but sometimes reckless individual, deeply involved in court life, while John III, the younger, proved to be the steadfast pillar of the family during crises.

"John 2 is often in London, trying desperately to curry favor politically... John 3 is the one who steers the family out of the end." — Dr. Eleanor Jaenega (37:24)

Margaret Paston: The Matriarch

Margaret, the mother, emerges as the heart of the family, displaying remarkable strength and resilience. Her letters provide a nuanced portrayal of her role in managing familial and societal pressures.

"Margaret is so brave... she has such fortitude and she's such a strong-willed woman." — Dr. Eleanor Jaenega (62:41)

National Politics and the Wars of the Roses

The Impact of Civil War

The Paston Letters span a critical period in English history—the Wars of the Roses. Helen Castor explains how the family's fortunes were deeply intertwined with national events, often placing them in precarious positions.

"They are at the center of political drama, yet their letters give us perspectives that official chronicles do not." — Dr. Eleanor Jaenega (28:54)

Personal Experiences Amidst Turmoil

Members of the Paston family participated in significant events, such as the Battle of Barnet in 1471, providing personal accounts of these turbulent times.

"John 3 has been wounded in that battle... we're all at sea and we don't know exactly what's going to happen." — Dr. Eleanor Jaenega (15:45)

Domestic Struggles and Family Dynamics

Sibling Rivalries and Alliances

The correspondence reveals complex relationships within the Paston family, including the tension between John II and John III, especially highlighted during critical events like the siege of Caistor Castle.

"She says, 'I am married,' and this is all going on while everything else is imploding." — Dr. Eleanor Jaenega (53:50)

Marjorie's Marriage: A Microcosm of Social Pressures

Marjorie Paston's controversial marriage to Richard Cowell, the family bailiff, underscores the delicate balance between personal desires and societal expectations.

"There are love letters that show how impossible this situation seems." — Dr. Eleanor Jaenega (58:17)

Notable Moments and Insights

The Siege of Caistor Castle

One of the most dramatic episodes detailed is the 1469 siege of Caistor Castle by the Duke of Norfolk, illustrating the tangible dangers of ambitious social climbing.

"It's one of the most dramatic moments in the whole story, right down to the tiny details." — Dr. Eleanor Jaenega (37:40)

First Mention of Valentine's Day

The Paston Letters provide the earliest recorded reference to Valentine's Day as a day for lovers, highlighting the personal intimacy captured in these correspondences.

"She addresses him as her good, true and loving Valentine... the first surviving example we have." — Dr. Eleanor Jaenega (59:15)

Helen Castor’s Reflections and Favorite Moments

Helen shares her deep appreciation for the family’s resilience and Margaret’s central role. She highlights specific letters that capture tender and human moments, such as Margaret’s anxiety during her first pregnancy.

"It's really hard to sleep when you're pregnant. It's such a wonderful, intimate moment." — Dr. Eleanor Jaenega (64:26)

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of the Paston Letters

Gone Medieval concludes by emphasizing the profound value of the Paston Letters in understanding the medieval period's personal and political landscapes. Helen Castor's insights reveal a family navigating ambition, love, and survival amidst one of England's most chaotic eras.

"This family saga of political intrigue, vaulting ambition, and family crisis... it’s real, and we can follow it in real time." — Dr. Eleanor Jaenega (58:17)

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "They’re one of our first chances to hear people speaking in private." — Dr. Eleanor Jaenega (04:13)
• "William Paston I... starts buying up lands and manors in an attempt to turn his family into landed gentry." — Dr. Eleanor Jaenega (06:58)
• "It's a kind of historical code... they’re just John Paston Esquire, who is the father, John Paston the elder, and John Paston the younger." — Dr. Eleanor Jaenega (16:51)
• "Fenn knew what he was looking at and showed them to various people... which is why the letters are so well preserved." — Dr. Eleanor Jaenega (09:54)
• "John 2 is often in London, trying desperately to curry favor politically... John 3 is the one who steers the family out of the end." — Dr. Eleanor Jaenega (37:24)
• "Margaret is so brave... she has such fortitude and she's such a strong-willed woman." — Dr. Eleanor Jaenega (62:41)
• "They are at the center of political drama, yet their letters give us perspectives that official chronicles do not." — Dr. Eleanor Jaenega (28:54)
• "John 3 has been wounded in that battle... we're all at sea and we don't know exactly what's going to happen." — Dr. Eleanor Jaenega (15:45)
• "I am married," says Marjorie, amidst the family’s turmoil. — Dr. Eleanor Jaenega (53:50)
• "She addresses him as her good, true and loving Valentine... the first surviving example we have." — Dr. Eleanor Jaenega (59:15)
• "It's really hard to sleep when you're pregnant. It's such a wonderful, intimate moment." — Dr. Eleanor Jaenega (64:26)
• "This family saga of political intrigue, vaulting ambition, and family crisis... it’s real, and we can follow it in real time." — Dr. Eleanor Jaenega (58:17)

Further Resources:

• Book: Blood and Roses by Helen Castor
• Substack: The H Files – Helen Castor’s detailed analyses of the Paston Letters
• British Library Exhibition: Features Margaret Paston’s detailed will and other significant documents from the archive.

This episode of Gone Medieval offers a compelling exploration of the Paston Letters, unraveling the intricate lives of a family striving for social ascent amidst one of England's most turbulent periods. Helen Castor’s expertise brings to life the personal narratives that illuminate broader historical events, making the Middle Ages both relatable and vividly human.