Beyond Death

In the Middle Ages, kings and queens used perfumes both to distinguish themselves and for hygienic purposes. However, the fragrances of the time were generally simple, often derived from natural ingredients that were either locally sourced or imported from distant lands.

There is historical evidence and references to the use of perfumes, essential oils, and aromatic waters by medieval nobility, although not with the same precision and variety that would characterize the Renaissance. Court inventories and documents from the era mention scented oils and aromatic waters used not only for personal care but also to perfume rooms, fabrics, and everyday objects.

For example, Edward IV of England (brother of Richard III) was known for his love of luxury, and his court was described as rich with fine fragrances. He reportedly favored perfumes made with rose water and imported spices.

Similarly, Isabella of Bavaria was said to wear essences of rose, lavender, and myrrh.

Eleanor of Aquitaine, on the other hand, loved lavender, rosemary, and orange blossoms.

Richard the Lionheart preferred incense, myrrh, musk, and spices.

Meanwhile, Joan of Navarre wore perfumes based on ambergris, cinnamon, and cloves.

I could go on for hours, but for the sake of your sanity, I’ll stop here… 😀

Medieval medical and cosmetic texts, such as the Trotula (a famous 12th-century compendium of medicine and beauty), also provide recipes for perfumed waters and aromatic oils, widely used by nobles to enhance their status and make daily life more pleasant.

While writing my novel “Beyond Death. The Secret of the White Rose”, I wondered what kind of fragrance Richard III might have worn. In my imagination, it was a blend of musk and ambergris, combined with a strong hint of wood, like the scent of burning fireplaces and their rising smoke.

However, this choice was probably influenced by my personal tastes: I adore perfumes based on amber and sandalwood, so my imagination might not be entirely impartial.

And you? Have you ever imagined what kind of perfumes a king or queen might have worn? If so, what fragrance comes to mind? I’d love to hear your thoughts…

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