Treasures New & Old; Maybe More Ready than We Think

In at least one respect, the history of Europe is more interesting than our national history.

With all those kings and queens to name, quite a few of them emerged from the anonymity of serial Henrys and Marys by acquiring nicknames.

For example, King Henry the Eighth to six wives was wedded: Two of the six were named Anne and three were named Catherine. You can see the problem.

Nobody would object to being nicknamed Lionheart. Richard I earned the nickname by his bravery in many battles and crusades.

William the Conqueror had an insulting nickname before 1066 when he conquered England.

A few c...