AboutFrancesco Marchesani Expertise I`m interested and have deep knowledge in Italian history, traditions and culture. I can answer your questions on my country`s history and cultural heritage, as well as everyday life, and travel tips too.
Experience I live in Pavia (northern Italy, near Milan) and have travelled alot through Italy, discovering it's less known (but not less beautiful) secrets.
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Italy - possible tomb of Edward II, king of England 1317 in Mazzano Castle near Acqui, diocese of Milan
Question Dear sir,
I am delighted to find you. Iam researching the above and would like to visit these places if they still exist.
I have previously applied to your embassy for information, but so far, have had no response.
Hopefully, Beverley Winfeld
Answer Hello,
as you surely know, Edward II is buried in Gloucester Cathedral; however, a legend tells a different story: in 1877, Alexandre Germain, professor at the university of Montpellier, discovered an undated document written by Emanuele Del Fiesco, papal notary, priest in York, bishop of Vercelli (1343-1348). According to him, Edward escaped from prison, fled to Normandy, then to Avignon where the pope John XXII sheltered him. He then went to Paris, Koln, Milan, and lived for 2,5 years in the castle of Melazzo, near Acqui (nowadays in Piedmont region, northern Italy); finally, he moved to the castle of Cecima (province of Pavia), where he lived for 2 more years as an hermit. He was then buried in the abbey of Sant'Alberto di Butrio: in the small closter, a sign over an empty tomb reads "here is the tomb where was buried Edward II King of England, who married Isabelle of France and whose successor was Edward III, son of him".
