How Did English History Inspire George R. R. Martin?

George R. R. Martin takes great influence from real-life history, specifically from British and European history in general. With the element of fantasy, GRRM combined historical events, figures, and wars with fiction. By doing so, he added depth and realism to his fictional world.

In this article, I shall try to present the similarities between historical figures from English history and George R. R. Martin's fictional characters from A Song of Ice and Fire.

William I - Aegon I

After emerging victorious at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, William the Conqueror, also known as William I, became the king of England. Before conquering England, William was a Norman Duke who aspired to bring order to the isle. Similarly, Aegon the Conqueror, also known as Aegon I, conquered Westeros to unite the kingdoms under one crown. He was the lord of Dragonstone before being the king of the Seven Kingdoms. William the Conqueror’s victory was followed by his coronation as King of England in 1066 at Westminster Abbey. Likewise, Aegon was crowned in the Starry Sept after his conquest of the realm. William introduced Norman feudal and legal traditions, just like Aegon introduced Valyrian traditions to Westeros.

Henry VIII - Maegor I

It can be said that George R. R. Martin directly used Henry VIII as a model for Maegor I. Maegor was involved in the Trial of the Seven because he was having a conflict with his faith, which is parallel to Henry VIII’s formation of the Anglican church. Henry VIII ascended to the English crown after the death of his brother Prince Arthur, who was supposed to be a good king as he was raised according to it. On the other hand, Maegor I became the king of Westeros after the death of his brother Aenys I, who was considered a good and naïve ruler. The most famous trait of Henry VIII, however, is his many marriages. The notorious king married 6 times, like his fictional counterpart Maegor I. Both of them are known as cruel rulers and they indeed showed cruelty towards their wives. Maegor’s first wife was Ceryse Hightower who was his senior, like Catherine of Aragon. Ceryse Hightower was a devout believer of the Seven and Catherine of Aragon was a devout Catholic. Neither Ceryse nor Catherine was able to provide male heirs to their respective kings. Maegor took a second wife, Alys Harroway, believing that she could give him a male heir. Henry VIII did the same thing with Anne Boleyn, however, she also failed. Both of the second wives gave birth to stillborn boys which ultimately brought their horrible death. It is also important to note that both Alys and Anne were accused of having incestuous relationships and they were executed accordingly. Maegor took another 4 wives: Tyanna of Pentos, Rhaena Targaryen, Elinor Costayne, and Jeyne Westerling. The parallel with Henry VIII continues as he later married Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard, and Catherine Parr. The last wives of both of these kings survived: Catherine Parr & Elinor Costayne.

Henry I - Viserys I

Henry I was the King of England from 1100 to 1135. By the time of his death, he had two legitimate children who survived infancy: Matilda and William Adelin. William Adelin died in the White Ship disaster in 1120, leaving Matilda as Henry's heir. Instead of leaving the throne to his distant male relatives, Henry I wished his daughter to rule England. Likewise, Viserys I decided Rhaenyra to rule the Seven Kingdoms after his death. It is important to remember that the concept of a female ruler was not well received in medieval Europe, and the English nobles opposed the idea of having a queen rule them. The same applied to the Westerosi nobles not wanting a female ruler on the throne. Both Viserys and Henry caused a civil war that would devastate their realms.

Matilda - Rhaenyra Targaryen

Matilda was the daughter of King Henry I of England. Henry had designated Matilda as his heir, but the English nobility was strongly opposed to the idea of having a female ruler. Rhaenyra shared a similar fate as some of the powerful houses in Westeros supported his half-brother Aegon instead. The succession war between Matilda and Stephen was referred to as "The Anarchy." It was a period of civil conflict and political instability in England that took place between 1135 and 1154. In Fire and Blood, the same thing happens as Rhaenyra and Aegon engage in a war of succession called “The Dance of Dragons” between 129-131 AC.

Stephen I - Aegon II

Upon Henry I's death in 1135, his nephew Stephen of Blois seized the throne instead of Matilda. Stephen's claim was supported by the nobility and the Church. Matilda, however, had her supporters who believed that her claim was legitimate. The succession issue between Matilda's supporters and Stephen's supporters led to a power struggle and destructive wars across the country. This was the case between Rhaenyra and Aegon as well. The realm was divided into two, each accusing the other of usurping the throne. In 1153, Matilda's son, Henry Plantagenet (later Henry II), became a significant figure in the conflict. A series of events, including the death of Stephen's son Eustace, led to some complications. The Treaty of Wallingford recognized Henry as Stephen's heir, with Stephen sitting on the throne until his death. Similarly, Aegon's sons Jaehaerys and Maelor were murdered, therefore he was left without an heir. Aegon sparred with Rhaenyra's son Aegon, letting him be the next king of the Seven Kingdoms.

Richard Neville - Criston Cole

Richard Neville, also known as the "Kingmaker," was a powerful and influential English nobleman during the Wars of the Roses. Richard Neville earned the title "Kingmaker" due to his ability to change the royal successions as he pleased. Likewise, Criston Cole from Fire and Blood changed the predetermined succession by placing Aegon II on the throne. Although King Viserys I ordered his daughter Rhaenyra to sit on the Iron Throne, his son Aegon succeeded him – through the coronation organized by Criston Cole. Neville's presence at the Battle of Barnet, where he fought for the Yorkist cause under Edward IV, was one of his major contributions to English history. Edward IV's reign was solidified as the Yorkists emerged victorious from this decisive conflict. Parallel to this, Criston Cole won a great victory at the Battle of Rook’s Rest, destroying Rhaenyra’s army in addition to killing the most important members of Team Black. Tragically, both of the Kingmakers met their terrible demise again at the battleground. Richard Neville was killed at the Battle of Barnet whereas Criston Cole was killed at Butcher’s Ball.

Margaret of Anjou - Cersei Lannister

Margaret of Anjou was a French princess who married Henry VI in 1445. The marriage was arranged as part of a diplomatic effort to strengthen ties between England and France; just like Robert and Cersei’s marriage, which aimed to gain the support of rich Lannisters. Both Margaret and Cersei were smart, independent women who were demonized for their desire to rule. They were both politically active and powerful at the court. Although Robert Baratheon was a great warrior, he was not a good king, like Henry VI. Margaret and Cersei, as queen consorts, wished to rule because of their incompetent husbands. In addition, they were both accused of adultery as their children were rumored to be bastards. 

Edward of Westminster - Joffrey I

Edward of Westminster was a notable historical figure due to his connection to the Wars of the Roses. Edward was obsessed with violence, execution, and torture of people, just like his fictional doppelgänger; Joffrey Baratheon. Joffrey and Edward were both reported to be cruel, weak, and reckless. Both of these heirs were murdered in the end, and they were not mourned by anyone besides their mothers.

Richard of York - Ned Stark

Richard of York played a significant role in the Wars of the Roses. The Duke of York was Henry VI's advisor, like Ned Stark who was the Hand of the King. During the reign of King Henry VI, there were political tensions, and Richard of York's ambitions led to a conflict with Queen Margaret of Anjou, the king's wife. Margaret of Anjou did not particularly like Richard of York, as he posed a threat to her husband's rule. The same can be said about Cersei, as she disliked Ned Stark and did not approve of his political opinions. Richard of York was ultimately executed after being accused of treason, and so did Ned Stark.

Edward II - Renly Baratheon

Edward II was the King of England from 1307 to 1327. Edward II's sexual orientation has been the subject of historical debate and speculation, especially about his close relationships with certain male associates. One of the most well-known figures connected to these rumors is Piers Gaveston, a Gascon knight. Similarly, Renly is portrayed as being in a romantic and sexual relationship with Ser Loras Tyrell, a skilled knight from House Tyrell. 

Do you know any historical figures that resemble the characters of A Song of Ice and Fire besides these? There may be others. Let me know in the comment section below!