Giuliana Maria di Grazia

A Small Glimpse Into My Life

I am a Florentine noblewoman living in my childhood home and the year for me, currently, is 1556.

My life has been peppered with many moments of despair, but I have also known great happiness. I have buried 2 husbands...one French, one Spanish… both under *slightly* suspicious circumstances. I bore each a daughter, and they are priceless treasures who have brought their Mother nothing but joy. Their sires? Not so much.

In 1537, after laying my not-so-dearly-departed 2nd husband to rest; I took ship from Cádiz with the intention to set sail for home. The plan was to make landfall west of Florence and travel overland the rest of the way. Unfortunately, the Barbary Pirates who captured our ship couldn't have given two flying florins for our plans or intentions. I ended up in a group of women who were destined for the slave markets in Algiers and while there; I was spotted by a Turkish gentleman who managed to acquire me. Shamir effendi, the learned gentleman in question, was a court noble and high in favor with Barbarossa Hayreddin Pasha...he, who administered the region in the name of Suleiman I, called the Magnificent, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. This being so, my life wasn't as difficult as it might have been. Time passed, an affection developed, and in 1540, a son was born. I was at peace....or as much at peace as one may be in such an uncertain time and in such a place. I believe I always knew that our contentment couldn’t last for it was no surprise to me when we were forced to flee our home a mere 5 years after our son was born. You may wonder what could have occurred to make us relocate and start over in Florence. But that, Good Gentle, is a tale for another day.

My Arms

Registered to Laurel- July A.S. XL (2005): Per bend sinister sable and azure, on a bend sinister cotised argent three step-cut gemstones palewise azure.

An Tir Roll of Arms Entry

Local Branch & Household Affiliations

• Barony of Wyewood
• Member of Clan Carn - Manrent: 11/12/2004, Clannet: Spring Feast 2005, Full Member: 9/10/2005 at Autumn War (AS XL)
• Member of Clan Blue Feather

Interests

• Garb: mid-16th century Florentine, mostly, though I'm interested in many areas of Europe during the same time period.
• Archery
• Heraldry
• Leatherwork
• Dance

Armigerous Awards

OP Listing