In light of the "Pope Joan" story may I also resurrect the legend of the Bixley Boy: the small Elizabeth Tudor (yes, that Elizabeth) had been sent out to the Cotswolds to escape problems; while there she supposedly died of some childhood disease. Panic-stricken, the royal household searched the local countryside for a suitable replacement. No girl could be found, but there did exist a boy of the right age and appearance to pass for the Tudor princess. The upshot is that this boy would have to continue the masquerade for the rest of his life, culminating in the unbelievable acheivement of becoming Queen. Of course, in contrast to Pope Joan, the Bixley Boy seems to have gotten away with ruling England for many years....
Heard this in National Geographic of all things. Anyway, thought this would balance out all the fuss--If a woman came become Pope, can't a man become Queen of England?
I had never heard this story. Thanks for sharing it.
Bixley Boy queen? Hmmmm.