Love is being stupid together.
– Paul Valery
The oldest known Valentine’s card dates back to the 15th century. It’s a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London in 1415. Charles wrote “Je suis desja d’amour tannรฉ, Ma tres doulce Valentinรฉe” which can be translated to โI am already sick of love, My very gentle Valentineโ and is now preserved in the British Library in London. #history
Also found in the British Library is the earliest known English language Valentine. Dating to February 1477, the love letter was written by Margery Brews to her fiancรฉ John Paston. Margery refers to John as her “right well-beloved Valentine” and begs him to marry her despite the fact she hasnโt been able to convince her father to increase her dowry. #funfact