Episode 62 Joanna of Castile and Ropes Mansion

Hello! We are back. Daniells goes in a different direction this week. She talks about Joanna of Castile also known as Juana la Loca, the nominal Queen of Castile and Aragon. She was embroiled in a power struggle brought on by her husband and father. After her husband died, her father retained full control and she was sent to a palace to live out the rest of her days. Throughout this power struggle, both her husband and father were quick to spread rumors about Joanna's unfit state to rule over the kingdom of Spain due to her unstable mental health. Was she really ill or was this a way to keep her out of the way so the men could rule?

In this week's episode Sandra talks about the Ropes Mansion. Built in Salem, MA in the late 1720's by Samuel Bernard, it was later purchased in 1768 by John Nathaniel Ropes. Plagued by a history of colonialism, smallpox and unexpected deaths, the Ropes Mansion is known today as being one of the more haunted houses in Salem, MA. It is best known for the ghost of Abigail "Nappy" Ropes, and being featured in the popular Disney movie "Hocus Pocus."

Danielle's Sources:

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Joan-queen-of-Castile-and-Aragon

https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a27786471/catherine-of-aragon-sister-juana-la-loca-spanish-princess/

Sandra's Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ropes_Mansion

https://ghostcitytours.com/salem/haunted-places/ropes-mansion/

https://www.priceypads.com/1720s-ropes-mansion-in-salem-massachusetts-photos/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60954-d8425043-Reviews-Ropes_Mansion_and_Garden-Salem_Massachusetts.html

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