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Stephen and Matilda’s Civil War by Matthew Lewis
The Anarchy was the first civil war in post-Conquest England, enduring throughout the reign of King Stephen between 1135 and 1154. It ultimately brought about the end of the Norman dynasty and the birth of the mighty Plantagenet kings. When Henry I died having lost his only legitimate son in a shipwreck, he had caused Continue reading
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Women of Power in Anglo-Saxon England by Annie Whitehead: Blog Tour Review
Many Anglo-Saxon kings are familiar. Æthelred the Unready is one, yet less is written of his wife, who was consort of two kings and championed one of her sons over the others, or his mother who was an anointed queen and powerful regent, but was also accused of witchcraft and regicide. A royal abbess educated Continue reading
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Reviewed: Queens of the Conquest by Alison Weir
The story of England’s medieval queens is vivid and stirring, packed with tragedy, high drama and even comedy. It is a chronicle of love, murder, war and betrayal, filled with passion, intrigue and sorrow, peopled by a cast of heroines, villains, stateswomen and lovers. In the first volume of this epic new series, Alison Weir Continue reading
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Reviewed: In the Company of Fools by Tania Bayard
Christine de Pizan Mysteries #3 A baby abandoned in the palace gardens leads scribe sleuth Christine de Pizan into a mystery involving murder, superstition and scandal in fourteenth-century France. Paris, 1396. Scribe Christine de Pizan is shocked when the Duke of Orleans’ fools find a baby, wrapped in rags and covered in sores, abandoned in Continue reading
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Reviewed: The Deepest Grave by Jeri Westerson
London, 1392. Strange mischief is afoot at St Modwen’s Church. Are corpses stalking the graveyard at night, disturbing graves, and dragging coffins? When a fearful Father Bulthius begs Crispin Guest for his help, he agrees to investigate with his apprentice, Jack Tucker, intrigued by the horrific tales. Meanwhile, an urgent summons arrives from Crispin’s former Continue reading
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Ladies of the Magna Carta by Sharon Bennett Connolly Blog Tour Post and Review
Magna Carta clause 39: No man shall be taken, imprisoned, outlawed, banished or in any way destroyed, nor will we proceed against or prosecute him, except by the lawful judgement of his peers or by the law of the land. This clause in Magna Carta was in response to the appalling imprisonment and starvation of Continue reading
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Should I Move?
I know. It’s been over a year since my last Blog Post. I’ve been very remiss. Sadly this post is not going to be a book review, or any kind of article so don’t expect any amazing insights. I do have a couple of things I could post on here, but life happens and research Continue reading
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Reviewed: Fixer and Fighter: The Life of Hubert de Burgh Earl of Kent by Brian Harwood
Pen and Sword Books: September 2016 Hubert de Burgh rose from obscure beginnings to become one of the most powerful men in England. He loyally served first King John and then the young Henry III and played a crucial role in saving the Plantagenet dynasty when it was at its most vulnerable. During King John Continue reading
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Reviewed: Dark Queen Rising by Paul Doherty
May, 1471. The Wars of the Roses are reaching their bitter and bloody climax. Edward of York has claimed the English throne, and his supporters are extracting a savage revenge on all who supported the Lancastrian cause. Surrounded by enemies wherever she turns, the position of Margaret Beaufort, Countess of Richmond and mother to Henry Continue reading
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Reviewed: Henry V, The Conscience of a King by Malcolm Vale
Published 2016, 308 Pages, Available as Hardback and Ebook More than just a single-minded warrior-king, Henry V comes to life in this fresh account as a gifted ruler acutely conscious of spiritual matters and his subjects’ welfare Shakespeare’s centuries-old portrayal of Henry V established the king’s reputation as a warmongering monarch, a perception that has Continue reading
The History Lady 