The Handfasted Wife is Edith Swan-Neck, the common-law wife of Harold II who was defeated by William of Normandy at the Battle of Hastings. Handfasting was a traditional marriage ceremony that was frequently favoured in early medieval England. The marriage ceremony usually took place in a hall or manor house. Before the marriage ceremony could occur contracts were exchanged between … Read More
Talking The Talk
Nowadays it is a given that Publishers expect every writer to actively promote their own novels. Once the book is finally published the next duty that falls to the writer is to bring it to the attention of the great book-buying public in whatever creative or underhand way that they can. What would be the point of all the effort, … Read More
Sakura Fever
Sakura, the Japanese word for cherry blossom, is very short lived. It occurs in the spring, usually late March. This period marks a Japanese holiday period after which the new school year begins in April. The Japanese celebrate it with Hanami, cherry blossom viewing parties consisting of picnics, walks through parks and along streets lined with Sakura trees. The Japanese … Read More
Dining out in Ancient Rome
I have long had a love affair with Italy and enjoy reading novels set in either Ancient Rome or Renaissance Italy. And I have often wondered as I twiddle my spaghetti around a fork or order up my favourite Milanese chicken dish what it would really be like to dine out in Ancient Rome. First I would wear an unstiffened … Read More
The Trotula, Medieval Women’s Medicine
The Trotula is one of the best sources of information about ‘conditions’ for women in the middle ages. It is thought by historians that The Trotula originated during the eleventh and twelfth centuries in Salerno, Italy. Salerno was the leading centre for medical learning in medieval Europe. Its opening lines give us a flavour of the thought processes that permeated … Read More
The Next Big Thing
For weeks I have resisted The Next Big Thing because my publisher did not want me to talk about my book in too far in advance of publication. However, ‘the next big thing’ posts I have read are fascinating and I am thrilled to be nominated to carry the torch forward by two fabulous writers whom I wish to mention … Read More
Books for Four Seasons 2012
As Christmas approaches it is time to review four of my favourite historical novels of this year. I have chosen four that are set in the seventeenth century and each of these absorbed me during 2012. Again, I have selected one for each season. Winter The Bleeding Land by Giles Kristian I have just finished reading The Bleeding Land by … Read More
Midwinter in the Eleventh Century
In the December drawing of the Julian Work Calendar the nimble little figures that labour month by month are flailing, winnowing and taking away the produce of their harvest in baskets of fine woven wattle. The medieval Calendar is dedicated to work and prayer and its message is that you must labour as unquestioningly as you worship God. November was … Read More
Lagos, Henry the Navigator and The Algarve Writers.
Lagos is one of the prettiest, relaxed ports on the Algarve. Some time ago I had bid on the rental of a gorgeous five bedroomed villa to support cancer research at our village charity auction. Consequently we washed up close to Lagos in October 2012. I used the second week of the rental to invite some of my writing friends … Read More
King Harold’s Daughter
Gunnhild Godwindatter was the youngest daughter of King Harold II who lost his kingdom to Duke William of Normandy in 1066. Around this date, possibly before it, Gunnhild was at Wilton Abbey. After the Norman Conquest many heiresses took refuge in abbeys as King William encouraged inter-marriage between English and Normans. It was one way that made the take-over easier … Read More