Month: March 2025

Wordly Women: Paula Lofting

Sharon Bennett Connolly2 Comments

In the third episode of my Wordly Women interviews, I welcome Paula Lofting to History…the Interesting Bits to talk about her writing journey. Paula is the author of the Sons of the Wolf series of novels and has recently published her first none fiction work Searching for the Last Anglo-Saxon King: Harold Godwinson, England’s Golden Warrior.

Welcome Paula….

Sharon: What got you into writing? 

Paula: When I was a little girl as soon as I could write straight, I used to come home from school sit at the coffee table in our lounge on my feet and write stories. I was particularly fond of ‘composition’ class at school where the teacher would put several titles up for us to choose from to write about. I often had my stories read out to class. 

I guess it was something I always wanted to do. I remember in my teens, writing an epic historical fiction based on the years after the Romans left Britain, but I hand wrote it because I hadn’t learned to type and the typewriter, I had was useless. I thought I was never going to submit because it never occurred to me to just type with one finger! So, I gave up on that idea. I’d written plays, poems, and all sorts of stuff, but I was also in a bad relationship with a man who didn’t want to share me with a pen, so it was difficult until the relationship ended, and I had moved on. It was when the advent of personal computers came along when I realised that I could actually achieve my dream if I wanted to. 

    Sharon: Tell us about your books. 

    Paula: I have been writing a series set in the years leading up to the Norman Invasion of 1066. There are currently two books I have published in the series, and of course a nearly finished 3rd WIP. The series is called Sons of the Wolf, which is the name of book 1 and book 2 is The Wolf Banner, and 3 which I am working on is called Wolf’s Bane. As you can see there is a recurring theme. The theme is not something to do with real wolves but has its origins in my hero’s family history whose ancestors believed that they were descended from wolves. 

    The books tell the story of Wulfhere, a Sussex thegn, and follows the fortunes of his family in the years before the Battle of Hastings took place. It explores the lives of the ordinary people who lived against the backdrop of the political landscape of the time. 

    The series is a chronological account of events that are woven into the tapestry of the family’s lives and also tells the story of the main historical players of the time, such as Harold Godwinson and his clan. The two men’s lives run parallel alongside each other, and their contrasting stories are intricately woven together as is their fate.  

    The books all run consecutively, and you will find there are no gaps in the saga, so where one book ends, the new book starts. I have plans to continue after the catastrophic events of 1066 into the rebellion years. 

    Sharon: What attracts you to the 11th century? 

    Paula: I think that there is a lot of romance around the whole story of two men who fought over their claims to be king of England which people are drawn to. There is the tragedy of the last ‘Anglo-Saxon king’ who is butchered to death on the battlefield: the tall, handsome, charismatic, affable, warrior who fights for his people and his country. There is the underdog and the overdog theme which comes after the conquest and lasts for some time before England begins to melt as though seamlessly into the new regime.  

    Then you have the original Robin Hood type story of Hereward who sort of appears from nowhere to fight the good fight against the baddies after coming back to England from abroad to find a lot of things have changed and his ancestral lands commandeered by invaders. There is so much to play with there, a passionate conglomerate of rich history that evokes and inspires in the most amazing manner. It is an era that sets itself apart from what happens later – the cusp of change from the old world to the new. 

    I find it fascinating. Love… Betrayal… Battles… Bloodfeud. 

    What’s not to love! 

    I have also written a book about Harold Godwinson which is due for release any day now with Pen and Sword. 

    Sharon: Who is your favourite Anglo-Saxon and why? 

    Paula: There were so many extraordinary characters, and a lot I could choose from. For now, I have to go with Harold Godwinson, simply because, although we will never know what his true nature was for certain, what is written in the sources is constant and conjures up a vision of a man who loved his wife, his family, and his country. A man who avoided internal conflict, forced to navigate intrigue, family skirmishes, and the jealousy of the other aristocracy. He was not a perfect man, but in comparison to many rulers and sub rulers in medieval times, there were a lot more who were far more undesirable. During his early tenure as king, knowing that his country was in danger on many fronts, he acted swiftly to gather his armies together and deploy them to defend the shores. He even found time to see to some of his admin duties, all this in the early weeks of his reign. Who knows what he might have achieved if his life had not been so cruelly taken from him so early into his reign. 

    Sharon: Who is your least favourite Anglo-Saxon – or Viking – and why? 

    Paula: Ooo – Can I have one of each?  

    In that case I have to say, the Anglo-Saxon Ealdorman Eadric Streona whose betrayal of King Edmund lost him the battle of Assandun.  

    My least favourite Viking would have been Sweyn Forkbeard who was invading England from the 990s up until 1013. He became king for about 6 weeks before he died in February 1014. His pillaging and burning of England really stank. 

    Sharon: How do you approach researching your topic? 

    Paula: Well, currently I am taking notes from the two major annals, the Anglo-Saxon Chronicles and the Chronicon ex Chronicis which was the work of the monk, John of Worcester and also in part, someone called Florence. I plan to augment them with other sources that I read, both primary and secondary, to try and find sources that correlate and contradict each other so I can make sure I have all the facts in one place when I come to write the narrative. I am always very grateful to those historians who came before me for having done the hard part of digging through the foundations of the information available to me and try to see the original sources for myself. Its helpful that these authors give guidance in their own work for us new historians to build upon and come up with new ideas. 

    For Historical fiction I have the privilege of being a reenactor and learning the everyday tasks and the little detailed things that experimental archaeology gives us like clothing, food, buildings and battle strategies that often history texts can’t give us. This helps me to build my world as authentically as I possibly can.  

    Sharon: Tell us your ‘favourite’ Anglo-Saxon story you have come across in your research? 

    Paula: Oo I love this question! 

      I have a few, actually: The research carried by Dan Armstrong regarding the Papal Banner. It seems there is little evidence for it in 1066. Readers will need to read the book to find out more about what Armstrong uncovered. 

      Another is the version of Harold’s trip to Normandy that the English chronicler, Eadmer of Canterbury writes in his History of Recent Events in England, a story that makes far more sense, even though it is the only version of this you can find. And considering that Eadmer was not particularly pro Harold, I think it is far more reliable than the Norman sources. 

      I also love the anecdotal tale of Bishop Wulfstan who carried a pair of snips with him to cut the hair long hair of the young men who came before him. He didn’t approve of men with long hair, obviously. Can you imagine, you’re an elite, well-respected member of the elite huscarls kneeling before him as you get to the front to receive holy communion and he reaches over your head and grips your neatly combed and beautifully tied back pony-tail and with one snip, you lose it! And there was nothing you could do about it!  

      Sharon: Tell us your least ‘favourite’ Anglo-Saxon story you have come across in your research?  

      Paula: Oh gosh, I can name lots, but probably the worst, I have to say, is the cruel propaganda used by the Norman scribes such as Poitiers, who was the first one to mention the Papal Banner, and the way they defiled Harold’s character to detract from William’s regicide of an anointed king and make him seem like a saint! 

        Sharon: Are there any other eras you would like to write about? 

        Paula: Yes indeed, but I’m probably never going to achieve them all, here are just a few: 

          Staying in the so-called dark ages, I once started to write an epic about the post Roman Britain era, centring on Ambrosius Aurelianus. It never came to anything because my circumstances were not right at the time, but I would love to give it ago one day.  

          Another is Macbeth, and coming right out of my comfort zone, a story about a highway man. 

          Sharon: What are you working on now? 

          Paula: Edmund Ironside is my new project for Pen and Sword – a non-fiction book, and fiction wise, I am working on finishing the third novel in my series, Wolf’s Bane 

            Sharon: And finally, what is the best thing about being a writer? 

            Paula: Escaping into other times, other places, and building a different world. It gives me a sense of release and I enjoy creating characters I love. 

            It has never really been my aim to sell loads of books and earn loads of money from writing because its not going to be achievable in this day and age. Its more of a hobby really, but if people read my work, then I am very happy, especially if they enjoy it. That’s the most important part to me.  

            About the author:

            Paula was born in the ancient Saxon county of Middlesex in 1961. She grew up in Australia hearing stories from her dad of her homeland and its history. As a youngster she read books by Rosemary Sutcliff and Leon Garfield and her love of English history grew. At 16 her family decided to travel back to England and resettle. She was able to visit the places she’d dreamt about as a child, bringing the stories of her childhood to life. It wasn’t until later in life that Paula realised her dream to write and publish her own books. Her debut historical novel Sons of the Wolf, was first published in 2012 and then revised and republished in 2016 along with the sequel, The Wolf Banner, in 2017. The third in the series, Wolf’s Bane, will be ready for publishing later this year.   

            In this midst of all this, Paula has acquired contracts for nonfiction books with the prestigious Pen & Sword publishers. Searching for the Last Anglo-Saxon King, Harold Godwinson, England’s golden Warrior is due to be published at the end of February, and a biographic of King Edmund Ironside is also in the pipeline. She has also written a short essay about Edmund for Iain Dale’s Kings and Queens, articles for historical magazines. When she is not writing, she is a psychiatric nurse, mother of three grown up kids and grandmother of two and also re-enacts the Anglo-Saxon/Viking period with the awesome Regia Anglorum. 

            Social Media:

            Website: www.threadstothepast.com, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wulfsuna?locale=en_GB, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulaloftingwilcox/, x: https://x.com/longshippub, Threads: www.threadstothepast.com, Blue Sky: @paulaloftingauthor.bsky.social 

            Book Links: Sons of the Wolf; Wolf’s Bane; Searching for the Last Anglo-Saxon King: Harold Godwinson, England’s Golden Warrior.

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            My books

            Signed, dedicated copies of all my books are available through my online store.

            Out now: Scotland’s Medieval Queens

            Scotland’s history is dramatic, violent and bloody. Being England’s northern neighbour has never been easy. Scotland’s queens have had to deal with war, murder, imprisonment, political rivalries and open betrayal. They have loved and lost, raised kings and queens, ruled and died for Scotland. From St Margaret, who became one of the patron saints of Scotland, to Elizabeth de Burgh and the dramatic story of the Scottish Wars of Independence, to the love story and tragedy of Joan Beaufort, to Margaret of Denmark and the dawn of the Renaissance, Scotland’s Medieval Queens have seen it all. This is the story of Scotland through their eyes.

            Available now from Amazon and Pen and Sword Books

            Also by Sharon Bennett Connolly:

            Heroines of the Tudor World tells the stories of the most remarkable women from European history in the time of the Tudor dynasty, 1485-1603. These are the women who ruled, the women who founded dynasties, the women who fought for religious freedom, their families and love. Heroines of the Tudor World is now available for pre-order from Amberley Publishing and Amazon UK. Women of the Anarchy demonstrates how Empress Matilda and Matilda of Boulogne, unable to wield a sword themselves, were prime movers in this time of conflict and lawlessness. It shows how their strengths, weaknesses, and personal ambitions swung the fortunes of war one way – and then the other. Available from Bookshop.org, Amberley Publishing and Amazon UK. King John’s Right-Hand Lady: The Story of Nicholaa de la Haye is the story of a truly remarkable lady, the hereditary constable of Lincoln Castle and the first woman in England to be appointed sheriff in her own right. Available from all good bookshops Pen & Sword Books, bookshop.org and Amazon. 

            Defenders of the Norman Crown: The Rise and Fall of the Warenne Earls of Surrey tells the fascinating story of the Warenne dynasty, from its origins in Normandy, through the Conquest, Magna Carta, the wars and marriages that led to its ultimate demise in the reign of Edward III. Available from Pen & Sword Books, Amazon in the UK and US, and Bookshop.org. Ladies of Magna Carta: Women of Influence in Thirteenth Century England looks into the relationships of the various noble families of the 13th century, and how they were affected by the Barons’ Wars, Magna Carta and its aftermath; the bonds that were formed and those that were broken. It is now available in paperback and hardback from Pen & Sword, Amazon, and Bookshop.org. Heroines of the Medieval World tells the stories of some of the most remarkable women from Medieval history, from Eleanor of Aquitaine to Julian of Norwich. Available now from Amberley Publishing and Amazon, and Bookshop.org. Silk and the Sword: The Women of the Norman Conquest traces the fortunes of the women who had a significant role to play in the momentous events of 1066. Available now from Amazon,  Amberley Publishing, and Bookshop.org.

            Alternate Endings: An anthology of historical fiction short stories including Long Live the King… which is my take what might have happened had King John not died in October 1216. Available in paperback and kindle from Amazon.

            Podcast:

            Have a listen to the A Slice of Medieval podcast, which I co-host with Historical fiction novelist Derek Birks. Derek and I welcome guests, such as Bernard Cornwell and Michael Jecks, and discuss a wide range of topics in medieval history, from significant events to the personalities involved. Every episode is also now available on YouTube.

            *

            Don’t forget! Signed and dedicated copies of all my books are available through my online store.

            For forthcoming online and in-person talks, please check out my Events Page.

            You can be the first to read new articles by clicking the ‘Follow’ button, liking our Facebook page or joining me on Twitter, Threads, Bluesky and Instagram.

            *

            ©2025 Sharon Bennett Connolly, FRHistS and Paula Lofting

            Author Spotlight: Scott Mariani

            Sharon Bennett Connolly11 Comments

            Do excuse me if a get a little giddy and fan girly with this one! One of my favourite thriller writers is about to release the first book in a new series – in historical fiction!

            I absolutely love Scott’s Ben Hope books and got the last in the series, The Templar Secret, for Christmas. They are modern day thrillers with a historical twist – and are great fun to read.

            And Scott agreed to do an interview with me!

            I also have an advance copy of the new novel, The Pilgrim’s Revenge, so expect a review shortly. And Scott will be joining Derek and I for a chat in an upcoming episode of A Slice of Medieval. But, in the meantime, Scott and I had a chat….

            Hi Scott, thank you for joining me, how did you start your writing career?

            It came about both gradually, and suddenly. I’d always been interested in stories – as a kid I used to mess around with drawing and writing, and sometimes combining the two to create my own stupid little cartoon strips which were usually pretty unoriginal rehashes of things like King Kong or Jaws or Tintin, as well as historical themes based on Ivanhoe or Chevalier Ardent – I was into all sorts of things at that young age! Aged about eight, I think, I wrote a sci-fi horror story in which the entire male population of the human race was wiped out in a war against giant robot dinosaur creatures; but we won in the end because ‘the women bred’ (that’s a quote) and repopulated the army so that humans could defeat the monsters. It was not a promising start to my career. Later, in my early twenties, I dabbled with various ideas and projects, one or two of which were completed but have never seen the light of day – for which the world can be thankful, as they weren’t very good either.

            Then one day after moving to Wales – this is in about 2006 – while out walking the dogs in the fields the idea for a character called Ben Hope popped into my head more or less fully-formed. What emerged from that was a novel called The Fulcanelli Manuscript, which ended up in the hands of the world’s worst London literary agent and being published by a hardback-only library publisher who printed 400 copies and had no intention of ever doing more. That could have been, and nearly was, the end for me. The book lay dead and buried for a year until I (not the literary agent) managed to gain interest from Avon, then a new imprint of HarperCollins UK, for the paperback rights which, thank God, the library publisher hadn’t been interested in grabbing. Suddenly – overnight really – the Ben Hope series was rebooted with Avon offering a deal for four books. The Fulcanelli Manuscript became retitled The Alchemist’s Secret . . . and that’s how it all began. I still can’t believe the series ended up thirty books long!

            What is the best thing about being a writer?

            Assuming that you’re able to drag your way up to a reasonable level in the industry: working from home, setting your own hours, not having to commute anywhere, seldom needing to travel unless you’re into doing a lot of physical research, being about as free and independent as it’s possible to get whilst still remaining gainfully employed . . . and getting paid for indulging the interests and passions that you would be preoccupied with even if they were just a hobby. It suits me perfectly.

            What is the worst thing about being a writer?

            When you’re starting out, the competition is crushing – especially if you had a bad start as I did. Unless you’re fortunate to have strong backing from a good agent, you may feel you’re embarking on an impossible quest that will only end in heartbreak or madness: I know, I suffered from both at various times! It can also be a horribly cruel and unjust industry. So many talented writers get crushed under the wheels of the machine and never get anywhere, while success very often doesn’t depend on the quality of the work. While most editors are lovely folks, you may be unlucky enough to have to work with people who have great control and leverage over what you do, and don’t necessarily have your best interests at heart. I could talk a lot about the high number of truly decent writers I’ve known who have fallen by the wayside, some very sad stories among them. It is a tough world.

            You have been writing modern thrillers with a historical twist for years, what made you take the leap into full-on historical fiction?

            I’ve always loved history. I wish I had had the sense when I was seventeen to want to study it at university! And it was a fascinating, highly educational and satisfying experience to write all those Ben Hope novels, each featuring its own historical backstory or mystery to a greater or lesser degree. The downside was that, because I’ve always produced two books a year, every six months I would have to uproot myself from whatever fascinating historical world I’d been so immersed in, clear it all from my head and plunge straight into the next. One minute you’re delving into ancient Babylon or Egypt, the next you’re off to the Chinese Cultural Revolution or the American Civil War. All wonderful stuff, of course, but it’s like being a perpetual globetrotter, always on the move, and never being able to stay in one location for long even though you might have fallen in love with the place and wanted to live there forever. Then one day while I was working on Ben Hope 28, The Tudor Deception, and deep into all the intrigues of medieval England, I thought: ‘You know what, I really love being here reading and writing about all this medieval stuff. What if I could just keep on doing that, and remain in one setting rather than having to jump about all the time?’ So, to cut a long story short, that’s what I’ve done. It wasn’t as simple or easy a decision as I’m perhaps making it sound – and of course the end of the Ben Hope series has upset a lot of fans – but nonetheless I’m really happy that I took the plunge.

            I’m going to miss Ben Hope…

            What were your main challenges when you switched from thrillers (Ben Hope was excellent, by the way) to historical fiction?

            Because you’re going much deeper into just one time setting, it becomes all the more important to get the details as correct and authentic as possible: hence the research process is that bit more intensive. The good news for me is that I love research! I’ve accrued such a library of books on my favourite areas of history that when I get stuck in, they pile up so high around me on the desk that it’s like being inside a canyon. Because I’ve picked a medieval time / place setting that’s so well chronicled (the events of the Third Crusade), and because I want to stay as faithful to the true facts and timelines as possible, my plotline is already laid out for me to some extent by the historical sources. That’s been an unusual experience for someone who’s used to having to make it all up themselves! But although it might make life easier in some regards, it also creates the new challenge having to insert, or you might say superimpose, a fictitious main protagonist into the mix, through whose eyes we experience those well-known events in a fresh and dramatic way. Having to blending the worlds of fiction and non-fiction together like that, so that the (non-historian) reader hopefully can’t see the joins, is a whole new kind of fun. I’ve enjoyed being able to create scenes where my fictitious character is in dialogue with famous real-life figures like King Richard I and Eleanor of Aquitaine.

            Tell us about The Pilgrim’s Revenge. What attracted you to writing about the Crusades?

            The Pilgrim’s Revenge is the first book in my new series introducing the character of Will the Bowman, or just Will Bowman. The story begins in the year 1190, when Will, a young Englishman, has his happy married life torn apart by marauding soldiers who raid his home, and he’s forced to join up with King Richard’s expedition to the Holy Land as a means of catching up with the villains who did it. Actually we don’t quite reach the Holy Land in Book 1 – that’s for the next. But I hope there’s plenty there to excite and interest the reader. I adore the medieval period – grew up in a historic town, wept as a child when taken to the spot in Rouen where they burned poor Jeanne d’Arc, later read medieval French at University, learned to play with great big swords and shoot a bow – but the whole crusades period has a particular fascination for me. And what could be more cool than the most iconic crusade of them all, the conquest that pitted Richard the Lionheart against the great Saladin? Will Bowman and his comrades get embroiled right in the thick of the drama, and it’s a ride! At any rate it has been for me. I hope readers will love it too . . .

            How are you going to cope with the lack of guns? Will the body count be lower?

            Are you kidding? We don’t need guns. We have bows and arrows that can pierce chain mail armour from a long way off; we have double-edged swords and scimitars that’ll whip off arms, legs and heads; we have great big siege catapults that can take down massive stone ramparts from two hundred paces; we have thundering great charges of heavy cavalry bearing down on the enemy with lances; we have crossbows and axes and flails and daggers and all sorts of goodies to play with! And did I mention Greek Fire? It’s like The Iliad out there . . . No question, the body count and general level of mayhem and destruction are considerably higher than anything in the Ben Hope books . . . not that that makes it better, of course!

            Phew! That’s a relief!

            What comes first, the story or the research?

            When I was constantly hunting around for fresh material for the Ben Hope books, it was more a question of finding the basic idea first. That could come, and did come, from all kinds of possible places as I was (and am) constantly reading. The basic idea for The Mozart Conspiracy came about from an old book I’d had for years about Mozart’s last year and just happened to revisit one day. The Babylon Idol popped into my head while driving and listening to a Louis Armstrong gospel number about King Nebuchadnezzar’s golden idol. The Forgotten Holocaust, dealing with the Irish famine of 1847, was a subject I’d wanted to do for years and nearly did as a historical stand-alone because I’d no idea at first how to make it work as a Ben Hope book. But in general, that initial concept could come from anywhere. Then you’d have to delve a little deeper to see if your idea had any legs or not – sometimes it did, sometimes it didn’t and you’d need to go and find something else. From there, the story and the research would generally develop in parallel. There was no particular system, but I’m pleased to say it worked pretty well. Now with the Will Bowman series, the case is slightly altered: the historical backdrop dictates a lot about the trajectory of the storyline, and the depth of research required fleshes out what’s going on while also providing inspiration for new story and character angles. If you can get all those stars lined up for you, then it all happens in an organic kind of way that feels very natural.

            Have you got the historical fiction bug now? What comes next?

            This is going to be the shortest answer. Yes, for sure! What comes next? More Will Bowman books. I’ve got four to do to begin with, but I would like to do more. A lot more. Mustn’t jinx it by saying too much, though.

            Are there any other eras – or writing genres – you would like to write about?

            As I think anyone who’s read much of my backlist knows already, my historical interests are pretty wide-ranging. Who can say if something else would come up in the future? Never say never: and that goes for genres too. Right now, however, I’m very content to stay exactly where I am. I no longer have to worry about where I’m going next: I’m free to trace the story arc of Will Bowman for as long as I’m able to. What better way to create a truly immersive experience for readers interested in our rich and exciting past?

            The Pilgrim’s Revenge will be available from 24 April 2025

            Pre-order The Pilgrim’s Revenge.

            About Scott Mariani:

            Scott Mariani is the No.1 Sunday Times bestselling author of the multi-million-selling Ben Hope thrillers. From 2025 he is launching into a new historical adventure series featuring medieval English hero Will Bowman, who is forced from his home to join King Richard ‘the Lionheart’ on the Third Crusade and rises up to become a knight. Book 1,THE PILGRIM’S REVENGE, is available from April 2025 and is published by Hodder & Stoughton.

            Scott lives and writes in west Wales, UK. You can find out more about his work by visiting his official website.

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            My books

            Signed, dedicated copies of all my books are available through my online store.

            Out now: Scotland’s Medieval Queens

            Scotland’s history is dramatic, violent and bloody. Being England’s northern neighbour has never been easy. Scotland’s queens have had to deal with war, murder, imprisonment, political rivalries and open betrayal. They have loved and lost, raised kings and queens, ruled and died for Scotland. From St Margaret, who became one of the patron saints of Scotland, to Elizabeth de Burgh and the dramatic story of the Scottish Wars of Independence, to the love story and tragedy of Joan Beaufort, to Margaret of Denmark and the dawn of the Renaissance, Scotland’s Medieval Queens have seen it all. This is the story of Scotland through their eyes.

            Available now from Amazon and Pen and Sword Books

            Also by Sharon Bennett Connolly:

            Heroines of the Tudor World tells the stories of the most remarkable women from European history in the time of the Tudor dynasty, 1485-1603. These are the women who ruled, the women who founded dynasties, the women who fought for religious freedom, their families and love. Heroines of the Tudor World is now available for pre-order from Amberley Publishing and Amazon UK. Women of the Anarchy demonstrates how Empress Matilda and Matilda of Boulogne, unable to wield a sword themselves, were prime movers in this time of conflict and lawlessness. It shows how their strengths, weaknesses, and personal ambitions swung the fortunes of war one way – and then the other. Available from Bookshop.org, Amberley Publishing and Amazon UK. King John’s Right-Hand Lady: The Story of Nicholaa de la Haye is the story of a truly remarkable lady, the hereditary constable of Lincoln Castle and the first woman in England to be appointed sheriff in her own right. Available from all good bookshops Pen & Sword Books, bookshop.org and Amazon. 

            Defenders of the Norman Crown: The Rise and Fall of the Warenne Earls of Surrey tells the fascinating story of the Warenne dynasty, from its origins in Normandy, through the Conquest, Magna Carta, the wars and marriages that led to its ultimate demise in the reign of Edward III. Available from Pen & Sword Books, Amazon in the UK and US, and Bookshop.org. Ladies of Magna Carta: Women of Influence in Thirteenth Century England looks into the relationships of the various noble families of the 13th century, and how they were affected by the Barons’ Wars, Magna Carta and its aftermath; the bonds that were formed and those that were broken. It is now available in paperback and hardback from Pen & Sword, Amazon, and Bookshop.org. Heroines of the Medieval World tells the stories of some of the most remarkable women from Medieval history, from Eleanor of Aquitaine to Julian of Norwich. Available now from Amberley Publishing and Amazon, and Bookshop.org. Silk and the Sword: The Women of the Norman Conquest traces the fortunes of the women who had a significant role to play in the momentous events of 1066. Available now from Amazon,  Amberley Publishing, and Bookshop.org.

            Alternate Endings: An anthology of historical fiction short stories including Long Live the King… which is my take what might have happened had King John not died in October 1216. Available in paperback and kindle from Amazon.

            Podcast:

            Have a listen to the A Slice of Medieval podcast, which I co-host with Historical fiction novelist Derek Birks. Derek and I welcome guests, such as Bernard Cornwell and Michael Jecks, and discuss a wide range of topics in medieval history, from significant events to the personalities involved. Every episode is also now available on YouTube.

            *

            Don’t forget! Signed and dedicated copies of all my books are available through my online store.

            For forthcoming online and in-person talks, please check out my Events Page.

            You can be the first to read new articles by clicking the ‘Follow’ button, liking our Facebook page or joining me on Twitter, Threads, Bluesky and Instagram.

            *

            ©2025 Sharon Bennett Connolly, FRHistS and Scott Mariani

            Guest Post: The Book and the Duchess by Katarzyna Ogrodnik-Fujcik

            Sharon Bennett ConnollyLeave a comment

            Last month, we lost one of the great historians of medieval history, Martin Aurell. A few years ago, I had the honour of translating one of Martin’s essays on Eleanor of Aquitaine for a compilation on England’s medieval queens. He had a wonderful insight into Eleanor and I would have loved to meet him. So, when my dear friend Kasia asked if I would publish her tribute to Martin, I jumped at the chance.

            The Book and the Duchess: Eleanor of Aquitaine and her Artistic Legacy….

            In memory of Professor Martin Aurell

            Eleanor of Aquitaine’s tomb effigy, Fontevraud Abbey

            Richard of Devizes called her femina incomparabilis “a woman without compare” and in many respects she was. Queen of both France and England respectively, duchess of a great duchy in her own right, rebel wife who openly went to war against her husband, Eleanor of Aquitaine needs no introduction. And yet very little is actually known about one of the most famous women in history. Thus we should not find it surprising that all the myths and misconceptions about her got so firmly established in the popular consciousness. One of them is Eleanor as a very active artistic patron. However, if we raise the question, her artistic legacy is rather modest. There are only few surviving objects that can be safely associated with her.

            First and foremost, there is her tomb effigy at Fontevraud Abbey, which is the earliest funerary monument that we know of to depict a woman with a book. Also, as it seems, it is the only one to depict a man or a woman in the act of reading. The book Eleanor is holding is a restoration. The original had been destroyed during the Revolution. It is probably devotional work…. book of prayers, psalter or gospel book.

            A noble lady kneeling in a psalter of Eleanor of Aquitaine

            The effigy is one of the few instances when Eleanor can be safely identified as an artistic patron. She most probably commissioned it herself. Also the effigies of Henry II and Richard I the Lionheart (the one of Isabelle of Angouleme was commissioned more than forty years later) which were created at the same time (as stylistic similarities indicate). Made from tuffeau limestone from the Loire valley they successfully stood the test of time. despite different vagaries of history. What makes us believe Eleanor was a commissioner? First and foremost, Eleanor’s presence at Fontevraud Abbey at the time. After Richard’s death in 1199 she left the walls of the abbey, but stayed in Anjou, defending it for John. Later she retreated to the abbey again and spent her last years there. The effigies must have been created between the death of Richard and her own death in 1204 (also the year Anjou fell to the Capetians).

            Another object connected with Eleanor is the afore-mentioned Eleanor’s vase, which was a wedding gift she presented to her first husband Louis VII of France. It had stayed in her family since the reign of her famous/infamous grandfather, William IX the Troubadour, who had brought it with him from Spain. Louis gave it to Abbot Suger as a gift for St Denis. Suger added all the ornamentation. It was a classic crystal rock vessel when Eleanor presented it to Louis.

            Another work of art associated with Eleanor is the so-called Fecamp Psalter (or Psalter of Eleanor of Aquitaine), one of the oldest manuscripts preserved at the Dutch Royal Library at the Hague. With 27 full-page miniatures, 36 calendar miniatures depicting the Labours of the Months, and 11 historiated initials illustrating the major divisions of the psalter it is exquisitely beautiful. By the end of the 11th century Fécamp was a leading centre for manuscript copying in Normandy and in the late 12th century (c. 1180) this beautifully illuminated psalter was probably commissioned by Eleanor herself. In 2016 student Jesus Rodriguez Veijo identified the figure on the Beatus page of the psalter with Eleanor, relying in part on the scholarship relating to the Radegonde mural. You can view the manuscript on the official site of Koninklijke Bibliotheek, Hague.

            An image of the chase in a fresco in the chapel of St Radegonde

            The so-called Poitiers Window is one of the few contemporary depictions of Eleanor. She, Henry and their four sons are shown in a small scene, being a part of a larger depiction of Crucifixion, in the area reserved for patrons. Eleanor and Henry hold an image that represents the window itself. This image is not a part of the original, but a result of 19th-century restoration by Adolphe Steiheil. The window must have been commissioned between 1166 and 1173, the birth of John and the outbreak of the Great Revolt, when the royal family was still undivided.

            The famous Radegonde Mural preserved in the chapel of Sainte Radegonde, Chinon has been a subject of heated debates since its discovery in 1964 by Albert Heron. This representation has been widely accepted as a depiction of the Plantagenet family, identifying the central ”crowned” figure as Eleanor. Later research, however, helped to determine that all the figures were actually male. This led the historians to believe that the central crowned figure was in fact Eleanor’s eldest surviving son, Henry the Young King.

            The Eleanor Vase

            In her article entitled Two reputed representations of Eleanor of Aquitaine from her lifetime – a re-evaluation Sara Cockerill, the author of the latest Eleanor biography, revisits the evidence for both these representations and formulates yet one more theory that the scene is in fact a representation of the characters from St Radegonde’s legend. This led her to the following conclusion: while the same person may well have commissioned both depictions, only one, the Psalter, should be regarded as attempting to portray Eleanor herself.

            By Katarzyna Ogrodnik-Fujcik

            About the author:

            Katarzyna Ogrodnik-Fujcik specializes in British literature and history, her area of expertise being the first Plantagenets (the Angevins). She lives in Poland. She writes for different magazines and websites on Polish and European Middle Ages. She runs a blog dedicated to Henry the Young King. She consulted a BBC documentary on William Marshal.

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            My books

            Signed, dedicated copies of all my books are available through my online store.

            Out now: Scotland’s Medieval Queens

            Scotland’s history is dramatic, violent and bloody. Being England’s northern neighbour has never been easy. Scotland’s queens have had to deal with war, murder, imprisonment, political rivalries and open betrayal. They have loved and lost, raised kings and queens, ruled and died for Scotland. From St Margaret, who became one of the patron saints of Scotland, to Elizabeth de Burgh and the dramatic story of the Scottish Wars of Independence, to the love story and tragedy of Joan Beaufort, to Margaret of Denmark and the dawn of the Renaissance, Scotland’s Medieval Queens have seen it all. This is the story of Scotland through their eyes.

            Available now from Amazon and Pen and Sword Books

            Also by Sharon Bennett Connolly:

            Heroines of the Tudor World tells the stories of the most remarkable women from European history in the time of the Tudor dynasty, 1485-1603. These are the women who ruled, the women who founded dynasties, the women who fought for religious freedom, their families and love. Heroines of the Tudor World is now available for pre-order from Amberley Publishing and Amazon UK. Women of the Anarchy demonstrates how Empress Matilda and Matilda of Boulogne, unable to wield a sword themselves, were prime movers in this time of conflict and lawlessness. It shows how their strengths, weaknesses, and personal ambitions swung the fortunes of war one way – and then the other. Available from Bookshop.org, Amberley Publishing and Amazon UK. King John’s Right-Hand Lady: The Story of Nicholaa de la Haye is the story of a truly remarkable lady, the hereditary constable of Lincoln Castle and the first woman in England to be appointed sheriff in her own right. Available from all good bookshops Pen & Sword Books, bookshop.org and Amazon. 

            Defenders of the Norman Crown: The Rise and Fall of the Warenne Earls of Surrey tells the fascinating story of the Warenne dynasty, from its origins in Normandy, through the Conquest, Magna Carta, the wars and marriages that led to its ultimate demise in the reign of Edward III. Available from Pen & Sword Books, Amazon in the UK and US, and Bookshop.org. Ladies of Magna Carta: Women of Influence in Thirteenth Century England looks into the relationships of the various noble families of the 13th century, and how they were affected by the Barons’ Wars, Magna Carta and its aftermath; the bonds that were formed and those that were broken. It is now available in paperback and hardback from Pen & Sword, Amazon, and Bookshop.org. Heroines of the Medieval World tells the stories of some of the most remarkable women from Medieval history, from Eleanor of Aquitaine to Julian of Norwich. Available now from Amberley Publishing and Amazon, and Bookshop.org. Silk and the Sword: The Women of the Norman Conquest traces the fortunes of the women who had a significant role to play in the momentous events of 1066. Available now from Amazon,  Amberley Publishing, and Bookshop.org.

            Alternate Endings: An anthology of historical fiction short stories including Long Live the King… which is my take what might have happened had King John not died in October 1216. Available in paperback and kindle from Amazon.

            Podcast:

            Have a listen to the A Slice of Medieval podcast, which I co-host with Historical fiction novelist Derek Birks. Derek and I welcome guests, such as Bernard Cornwell and Michael Jecks, and discuss a wide range of topics in medieval history, from significant events to the personalities involved. Every episode is also now available on YouTube.

            *

            Don’t forget! Signed and dedicated copies of all my books are available through my online store.

            For forthcoming online and in-person talks, please check out my Events Page.

            You can be the first to read new articles by clicking the ‘Follow’ button, liking our Facebook page or joining me on Twitter, Threads, Bluesky and Instagram.

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            ©2025 Sharon Bennett Connolly, FRHistS and Katarzyna Ogrodnik-Fujcik

            Wordly Women: Wendy J. Dunn

            Sharon Bennett Connolly2 Comments

            In the third edition of my Author Spotlight series, Wordly Women, I chat with Wendy J. Dunn, author of both historical fiction and non-fiction based in the Tudor period

            Sharon: What got you into writing?

            Wendy: I cannot remember a time in my life when I didn’t read – or love books. By eight, I knew I wanted to be an author. I was ten when a friend had given me a child’s book of English history for my tenth birthday. That book, or rather its chapter about Elizabeth I, changed the course of my life.

            But claiming a writer’s mantle meant walking a hard, long and challenging road. I was born into a working-class family. My parents never encouraged me to write—or even to complete High School. They expected me to follow the normal narrative for a working-class girl: work until I found a husband. I found him at seventeen, married him at eighteen. Ten months later (LOL), we welcomed the first of our four children.

            By the time I married, life had done a good job of knocking down my confidence about ever becoming a writer. I also had this silly, working-class imposed idea that I could not write because I was now a wife and mother. I believed my class and world would not allow it. As I say, I had a lot of silly ideas. But I was very young. It took the traumatic birth of my second son to wake me up at twenty-two and make me remember I had other choices, and my dreams of authoring books. A few months after that, I applied to a local university’s Early Leaver Scheme, and they accepted me. Completing my Bachelor of Arts restored my confidence and returned me to writing.

            With raising a family, working as a primary teacher, and a lot of health challenges along the way, the road was still difficult. Also, my family always comes first. LOL – I can hear them protesting that is not how they see it, but I know it is true. I would have written far more books by this stage of my life if writing came first. While family is at the core of my existence, writing keeps me sane. Writing is also where I have found my authentic life.

            Sharon: You write both fiction and non-fiction – is one harder than the other?

            Wendy: Both are hard – but nonfiction is harder because I am far more passionate about writing fiction than writing nonfiction. I love surrendering to my imagination and being there – back then – with my characters. On a good writing day, I emerge feeling so alive, I could float on air.

            But what makes me passionate about writing nonfiction is my love of research – of finding answers that deepen my understanding of people of the past and sharing that knowledge with others.

            Sharon: Tell us about your books….

            Dear Heart, How Like You This? was my first published novel, and so will forever hold a special place in my heart because it was the novel that proved I could complete a novel, and one also good enough to be published. It tells the story of Anne Boleyn from the point of view of Sir Thomas Wyatt, the elder. Tom and I developed an extraordinary relationship when I wrote that book. He became so real we often argued about the direction of the story – and the story would just come to a stop until he got his own way.

            Dear Heart ignited my desire to write about the life of Katherine of Aragon. I wrote the first version of The Duty of Daughters – the novel about Katherine of Aragon’s early life in Castille – through the point of view of the child Maria de Salinas and then faced the fact I needed to write it through an adult point of view. I knew it just had to be Beatriz Galindo, the scholar who may have been Katherine of Aragon’s tutor, but I despaired about pulling apart the book and starting again. So much so, it took completing my Masters of Writing and then my PhD – when I wrote The Light in the Labyrinth as my creative artefact – before I returned to this work, for it to be published in 2016.

            Dear Heart also ignited the inspiration for The Light in the Labyrinth because my first novel left me with so many questions about why Henry VIII murdered the woman he had turned his kingdom upside to marriage. I decided to target this novel to young adults, with the hope adults would like it, too. LOL – I suspect far more adults have read and enjoyed it than young adults. As it became a bestseller in its early published life, I have no complaints about that.

            All Manner of Things is the conclusion to my Falling Pomegranate Seeds duology. All Manner of Things imagines Katherine of Aragon time in England from her arrival in 1501 to 1520, with an epilogue that takes the reader to her deathbed. I used Maria de Salinas, one of Katherine’s closest friends and a fellow Castilian exile, as my narrator, which offered a close view of Katherine’s life.

            All Manner of Things has done me proud since its publication by gaining quite a few awards and being translated into Spanish and published as Mi Hermana, Mi Reina.

            Henry VIII’s True Daughter: Catherine Carey, A Tudor Life is my first published major work of nonfiction. COVID lockdowns made researching that book difficult. I was stuck in Melbourne, Australia, when I should have been researching in England. But we are fortunate to have a wealth of archival material now available online.

            Sharon: What attracts you to the Tudor period?

            Wendy: I have loved the Tudor period since my childhood. It is a fascinating period with so many fascinating people. For me, this period offers a wealth of stories to draw from for my storytelling, with a cast of archetypes, heroes and villains, with stories of adultery, murder, lust, love, passion, betrayal, tragedy and triumph, family secrets, ambition and vainglory. The Tudors offer a treasure trove of multilayered tales that speak to our shared humanity.

            Sharon: Who is your favourite Tudor and why?

            Wendy: No question about it. Elizabeth I. I know she was not perfect, but she was an exceptionally intelligent human being. The fact she ended up the queen of England, after years of walking a road where any misstep could lead to her death, is such a story of triumph. And the triumph continued all through her life. Elizabeth remained queen for close to forty-four years, despite all the plots to bring her down.  

            Sharon: Who is your least favourite Tudor and why?

            Wendy: Henry VIII. I don’t think I could ever like any man who murders his wives. I confess I wrote The Light in the Labyrinth hoping I’d find him more likeable. Alas, I liked him far less after completing my second Anne Boleyn novel. He was a bully, a tyrant (especially after 1536), possessed little empathy, emotionally abused his eldest daughter and forced her to betray the memory of her mother, all of which broke her spirit, made it harder for women to work in professions – for example, a law early in his reign excluded women from the medical profession, and was, many times, simply cruel.  

            OMG – he annulled his marriage to Anne Boleyn just days before her execution, so how could she be accused of adultery then? But he still executed her!

            Sharon: How do you approach researching your topic?

            Wendy: Books. Many books. And more books. Academic papers. Hours of searching for primary sources to help me with my topic. Living in hope of having funds to get to the places where my people once lived, just so I can walk in their footsteps.

            I build my people – real and imagined – through thorough research. I love researching history and deepening my knowledge about people of the past, which means every book I write increases my own personal reference library.

            Sharon: Tell us your ‘favourite’ Tudor story.

            Wendy: The day they crowned Elizabeth. Whenever I read the primary sources about her coronation, I am always swept away by the joy of the day. By Elizabeth’s joy. And I get an extra shiver up and down my backbone to know Anne Boleyn was remembered on this day. What Elizabeth must have felt to see her mother included in the processional display that celebrated her lineage.

            I have written about this day in Henry VIII’s True Daughter, and also touched on this scene in FIRE FROM THE COMET’S TAIL, one of my short stories:

            One of the honoured women helping carry Elizabeth’s long, heavy mantle up the steps, Kate couldn’t resist doing a dancing step, far too excited and happy to mind the cold.

            Drums rolled and trumpets blared. A thousand voices roared in triumph: Long live the queen. Long live the queen.

            Bess looked over her shoulder at the crowds, and waved. In the sudden hushed silence, before the crowd shouted out as if in one voice, “Elizabeth! God Save Elizabeth!” the wind carried to Kate the well-remembered laugh of another queen. One more shout mounted up, God save the queen.

            Out of the corner of her eye, her aunt seemed standing beside her. Love. Love never dies, or is forgotten, her aunt’s voice said in her mind. Strange. She had no memory of her saying that while she lived.

            Snow-light blinding her again, Kate rubbed her eyes. When she opened them, Bess had entered the ancient doors of Westminster.

            I really look forward to revisiting this day in the novel I am writing now.

            Sharon: Tell us your least ‘favourite’ Tudor story.

            Wendy: The execution of Anne Boleyn. Such an unjust end to her life. I also believe she only gave up hope of a reprieve in her last moments. How awful it must have been for her, knowing Henry wanted her dead so much he set in motion her execution. He may have given her the mercy of the French swordman, but he was merciless in other ways. And to die knowing she was leaving behind her infant daughter who would no longer have her protection. My heart breaks for her!

            Sharon: Are there any other eras you would like to write about?

            Wendy: I hope to live long enough to write about a few women from medieval Spanish history who have caught my attention. Researching Katherine of Aragon’s life has left me with a deep love of Spain and its history.

            Sharon: What are you working on now?

            Wendy: I’m working through the edits of Shades of Yellow, my novel about an Australian woman writing a Tudor novel (not me!), which is scheduled for publication on September 7th. I am also writing a novel inspired by the life of Frances Newton Brooke, a woman who served Elizabeth I even before she became queen until 1592. She is also subject I’m researching for my next nonfiction book for Pen& Sword Books

            Sharon: And finally, what is the best thing about being a writer?

            Wendy: Oh – finding kindred spirits, like you, Sharon! I feel so blessed with the friendships I have made along the way on this writing road of mine – and blessed to have this passion that helps me grow as a human being. Writing turned my life into a true adventure.

            About the Author:

            Wendy J. Dunn is an award-winning Australian writer fascinated by Tudor history – so much so she was not surprised to discover a family connection to the Tudors, not long after the publication of her first Anne Boleyn novel, which narrated the Anne Boleyn story through the eyes of Sir Thomas Wyatt, the elder. Her family tree reveals the intriguing fact that one of her ancestral families – possibly over three generations – had purchased land from both the Boleyn and Wyatt families to build up their own holdings. It seems very likely Wendy’s ancestors knew the Wyatts and Boleyns personally. Wendy is married, the mother of three sons and one daughter—named after a certain Tudor queen, surprisingly, not Anne. She is also the grandmother of two amazing small boys. She gained her PhD in 2014 and loves walking in the footsteps of the historical people she gives voice to in her novels. Wendy also tutors at Swinburne University of Technology, Australia.

            Where to find Wendy’s books:.

            Original version of Dear Heart, How Like You This?, New edition of Dear Heart, How like You This?

            Original version of The Light in the Labyrinth. New version of The Light in the Labyrinth.

            Falling Pomegranate Seeds duology: Part One, 
The Duty of Daughters
https://mybook.to/FPS, Part two: All Manner of Things.

            Pen and Sword Books: Henry VIIIs True Daughter: Catherine Carey, A Tudor Life

            Mi hermana, mi reina: La historia de Catalina de Aragn contada por su dama y fiel amiga Mara de Salinas (Spanish Edition)

            Where to find Wendy::

            Website – Newsletter – Facebook – Instagram: wendyjdunnauthor, Bluesky: wendyjdunn.bsky.social, LinkedIn: Dr Wendy Dunn – Academic Tutor and Lecturer – Goodreads – Bookbub

            *

            My books

            Signed, dedicated copies of all my books are available through my online store.

            Out now: Scotland’s Medieval Queens

            Scotland’s history is dramatic, violent and bloody. Being England’s northern neighbour has never been easy. Scotland’s queens have had to deal with war, murder, imprisonment, political rivalries and open betrayal. They have loved and lost, raised kings and queens, ruled and died for Scotland. From St Margaret, who became one of the patron saints of Scotland, to Elizabeth de Burgh and the dramatic story of the Scottish Wars of Independence, to the love story and tragedy of Joan Beaufort, to Margaret of Denmark and the dawn of the Renaissance, Scotland’s Medieval Queens have seen it all. This is the story of Scotland through their eyes.

            Available now from Amazon and Pen and Sword Books

            Also by Sharon Bennett Connolly:

            Heroines of the Tudor World tells the stories of the most remarkable women from European history in the time of the Tudor dynasty, 1485-1603. These are the women who ruled, the women who founded dynasties, the women who fought for religious freedom, their families and love. Heroines of the Tudor World is now available for pre-order from Amberley Publishing and Amazon UK. Women of the Anarchy demonstrates how Empress Matilda and Matilda of Boulogne, unable to wield a sword themselves, were prime movers in this time of conflict and lawlessness. It shows how their strengths, weaknesses, and personal ambitions swung the fortunes of war one way – and then the other. Available from Bookshop.org, Amberley Publishing and Amazon UK. King John’s Right-Hand Lady: The Story of Nicholaa de la Haye is the story of a truly remarkable lady, the hereditary constable of Lincoln Castle and the first woman in England to be appointed sheriff in her own right. Available from all good bookshops Pen & Sword Books, bookshop.org and Amazon. 

            Defenders of the Norman Crown: The Rise and Fall of the Warenne Earls of Surrey tells the fascinating story of the Warenne dynasty, from its origins in Normandy, through the Conquest, Magna Carta, the wars and marriages that led to its ultimate demise in the reign of Edward III. Available from Pen & Sword Books, Amazon in the UK and US, and Bookshop.org. Ladies of Magna Carta: Women of Influence in Thirteenth Century England looks into the relationships of the various noble families of the 13th century, and how they were affected by the Barons’ Wars, Magna Carta and its aftermath; the bonds that were formed and those that were broken. It is now available in paperback and hardback from Pen & Sword, Amazon, and Bookshop.org. Heroines of the Medieval World tells the stories of some of the most remarkable women from Medieval history, from Eleanor of Aquitaine to Julian of Norwich. Available now from Amberley Publishing and Amazon, and Bookshop.org. Silk and the Sword: The Women of the Norman Conquest traces the fortunes of the women who had a significant role to play in the momentous events of 1066. Available now from Amazon,  Amberley Publishing, and Bookshop.org.

            Alternate Endings: An anthology of historical fiction short stories including Long Live the King… which is my take what might have happened had King John not died in October 1216. Available in paperback and kindle from Amazon.

            Podcast:

            Have a listen to the A Slice of Medieval podcast, which I co-host with Historical fiction novelist Derek Birks. Derek and I welcome guests, such as Bernard Cornwell and Michael Jecks, and discuss a wide range of topics in medieval history, from significant events to the personalities involved. Every episode is also now available on YouTube.

            *

            Don’t forget! Signed and dedicated copies of all my books are available through my online store.

            For forthcoming online and in-person talks, please check out my Events Page.

            You can be the first to read new articles by clicking the ‘Follow’ button, liking our Facebook page or joining me on Twitter, Threads, Bluesky and Instagram.

            *

            ©2025 Sharon Bennett Connolly, FRHistS and Wendy J. Dunn

            Wordly Women: Amy McElroy

            Sharon Bennett ConnollyLeave a comment

            After sharing the interview with Helene Harrison a couple of weeks ago and introducing my Author Spotlight series, Wordly Women, I was surprised and grateful for the amazing response from readers and writers alike. So, I am going to carry it on, hopefully for a whole year – or at least until I run out of astounding female authors – which could take a while! In the second of my Wordly Women interviews, I welcome Amy McElroy to History…the Interesting Bits to talk about her writing journey.

            Hello Amy!

            Sharon: What got you into writing non-fiction?

            Amy: I had started a blog as a place to jot down my thoughts on books I had read, I did not really expect people to read it, I just wanted to be able to keep track of my reading and the books I had enjoyed. I often read other peoples blogs to find recommendations so thought it would be a good way to record my own thoughts. I ended up joining NetGalley where 99% of the books I requested were non-fiction, and many were published by Pen and Sword and continued to publish my reviews on my blog. Eventually I was approached by Pen and Sword and asked if I had ever considered writing my own book. I had absolutely not thought about it at that point despite my love of history and writing so it came as a complete surprise! After working my way through many thoughts of doubt and imposter syndrome I decided to go for it, why not? I was given an incredible opportunity that I will always be grateful for.

            Sharon: Tell us about your books…

            Amy: My first book Educating the Tudors was published in January 2023 and looks at the education of those well-known Tudor individuals we all know and love (or dislike), including Henry and his siblings, as well as his children. It also covers the education of the general public and the different opportunities available such as apprenticeships. Finally there is a little on who the tutors of the royal household were, and what people did for fun when they weren’t learning!

            My second, Women’s Lives in the Tudor Era, was published in February 2024, the title pretty much gives everything away but it essentially discusses the milestones in the lives of Tudor women; childhood, courtship and marriage, motherhood, employment, widowhood, and death. I loved researching this book, although not all women left behind a Will, those that remain are fascinating!

            My most recent publication is Mary Tudor, Queen of France, which was due to be published 28 February 2025 but came out a little early on 30 January, so you and I now have a shared book birthday! Mary was the younger sister of Henry VIII, and aunt of Mary I. She began to interest me when I was researching my first book and I could not help but keep digging and rushing down rabbit-holes. I do hope I have done Mary justice as she was much more than just a sister to a king.

            Sharon: What attracts you to the Tudor period?

            Amy: There are so many events it is hard not to be interested! Not only are there many fascinating individuals but we have lots of marriages, executions, the Reformation, and events such as the Field of the Cloth of Gold, there is lots for people to read and research. I am also attracted to the Tudor period as it was at the centre of huge changes to education, the Renaissance was in full swing and how it impacted education in England continues to intrigue me.

            Sharon: Who is your favourite Tudor and why?

            Amy: Oh this is a difficult one! If we are referring to monarchs I would have to say Henry VIII. I know, I know, he was a tyrant, but he wasn’t always and he accomplished a lot as king. I am also a little biased in that I enjoy researching his education and continued learning as an adult. If we are referring to any individual in the Tudor era, then that would be Mary, I really enjoyed writing about her and found she is often overshadowed by her brother and whenever someone reads ‘Mary Tudor’ many will assume it to be Mary I. Hopefully my book and those of others will help in bringing Mary out of the shadows.

            Sharon: Who is your least favourite Tudor and why?

            Amy: Haha, Henry Grey, Duke of Suffolk, husband to Frances Brandon and father of Lady Jane, Lady Katherine, and Lady Mary Grey. I will just never understand his actions, especially once Jane was held in the Tower, you would think he would do everything he could to stay out of trouble but no!

            Sharon: How do you approach researching your topic?

            Amy: I generally write a rough chapter plan detailing what I want to cover. When I say rough, I really do mean that but it gives me a start on my research. I then look at what resources do I already have and what do I need. I live in the Midlands so I try to plan my research so that if I need to travel somewhere for a source e.g. National Archives or British Library then I have a clear plan of everything I need from there so I can try and make the most of my time there but giving myself enough time that I can go for another visit if I miss something or find something else I need. I am old school so I write most of my notes by hand which can then take me forever to type up, therefore I try to ensure I have everything I need before I start typing.

            Sharon: Tell us your ‘favourite’ Tudor story.

            Amy: I love the story of Thomas More and Erasmus visiting the royal children at Eltham. Erasmus did not know that was the plan so he was very surprised when they arrived at Eltham Palace and found Margaret, Henry, Mary and Edmund all there. Thomas More had prepared some writing for Henry but Erasmus had come unprepared so was not happy with More! They stayed for dinner and Henry actually challenged Erasmus to write something for him. Erasmus spent 3 days writing a poem which became Prosopopӕia Britanniӕ and praises Henry VII, the princes, and England. He dedicated the poem to  Prince Henry and it was printed in the first edition of Adages in 1500. I think this was both a surprising yet memorable event for Erasmus and was the beginning of his friendship with Henry.

            Sharon: Tell us your ‘least favourite’ Tudor story.

            Amy: I think I would have to say that I really dislike the stories that Henry VII was a miser. The records and accounts show he more than willing to spend a great deal of money when he wished to. He made gifts to his children, spent money on building and was certainly not afraid to show his wealth when it came to impressing ambassadors and visitors to the royal court. Yes, he was very intelligent when it came to money but I think it is unfair for him to have the reputation of a miser.

            Sharon: Are there any other eras you would like to write about?

            Amy: I think if I were to ever write about another era it would likely be the Plantagenets but I’m not sure if I ever will!

            Sharon: What are you working on now?

            Amy: I am finishing up writing a book on Desiderius Erasmus which is due to be published early 2026 then I will be moving on to my 5th book, Teaching the Tudors. This will expand on my first book and focus on some of the tutors we know so well and others that were extremely influential on education during the Tudor era but are maybe not so well known.

            Sharon: And finally, what is the best thing about being a writer?

            Amy: Another hard one! Firstly, getting to know so many incredible historians, I have been made to feel so welcome in the history community by historians I greatly admire such as yourself, Nathen Amin, and Estelle Paranque and others but I can’t name everyone or this may be a very long answer. I have made some wonderful friends including Rebecca Batley, Rebecca Larson, and Helene Harrison and had fantastic opportunities to appear on podcasts like Talking Tudors and Royals, Rebels, and Romantics. But overall, I love history, so I am doing something I love, does it get better than that?

            About the Author:

            Amy McElroy is the author of Educating the Tudors (2023), Women’s Lives in the Tudor Era (2024), and Mary Tudor, Queen of France (2025). Amy has long had an interest in history, beginning with a blog where she shared her love of books before culminating in her own book, Educating the Tudors. Amy is currently writing her fourth book, Desiderius Erasmus and has a fifth in the pipeline with many more ideas for the future. Amy co-hosts the blog, The Tudor Notebook on Substack. She has appeared on numerous podcasts including Talking Tudors, Royals, Rebels, and Romantics, and Tudors Dynasty. Amy has also spoken at events including the Wolves Literature Festival and After Hours at Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

            Where to find Amy:

            Facebook – Amy McElroy; Instagram – @amymcelroy_author; Blue Sky – AmyMcElroy; Threads – amymcelroy_books; Twitter/X – @AmyMc_Books; Substack – The Tudor Notebook; Blog – website.

            To Buy Amy’s Books:

            Educating the Tudors: Pen and Sword Books: Educating the Tudors – Hardback. Women’s Lives in the Tudor Era: Pen and Sword Books: Women’s Lives in the Tudor Era – Hardback, and is also available to order with a signed bookplate at Fox Lane Books. Mary Tudor, Queen of France: Pen and Sword Books: Mary Tudor – Hardback and is also available to order with a signed and dedicated bookplate at Fox Lane Books

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            My books

            Signed, dedicated copies of all my books are available through my online store.

            Out now: Scotland’s Medieval Queens

            Scotland’s history is dramatic, violent and bloody. Being England’s northern neighbour has never been easy. Scotland’s queens have had to deal with war, murder, imprisonment, political rivalries and open betrayal. They have loved and lost, raised kings and queens, ruled and died for Scotland. From St Margaret, who became one of the patron saints of Scotland, to Elizabeth de Burgh and the dramatic story of the Scottish Wars of Independence, to the love story and tragedy of Joan Beaufort, to Margaret of Denmark and the dawn of the Renaissance, Scotland’s Medieval Queens have seen it all. This is the story of Scotland through their eyes.

            Available now from Amazon and Pen and Sword Books

            Also by Sharon Bennett Connolly:

            Heroines of the Tudor World tells the stories of the most remarkable women from European history in the time of the Tudor dynasty, 1485-1603. These are the women who ruled, the women who founded dynasties, the women who fought for religious freedom, their families and love. Heroines of the Tudor World is now available for pre-order from Amberley Publishing and Amazon UK. Women of the Anarchy demonstrates how Empress Matilda and Matilda of Boulogne, unable to wield a sword themselves, were prime movers in this time of conflict and lawlessness. It shows how their strengths, weaknesses, and personal ambitions swung the fortunes of war one way – and then the other. Available from Bookshop.org, Amberley Publishing and Amazon UK. King John’s Right-Hand Lady: The Story of Nicholaa de la Haye is the story of a truly remarkable lady, the hereditary constable of Lincoln Castle and the first woman in England to be appointed sheriff in her own right. Available from all good bookshops Pen & Sword Books, bookshop.org and Amazon. 

            Defenders of the Norman Crown: The Rise and Fall of the Warenne Earls of Surrey tells the fascinating story of the Warenne dynasty, from its origins in Normandy, through the Conquest, Magna Carta, the wars and marriages that led to its ultimate demise in the reign of Edward III. Available from Pen & Sword Books, Amazon in the UK and US, and Bookshop.org. Ladies of Magna Carta: Women of Influence in Thirteenth Century England looks into the relationships of the various noble families of the 13th century, and how they were affected by the Barons’ Wars, Magna Carta and its aftermath; the bonds that were formed and those that were broken. It is now available in paperback and hardback from Pen & Sword, Amazon, and Bookshop.org. Heroines of the Medieval World tells the stories of some of the most remarkable women from Medieval history, from Eleanor of Aquitaine to Julian of Norwich. Available now from Amberley Publishing and Amazon, and Bookshop.org. Silk and the Sword: The Women of the Norman Conquest traces the fortunes of the women who had a significant role to play in the momentous events of 1066. Available now from Amazon,  Amberley Publishing, and Bookshop.org.

            Alternate Endings: An anthology of historical fiction short stories including Long Live the King… which is my take what might have happened had King John not died in October 1216. Available in paperback and kindle from Amazon.

            Podcast:

            Have a listen to the A Slice of Medieval podcast, which I co-host with Historical fiction novelist Derek Birks. Derek and I welcome guests, such as Bernard Cornwell and Michael Jecks, and discuss a wide range of topics in medieval history, from significant events to the personalities involved. Every episode is also now available on YouTube.

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            Don’t forget! Signed and dedicated copies of all my books are available through my online store.

            For forthcoming online and in-person talks, please check out my Events Page.

            You can be the first to read new articles by clicking the ‘Follow’ button, liking our Facebook page or joining me on Twitter, Threads, Bluesky and Instagram.

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            ©2025 Sharon Bennett Connolly, FRHistS and Amy McElroy