Sharon Bennett Connolly writes:
I have been fascinated by history for over 40 years. I was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, ‘in recognition of your contribution to historical scholarship.’ I have studied history academically and just for fun – I’ve even worked as a tour guide at historical sites.
I’m now having great fun, passing on my love of the past to my son, who has developed his own passion for history – though I suspect it is thanks to Horrible Histories rather than my own influence. We liked nothing better, during the school holidays, than hunting dragons through Medieval castles or exploring the hidden alcoves of Tudor Manor Houses. He could identify a bread oven from the age of 3, as well as spotting fireplaces and the defensive features of most castles.
I have often said I would really like to write about history, but there was always something else that needed doing.
But then, for Christmas 2014, my husband gave me my very own blog – and I haven’t looked back. As I love researching and writing those stories that have made history so exciting to me, the blog has given me the chance to share what I love – the stories themselves, and the places they happened – in the hope that you do too.
And in 2017 things got even more exciting! I completed my first non-fiction book, Heroines of the Medieval World, which was published by Amberley on 15th September 2017.
I now write for both Amberley Publishing and Pen & Sword Books and in September 2026, my 10th book was published. I have at least 3 more to write and am currently working on Medieval Rebel Women: Not Bad, Sometimes Mad, and Dangerous to Know.
I regularly give talks on women’s history, for historical groups, festivals and in schools; my book Silk and the Sword: The Women of the Norman Conquest is a recommended text for teaching the Norman Conquest in the National Curriculum. I am also a feature writer for All About History, Tudor Places and Living Medieval magazines and my radio and TV work includes the BBC and Australian Television’s Who Do You Think You Are?
To enquire about possible talks, pricing and my availability, simply drop me a line via the contact me page.
My Books:
Heroines of the Medieval World; Silk and the Sword: The Women of the Norman Conquest; Ladies of Magna Carta: Women of Influence in Thirteenth Century England; Defenders of the Norman Crown: Rise and Fall of the Warenne Earls of Surrey; King John’s Right Hand Lady: The Story of Nicholaa de la Haye; Women of the Anarchy; Heroines of the Tudor World; Scotland’s Medieval Queens: From St Margaret to Margaret of Denmark; Princesses of the Early Middle Ages: Royal Daughters of the Conquest (March 2026); Princesses of the Later Middle Ages; Royal Daughters of the Plantagenets (August 2026)
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.
All my books on Amazon and Bookshop.org .
You can also order direct from my publishers, Pen and Sword Books and Amberley Publishing.
Featured in:
Over the years, I have been featured in numerous and diverse media platforms, from the Smithsonian to the BBC History Magazine to The Guardian.
I was featured in The Mirror, telling the real story of Lady Jane Grey. And in BBC Culture, talking about Elizabeth Barton, the Holy Maid of Kent who predicted Henry VIII’s death. I also recorded a podcast for the BBC about the history of Lincoln Castle, and my favourite heroine, Nicholaa de la Haye, which had an accompanying news article, Secrets of Lincoln Castle.
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 Elizabeth Chadwick, Helen Castor, Ian Mortimer, Scott Mariani and Bernard Cornwell 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.
We have just recorded our 100th episode which is a fabulous discussion with Max Adams about the significance of two historical treasures: the Bayeux Tapestry and Domesday Book.
And also:
It was an honour to present the 2020 David Hey Memorial Lecture for Doncaster Heritage Festival via 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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Photo credit: Sharon Bennett Connolly courtesy of the BBC.
© Sharon Bennett Connolly, 2015. All articles are written and produced by Sharon Bennett Connolly, unless otherwise stated. All rights reserved.
Sharon, I’ve having a blast reading about John of Gaunt, Katherine Swynford, and Joan Beaufort. Unfortunately I didn’t find your posts until after I visited Lincoln to “visit” these ancestors in August 2015. Thanks for bringing them to life.
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Thank you so much, Laura, its lovely of you to say. 🙂
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Loved your blog, but do not know how to contact you directly. Keep up the good work.
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Thank you very much Erik. That’s great to hear – you’ve made my day. 🙂
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Hi Sharon, I love the style of your reviews of historical fiction books. Would you be open to reviewing a historical novel set in XVth century Wallachia? If so, could you please contact me on my email address? I’ve tried to find yours, but have had no luck. I’ll be looking forward to hearing from you.
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Thank you. I’ll be in touch. 🙂
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Hi Sharon – been following the blog for a while and I wondered if you had any interest in a guest post around Margaret of Anjou/some aspect of the Wars of the Roses? You can see more of me and my writing at my website https://www.catherinehokin.com/ Not a problem if you are full!
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Hi Catherine, I’m always happy to welcome a guest blogger and that sounds really interesting. I’m flexible with dates. Why don’t you do me an email at bennettconnolly@outlook.com. Best wishes, Sharon
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Hi Sharon. I share your love of history and your fascination in visiting historical sites. I love all periods of history – set in any country – although I’m presently deep into the world of King Alfred and his battle to keep the Danes out of Wessex. I spend a lot of time visiting historical sites and attend many reenactments (not all Viking ones!). I followed you here from a link on Twitter, and am looking forward to reading your posts.
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Hi Millie, it’s lovely to ‘meet’ a fellow history buff. Best wishes, Sharon. 🙂
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Dear Sharon
Could you contact me at The EBP in Lincoln please as we would like to sign post your article about Nicola de la Haye as part of a resource pack for schools. ?
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Sounds interesting Clare. I’ll drop you an email in the morning. Best wishes, Sharon
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Hi Clare, I’ve tried to email you, but it keeps failing to deliver – can you email me at bennettconnolly@outlook.com? Thanks
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I have read both of your books and absolutely love them! Thank you for opening up an area into women’s history rarely paid attention too! Look forward to all of your future writings!
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Thank you Janett, that is really lovely to hear. Best wishes, Sharon 😃
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Just wanted to say I loved the ways you present the relationships and events of many of my direct ancestors. I haven’t read your books but plan to. I was researching Braoses who intersect with several of my other ancestors. Seeing how you pull them together in well documented historic events yet related prior influencing events is great. Thanks
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You are very welcome Andrea. And than you for such a lovely comment – I’m so glad you find the articles useful. I think you’ll particularly line Ladies of Magna Carta – there’s a whole chapter in the Braoses! Best wishes, Sharon xx
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Hi! I am so fascinated by your work and do research in the same field. I’m currently working on a narrative about Edith and Mary, the mothers of the Matilda’s. I just listened to your Gone Medieval episode, and I would absolutely LOVE to discuss a hypothesis I have that you touched on. Thanks so much.
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Hi Madeline, I’m intrigued! Would love to chat with you. Drop me an email at bennettconnolly@outlook.com Best wishes, Sharon
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Hello Sharon! I just wanted to say that I really enjoy your blog. Congratulations on being made a Fellow with the RHS! I recently applied to be an Associate Fellow, fingers crossed I have good news next year. I’m looking forward to reading more from you soon, we have a lot in common regarding our love of history!
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Thank you Melissa, I will keep my fingers crossed for your application to the Royal Historical Society. Best wishes, Sharon
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