The tomb of Edward II is spectacular. Edward’s burial site at St Peter’s Abbey, refounded as Gloucester Cathedral during the Reformation in the sixteenth century, sits under an arch on the north side of the Presbytery adjacent to the Ambulatory, up near the high altar. Other than occupying the central position directly in front of the altar … More The Tomb of Edward II
As we saw in part one, Edward had a large group of siblings. He only knew his sisters and half brothers, Thomas and Edmund, his elder brothers perishing long before his birth, or in the case of Alfonso, within a year. His sisters were to remain close to him throughout their lives and these bonds … More Edward II & his Siblings (Part Two)
I was fortunate enough to be asked with my heritage professional hat on, to undertake some work for the Dean of Gloucester Cathedral recently, and so I took the opportunity on All Souls’ Day (2 November) whilst I was visiting the cathedral to take lots of photos. Gloucester has a very special place in my heart … More Gloucester Cathedral – A Heavenly Masterpiece
I was recently asked if I spend my entire spare time in a dusty archive, pouring over beautiful illuminated manuscripts, letters or household accounts in order to conduct my research for my up coming book. Whilst this occasionally happens, they were sad to hear that most of these beautiful relics of our cultural heritage are … More Writing Tips #1: Research
Edward II was, despite what some may think, not the first or only son of Edward I and his queen Eleanor of Castile. In fact by the time of Edward II’s birth, he was the fourteenth child of potentially sixteen. To say that the legendary marriage of his parents was a love affair that was … More Edward II & his Siblings (Part One)
So after a month of craziness, I finally bid my wonderful team at the National Trust in North Warwickshire a temporary, but nevertheless, three month farewell as I take extended leave to put much thought, hard work and a lot of determination no doubt into completing my book Edward II the Man: A Doomed Inheritance. There’s … More A Writer’s Journey #1
So in part one we discovered a king with the common touch. A man, tall, strong, conventionally handsome who led a campaign into Scotland and fought in others before his accession; loved entertainment, music and had on the face of it, a common touch with his people. All in all, not a bad resume for … More The Character of a King: What was Edward II really like? (Part Two)
Whilst Zack is busy catching up on his fan mail – oh yes, he now receives fan mail – it got me thinking what life would be like for my pampered puss seven hundred years ago. As he tucks into his M&S free range corn fed chicken, has a summer ‘cat house’ in the garden … More The Medieval Cat: Mouser, Heretic, Harbinger of Doom
When people ask me what my favourite book is, I think they expect me to say Game of Thrones. Those who know me well, know to their peril, that George.R.R.Martin’s classic medieval inspired fantasy series has caught my imagination, and if asked about it, I fall into the inevitable trap of spending hours talking about … More ‘Vita Edwardi Secundi’: A window into the past
When I tell people I am writing a book about Edward II, the first question is a confused but simple one; ‘was that the guy, you know, Longshanks’? Seeing my disappointment, there often quickly follows the second guess; the thought that he was the king who claimed the crown of France and started the Hundred Years … More The Character of a King: What was Edward II really like? (Part One)
This is Zack. He is the watcher, the mouser, the sleeper and above all, the critic. He dutifully takes the time to sit on my notes, snooze on my Mac or perch precariously on a pile of books, especially the ones I need to reference at any critical moment. His favourite pastime is sleeping, his favourite dish … More Trusty Companion
The Studio, Stratford-upon-Avon So, sat here on a cold Sunday October afternoon in my study, the journey is, it can safely be said, about to begin. The air is full of excitement; well I am, can’t say much for the cat who is fast asleep in the armchair. Rather excitingly, after twenty years of thinking about writing … More The Journey truly begins
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