Thou art a Villain: The Changing Nature of Treason in the Middle Ages

April 22, 2018

The thirteenth and fourteenth centuries have many defining features, yet one in particular stands out for its political significance. Unlike the preceding centuries, politics in England became increasingly violent, especially among the nobility – the earls and baronial class. While rebellions had occurred at key times during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries – notably with … More Thou art a Villain: The Changing Nature of Treason in the Middle Ages

‘Risen from the Dust’? – The Real Heritage of Piers Gaveston

March 18, 2018

It was Walter of Guisborough who first poured scorn on the supposed heritage of Piers Gaveston, favourite and lover of Edward II, declaring that the then earl of Cornwall was ‘raised up as if from nothing’.(1) Historians for the best part of the last 700 years have run away with this assertion, until academics like … More ‘Risen from the Dust’? – The Real Heritage of Piers Gaveston

A King & His People: The Controversial Coronation of Edward II, 1308

March 4, 2018

The Coronation, marks an important moment in kingship. For in that ancient service, the monarch is set above his people spiritually through the act of unction – the application of Holy Oil imbuing the sovereign with quasi-spiritual power. In the medieval mind, the coronation confirmed the king’s status as ruler: it bequeathed him the right … More A King & His People: The Controversial Coronation of Edward II, 1308

STOP Press: Book II ~ Robert the Bruce: Champion of a Nation

February 17, 2018

I am delighted to announce that following the publication of my first book, a biography of Edward II in 2017, I have been offered and accepted a second publishing deal with Amberley Publishing. ‘Robert the Bruce: Champion of a Nation’ will be my second biography, this time focussing on the life, reign and reputation of … More STOP Press: Book II ~ Robert the Bruce: Champion of a Nation

My Podcast Interview with Medieval Archives, 30 January 2018

February 3, 2018

Last week I was interviewed by Gary Ekborg, who runs the internationally renowned blog and website Medival Archives. It was good fun and filled with many great questions. Please click on the link to hear the recorded interview: Podcast Interview MAP#78: Edward II The Man with author Stephen Spinks To accompany the podcast interview, Medieval Archives … More My Podcast Interview with Medieval Archives, 30 January 2018

A Lesson in Loyalty: The Life of Aymer de Valence, Earl of Pembroke (Part Two)

January 26, 2018

Aymer de Valence, by the close of 1312, had regained the king’s confidence. The murder of Piers Gaveston at the hands of the Blacklow earls as they became known had shocked contemporaries. The earl of Pembroke would from this moment do everything in his power to serve Edward II, but in doing so, provided a … More A Lesson in Loyalty: The Life of Aymer de Valence, Earl of Pembroke (Part Two)

A Writer’s Journey #9 Edward II on the Road:~ Waterstones Book Signing

January 22, 2018

You know when writing a book has become real when you go on the road and start promoting it. I was fortunate enough to be invited to give a talk about Edward II at Waterstones Birmingham New Street last week. For me, this was quite a special event, because I have been visiting their bookstore … More A Writer’s Journey #9 Edward II on the Road:~ Waterstones Book Signing

The End of All Things: The Deposition of Edward II, 20 January 1327

January 19, 2018

On the 20 January 1327 Edward II, a prisoner at Kenilworth Castle, faced a delegation. Initially he had been offered the courtesy of a quiet conversation with the bishops of Winchester and Lincoln in his private chamber. The news was most likely expected. Edward, they declared, was by the will of parliament and the community … More The End of All Things: The Deposition of Edward II, 20 January 1327

Join Me: Waterstones (Birmingham New Street) Book Talk & Signing, 18 January 2018, 6.30pm

January 4, 2018

To celebrate the launch of ‘Edward II the Man: A Doomed Inheritance’, join me for a 30 minute talk and book signing at Waterstones Birmingham New Street on 18 January at 6.30pm. Find out who Edward II really was.  What was his character like? Was he murdered in 1327, or did he find himself living … More Join Me: Waterstones (Birmingham New Street) Book Talk & Signing, 18 January 2018, 6.30pm

A Solemn Affair: The Funeral of Piers Gaveston, 2 January 1315

January 2, 2018

On this day, 2 January 1315, Edward II, most likely highly emotional, finally buried his longtime favourite and lover Piers Gaveston, earl of Cornwall, who had been murdered some two-and-a-half years earlier in June 1312. Gaveston, his boon companion since 1300, had risen sharply in status since Edward’s accession in July 1307 and had remained … More A Solemn Affair: The Funeral of Piers Gaveston, 2 January 1315

A Writer’s Journey #8 Adventure’s End…well, kind of!

December 23, 2017

So like all good adventures, there eventually comes journey’s end. After many years of planning, researching and then a good two years of writing, the book is now, well, a book having been published on 15th November 2017. For those of you who have been following ‘A Writer’s Journey’ series, I last wrote an update … More A Writer’s Journey #8 Adventure’s End…well, kind of!

Talking All Things Edward II with The History Geeks

December 9, 2017

Interview with The History Geeks (December 2017) whose page on Facebook and Twitter covers all things that is wonderful about history. They asked some tough, but great questions… HG: What got you into history? SS: I have always been interested in history. I used to sit on my mum’s lap when I was little and … More Talking All Things Edward II with The History Geeks

Chepstow Castle: A Bastion of Medieval Craftsmanship

October 17, 2017

Located on a limestone promontory overlooking the River Wye, Chepstow Castle, even today, dominates the landscape and takes the breath away. It’s both magnificent in its medieval might as it is in its beauty and attention to medieval craftsmanship. Built initially by William fitz Osborn and later William the Conqueror himself, Chepstow saw a succession … More Chepstow Castle: A Bastion of Medieval Craftsmanship

STOP PRESS: Edward II Book Launch & You Are Invited (7.30pm, 23rd November 2017, Gloucester Cathedral)

October 8, 2017

STOP PRESS FOLKS!! At 7.30pm on Thursday 23rd November, my book ‘Edward II the Man: A Doomed Inheritance‘ will be launched at the magnificent Gloucester Cathedral, the burial place of Edward II, and you are invited. Join me for an evening talk as I re-examine Edward II both as a man and a monarch, set against the … More STOP PRESS: Edward II Book Launch & You Are Invited (7.30pm, 23rd November 2017, Gloucester Cathedral)

A Lesson in Loyalty: The Life of Aymer de Valence, Earl of Pembroke (Part One)

September 3, 2017

Aymer de Valence is not a name that leaps out of the annals of history. Many would be hard pressed to place him, let alone have a sense of his many achievements. But his achievements were great, and he had an impressive pedigree; his great-grandfather being William Marshall, one of Christendom’s greatest knights. His career … More A Lesson in Loyalty: The Life of Aymer de Valence, Earl of Pembroke (Part One)