‘For as long as but a hundred of us remain alive, never will we under any conditions be brought under English rule. It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom – for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself’. These … More United We Stand: The Declaration of Arbroath, 1320
So sat at home this weekend I was not expecting a knock on the door from the delivery man. But that’s just what happened and with him, he brought a box of books from my publisher, Amberley. Thinking he was dropping off copies of the paperback version of my first book ‘Edward II the Man: A … More STOP PRESS! Sneaky Preview of ‘Robert the Bruce: Champion of a Nation’
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
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
On this day 710 years ago, Edward I, that irascible and mighty king who had ruled England with an iron fist since 1272, died at Burgh-by-Sands, west of Carlisle. His death had been long in the coming, his health ailing steadily over the previous three years. The exact nature of his illness is unknown, but it … More A Leopard in Winter: The Death of Edward I, 7 July 1307
