#OTD in 1645: The Battle of Naseby + an excerpt from Traitor’s Knot

The turning point for the English Civil War happened on this date on Broad Moor, Naseby. Up until then, the Parliamentarians were struggling against the King’s forces, and the Royalists fully expected that victory was imminent. They were probably planning on returning home to their families in time for the fall harvest. And then Naseby happened. The days leading up to the battle were filled with constant rain which lifted late the previous night or early morning, leaving a thick fog to cloak the steady march of both armies. The Parliamentarians, led by General Thomas Fairfax and his Lieutenant General,…

Charles Stuart, Prince of Wales

May 29, 2017August 19, 2019 Categories: 17th centuryTags: 17th century · 17th century enthusiast · carte blanche · Charles Stuart · Edgehill · English Civil War · King Charles II · Merry Monarch · Traitor's Knot3 Comments

Today is the anniversary of Charles II’s birthday. He is 387 years old, but he doesn’t look a bit over 40. In honour of timeless Charles, I thought it would be fitting to introduce you to his early years. The following article was originally written for the English Historical Fiction Author’s Blog (EHFA) and published on May 2, 2016. If you are interested in English history of all ages, I can’t recommend a better site to explore. When people think of Charles II of England, they usually think of Charles the Merry Monarch. Yet there was more to this intelligent man…

Maypole madness

May 1, 2017August 19, 2019 Categories: 17th centuryTags: 17th century enthusiast · Beltane · Greek Easter · May Day · May festival · maypole · Ordinance · Puritans6 Comments

On 8 April 1644, Parliament got into a snit over the maypole. They determined that they had enough of it and released An Ordinance (for the better observation of the Lord’s Day) to ban it, calling the maypole a “Heathenish vanity, generally abused to superstition and wickedness”. The Puritans were looking to reshape England into a godly society, and the poor, innocent maypole just had to go. The Ordinance stated: That all and singular May-Poles, that are, or shall be erected, shall be taken down and removed by the Constables, Borsholders, Tything-men, petty Constables, and Churchwardens of the Parishes, and places where the…

The Mystery of the Lobster in the Tower of London

April 5, 2017August 19, 2019 Categories: 17th centuryTags: Crown Jewels · Jewel Tower · Lobster in the Tower · Plymouth Fountain · sea-monsters · the Tower of London2 Comments

On the first day of the England Tour-Fest 2016 (also known as the ‘cover England in two weeks trip), we hit the Tower of London. I was travelling with fellow historical fiction writer, Sally Moore, and together, we were armed with a comprehensive itinerary that a drill sergeant would have envied. For two history geeks like ourselves, there was no question about kicking off the tour here. We had both visited the Tower before, but there is always something new to discover. It’s a remarkable fortress, situated across from London Bridge and hugging the Thames. William the Conqueror built this castle after the Norman…

Worcester’s Commandery

March 24, 2017August 17, 2019 Categories: 17th centuryTags: Knights Hospitallers · Littlebury Press · Painted Chamber · Richard Morrison · St. Godwald · St. Gulval · St. Wulfstan · the Commandery · Thomas Wylde · Worcester Cathedral2 Comments

I’ve always felt a strong connection to the Commandery. It’s history runs deep. As you can imagine, speaking before the Battle of Worcester Society in the Great Hall of the Commandery was an unparalleled thrill. If you missed reading about the occasion, click here for the post. Some buildings are more than just the wood and timber that makes up their frame; more than the collection of rooms that make up their space. They occupy a place in history. Imagine a thousand year old building, with its use and purpose changing with the tides of history. Worcester’s Commandery, with its…