Author Highlight – Q&A Session with … Sharon Bennett Connolloy

Today, I'm very excited to be hosting the author Sharon Bennett Connolloy on her Blog Tour celebrating the release of her book, Ladies of the Magna Carta. So sit back, relax and enjoy! I feel very honoured to have the wonderful author Sharon Bennett Connolly on my blog today, where I have grilled her with …

William Montagu, 2nd Earl of Salisbury

#OTD - A Day Late! Taken from my post on #HistoryLair 3 JUNE 1397​ - This day marks the death of William Montagu (also spelt Montacute), 2nd Earl of Salisbury, aged 68. He was one of England’s most successful battle commanders, fighting closely alongside Edward III and his son, Prince Edward, the Black Prince. He …

#OTD 946 CE – The Reign of a Magnificent Anglo-Saxon King That Was Cut Short

  My whistle-stop research piece today for HISTORY LAIR, check out their page.       #OTD in 946​ - Death of King Edmund I of England (939 – 946), born circa 921 and also known as Deed-Doer and Edmund the Magnificent. His lineage was impressive - grandson of Alfred the Great, son of the King …

Chepstow – the origins of settlement

As it's the anniversary of the death of William Marshal today in 1219, here is a snippet of info about the town of Chepstow. The promontory that Chepstow Castle and surrounds sit on appears to have never been inhabited prehistorically or by the Romans; Chepstow only became settled once the castle had been built between …

Book Review – Royal Witches by Gemma Holman

HOW DO YOU STOP A POWERFUL WOMAN? CALL HER A WITCH.   In this book, author Gemma Holman brings to our attention four powerful women of the 15th century but not for the reasons one may think.  Although I usually read/study history of earlier centuries, what I have read of these four women to date …

Monmouth Castle Bridge Then & Now

  A little known but important battle in November 1233 between Richard Marshal of Chepstow Castle and Baldwin III, Count of Guines, castellan of that time of Monmouth Castle (See Here).  The battle was violent and bloody, with the retreating forces of Monmouth falling foul of the medieval bridge and drowning men and horses in …