France, 1096, and crowds gather in Sens, Northern France, to hear the Hermit speak. He talks of a great pilgrimage to Jerusalem, a quest filled with promise for those Christian soldiers who march with him. Sybill knows the perils of the road ahead, but follow it she must. Her husband is a reckless gambler, easily […]
Joanna Plantagenet, the lionhearted woman
Joanna Plantagenet, Queen of Sicily, later Countess of Toulouse, was every bit as lionhearted as her more famous brother Richard I. As her biographer, Catherine Hanley, says, she “led an extraordinary life full of adventure and danger”, the more so because she was a woman. Joanna’s eventful life also illustrates many of the major issues […]
The Lost Queen by Carol McGrath
It’s 1191 and King Richard the Lionheart is on crusade to pitch battle against Saladin and liberate the city of Jerusalem and her lands. His mother, the formidable Eleanor of Aquitaine, and his promised bride, Princess Berengaria of Navarre, make a perilous journey over the Alps in midwinter. They are to rendezvous with Richard in […]
Women and the Crusades
Women played a significant role in the Crusades, whether as pilgrims, or supporting the army or, on occasion, as Queens Regnant of Jerusalem, Carol McGrath writes. And, although Richard I’s role in the conflict is well known, few people are aware of the roles of his sister Joanna, or his wife, Berengaria. The Crusades were […]
The Ripples of Rebellion by Griff Hosker
When Sir Henry Samuel’s nephew, Sir Matthew, has to go to the crusades with Henry of Almain he does so reluctantly. The crusade that was almost a disaster did not begin well. With an ageing king and ageing regent left to rule England, it is left to lords like the Earl of Cleveland to put […]
Christmas reading 2022 – our pick of top historical books
We asked nine well-loved authors to each recommend two historical books for Christmas 2022 to give, receive, or treat yourself with. These include many of the most absorbing books, fiction and non-fiction, published recently. We hope these suggestions inspire you. DV Bishop The Clockwork Girl by Anna Mazzola. A winter’s tale full of mystery and […]
King by Ben Kane: exclusive extract for Historia
It’s our great pleasure to publish the first chapter from Ben Kane’s King, the third in his Lionheart series of books about Richard I and his trusted friend and follower, Ferdia. With thanks to Orion Books, Ben’s publisher, for the extract. Orion are also sponsoring a giveaway with us on 26 May. Richard and a […]
Crusader by Ben Kane
1189, and Richard the Lionheart’s long-awaited goal comes true as he is crowned King of England. Setting his own kingdom in order, he prepares to embark on a gruelling crusade to reclaim Jerusalem. With him on every step of the journey is Ferdia, his loyal Irish follower. Together they travel from southern France to Italy, […]