In 1461, through blood and battle, Edward IV has gained England’s throne. King by right and conquest – 18 years old and unstoppable. Cecily has piloted his rise to power and stands at his shoulder now, first to claim the title King’s Mother. But to win a throne is not to keep it, and war […]
Mothers in war: Cecily Neville and her royal rivals
Annie Garthwaite’s second novel, The King’s Mother, picks up the story of Cecily Neville to follow the purposeful power plays of four rival royal mothers during the 15th-century Wars of the Roses. Here she reflects on their careers – and on her own determination to bring their stories to the fore. Shortly after the publication […]
The King’s Mother by Annie Garthwaite
1461. Through blood and battle Edward of York has gained England’s throne – king by right and conquest – 18 years old and unstoppable. Cecily Neville has piloted his rise to power and stands at his shoulder now, the first to claim the title King’s Mother. But to win a throne is not to keep […]



