It is no secret that Charles Spencer has been one of my favourite historians for several decades. In recent years, I have had the honour of communicating with him about Stuart-era history and he has always been kind, supportive, and helpful. I’m also fond of him because he lives in Northamptonshire, where my husband, Gavin, is from (and,… Read on
Hear ye! Ravenous: A Life of Barbara Villiers, Charles II’s Most Infamous Mistress is out now in the USA! If you love scandalous royal stories full of drama, sex, political intrigue and power, you might enjoy this one. I dedicated Ravenous to my late son, Rupert, so it holds a particularly special place in my heart. Barbara Villiers… Read on
An Interview with Justine Brown, author of The Private Life of James II, which was published by Pen & Sword History at the end of May 2024. Hello Justine, welcome to The Seventeenth Century Lady! Congratulations on the release of your book, The Private Life of James II (published May 2024 by Pen & Sword History). James II… Read on
Why do I write English Civil War fiction? It is not the easiest period to set a novel. Even the great Robert Harris talks about the challenges of writing fiction set in the 17th Century, in his Act of Oblivion. And civil wars are never simple. For me, I think it is all about the relevance. I think… Read on
The architecture created during the seventeenth century in France, in particular, during the reign of the ‘Sun King’ Louis XIV, is some of the most awe-inspiring and beautiful ever made. Today, I am joined by the historian Richard Ballard, who has written a biography of Louis XIV’s Architect: Louis Le Vau, which was published in December 2023 by… Read on
Library of Dreams When I wrote about Queen Henrietta Maria I found surprises such as the attempt by parliament to kill her, then to impeach her. Yes the killing came first, as it were. Happily it failed. I should not mislead anyone by implying parliament sent an executive order to do away with the turbulent lady. What happened… Read on
Wentworth Woodhouse, located near Rotherham, Yorkshire, England, is yet another huge stately home that is only a short drive from my home. Yay! Although it is massive, only a small number of its 300 rooms are open to the public. Thomas Wentworth, 1st Earl of Strafford, who was beheaded on Tower Hill in 1641, lived here. Although only… Read on
Located near Moreton-in-Marsh, Oxfordshire, Chastleton House was built in the early years of the seventeenth century. It is an amazing (and slightly spooky) Jacobean building, and a perfect place for a Stuart fan to visit. My family and I are members of The National Trust, which looks after this property, and we’ve certainly made good use of our… Read on