According to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, Cerdic arrived off the coast of Britain with his son, Cynric, and a fleet of five ships in the year 495 and landed near Southhampton (Hampshire), or what the chronicle calls “Cerdic’s-ore.” That day, they fought against an army of Welsh troops. In the year… Read More »Famous People in Medieval History: Cerdic, First King of Wessex
What’s your favorite fantasy or historical fiction novel that few people have read or heard of? Which novels do you feel are underrated and deserve more attention?
The Battle of Courtrai, also known as the Battle of the Golden Spurs, took place in 1302 when King Philip IV (“The Fair”) sent his army of French knights, supported by crossbowmen and light infantry, to put down an uprising of urban Flemish militias from Bruges and Ghent (now in modern day… Read More »Famous Battles in Medieval History: The Battle of Courtrai
In your opinion — and this can be fiction authors of any historical time period, not just medieval history — who are the best authors (and their novels) when it comes to historical accuracy?
One of the Edwardian castles built in Wales in the later part of the 13th centruy, Beaumaris Castle lies near the coast in northern Wales. This castle was the last one built in northern Wales as part of King Edward I’s campaign to conquer that region. The king’s attention and funds,… Read More »Medieval Castles: Beaumaris Castle
Hood (The King Raven Trilogy, Book 1) Mass Market Paperback: 512 pages Publisher: Thomas Nelson (April 8, 2008) ISBN-10: 1595543295 The legend of Robin Hood is re-shaped in this historical fiction novel by Stephen Lawhead. Instead of the traditional setting of medieval England, Lawhead places Robin Hood (called Bran) in… Read More »Review of Hood by Stephen Lawhead
Barely got this one in before the end of St. Patrick’s day. On this day, March 17th, in medieval history: 460 (?) – Presumed death of St. Patrick. 1040 – Harold Harefoot dies. Harold was the son of Canute the Great and King of England from 1035 – 1040. 1473 –… Read More »Medieval Timeline: Today in Medieval History
What are your five most-read and/or re-read fantasy or historical fiction novels on your bookshelf? Which novels do you find yourself reading over and over again, or would read over and over again? Normally, I don’t tend to read the same novels twice, with a few exceptions of course. Here’s… Read More »Discussion Topic: Five Most-Read Fantasy or Historical Fiction Novels
Built in Scotland between 1290 and 1300, Caerlaverock castle was one of the first castles of concentric circle design ever built. Caerlaverock is triangular in shape, of French style, with a large gatehouse of two drum towers standing at the apex of the triangle. At the time, these drum towers… Read More »Medieval Castles: Caerlaverock