Dreams that Turn to Dust
None [of the real characters in this book] is able fully to satisfy his dreams. Each seeks something more. Ryan argues that this is in the nature of humanity; of all life. Continue reading Dreams that Turn to Dust
Category: British History
The Pale, a Musical Picnic, a Pigsty and the Complex History of Religion in Ireland.
The descendent of a man who built his home from the ruins of a Roman Catholic religious house was instrumental in the expansion of another branch of Russian Orthodox Christianity in Ireland. Continue reading The Pale, a Musical Picnic, a Pigsty and the Complex History of Religion in Ireland.
Who Really Was Francis Cosby’s Wife?
The available biographies of each of her husbands (other than Cosby) indicate she was the fourth daughter. . . a much more plausible scenario than any suggestion that she, or any of Lord Edward’s daughters, was ever married to Francis Cosby. Continue reading Who Really Was Francis Cosby’s Wife?
The Marriage of Strongbow and Aoife: A Union Bathed in Blood.
De Clare took my hand as he spoke and led me to an empty hut that, I supposed, had been especially prepared for us. He stepped forward and took both hands in his, lowering his head to kiss each in turn. Continue reading The Marriage of Strongbow and Aoife: A Union Bathed in Blood.
His Stag Do was a Massacre: 24th August 1170 the Sacking of Waterford.
“We can ill afford to have such men as enemies,” he said in a final effort at persuasion.
I could see the logic of Father’s assertion but it only added to the burden of responsibility that now lay upon my shoulders.” Continue reading His Stag Do was a Massacre: 24th August 1170 the Sacking of Waterford.
Setting Course for Ireland
By 23rd August he deemed the conditions right to set sail, setting not only the course of his ships, but that of his subsequent career and the history of Ireland and her neighbour for centuries to come. Continue reading Setting Course for Ireland
Men With Grievances.
By sending the Irish party there – it was, after all, on their route back to Ireland – he could kill two birds with one stone. There were men there who would welcome a foreign expedition. They could report back on the likelihood of such a venture achieving success. Continue reading Men With Grievances.
A Summer of Nervously Waiting: Ireland in 1170.
How often did either party wonder if tomorrow would be the day when everything changed? Continue reading A Summer of Nervously Waiting: Ireland in 1170.
V.E. Day 75 years on.
Generally speaking, most Brits are not great flag-wavers – except on special occasions. Continue reading V.E. Day 75 years on.
Open Book Blog Hop, 20th April
I think fiction must feature settings that are taken from the author’s imagination, whereas historical fiction must, by its nature, be set in real places in order to lend authenticity. Continue reading Open Book Blog Hop, 20th April
