England’s Greatest Rebellions: When the People Said “Enough!”

Rebellion

Let’s face it, if there’s one thing the English have excelled at over the centuries, it’s standing up to authority when pushed too far. From outraged peasants to ambitious nobles, England’s history is punctuated by dramatic uprisings that remind us: people have limits. Here’s your guide to the rebellions that shook the realm, each with … Read more

The Duchess of Dangerous Liaisons

Catherine Brandon

An Interview with Catherine Brandon  Renaissance Weekly’s exclusive conversation with the formidable Duchess of Suffolk. We caught up with Catherine Brandon at her London townhouse, where the widow of Charles Brandon continues to navigate the treacherous waters of Tudor court politics. At thirty, the Duchess remains one of England’s most influential women – and one … Read more

Predestination Themed Word Search Puzzles

Tudor Word Search puzzle

If you have browsed around my website you may have seen the following phrase: My goal is simple: to share the complexity and wonder of Tudor history in a way that’s memorable, engaging, and fun. If you love historical puzzles and want to discover that history can be thrilling rather than dry, the Predestination series … Read more

Renaissance Weekly: An interview with John Dee

John Dee in his study

We caught up with the 20-year-old Trinity College fellow who’s got all of Paris talking – and some people worried RENAISSANCE WEEKLY: John, you’ve just returned from lecturing in Paris where crowds were reportedly overflowing from the lecture halls. How does it feel to be the talk of the continent at just 23? DEE:It’s rather … Read more

Nicholas Whitely: In the footsteps of a giant

Nicholas Whitely

RENAISSANCE WEEKLY:  Master Whitely, you’ve been at John Dee’s side through some rather extraordinary adventures. How does a young scholar find himself involved in court conspiracies and treasure hunts? NICHOLAS: [grins ruefully, setting down a brass astrolabe he’d been adjusting] Curiosity, mostly. And perhaps a touch of youthful foolishness. [grows more serious] When I first … Read more

TRADING PLACES: An Interview with the Mierjewski Brothers

Jakob Mierjewski

We catch up with the dynamic Hanseatic merchant duo who’ve been making waves in both Baltic and English waters RENAISSANCE WEEKLY: Gentlemen, you’re both successful merchants, but Jakob, you’re the seafaring brother while Andrus runs the King’s Lynn operation. How do you divide the business? JAKOB: [leans back in his chair, gesturing with a pewter … Read more

Insurrection: Weddings can be murder, is published!

Insurrection

When Weddings Meet Rebellion The most dangerous guest at a Tudor castle? The dead one. I’m delighted to announce that Insurrection: Weddings Can Be Murder is now available in both ebook and paperback! The third book in the Predestination series takes Dr. John Dee and his beloved companions to Allington Castle in Kent, where the … Read more

Insurrection: Weddings can be murder

I’m very happy to announce that final editing is complete on Insurrection (book three in the series) and we’re working on the cover art. As soon as the art is finalised, I’ll give you a preview here, and you can expect the book itself very shortly after that. Watch this space!

The Spanish Ghost: An Interview with the Empire’s Most Conflicted Agent

Cristóbal Navarro

Renaissance Weekly speaks with Cristóbal Navarro, the mysterious operative whose loyalties proved more complex than his mission We arranged to meet Cristóbal Navarro at a discreet tavern near London Bridge, where the Spanish agent agreed to speak candidly about his recent activities on England’s coast. Tall and weathered from months of surveillance work, he carries … Read more

The Last Gambit: Sir Thomas Seymour

Thomas Seymour

An Interview with Thomas Seymour on the Eve of Execution Renaissance Weekly’s final conversation with the Lord Admiral who gambled everything and lost The Tower of London at midnight is a place where ambition comes to die.In a cold stone chamber lit by a single guttering candle, we found Thomas Seymour, 1st Baron Seymour of … Read more