In January, I began a blog about Katherine Swynford as a New Year project. I wanted somewhere to share the questions, places and documents that had held my attention for so long. I had no idea quite how much would change before the year was out.
Katherine was the starting point, but following her family led me further. Joan Beaufort drew me into the world of the Nevilles; Eleanor Neville took me into the Wars of the Roses. My research into Piers Gaveston has opened another, earlier chapter of medieval history. This year I have signed contracts for three books with Pen & Sword. It still feels rather extraordinary to write that sentence.
The talks have grown too. I have enjoyed speaking to people online and in person, and the interest and questions from audiences have made the research feel like a conversation. There is a special pleasure in seeing someone become as curious about a neglected life or a small piece of evidence as I am.
So the old Katherine blog, valuable as it remains, no longer quite described the range of what I am doing. I needed a new home where Katherine could still have her place, alongside Joan, Eleanor, Piers and the other people and places I encounter. That is why I have created The Medieval History Bloke.
The research and the arguments are my own. Here I will share what I find, what I am still trying to work out, and some of the journeys behind the books and talks. I hope you will come along.
If you are new here, explore the writing by subject. My earlier Katherine Swynford blog remains available too.
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