Saturday, May 16, 2026

Some Elizabeth Chadwick novels

If you are a fan of the Pillars of the Earth series, then do have a look at these books by best selling medieval author Elizabeth Chadwick set during the same periods if you haven't already:


From New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Chadwick comes a gripping, never-before-told, medieval battle of the sexes that sheds light on one of medieval royalty's most fascinating women—Queen Matilda.
1135, England: Matilda, daughter of Henry I, knows that there are those who will not accept her as England's queen when her father dies. But the men who support her rival, and cousin, Stephen do not know the iron will that drives her. She will win her inheritance against all odds, and despite all men.
Adeliza, Henry's widowed queen and Matilda's stepmother, is now married to a warrior who is fighting to keep Matilda off the throne. But Adeliza knows that Britain's crown belongs to a woman this time.
Both women will stand and fight for what they know is right for England's royalty. But for Matilda, pride comes before a fall. And for Adeliza, even the deepest love is no proof against fate.
Written with great historical accuracy, Lady of the English is a captivating novel of Medieval England. Fans of Philippa Gregory, Susanna Kearsley, Hilary Mantel, and Diana Gabaldon will be spellbound by this vividly detailed look into medieval history.

The year is 1140 and England is torn by the strife of civil war. Oliver Pascal chances upon a village raided by mercenaries and rescues the survivors: an orphaned boy, who is the illegitimate son of the old king, and his mother's maid, a young widow named Catrin. After escorting them to Bristol Castle, they are accepted into the household of Robert of Gloucester and while Catrin finds herself falling in love with Oliver she suffers a deep boredom at the frivolity of court life. Thus when the old midwife Etheldreda offers to teach her the secrets of her ancient art, Catrin agrees.
But the midwife's life is fraught with dangers, not least Oliver's own personal fears which threaten their relationship, but also in the shape of two men, both killers and both of whom threaten the couple's lives. However, Catrin is determined to pursue her career and keep Oliver and while England fights a civil war, she battles for her love and for her vocation.


1338: England has declared war on France, and Jeanette of Kent, cousin to King Edward III, says goodbye to her family and travels overseas with the royal court for the first time. Once in Antwerp, she is captivated by talented household knight Thomas Holland, just as he in turn is powerfully drawn to her.
Although both know their romance is forbidden, their love for each other grows stronger than the danger they face, and they marry in secret. But before they can make their tryst known, Thomas has to leave for war, and in his absence, Jeanette is forced into a second marriage and locked away from the world.
Then Thomas returns, and the real fight begins. As hostile family members battle to keep Jeanette and Thomas apart, the defiant lovers vow to be reunited - whatever the cost...
From the award-winning and bestselling author Elizabeth Chadwick, comes an epic love story set against the tumultuous backdrop of high chivalry, deadly warfare, devastating plague and savage rivalry in the fourteenth century - the first of two parts telling the remarkable story of a woman who rose from royal rebel to crownless queen.


1360: Having left her days of rebellion behind, Jeanette of Kent has finally found contentment as a wife and mother. Then, she is delivered a new blow: her beloved husband, Thomas Holland, has died on duty overseas.
Though broken, Jeanette readies herself once more to fight to protect what is hers. And when
Prince Edward, heir to the throne and her longtime friend, unexpectedly steps forward and offers marriage, she accepts for the sake of her family.
As their relationship deepens, love blossoms again for Jeanette, but it comes at a price. With great power comes great responsibility - not least bearing a future king - and, as the wheel of fortune climbs higher, it becomes harder and harder to hold on.
Jeanette has more to lose than ever before. But with the wolves gathering beneath her, can she survive the fall?
From the award-winning and bestselling author Elizabeth Chadwick comes the much-awaited second novel in the Jeanette of Kent duology, The Crownless Queen - bringing to a powerful conclusion the remarkable story of a woman who began life as a royal rebel and ended it behind the throne...

Sunday, January 11, 2026

Dancing at the Ren Faire

Just realized I never posted the videos I took of the dancers at the Ren Faire from last year as well as 2024...enjoy!

Courtly dancing-2024

Country Garden Dancers-2025

Sunday, January 4, 2026

Late Tudor Menswear

Another getting dressed video, this time focusing on what an Elizabethan man would've worn...

Saturday, November 15, 2025

Making a Joan of Arc armor dress

One of my favorite YouTubers, Bernadette Banner, took on a rather ambitious project: make an armor dress saluting the one and only Joan of Arc...you fan follow the progress from beginning to end (with the finale released just today!) in the videos below...

Episode 1

Episode 2

Episode 3

Episode 4-the finale

Making medieval armor for Joan of Arc 

Sunday, October 19, 2025

More on Tudor dress

A few more dissections on dress during the Elizabethan era:

How Did Tudors Dress?

Dressing A Tudor Maid