British history Archives

Let us shine the light on Penda of Mercia – or more correctly, on author MJ Porter.

By Anna Belfrage / March 29, 2023 March 26, 2023 / 1 Comment / authors, Medieval times / 7th century Britain, Blogtour, British history, Coffee Pot Book Club, historical fiction, Mercia, MJ Porter, Northumberland, Pagan King

Today, I am hosting a stop on MJ Porter’s Coffee Pot Book Club tour featuring her book, Pagan King. We’re thrown back into the seventh century, a time when mighty (and Christain-ish) Northumberland is challenged by pagan Mercia and its capable ruler, Penda. Last time they clashed, Penda won. Will history repeat itself? Well, let …

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When the Welsh underdog bites

By Anna Belfrage / January 24, 2020 January 24, 2020 / Leave a Comment / Historical People, Medieval times, Writing / 13th century, British history, Conquest of Wales, Crushing a rebellion, Edward I, House of Aberffraw, Madog ap Llywelyn, The bite of an underdog, Welsh dragon, Welsh history

In 1283, the last true Prince of Wales, Dafydd ap Gruffud, was hauled up the gallows in Shrewsbury and subjected to the horrifying ordeal of being hanged, drawn and quartered. Whether he died bravely or not we do not know. Personally, I think it is unlikely any human being can be subjected to such cruelty …

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The loyal bastard – of James FitzJames Stuart

By Anna Belfrage / June 6, 2015 June 24, 2021 / 8 Comments / Historical People, History, Reflections, Writing / 17th century, British history, illegitimate royal descendants, James FitzJames, James II, royal bastards, Spanish nobility, William III

In November of 2014, that most famous of Spanish grandees, the Duchess of Alba, died. At the time of her death, this the most titled of all aristocrats in Europe was 88 years old, leaving behind six children, nine grandchildren and a couple of great grandchildren. And, of course, the ancient duchy of Alba, the …

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