With DDay anniversary coming up and the terrible weather the invasion forces had crossing the channel , it got me wondering how invasions were planned in fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Did they look at the weather in the morning and take pot luck before launching, or did they have special medieval weather soothsayers? Did you give special thought to it when writing Essex Dogs?
This year for my history degree, we get to have a bash at a dissertation. 7000 word limit. We've been studying Welsh history so I decided to pit two Lancastrians against each other (instead of the usual Lancaster v York dynamic). So...Jasper Tudor and Margaret Beaufort-who was more responsible for Henry Tudors' victory at Bosworth? Taking into consideration the mitigating factors that happened after Edward IV dies on 9th April, I mean, no one saw that coming (if Polydore Vergil is to be believed). Definitely not team Woodville. Did their actions grind Gloucester's gears to the point he had 'no choice' but to go on a killing spree? If I were Margaret and Stanley, I'd be terrified, not plan a rebellion with a turncoat. Or should Jasper Tudor win the 'best uncle' mug because he kept Henry alive and drummed up the Welsh support he needed to win Bosworth?
We see the Olympics in Paris being held this year so I’m wondering if during the medieval period, they had national/international sporting events that drew competitors from far and wide?
Well It has been quite a year so far. I wonder what people in the Plantagenet's ruling days thought when many things were going wrong. Who did they turn to for advice. Soothsayers? Multi Gods the Church?
of the King or Queen of the time? I so far have just gained in courage and keep on believing that this too will be survived and things will certainly improve soon.
Hello, Hello, Hello, Hello, Hello-5 times for May-infinite for what you do for those of us that wish to understand the human saga, but appreciate those that lend a part of this knowledge that captivates the reader or audience.
Your writing, and certainly hope this doesn't offend you, I am reminded of Bill Bryson. Not mimicking, mind you. You both inject wit to the perfect degree. It's an under appreciated art. I will not attempt to explain further, as I think this is already getting to Powers and Thrones (brilliant) length considering the medium.
Also, love the fact that you have dropped Patrick Wyman's name as someone you respect in the field. I don't hear his name enough, and I think he puts in an incredible effort to do as you, albeit in his own fashion. Good God, I think I've surpassed the Gettysburg Address-I strictly mean in length.
My question, if you're still reading this-what event, person or, ya' know, whatever, deserves people do a deeper dive into? Which is to say, a person or moment in time (keeping medieval) that people only generally scratch the surface of understanding, but will have really appreciated going that bit further in studying.
Once again, thanks for all you give to the masses of us who are eager to have an understanding of a portion of the events that led us to this point-sitting on a couch after an Edward IV kind of night out, writing an inane, probably incoherent, definitely verbose message to a person who he appreciates the work he puts into the world.
Got an ARC of Henry V, read it in 2 days and loved it! I was pleasantly surprised that the Prince Hal of Shakespeare seems to have not been an accurate picture. Since many of Shakespeare’s history plays lean toward propaganda for the Tudors, do you have any thoughts on why Prince Hal was presented that way?
Hi Dan
Tournament of Kings across the medieval world- assuming they are at their peak
Who are your semi finalists/winners and who wouldn’t make it through the qualifiers?
My picks:- Hardrada/Ed 1 and 4/ Lionheart - with Ed 4 winning a particularly bloody final against Hardrada
Wooden spoon to John/Richard 2 in a turgid affair marred by underhand tactics
Hi Dan
With DDay anniversary coming up and the terrible weather the invasion forces had crossing the channel , it got me wondering how invasions were planned in fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Did they look at the weather in the morning and take pot luck before launching, or did they have special medieval weather soothsayers? Did you give special thought to it when writing Essex Dogs?
Hi Dan, I'm looking forward to reading Henry V and seeing you on tour!
My question is: if you were to play a part in a movie based on one of your books, who would you play and why?
This year for my history degree, we get to have a bash at a dissertation. 7000 word limit. We've been studying Welsh history so I decided to pit two Lancastrians against each other (instead of the usual Lancaster v York dynamic). So...Jasper Tudor and Margaret Beaufort-who was more responsible for Henry Tudors' victory at Bosworth? Taking into consideration the mitigating factors that happened after Edward IV dies on 9th April, I mean, no one saw that coming (if Polydore Vergil is to be believed). Definitely not team Woodville. Did their actions grind Gloucester's gears to the point he had 'no choice' but to go on a killing spree? If I were Margaret and Stanley, I'd be terrified, not plan a rebellion with a turncoat. Or should Jasper Tudor win the 'best uncle' mug because he kept Henry alive and drummed up the Welsh support he needed to win Bosworth?
Morning Dan,
We see the Olympics in Paris being held this year so I’m wondering if during the medieval period, they had national/international sporting events that drew competitors from far and wide?
Also, what’s your favourite Olympic sport?
Cheers!
Dan,
I really do enjoy your histories. Do you have a suggestion for a history of the middle ages in what is now Germany?
Thank you,
Jerlad Head
Do you keep up with the latest Medieval excavation sites? Do you have a particular excavation dream? Something you hope one day will be found?
Was the music at the beginning and end of This is History written specifically for the show? Who wrote it?
Best and worst English King?
And what about best and worst English Queen/Queen Consort? (Hope it is okay for you, Ben, that I added it.) 🙂
Of course. I should really have said best/worst monarch.
Well It has been quite a year so far. I wonder what people in the Plantagenet's ruling days thought when many things were going wrong. Who did they turn to for advice. Soothsayers? Multi Gods the Church?
of the King or Queen of the time? I so far have just gained in courage and keep on believing that this too will be survived and things will certainly improve soon.
Hello, Hello, Hello, Hello, Hello-5 times for May-infinite for what you do for those of us that wish to understand the human saga, but appreciate those that lend a part of this knowledge that captivates the reader or audience.
Your writing, and certainly hope this doesn't offend you, I am reminded of Bill Bryson. Not mimicking, mind you. You both inject wit to the perfect degree. It's an under appreciated art. I will not attempt to explain further, as I think this is already getting to Powers and Thrones (brilliant) length considering the medium.
Also, love the fact that you have dropped Patrick Wyman's name as someone you respect in the field. I don't hear his name enough, and I think he puts in an incredible effort to do as you, albeit in his own fashion. Good God, I think I've surpassed the Gettysburg Address-I strictly mean in length.
My question, if you're still reading this-what event, person or, ya' know, whatever, deserves people do a deeper dive into? Which is to say, a person or moment in time (keeping medieval) that people only generally scratch the surface of understanding, but will have really appreciated going that bit further in studying.
Once again, thanks for all you give to the masses of us who are eager to have an understanding of a portion of the events that led us to this point-sitting on a couch after an Edward IV kind of night out, writing an inane, probably incoherent, definitely verbose message to a person who he appreciates the work he puts into the world.
Peace & Love
Wowza! Thank you for reading my Public Service Announcement of what not to do at the end of a night out 🤣
What books are coming out this summer that you’re most looking forward to? Fiction, nonfiction, fairy porn, whatevs.
Hi Dan,
Now that you have begun to write fiction, have you considered turning your hand to writing historically based fantasy/romantasy?
How do you stay motivated during your research process? Especially when you don't feel like you are making much progress?
Why do publishers have you (usually) change the title/cover of book for the US version, and are there any other differences between the two?
Got an ARC of Henry V, read it in 2 days and loved it! I was pleasantly surprised that the Prince Hal of Shakespeare seems to have not been an accurate picture. Since many of Shakespeare’s history plays lean toward propaganda for the Tudors, do you have any thoughts on why Prince Hal was presented that way?