Pam Lecky's Blog, page 13

Spotlight on The Accursed King: The Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour

Today I am delighted to be hosting a stop on the Blog Tour for The Accursed King by Mercedes Rochelle – Book 4 in The Plantagenet Legacy Series                   

Publication Date: 18th April 2022 – Publisher: Sergeant Press

The Accursed King Blog Tour

The Accursed King: Blurb

What happens when a king loses his prowess? The day Henry IV could finally declare he had vanquished his enemies, he threw it all away with an infamous deed. No English king had executed an archbishop before. And divine judgment was quick to follow. Many thought he was struck with leprosy—God’s greatest punishment for sinners. From that point on, Henry’s health was cursed and he fought doggedly on as his body continued to betray him—reducing this once great warrior to an invalid. Fortunately for England, his heir was ready and eager to take over. But Henry wasn’t willing to relinquish what he had worked so hard to preserve. No one was going to take away his royal prerogative—not even Prince Hal. But Henry didn’t count on Hal’s dauntless nature, which threatened to tear the royal family apart.

Series Buy Links:A King Under Siege (Book 1): https://books2read.com/u/mKdzpVThe King’s Retribution (Book 2): https://books2read.com/u/mBzGwAThe Usurper King (Book 3): https://books2read.com/u/b6RZMWThe Accursed King (Book 4): https://books2read.com/u/3RLxZL The Plantagenet Legacy Series Buy Links for The Accursed King by RegionAmazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Accursed-King-Plantagenet-Legacy-Book-ebook/dp/B09X89CMLCAmazon US:  https://www.amazon.com/Accursed-King-Plantagenet-Legacy-Book-ebook/dp/B09X89CMLCAmazon CA:  https://www.amazon.ca/Accursed-King-Plantagenet-Legacy-Book-ebook/dp/B09X89CMLCAmazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/Accursed-King-Plantagenet-Legacy-Book-ebook/dp/B09X89CMLCAuthor Bio:

Mercedes Rochelle

Mercedes Rochelle

Mercedes Rochelle is an ardent lover of medieval history, and has channeled this interest into fiction writing. Her first four books cover eleventh-century Britain and events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. The next series is called The Plantagenet Legacy about the struggles and abdication of Richard II, leading to the troubled reigns of the Lancastrian Kings. She also writes a blog: HistoricalBritainBlog.com to explore the history behind the story. Born in St. Louis, MO, she received by BA in Literature at the Univ. of Missouri St.Louis in 1979 then moved to New York in 1982 while in her mid-20s to “see the world”. The search hasn’t ended! Today she lives in Sergeantsville, NJ with her husband in a log home they had built themselves.

Social Media Links:Website: https://www.MercedesRochelle.comTwitter: https://www.Twitter.com/authorRochelleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mercedesrochelle.netBookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mercedes-rochelleAmazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Mercedes-Rochelle/e/B001KMG5P6 Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1696491.Mercedes_Rochelle

Tour Schedule Page: https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2022/04/blog-tour-accursed-king-plantagenet.html

New Release from Anna Campbell

Happy Publication Day to Anna Campbell!

The Worst Lord in London , Book 1 in Anna’s new series, Scoundrels of Mayfair.

Headlong into the unknown…
Independent, willful Kate Starr has cherished a penchant for handsome Lord Shelburn since she was sixteen years old, but as a mill-owning industrialist, she moves in a different world from the libertine earl. Then one fateful day, Shelburn invites her to accompany him in a scandalous race, and immediate physical attraction swiftly turns into blazing passion.

The hunter caught…
Leighton Anstey, Earl of Shelburn, glories in his reputation as the worst lord in London. His fame as an irresistible seducer is unrivaled, although his amours are notable for their explosive heat, not their longevity. The dashing lord has never met a woman who can hold his wandering attention, until he tumbles into a liaison with a mysterious woman who enthrals him, body and soul.

A brief encounter or a forever love?
Neither Kate nor Shelburn views their torrid affair as more than a shooting star, flaring red-hot for a brilliant instant, then destined to fade to nothing. But does the fiery desire raging between them blind them to the chance of finding lifelong happiness together?

Pre-order & Buy Link: The Worst Lord in London

A little bit about Anna … Anna Campbell: Photo Credit Robyn Hills http://www.robyngraphs.com.au

Australian Anna Campbell has written 11 multi award-winning historical romances for Avon HarperCollins and Grand Central Publishing. As an independently published author, she’s released more than 30 bestselling stories. Anna has won numerous awards for her Regency-set stories, including RT Book Reviews Reviewers Choice, the Booksellers Best, the Golden Quill (three times), the Heart of Excellence (twice), the Write Touch, the Aspen Gold (twice), and the Australian Romance Readers’ favorite historical romance (five times). She’s currently working on her new series, Scoundrels of Mayfair, set amidst the glamour and sensuality of Regency London.

Anna loves to hear from her readers. You can find her at:

Website: www.annacampbell.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnaCampbellFans

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnaCampbelloz

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/anna-campbell

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Anna-Campbell/e/B002NKV1HQ

A Conversation with Historical Fiction Author Kathryn Gauci

Today in the Library we have Kathryn Gauci, who has dropped in to say hello and to share some insights into her life as an author. 

You are very welcome, Kathryn, please introduce yourself: Kathryn Gauci

Thank you for inviting me to the Library, Pam. It’s great to be here with you. I was born in Leicestershire, England, and studied textile design at Loughborough College of Art and later specialised in carpet design and technology at Kidderminster College of Art and Design. After graduating, I spent a year in Vienna, Austria, before moving to Greece to work as a carpet designer in Athens for six years. There followed another brief period in New Zealand before eventually settling in Melbourne, Australia, where, among other things, I ran my own textile design studio for over fifteen years. After thirty years in the textile industry, I wanted a change and began writing almost ten years ago. 

Which genre do you write in and what draws you to it?  

Historical fiction. I love the combination of history and life experiences that this genre brings. Following the lives of the various characters, their situations and emotions, I feel it brings history alive and gives us a glimpse into what life was like for them. They become real people and I can connect with them.  

Are you an avid reader? Do you prefer books in your own genre or are you happy to explore others? 

I’m definitely an avid reader but wish I had more time to read purely for enjoyment, as reading for research takes up so much time. I read almost anything from factual books to historical fiction, biographies, thrillers and suspense, and mysteries. I don’t read sci-fi, paranormal, dystopian, or certain romance genre novels. 

Are you a self-published/traditional or hybrid author?  

Apart from one of my Greek books, which is published with a traditional Greek publisher, I am self-published. 

Has your country of origin/culture influenced your writing? 

My country of origin – England – has not necessarily had an influence on my writing, but I have certainly been influenced by living in Europe as a whole, particularly living in Greece, which inspired my Greek/Turkish novels. The rest of Europe inspired my other WWII books. 

Do you have a favourite time of day to write? 

Any time after 11:00 a.m. I am not an early riser.  

If a movie was made of one of your books, who would you like to play the lead roles? 

For my WWII books set in Europe, I would have to choose Sebastian Koch and Erika Marozsán or Isabelle Adjani. For the books set in Greece and Turkey, the same actresses and the Turkish actor, Kivanc Tatlitug, for a lead male role.  

You have been chosen as a member of the crew on the first one-way flight to Mars – you are allowed to bring 5 books with you. What would they be? 

Freedom or Death by Nikos Kazantzakis, The Bridge on the Drina by Ivo Andric, The Kite-Runner by Khaled Hosseini, Two Women by Alberto Moravia, and Dracula by Bram Stoker. 

Please tell us about your latest published work.

The Viennese Dressmaker: A Haunting Story of Wartime Vienna.  

Based on actual events. 

Vienna 1938: Austria’s leading couturier, Christina Lehmann, sits at the pinnacle of Viennese society. Her lover, the renowned painter, Max Hauser, is at the height of his career. But Max harbours a secret, and it is only a matter of time before the Gestapo finds out. The situation takes a dramatic turn on Kristallnacht, when the pogrom against the Austrian Jews escalates and one of Christina’s Jewish seamstresses is brutally murdered. 

In order to protect both Max and her couture house, Christina begins a double life, plunging her into the shadowy world of Nazi oppression, fear, and mistrust fuelled by ancient hatreds. 

As Vienna descends into chaos, hunger and disillusionment, will her deception be enough to save Max – or will it end in tragedy? 

Buy Link: The Viennese DressmakerIf you would like to know more about Kathryn and her work, please see her links below:

Website: https://www.kathryngauci.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006545417928

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/KGauciAuthor

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B00OPW68SM

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-gauci-409a638b/

Twitter @KathrynGauci

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathryngauci/

New Release from Amy Maroney

Today, I am delighted to bring you news of a new release from the very talented Amy Maroney. Sea of Shadows is the second book in her Sea and Stone Chronicles.

Sea of Shadows by Amy Maroney

1459. A gifted woman artist. A ruthless Scottish privateer. And an audacious plan that throws them together—with dangerous consequences.

No one on the Greek island of Rhodes suspects Anica is responsible for her Venetian father’s exquisite portraits, least of all her wealthy fiancé. But her father’s vision is failing, and with every passing day it’s more difficult to conceal the truth.

Rhodes

When their secret is discovered by a powerful knight of the Order of St. John, Anica must act quickly to salvage her father’s honor and her own future. Desperate, she enlists the help of a fierce Scottish privateer named Drummond. Together, they craft a daring plan to restore her father’s sight.

There’s only one problem—she never imagined falling in love with her accomplice.

Before their plan can unfold, a shocking scandal involving the knights puts Anica’s entire family at risk. Her only hope is to turn to Drummond once again, defying her parents, her betrothed, even the Grand Master of the Knights himself. But can she survive the consequences?

Greece

With this captivating tale of passion, courage, and loyalty, Amy Maroney brings a lost, dazzling world to vivid life.

Sea of Shadows is Book 2 in a series of stand-alone historical novels packed with adventure and romance.

Buy Link: https://mybook.to/SeaOfShadowsA little bit about Amy … Amy Maroney

Amy Maroney studied English Literature at Boston University and worked for many years as a writer and editor of nonfiction. She lives in Oregon, U.S.A. with her family. When she’s not diving down research rabbit holes, she enjoys hiking, dancing, traveling, and reading. Amy is the author of The Miramonde Series, an award-winning historical fiction trilogy about a Renaissance-era female artist and the modern-day scholar on her trail. Her new historical suspense/romance series, Sea and Stone Chronicles, is set in medieval Rhodes and Cyprus.

If you would like to know more about Amy and her wonderful books, please check out her social media links below:

Social Media Links:

Website: https://www.amymaroney.com/

Twitter: twitter.com/wilaroney

Facebook: www.facebook.com/amymaroneyauthor

Instagram: www.instagram.com/amymaroneywrites/

Pinterest: pinterest.com/amyloveshistory/

Book Bub: www.bookbub.com/profile/amy-maroney

Amazon Author Page: author.to/AmyMaroneyAmazonPage

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/15831603.Amy_Maroney

Her Last Betrayal: New Release from Pam Lecky

Today is Publication Day!

Initially, I hesitated to write a story set during World War 2, unsure what I could bring to it that would be unique. And then it dawned on me that few had written about the war from a neutral Irish perspective. Luckily, all I had to do was delve into my family and local history and Her Secret War, the first novel in the Sarah Gillespie Series, was the result.

Essentially, the stories in the series are about spies and fifth columnists, a subject covered in some depth by Tim Tate in his book, Hitler’s British Traitors. This was the source for much of my background information and threw up a few plot ideas too (always a bonus!). [Buy Link: Hitler’s British Traitors]

Betty Lecky, Birmingham, 1940s

My mother and her sisters left rural Ireland to work in Britain during WW2. One aunt followed her boyfriend, who had joined the RAF, and she worked in a munitions factory. Another aunt wanted to study nursing, and my mother was a ‘clippie’ (bus conductress) on the Birmingham buses. Neither book is their story, but there are glimpses of their experiences hidden throughout the fiction. The German attack on North Strand, which opens the first book, happened only a few miles from where I grew up. As a young child, I passed the bombed-out sites regularly, knowing nothing about them. I was in my late teens before I heard about the bombing and the relevant history.

Her Secret War by Pam Lecky

For me, the greatest challenge was getting up to speed on day-to-day life. I knew a lot about the overall timeline and events of the war, but it was the nitty-gritty details of life on the Homefront which would ground the stories in reality. Thankfully, there is an enormous amount of material out there, from eyewitness accounts and books to newsreels.

My heroine, Sarah Gillespie, is Irish, and the first novel in the series begins with the infamous bombing of neutral Dublin by the Luftwaffe in May 1941. The opening chapters take place during the bombing and its aftermath before the story moves to England. Like many Irish, Sarah has family living in the UK. They welcome her to their home when her own family is killed. Without giving away the plot, Sarah’s nationality leads to complications, and she is forced to decide where her loyalties lie. The complex relationship between the Irish and their ex-colonial masters interests me, and I explore it to some extent in both novels.

Her Last Betrayal by Pam Lecky

Her Last Betrayal continues Sarah’s story. She is now employed by MI5 and must work with a new colleague, a US Naval Intelligence officer, who is hostile and suspicious of her motives. There mission is to track down IRA members who are facilitating British fifth columnists and Abwehr agents entering and leaving the UK. Just as they appear to be making progress, one of the MI5 team is revealed to be a German mole. Their mission thrown into chaos, Sarah and Tony must learn to trust each other if they are to survive.

Again, I referenced Mr Tate’s excellent book only to find that the port used by the IRA was only alluded to as being in South Wales. I knew the UK National Archives document reference number, but the text in question was only available to view in person, not online. Due to Covid, I could not travel to Kew to look at it. So, in the meantime, I had to make an educated guess (Fishguard seemed likely as it connected Cork and neutral Lisbon at the time—a possible route).

As the deadline for finalising the book approached, however, I panicked and took a chance and messaged Mr Tate directly through social media. A few weeks later, he responded and emailed all the information I needed. But, as it transpired, the identity of the port used by the IRA for smuggling people in and out of the UK, remains a mystery. The document Mr Tate had seen only mentioned South Wales. And then the bombshell: the British Secret Service had destroyed the other file which identified the exact location. Although disappointed, at least I had an answer. And let’s be honest, a bit of mystery is music to the ears of a writer of espionage tales!

Her Secret War was published in October 2021 and is available in all good bookstores and online. Her Last Betrayal is published today, 14th April 2022 and is available in all good book stores and online. I am currently working on the third novel in the series, as yet unnamed.

Buy Link: Her Secret WarBuy Link: Her Last Betrayal

Friday Reads – Her Last Betrayal by Pam Lecky

Many thanks to Karen King for hosting me today

Karen King: Author

It’s time for a Friday Reads post again and this week historical fiction author Pam Lecky has dropped by to tell us about her latest book, Her Last Betrayal, which will be out on April 14th.

Spying on the enemy is a dangerous game…

London, 1941

After losing her family to a Nazi bomb attack back home in Ireland,Sarah Gillespiejoins the British Secret Services to bring them justice.

Partnered with American undercover agentLieutenant Tony Anderson, Sarah embarks on a dangerous mission that takes her from war-torn London into the black mountains of Wales. But when one of her team is revealed to be a German mole, and enemies begin to close in, what price will Sarah have to pay to save her country – and herself?

Her Last Betrayal will be published by Avon Books UK/Harper Collins on 14th April 2022.

Pre-Order Buy…

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In Conversation with Mary Clancy

Today, I am delighted to host fellow Irish historical fiction author, Mary Clancy.

Pam thanks so much for inviting me to feature on your blog.

Mary Clancy

Let me tell you a little about myself. I live with my family in Co. Kildare just outside Naas, with Michael and two of our three sons. My youngest is eighteen, I don’t know where those years went to. I mustn’t forget to mention our treasured dog Coco who is still sprightly at the grand old age of fifteen.

I look forward to having my books in the book shops when I can have a real live launch. (Most important.)

Having retired from my job as a social worker, I took to writing, a hobby which I had enjoyed for much of my adult life. Being offered a three book deal from Poolbeg Press in 2020 was such a dream. And here I am.

My debut book The Blue Washing Bag was published by Poolbeg Press during lockdown in September 2020, initially on Amazon. Between Love & Betrayal is my second book, recently published by Poolbeg Press on Feb 23rd 2022, also initially on Amazon.

The Blue Washing Bag

The genre I write in is Historical Fiction. I have always been intrigued by stories of  the past. Small town stories. Stories of ordinary people who lived their lives under constant scrutiny, particularly if they veered away from the path of decency. Times when women and men didn’t have the freedom of choice that we have today, social mores being what they were. Times when women were morally policed within their own communities. Many times banished by their own tribe, never to return home again. Women disgraced for having sex, whether they wanted it or not. Having babies out of wedlock was a scandal in tight knit communities, where it took more than a strong minded woman to stand up to the harsh punishments doled out, and not only by the church.

And the men involved seemed to escape the badges of humiliation and punishment that went along with it. (Unless of course a girls’ brothers were brave enough to give some Jack the lad a good seeing to.) Respectability was to be safeguarded above all else, and it helped if a family had either a nun or a priest to call their own.

My books tell the story of such brave women, some who were able to see beyond the domination of the church and state. And more who suffered the consequences of the times.

Between Love & Betrayal tells the story of young Connie Stapleton who arrives in the West End of London in 1924, relieved to be free from her widowed mother’s clinging dependency on her. Connie can breathe at last.

Meeting Lucrezia Romano, a Neapolitan art student, throws her off guard, takes her completely by surprise. She falls hopelessly in love with the rebellious Italian.

Between Love & Betrayal

Lucrezia, an outspoken feminist, has openly opposed Mussolini’s government and drawn negative attention to herself back in Naples. Voicing anti-fascist opinions, making a mockery of traditional Italian mores, she was vulnerable to harsh punishment by the regime if she were to remain in Italy.

Connie and Lucrezia discover in each other, a soulful connection. The couple decide to flee to the USA, wanting no more than to live their lives together, free from familial expectations. Free from societal condemnation – until fate shows its hand, throwing the two completely off course.

As Connie sacrifices her own emotional needs, she encourages Lucrezia to return home to Italy. The couple are separated.

Family loyalty, coupled with the economic pressures of the time test the relationship between the two. The story brings the reader from Ireland to the West End of London, to Italy and to the USA, before finishing the saga back in Ireland.

Having accepted her fate, living back home in the midst of the small community, Connie forms an unlikely friendship with a young flamboyant New Yorker, Darlene, who has arrived in Ireland full of expectations, only to be disillusioned with the narrow minded attitudes of the locals. Connie begins to question her situation as she is challenged by the newcomer, who is beyond disgusted at what Connie has endured. As the story unfolds, others who are drawn in to support Connie become caught up in events which will alter the course of their lives forever.

Buy Link: https://amzn.to/356gzFY

New Release from Pauline Morgan

Good afternoon and thank you, Pam, for inviting me back to chat about my latest book.

I’d like to tell you a little bit about my second standalone cosy romantic story, Secrets Under Spanish Skies which is available now for pre-order. It will be published on St Patricks Day. Link: https://geni.us/kGf8uB

The idea for the book came from a conversation with a divorced woman who had an offer of starting a new life in Spain or to stay put in Scotland. The writer in me set about thinking if I could expand on the conversation, I could have the bones of a story.

In the past, I have visited Fortuna in Spain quite a few times and thought it would be the perfect setting to start a new life for my character. The book starts off with Moya’s life crumbling around her. She losses her home, has no money and can’t see a way forward.

Her best friend from working in the sewing factory offers her a life-line; to join her in Spain. At this part of the story, I enjoyed bringing in new characters and my story began to unfold.

Tiny plots entwined to reveal the larger plot, along with surprises to keep the reader on their toes. I enjoyed bringing out the bitchy side of my characters and the softer side too.

Before I start writing a book, a good author friend of mine advised me to use a notebook. I usually start with a title, synopsis, the big plot, then figure out were smaller plots can fit into the story. This helps me to see were my arcs will be in the book. I spent some time searching for the right Spanish names; a must, as they have to match up with my characters’ profile. I always write a profile for each character as it helps to create the characters likes or dislikes plus many more distinguishing abilities.

A question many people ask me is what time of day do you sit down to write. I can write at any given time and the same would apply to a location. In the past, I have found myself writing in car parks while waiting for my husband at the hospital. Busy cafes surrounded by people is another great space to lock yourself into the world of make-believe characters. If you are lucky, you might find something random to add to your book or overhear conversations that convey people’s emotions. Cafes and people-watching are a must for any writer. Over the years, I have picked up many tricks of the trade from writer friends or by joining online writing groups. 

Along with my husband, I enjoy visiting local beauty spots for walks and picnics. If an idea pops into my head I immediately whip out my mobile and key it into my notebook.

Do I have any plans for further stories? The answer is yes. At the moment, I am in the middle of a complete rewrite of an old story I had lurking in the back of the cupboard. I hope to inject new life into the story with the skills I have learned along the way.  Tucked away in a brand new notebook are a title and almost a blurb too. I get excited about the thought of starting a new story.

My third book, a Christmas story with a spooky touch, will be published in November 2022.

Secrets Under Spanish Skies

𝐀 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲. 𝐀 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭.

Moya moved from Dublin to Nottingham when she was a teenager and met Kevin. But, after they were married, he became increasingly controlling and her only solace was attending Spanish and book-keeping night classes.

When Moya finds out Kevin has cheated on her – worse still, re-mortgaged their house to support his now pregnant mistress, she is devastated and left broken hearted.

At an all-time low, Moya’s oldest friend suggests she join her in Spain. Taking a leap of faith, Moya decides a fresh start in a new country is just what she needs.

But upon her arrival a prediction by a Spanish gipsy’s unnerves Moya…

𝙄𝙨 𝙈𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙮𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙇𝙖𝙬𝙮𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙢𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙤𝙧 𝙞𝙨 𝙈𝙤𝙮𝙖 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙣 𝙪𝙥 𝙋𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙧𝙖’𝙨 𝘽𝙤𝙭 𝙩𝙤 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙨 𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙎𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙎𝙠𝙞𝙚𝙨.

Link: https://geni.us/kGf8uB Pauline Morgan, Author

Retired housewife, Pauline Morgan, relocated to her native Northern Ireland and has been writing since 2000. She decided to write about her experiences in various houses she lived in and, as a result, self-published the paranormal Special Houses. Pauline previously joined the Romantic Novelist Association and participated in their New Writers Scheme. She is a member of an online writing group, Writers Ink VIP. Also, Pauline has written four short stories which were published in Woman’s Way magazine and two which were published in the iconic Ireland’s Own Magazine. She enjoys entering Flash Fiction competitions and was long-listed in the Kanturt Flash Fiction Competition. Her first poem, Airborne, was posted on the Pendemic.ie website in March 2020. Pauline’s primary focus is on women’s fiction.

Sex & Sexuality in Tudor England Blog Tour: Dress to Impress

Today, I am delighted to host Carol McGrath’s book blog tour for Sex and Sexuality in Tudor England.

Whilst researching a book recently published on the subject of Tudor Sex and Sexuality, I especially enjoyed researching provocative fashions for an era that had strict fashion codes including what colours and fabrics particular sections of society could not wear. The cod-piece was a fascinating aspect of this research.

In paintings and manuscript work, young Renaissance men appear utterly gorgeous, jewelled and colourful. The images aim to show beauty as a signifier of inward purity and Godliness, and therefore nothing to do with sex. But they are sexy, and doubtless they appeared so during the sixteenth century, depending on who was looking. Hose colours were significant: green hose suggested youthful vigour while red suggested passion. Fashions shown on illustrations are often outrageous, suggestive of the exotic, foreign and mythical.

As Henry’s reign progressed, and shorter coats became fashionable, the protective codpiece men wore became even more noticeable than ever. The codpiece was originally related to the Highlander’s sporran and is related to the sportsman’s jockstrap of later times, but it undoubtedly possessed a flamboyance all of its own. The codpiece created a sense of manly display, even from under a full suit of armour.

Henry VIII

The codpiece began in the Middle Ages as a mere limp triangular flap to deal with the embarrassing absence of a covering, intended to cover that revealing gap between the two separate pieces of men’s stockings. It was also protective if created from metal and worn with armour for battle. By the sixteenth century the codpiece had developed into a statement of high fashion, therefore Tudor codpieces were individualised and accessorised and often made of luxurious decorated materials complete with ribbons and bobbles. Tudor men could mix and match their codpieces. A manly man could also strut around court in a garment that mimicked male genitals, drawing attention to them and exaggerating them to an absurd degree. His codpiece might be stuffed with straw to make it shapelier. Its hollow chamber had another use since it could also protect the lovely outer surface of stockings from the nasty sullying mercury-based ointment used to treat syphilis. It was also useful as a pocket. Money might be deposited within it because the wearer might need to pay an admirer. A kerchief could be tucked in the codpiece to facilitate some hasty mopping up operation. Amusingly, the codpiece sometimes served as a pincushion: men’s attire in the sixteenth century was so complicated, with many folds and wrappings around, sweepings over, tuckings, and overlappings, that pins might come in handy. The codpiece was daring, solid and padded. The larger the codpiece the more status was implied by its wearer.

Courtesy of Elizabeth Chadwick

Cod was slang for scrotum. We also have the expression ‘a man’s crown or family jewels’, referring to the pocket where coins or jewels could be stored. Just imagine reaching into the codpiece pocket for a jewel to give to a lover or mistress or even to pay a prostitute. Henry’s enormous codpiece emphasised his desired virility and capacity for providing England with heirs so he was never shy of strutting it about. It forms the centre-piece of Holbein’s drawing, The Whitehall Cartoon, which gives us Henry’s definitive image. A suit of armour belonging to Henry displayed in the Tower of London has an enormous metal codpiece. During past eras, female visitors to the Tower would stick pins in its lining hoping it would increase their own virility.

Henry VIII (1491-1547), by Holbein

Holbein was extremely clever at capturing true likenesses as well as evoking richness and majesty. He flattered Henry, showing him in huge magnificence decked out in jewels, from rubies set in his collar to gems on his cap and worked into his doublet. This richness had to be displayed in portraiture because it was Henry’s identity. The Henrician court was one of the wealthiest in Europe and Henry himself was a patron of the arts. His aggressive stance in portraiture portrayed his majestic presence, legs apart, directly facing the viewer. Yet again, this was another strategy aimed to reinforce the strength of the Tudor dynasty. Layers of material broadened King Henry’s shoulders. His clothing showed a square silhouette tapering down to slimmer legs, leading the eye to the central royal importance of the procreative area, and, importantly, to Henry’s codpiece that held the potential for England’s future ruler. Henry’s opulence and rich surroundings, particularly when depicted as a still-young, handsome man in his forties, confirmed his wealth, power and virility. It is interesting that Henry’s armour in the Tower of London shows a man with shorter legs than in the portraits, perhaps more true to reality.

Holbein’s genius knew how to please.

Author Bio Carol McGrath

Following a first degree in English and History, Carol McGrath completed an MA in Creative Writing from The Seamus Heaney Centre, Queens University Belfast, followed by an MPhil in English from University of London. The Handfasted Wife, first in a trilogy about the royal women of 1066 was shortlisted for the RoNAS in 2014. The Swan-Daughter and The Betrothed Sister complete this highly acclaimed trilogy. Mistress Cromwell, a best-selling historical novel about Elizabeth Cromwell, wife of Henry VIII’s statesman, Thomas Cromwell, was republished by Headline in 2020. The Silken Rose, first in a Medieval She-Wolf Queens Trilogy, featuring Ailenor of Provence, was published in 2020 by the Headline Group. This was followed by The Damask Rose. The Stone Rose will be published April 2022. Carol is writing Historical non-fiction as well as fiction. Sex and Sexuality in Tudor England was published in January 2022.

Here is the buy link: Sex & Sexuality in Tudor England  

A Conversation with Marcia Clayton

This evening in the Library we have ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Marcia Clayton who has dropped in to say hello and to share some insights into her life as an author.

Good evening, and thank you for inviting me for a chat, Pam. I live in North Devon in the South West of England, and I am a farmer’s daughter. I left school just before my sixteenth birthday, and worked for seven years in a bank before leaving to start a family. I held a variety of jobs for several years, working around looking after our three sons but then in 1990, I became an admin manager at our local college. It was at this time I decided to further my education by taking A levels in English and History, and went on to achieve a degree-equivalent qualification in management. In 2006, I moved to a job with the local authority as the Education Transport Manager, and I remained in that post until I retired in 2016. I am now enjoying retirement with my husband, Bryan.

Which genre do you write in and what draws you to it?

I’ve written three historical fiction books in the Hartford Manor family saga, which is set in Victorian times. My interest in this period stems from my love of researching my family tree. My maternal granny absconded, leaving her husband with four children when my mother was just eighteen months old. My mum never met her mother, and as a child, this story intrigued me and I couldn’t wait to investigate.

Are you an avid reader? Do you prefer books in your own genre or are you happy to explore others?

Yes, I am an avid reader and historical fiction is my favourite but I also like crime novels, and some of my favourite authors include Lee Child, Ann Cleeves, and Norah Roberts. However, I sometimes like to try something different and I recently read “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini. I thought this was an amazing book.

Are you a self-published/traditional or hybrid author?

I’m a self-published author and have never tried to find an agent or a publisher. I wrote my first book in odd moments over several years when I was busy working full time and raising a family. I never expected to publish the book. However, my eldest son, Stuart, is a professional musician and has written several books. His wife, Laura, is a graphic designer, and between them, they persuaded me to upload my first book to Amazon.

Who has been the biggest influence on your writing?

I’ve always been a big fan of Catherine Cookson and read many of her books in my twenties. Most of her books are set in the north of England, and I always thought it would be good to write similar books but based in the south west. Another author who has influenced me is Winston Graham, the writer of the wonderful Poldark series, set in the neighbouring county of Cornwall.

Has your country of origin/culture influenced your writing?

I think living in the beautiful county of Devon has strongly influenced my writing. From my family research, I know that my ancestors go back to the 1500s in this area and I feel I belong here. I love the countryside and the people and would never wish to live anywhere else.

What part of the writing process do you find most difficult? How do you overcome it?

Gosh, there are so many parts of the process that I find difficult I’m spoilt for choice! I’m always relieved when I have a book planned out and can then enjoy writing each chapter. Like many writers, I find the constant editing tedious and labour intensive. However, I think the most difficult part is marketing and trying to get the books into the hands of readers. I have only started to do this recently and find it quite hard going.

What was the best piece of writing advice you received when starting out?

Probably the best piece of advice I received was to write about things I know and interest me. I was told to write the book that you would like to read.

Do you have a favourite time of day to write?

Early morning is definitely when I am at my best. I certainly try not to write after tea time, as if I do, I find the ideas are swirling around my head in the early hours of the morning and prevent me from sleeping.

If you weren’t an author, what would you be up to?

I’m retired now, so my time is more or less my own. However, if not writing books, I would probably do more family research, read more, and indulge in my other hobbies of gardening and walking. I don’t often find the time these days, but I also enjoy knitting and crochet, and am an avid tennis fan.

If a movie was made of one of your books, who would you like to play the lead roles?

The two main characters in my books are Annie Carter, a kitchen-maid at Hartford Manor, and Robert Fellwood, the wealthy heir to the Hartford Estate. I’d love to see Annie Carter played by Eleanor Tomlinson who is famous for her portrayal of Demelza in the Poldark television series, and Jonathan Bailey, from the Bridgerton series, would be ideal as Robert.  Another important character in my second book, “The Angel Maker”, is Robert’s Aunt Margery, and I would love to see her portrayed by Dame Maggie Smith. I was impressed by her performance in Downton Abbey and think she is an amazing actress.

If you could travel back in time, what era would you go to? What draws you to this particular time?

My favourite period in time is the Victorian era. Life was very strict, but it is clear the Victorians were no better than the rest of us and got up to all sorts of mischief, albeit discretely. Another reason I would like to travel back to this time is to meet my great-grandfather, Henry Willis. Henry was born in 1842 in the small Devon village of Berrynarbor. He came from a large family, and his father was a farm labourer. At the age of 16, Henry ran away to sea on a fishing smack from Ilfracombe Harbour.  In 1864, he enlisted as a seaman in the US Navy in New Jersey and fought in the American Civil War. He was badly injured, losing an arm in battle, and was discharged in 1865 with a generous pension.

From then on, Henry led a double life. When he and his family of ten children lived in Devon, they were known as Willis.  However, the family also lived in Cardiff, in Wales for many years, going by the name of Adams. No one knows why, but it is true. On his US Pension Record, he is recorded as Henry Willis, alias Adams.

Henry held many jobs over the years, including innkeeper, milkman, and builder, and from what I have read of him, he was quite a character. He was once charged with an assault on a gentleman over a dispute concerning fishing rights. Henry allegedly shook a stick at his landlord and threatened to put him in a straitjacket and lock him up in the beast-house. There is an amusing account in the local newspaper describing him as a “bluff, powerful-looking man, with all the appearance of the old campaigner, who spoke with a decided American twang.” He clearly enjoyed entertaining the jury, and fortunately for him, the case was dismissed. Oh, to have been a fly on the wall! I think Henry would have an interesting tale to tell.

Please tell us about your latest published work

I published “The Rabbit’s Foot” in November 2021, and it is the third book in my Hartford Manor Series. The family saga is set in the rough class-divided period of Victorian England; a time when the working man had few rights and women virtually none. The series highlights the opulent lifestyle enjoyed by the privileged few, in comparison to the abject poverty endured by so many. I agonised for some time over the title of this book, which I think is unusual. However, I kept coming back to the same conclusion that it was the right one, though readers will have to wait until the very last paragraph of the book to understand why.

If you would like to know more about Marcia and her work please check out the links below:

Links

Amazon 

Goodreads 

Facebook 

Twitter

http://mybook.to/TheMazzardTree   

http://mybook.to/TheAngelMaker

http://mybook.to/TheRabbitsFoot