The Tudor Rose: Centenary Edition

by Jesse Berridge

Although 'The Tudor Rose' appears to be a deliciously old-fashioned historical romance, set in Tudor England, it is far more than that, for its author weaves his story around known historical characters, and it is the result of extensive local research.When the Parson of Little Baddow saves a child from the floodwaters of the River Chelmer, he initiates a story that blends life in a small English village with the political and religious disputes of the 16th century and the Royal House of Tudor. It is a tale of murder, witchcraft and political intrigue, and of a young man, Edward Mantell, who is led to believe, with tragic consequences, that he may be the legitimate son of King Henry VIII.This Centenary Edition is published to celebrate the arrival of its author, Jesse Berridge, as Rector of Little Baddow, an Essex village, in 1915. Its style reflects his interests - in local history, in religion, in mystical spirituality and in telling a good yarn.

Genres: Historical Fiction

300 pages, Paperback

First published January 2, 2015

Reviews

[Rosalind Jones]

A spiritual trip back to Tudor times

I enjoyed reading this historical novel from the viewpoint of feeling that I was glimpsing times centuries past. There was, perhaps, a little too much fantastical and magical episodes to read, however it was the times of mystery plays, midsummer magic and witchcraft or so it was thought. The writing is very good and it was particularly interesting to read because a distant ancestor of mine was the vicar of Little Baddie at that difficult time of church reformation. I am sure that anyone who loves history and loves this corner of Essex will enjoy this book.