The narrative centers on the Despenser family, who gained significant influence during Edward II's reign. Hugh Despenser the Younger emerges as a pivotal figure, serving as the king's chamberlain and favorite, with implications of a deeper relationship with the monarch. The book explores themes of power, loyalty, and the complexities of court life in medieval England, highlighting the family's ascent amidst political intrigue and personal connections.
Kathryn Warner Book order
This author delves into the intricate tapestry of medieval English history, with a particular focus on the complex reign of King Edward II and the influential figures of his era. Their work is characterized by meticulous research, uncovering the motivations and political machinations that shaped the period. Through vivid prose, they bring to life the personalities and societal dynamics of medieval England. The author's passion lies in illuminating the nuanced narratives of the past, offering readers a compelling gateway into this fascinating historical epoch.






- 2025
- 2024
Set in fourteenth-century England, the narrative explores the lives of three immensely wealthy women and prominent heiresses. It delves into their unique challenges, societal roles, and the interplay of power and wealth during a time of great political and social change. Through their stories, the book highlights themes of ambition, resilience, and the complexities of female agency in a patriarchal society.
- 2023
This cross-biography focusing on four generations of royal women is fixed within one of the most explosive and unstable centuries experienced in the Middle Ages.
- 2022
John of Gaunt
- 320 pages
- 12 hours of reading
The first biography to tell the personal story of the wealthiest, most powerful and most hated man in medieval England.
- 2022
Peek beneath the sheets of our medieval ancestors to uncover attitudes towards sex and sexuality in the Middle Ages.
- 2022
Reveals and illustrates the lives of our 'ordinary' ancestors.
- 2021
Daughters of Edward I
- 248 pages
- 9 hours of reading
The (in)famous reigns of England's three Edwards were not only defined by war and the political triumphs and failures of men, but also by the women intimately associated with the Plantagenet dynasty. This narrative examines the lives and stories of some of England's forgotten royal women.
- 2021
Socially awkward Jamie Fields has been home-schooled most of her life. As the only daughter of rock star Zander, Jamie has led a sheltered life. Kept out of the public eye by her protective dad, twelve-year-old Jamie can't wait to start school for the first time and, more importantly, have no-one know her parentage. For Jamie, the publicity has always been the downside of her dad's life. Many have referred to her as just Zander's daughter, while trying to get an elusive photo of her. After Jamie had a bad experience with the press as a child, Zander has made sure he kept Jamie's life private. While she relishes the anonymity, she feels isolated and suffocated. With new friends to be made, school gives Jamie the freedom she's desired for so long. Yet she soon finds that hiding a part of herself is not as easy as she hoped, especially when her new friends realise Zander is living in the area. Will she keep her secret and her friends? Or will she lose both as she tries to find her own name from her father's shadow?
- 2020
Living in Medieval England
- 232 pages
- 9 hours of reading
A unique addition to the increasingly popular trend of looking at the ordinary lives of people. Provides an important perspective from the ground up' on the subjects of travel, trade, commerce, religion, culture and politics that is lacking in popular medieval histories.
- 2020
The Rise and Fall of a Medieval Family
- 272 pages
- 10 hours of reading
This is the first book on the Despenser family ever written .