Welcome to Insight

The home of Pandora’s medieval musings, fiction and non-fiction books and photographs

 

A traveller through places and times, a storyteller, researcher and historian at heart,
I am endlessly curious about the medieval world and tales that lie almost forgotten
in the traces of ancient stones and within musty manuscripts.

REQUITAL

A forgotten nobleman,

a kingdom in turmoil,

and a final outcome that reshapes everything
history left unsaid

Lady of the Manor's Christmas

An ancient yew tree avenue

Child betrothal and marriage

The effigy on John Fitzalan's tomb

Arundel - swallow, horse or flower?

What did he look like, John Fitzalan 7th Earl of Arundel?

 

A powerful reimagining of the life of John Fitzalan, 7th Earl of Arundel, this novel blends historical accuracy with emotional depth to illuminate a forgotten chapter of medieval England. Rich in character, grounded in real events, and driven by a profound sense of humanity, it offers readers a gripping journey into loyalty, loss, and legacy.  

Now available HERE in Kindle and paperback
or on the Bookshelf

 

Serendipity 

You never know what you will find here!

Horace Walpole coined the word 'serendipity' in 1754. He was inspired by the Persian fairy tale The Three Princes of Serendip, whose heroes constantly made lucky accidental discoveries. (Serendip was an old name for Sri Lanka).

 

 

Born into a powerful marcher family in 1408, John Fitzalan inherited the Arundel title and lands after a lengthy dispute and quickly earned a reputation as a distinguished soldier in France under the Duke of Bedford. Known as the 'English Achilles', he achieved tactical victories, recovered lost strongholds in Normandy, and was rewarded with the title of Duke of Touraine and election to the Order of the Garter. His brilliant military career was cut short when he was severely wounded and captured by French forces at the Battle of Gerberoy; he succumbed to his injuries shortly after at the age of 26.