Here's Jo, in England, reporting on a touch of history.
We're down south again at the moment, but we've spent a few days in the north, finding a home. Mission accomplished. We'll move into a house in Whitby on October 2nd.
However, we were staying in the old town of Barnard Castle, so named because it had/has a castle of that name. The castle, like most, is a ruin. There's still quite a bit of it, but this is the remains of a tower which gives an idea of the stairs that once spiraled up it.
It's very much part of the town, and one day we walked from our friend's house to the shops along the river and through the castle. My kind of ambience. In this picture you can see the bridge we walked over, the river, and the castle beyond.
The river is the Tees, a major river than runs down to the industrial area called Teeside, but at Barnie, as the locals call it, it's a bucolic delight.
So on to the monastery, which is Egglestone, which is a late 12th century Premonstratensian abbey.
Do you know what Premonstratensian means? I didn't. Because it seems like "monastery", I was trying to make it make sense in that context. Perhaps pre the dissolution of the monasteries?
No, it's an order, like Cistercian and Franciscan. "The Order of Canons Regular of Prémontré, also known as the Premonstratensians, the Norbertines, or in Britain and Ireland as theWhite Canons (from the colour of their habit), are a Catholic religious order of canons regular founded at Prémontré near Laon in 1120 by Saint Norbert, who later became Archbishop of Magdeburg. Premonstratensians are designated by O.Praem (Ordo Praemonstratensis) following their name."
There were also some interesting details intact, such as this vaulted ceiling to what was presumably a kitchen.
An interesting aspect of Egglestone is that after the dissolution, the monastery became a house. This wasn't unusual, resulting in some stately homes called Abbey, but in this case the result is still.... a ruin. I haven't been able to quickly discover why the house didn't continue to be a house.
Apparently the inhabitants decamped a few miles to Rokeby Park, a Palladian house that could well house one of my Georgian aristocrats.
Or it could even be Stenby, the seat of Lord Wraybourne, who is, of course, the hero of my first book, Lord Wraybourne's Betrothed, which will be out again soon! Had to get that in.
In November, my first Georgian, My Lady Notorious, will be published in the UK, and I'll be doing a bit of touring for it, distances being less in England. Ports of call include Shaftesbury, Winchester, my home town of Morecambe, and my imminent home, Whitby!
I'll give more details later.
Oh, and one last picture -- a good one of a stile, the wooden steps that provide a way through hedges and fences that foil animals but work for most people.
So this blog has been a leisurely walk through places of interest and other matters.
Some questions, and a prize. A copy of Lord Wraybourne's Betrothed when I have any, which is not quite yet. I'll randomly pick a winner from among people who post a comment related to these questions.
The dissolution of the monasteries wasn't much fun. Nor were the religious persecutions of the Tudor times, both of Catholics or Protestants. So, does that explain why the period has never been particularly popular in romanceL But then, why is The Tudors such a hit?
On a different angle, how do you feel about mention of things like stiles and Palladian architecture in books? How much description do you like along with words that might be unfamiliar?
Or lastly, which do you think is a more romantic setting for a book -- the north or the south of England?
Jo :)
Sherrie, here.
Jo, I'm drooling over your gorgeous pictures. We have some beautiful ruins here in the US, but nothing to match the antiquity or grandeur of England's. Thank you so much for sharing them. I hope you continue to share more local pictures.
I love when stiles and architecture and such things are mentioned in novels. They help set the place and tone. Many times, when a type of architecture or other detail interests me, I run to the dictionary for edification after first reading about it in a novel.
As far as tales set in the north or south of England, I have no preference. I've never been to the UK, so I wouldn't know the difference anyway. I do, however, enjoy stories where there is a house party, because it usually involves interesting bits about architecture, landscaping, folleys, fountains, the surrounding community and villages, and so forth.
You included some nice bits of description and history in The Secret Wedding, though I confess my favorite part had to do with your fictitious fanged rabbits! *g*
Posted by: Sherrie Holmes | Sunday, September 13, 2009 at 04:35 PM
So that's what a stile looks like. I knew it was a way through a hedge, but I'd never seen one. I can see where it would foil the animals.
Posted by: Linda Banche | Sunday, September 13, 2009 at 04:49 PM
As a northerner who also lived in Devon, I prefer the settings in the south. My memories of northern weather are not conducive to any outdoor pursuits whatsoever. Having said that, we spent many happy Octobers in Ravescar, just down the road from Jo's new home. They were wonderful times - you must go there Jo. It's a town that got planned, laid out and never built. Eerie streets with no houses and an imposing hotel on the edge of the cliffs.
Personally I hate digressions of explanation. Like Sherrie, when I come across a term that I'm not familiar with, I look it up!
Posted by: Sue | Sunday, September 13, 2009 at 06:49 PM
What a lovely place. I so want to retire so we can take our time and travel.
As for the dissolution period and the Tudors, not a good time for romance unless you look at it from the point of survival. Danger, constant turmoil, your life being on the line due to your beliefs, all lead to a background for intense suspense and endangered love. A pretty good setting for romance, but not of a gentle natureed story.
I like detail in my historical books. It is one of the reasons I read historicals. Introduction of new terms doesn't hurt. If I want to know more or need clarification, I will look it up. It is the little details of everyday life that make a story richer.
Since I haven't been there, I'm not sure which is a better locale. If in the north, you do have the proximity of Scotland which adds all sorts of plot possibilities and story lines.
Good luck with your new home. A move is always an adventure.
Posted by: Patricia Barraclough | Sunday, September 13, 2009 at 07:51 PM
I like details such as Palladium and stile. If I don;t know what something means I look it up. Make my journey to the time of the book that much more realistic. Ken Follett in his "Rebels Of Ireland" seemed to use a lot of detail to good advantage. North or South? Both seem equal to me in terms of which location would make a great novel - just different characters and issues. Thanks for a wonderful photographic tour of some parts of England that I would love to make it o one day before I check out.
Posted by: Marie | Sunday, September 13, 2009 at 08:26 PM
Whitby! How lovely! Dracula and the Whitby Witches by Robin Jarvis are the first things to spring to mind, now you will add even more to Whitby's literary reputation.
I was born in Yorkshire and love it, but I think a writer could make any place romantic through her story, however unpromising.
Don't forget to visit the Bowes Museum while you're in Barnard Castle, and plan your visit around the time they play the silver swan. I've only seen it once in my life, and it was wonderful.
Posted by: Ingrid | Monday, September 14, 2009 at 01:27 AM
I am looking forward to Lord Wraybourne's Betrothed being republished. Actually I look forward to each and everyone of you books that have been published, will be published. I am keeping a file in Excell of all the books I have reaf and all I haven't read.
Thank you for all my pleasant reading time I have racked up in the last year.
Cheers Kathy from Down Under
Posted by: Kath Garraway | Monday, September 14, 2009 at 02:13 AM
I like learning new things. What's the point of reading if you don't learn new things? I love detail (historical/cultural/local) in books, it's what transports me away from my daily life. (That, and the story.) If I can't infer meaning and it bothers me, I'll look it up. With the internet at my fingertips, it doesn't even disrupt my reading for long. So please don't start writing to the lowest common denominator. That will just lower the lowest common denominator...
North, south, whatever, it doesn't matter to me. Not as long as you tell me what is special/different/unique about the location, or if it could be Anywhere, England. Does it smell of a sea breeze or an open cesspool, is the area polluted by nearby industry or is it untouched countryside?
(Opinionated much? :-D)
Posted by: ms bookjunkie | Monday, September 14, 2009 at 02:22 AM
I love visiting ruins - they seem so much more atmospheric. Having said that, I went to Powderham Castle, near Exeter, yesterday, which has been the family home of the Courtenays (now the Earls of Devon) since the early 14th Century (and they still live there), and that was lovely. Especially the intact deer park.
I think with the Tudor times there was so much going on - losing the last French lands, religious conflict, wives, the bastardisation of the daughters who then became queen, the quick change of succession, dissolution, fiscal troubles and so on - that it can't be easy to set a romance amidst all that without also including a history essay. For myself, I've studied the period to death and cannot read any fiction on it. I can't even watch the Tudors - Rhys-Meyers is too young! Not to mention not a redhead. Yes, he smoulders beautifully, but I can't see him ever getting fat *grumbles*
As for North vs South, can't say I'm bothered either way. They each have their merits and plenty of beauty.
Posted by: Becca | Monday, September 14, 2009 at 02:48 AM
I had never seen a stile and it's interesting to see how it's set up. I enjoyed your post and pictures very much. It's always interesting to see how people lived so many years ago and I do like descriptions in the stories so I can imagine the setting. I have never seen the series The Tudors but I wonder if it is true to life. I don't have a preference for the setting of a story in England. I think a good story can be set anywhere
Posted by: Maureen | Monday, September 14, 2009 at 03:08 AM
An English North or South location hardly matters when it's the author's descriptive prose that makes a location romantic or not.
Detailed descriptions of locations sets the scene and leads the minds eye to visualize the 'historical' part of the story.
The Tudors is such a hit because of the glamorization of a perceived time period. People are entertained and mesmerized by the costumes, background music, sex, dialog, and attractive actors.
Posted by: Deleana Adams | Monday, September 14, 2009 at 04:50 AM
I love hearing about the architecture and history etc. when I read Jo's books. And I can't wait for LWB. Congratulations on finding a new home! Best wishes from VT, USA.
Posted by: aimee | Monday, September 14, 2009 at 05:30 AM
Barnard Castle is a lovely town.
I hope you managed to visit the Bowes Museum. If not, try on your next visit.
Living in Whitby will allow you to explore North East England and the Scottish Borders. Wonderful country. Also, everything and everywhere is within easy reach. Distances are much reduced compared with North America.
I live in a suburb of Glasgow, a wonderful city on the west side of Scotland. We can be out of the city and into the country within 20 minutes.
Posted by: M D GREENHILL | Monday, September 14, 2009 at 05:50 AM
Ah the Tudors... when I was an impressionable teenager I fell in love with the Tudors, mostly due to Keith Michell's performance. I read everything I could on Henry and his 6 wives. Jean Plaidy wrote great books are that set in the period and more recently so did Jane Feather. I think that it is difficult to see Henry as a romantic figure because he was a terribly flawed human being and the image of the fat, greedy leecher is the one that is best known. And I agree, the current series the Tudors is awful. So was The Other Boylen Girl... I'll take Keith Michell over Rhys and Eric Bana anyday. :)
Posted by: Anna B | Monday, September 14, 2009 at 06:05 AM
North or South. well it doesn't make much difference to me. It just gets to me when they are set in Northumberland, and they can get to London in 2 days??/!!it is the H/H that matter and of course a good story..
There are a lot of Manor houses and castles and ruins in the UK, we visited them a lot when we lived there.
The Tudors etc. I haven't watched this series as I am usually reading. but as a historical fact. it was quite a change for the way of life in England. Looking at the pictures makes me want to visit again. Joan
Posted by: Joan M Wilson | Monday, September 14, 2009 at 07:10 AM
Hi everyone. Just back from picking up the new car. Always scary.
Yes, I've been to the Bowes Museum a number of times, and seen the swan. It inspired Rothgar's interest in automata. :)
I want to get into the library, but it used to be open only on Thursdays, which never synced with a brief visit. There's big renovations going on there and I gather they're enlarging the library and it'll be open all the time. So soon.
Jo :)
Posted by: Jo Beverley | Monday, September 14, 2009 at 07:11 AM
North or South? That's a cruel question, Mary Jo :) I don't think I could tip the scale one way or the other.
I've traveled extensively through the north, having lived in Leeds for a bit, but have also made some forays into the south - mainly through Dorset, Devon, Somerset and Cornwall. Gorgeous country all.
Most of England is well-suited for romance - at least I think so. Rolling hills, ragged cliffs and clear blue seas provide ample fodder for a little romance.
Ranking the highest in my opinion would be the scenery found in the walk between Sennen Cove and Land's End in Cornwall, the area around Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland and the Yorkshire Dales and Moors (of course), especially around Malham Cove.
Sigh, now I'm going to have to go back and look at some pics.
Posted by: Kristina W. | Monday, September 14, 2009 at 07:21 AM
Ooops, sorry, just realized Jo posted this message, not Mary Jo. Blame it on a Monday ....
Posted by: Kristina W. | Monday, September 14, 2009 at 07:24 AM
I was never interested in books located in UK until my neice moved to England and now the books gives me insights for places very unknown to me.England is full of wonderful areas to be placed in books. I think Tudor style was a hit because it offered a chance to get into a part where so many had no idea what to expect. The love of details about the architecture adds alot to a story and puts the reader in another part of the world. I would not know the difference between north or south of England so I feel to me the story could be from either.
Posted by: susan leech | Monday, September 14, 2009 at 07:27 AM
thanks for sharing the wonderful pictures as I truly enjoy seeing other parts of our world..I will never get to travel to these places myself so depend on others to share their trips with me. I can only imagine all the memories good and bad from the pictures you posted.
Posted by: susan leech | Monday, September 14, 2009 at 07:29 AM
Thanks for the pictures. I love English History - As for the Tudors popularity - Historically the Tudor period was tumultous. So much happened - The Church of England, the dissolution of Monasteries, and very colorful characters - Thomas Moore, Cranmer, etc. The period is usually not usually used for romance writing, however Susan Wiggs has a trilogy written about that period - The Tudor Rose trilogy. Very good.
As far as where in England i like my reading from - it would be the north (Closer to Scotland) and also London to Wales. Along with romance I like history in the novels I read.
Keep up the comentary please, I find England a fascinating place.
Thank you - Rose Zbiegien
Posted by: Rose Zbiegien | Monday, September 14, 2009 at 07:36 AM
I am a new reader to historical fiction and I find learning about those eras fascinating. So my knowledge of time periods is limited to answer your first question. I do like some descriptions of stiles and architecture, but I find that too much and I may skip over a paragraph if its too detailed (just being honest). I don't if its written with a nice blend with the story. I do not have any preference to the north or south. Thanks for your books, I'm really excited about The Secret Duke coming out.
Posted by: Denise Colby | Monday, September 14, 2009 at 07:54 AM
Thank you for the pictures. I had always thought of a stile as stairs over a fence rather than through a hedge. I love the details and descriptions that you provide for the architecture and it's surroundings to the minute details of everyday life of the time. I seem to become enchanted by any/every location. I have just about worn out my map of the UK from referring to it so often while reading. North or South doesn't matter, although I am more and more interested in Scotland. Ever since I first learned of Lord Wraybourne's Betrothed I've been on the look out for that book. I am happy to know it will be re-released soon. I have found that I do not enjoy reading stories dated much before 1740. I do enjoy Georgian times, find the Regency period and some afterwards of the most interest. I have learned far more history from romance books than ever from school. In fact I would have said I disliked history. I've even picked up American history as well. I have always enjoyed your 'author's notes' that you include in many of your books. One request to you as well as other authors: please include somewhere translations of foreign words, most especially Gaelic. Ideally pronunciation as well. I know it sounds nothing like it appears. I have not had much success in searching dictionaries on-line, but maybe someone could steer me to one that works. Thank you so much for the enjoyable hours reading and learning.
Posted by: Cassie Pinkerton Parramore McCrimmon | Monday, September 14, 2009 at 08:53 AM
Hi Jo! Congratulations on finding a home. I know you must be so excited to get settled in.
Personally, the more descriptive tidbits an author can give me, like Palladian and stile, the better my "theatre of the mind" works. One of the things I love about your work is the way you pack it with those sorts of details without disrupting the flow of the story.
Thanks for sharing those pics,
Emily
Posted by: Emily Bryan | Monday, September 14, 2009 at 10:19 AM
Hi Jo, from Beverly Joan at the book sale. So glad to read your update and that you have found your new home. Hope the move in goes well.
I prefer the Regency period for settings but also enjoy other periods. I am not really into the 'time travel' settings. I like some detail ie description of stiles etc. I have learned more history through reading novels that are well researched then I ever learned in school. I pick up every book that I can find who have settings in Scotland and Ireland. They are few and far between. Where do I find my books? Second hand book stores, garage sales, whereever. I have almost your complete collection but must admit I am running out of shelf space. I do this with my favorite authors as I can always pull out a book on a rainy day and do a reread of an old favourite. I look forward to hearing more from you and will watch for my missing links.
Joan
Posted by: Joan Eales | Monday, September 14, 2009 at 10:23 AM
Maybe start in the North...and have glorious adventures while traveling to the South.
The only castle I remember exploring is Conway Castle in Wales.
Glad you have a new place.
Posted by: Louis | Monday, September 14, 2009 at 10:34 AM
A new home, a new adventure (even though you are returning to your "homeland"). I'm sure you will find things that have changed & those that haven't. Old castles, monasteries, Palladian homes,styles, natures scenery, all the foil for you to weave your magic wand of words. My ancestors came from Somerset, Scotland, & Ireland so I've hungerly devoured with relish all your books I could get my hands on. It makes no difference whether North or South, you show us the scenery & bring us there as we read along! Thank you!
Posted by: Jean Merriott | Monday, September 14, 2009 at 11:18 AM
I find it all very fascinating - north and south. I've only been to England once and you don't get to see much in a few days and would love to go back. But reading about it is the next best thing. I enjoy learning new words and all the descriptions given especially in historicals. Thanks.
Posted by: catslady | Monday, September 14, 2009 at 12:28 PM
Interesting question about North or South of England stories.
My personal preference: I like those set up between York and Durham in the north; visions of Hadrian's Wall or walking the moors comes to mind.
But I also love the Cotswolds and Bucks/Buckinghamshire.
Posted by: Elizabeth | Monday, September 14, 2009 at 01:36 PM
The old architecture and such things as stiles are always enjoyable in a story. I have never been to England but as an old Lit major, I wish I had. Please write on and put in all the details that your editors will allow. I will be out here enjoying!
Posted by: claudia Smith | Monday, September 14, 2009 at 02:43 PM
Jo, I love your books and they've always been my "keepers." I even have the older regencies. I can't wait to see how you incorporate your new experiences in the UK into upcoming books.
I really loved it when you moved up north during the Malloran series. I've always thought the north has been neglected by romances, but as someone above has mentioned it does take so long to get to London from York or Scotland. I have always loved your attention to detail in period clothing in your romances. I get so disappointed when historic characters aren't dressed properly. Any detail in architecture would be a treasure. Thank you for keeping me so well amused over the last (eek) 20 years. - Patty
Posted by: PJ3rdCoast | Monday, September 14, 2009 at 04:06 PM
I love to hear about the landscape and architecture of places I have never been (which is pretty much anywhere outside the US), so keep it up! I have almost finished reading Notes From a Small Island by Bill Bryson and I really enjoy hearing about the hikes through the landscape and the old architecture. I even appreciate his frustration with how Britain does not appreciate all of its architecture or even its hedge system. I must be an odd man out, because I would rather hear about the history and countryside than some fashion (even though that's history, also). I'm just not much of a fashion person, I guess. As far as vocabulary goes, please feel free to expand our minds. Romance is my guilty pleasure. If I was improving my vocabulary, perhaps I could assuage my guilt just a bit...
As far as where in England you base your book, I don't care. Just please do not try to "show" Scottish or Welsh accents. I often find that frustrating. Otherwise, so long as I have descriptions of the countryside and some history in there I'm as happy as a lark (well, that and the "romance" portion).
Posted by: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000224483314 | Monday, September 14, 2009 at 09:44 PM
Thanks for more comments, especially those that say you're enjoying my work! We authors are so insecure. We love to be told readers are enjoying the books. :)
For those of you wanting more details about British history and settings, there are a lot of websites and some are rich. Try museums, which often have on line exhibitions.
There's more here about the mechanical swan at the Bowes Museum.
http://www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk/the-silver-swan/history/
Or search for your area of interest. These days I find it works better with a string of words to try to get around all the businesses trying to get to the top of the results.
Jo
Posted by: Jo Beverley | Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at 12:24 AM
Lovely pics, Jo, and an enjoyable stroll through the rich history that seems to be embeddded in every inch of English soil (giving an American sigh here, wishing that our small towns were all as picturesque as English ones.) And thank you for the interesting snippet of church history.
Both north and south are equally "romantic" for me, though I tend to set my stories in the south because I'm more familiar with the countryside. I look forward to seeing more photos and detailed descriptions of the area from you when you are settled.
Posted by: Cara Elliott/Andrea Pickens | Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at 05:21 AM
Jo, I have no North/South preference, but I like the country better than the city, in real life as well as in books. My Grandfather had a stile on his farm in Indiana, so I'm familiar with them, but can't get enough of those wonderful architectural features- where I'm from, there are few buildings over a hundred years old, and none of the castles, monasteries, stately homes, or even the stone bridges you've shown us- everything around here was built of concrete and steel. So when I read books set in England, I love descriptions of houses, gardens, and parish churches- even the local ruins or the occasional cow byre add to the story for me. I have a copy of Lord Wraybourne's Betrothed with that horrible cover featuring the color blind Jane and the flabby Lord Wraybourne- I can't wait to replace it with the new one!If I don't win I will still buy one. What do you suggest I do with the old ugly copy? Maybe we wench followers could stage a ceremonial book-cover burning!
Posted by: gretchen fucio | Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at 12:14 PM
I love coming across terms like Palladian because if I don't know them, I learn something new and if I already know it, I feel so smart! :)
North of England seems made for rougher, more adventurous novels. The South seems more for genteel house parties and subtle intrigue. But that's just my general impression. :)
Others have touched on this, but I think that the Tudor era is so fraught with terror as well as intrigue and romance that it takes a hearty soul to tackle it - author and reader!
Thanks for a lovely meander, Jo. :)
BTW, I'm listening to To Rescue a Rogue and remembering why I loved it so much the first time I read it. Thanks for the treat. :)
Posted by: Anne | Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at 12:47 PM
Hi Jo,
I'm a history professor, and I just taught my first class of an introductory course for this fall - and I mentioned "The Tudors" :) So I had to respond to that aspect of your post. I think that popular interest in the period is really limited to the wives of Henry VIII - the romantic tragedies. I don't think people do like to read much about subsequent events, particularly in the reigns of Edward and Mary. Too much suffering perhaps - not enough romance or pomp. Elizabeth was good at the pomp...
But I was telling my students that knowing more "real" history makes the fiction - books, tv or movies - more interesting, because you can appreciate it when the author gets details right - which is certainly an aspect of your books that I appreciate. I've loved the Mallorens - and I didn't used to think much of the 18th century (did I mention that my own era is modern - that is, late 19th?)
All the best - I envy you living in Whitby, I've had several opportunities to travel in beautiful Yorkshire, but haven't gotten there yet.
Helen V.
Posted by: Helen Vreugdenhil | Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at 12:56 PM
Lovely post, really old ruins are always the most intersting. Gretchen wondered what to do with her old copy of LWB - treasure it!!!! Old and dog-eared can only mean well read and well loved and if you seriously need to get rid of it, I can provide a loving home.
In answer to your questions, I find the Tudor period intriguing, almost frighting the lengths people went to to rise to the top of the grace and favour ladder and I never tire of it, same goes for period detail, our imaginations need it (well mine does) and I am especially fond of stiles, I grew up with them in England as a girl and my favourite stile is in Devils Heiress!!! (My favourite couple - by far) As for the North?South debate, well I love the South and as a previous post mentioned, it has more of a gentile way about it even thought the Southern Coast can be truly rugged by my Heart is in the North, born and bred in Cheshire I have heartfelt memories of Delamere Forest and crossing into Wales, yup the North gets my vote.
Posted by: lesley hartwell | Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at 07:24 PM
Stiles - well what about kissing gates? I wonder how many readers know of these lovely old reminders of a slower, more contented age.
Being a southern born gal (Essex) I really ought to plump for the south, but I'm afraid I tend to head north for holidays. Just think: York, Chester, Buxton, Newcastle, Carlisle, Harrogate - all these could provide terrific settings or part settings for tales of 'derring do (or even 'derring don't). London is certainly easier to write about, but a little research could reveal tons of information about towns and cities in the North.
The only Tudor books I've really enjoyed have been the series by
P F Chisholm on Robert Carey. I think he is a terrific character, and have read his memoirs with great interest (yes, he really existed!!) The Tudor period was certain a tumultuous one in English history, but I'm afraid it fails to pull at my hearstrings.
Anyway, enough for now, Whitby is very fortunate to have a new resident, best fish and chips in the country.
Posted by: Jenny Mander | Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 11:08 AM
Sorry to be so late with this post, but have been away from computers for a week.
I feel compelled to respond to the post from Joan Eales, where she mentions that she has learned a lot of history from books. And this is exactly what upsets me about 'The Tudors'. How many people now believe that Henry's sister Margaret married the King of Portugal and then murdered him? I loved the show for the costumes, sets, etc (ok, gorgeous actors!) but need to remind myself that the history may not be accurate.
In general, I think most authors do a better job in keeping the basic history straight and greatly appreciate the effort.
Posted by: J K Prince | Monday, September 21, 2009 at 11:30 AM
Thank you for that photo of the stile, Jo! I never knew what one looked like before, and they are really quite interesting. Having studied architectural history I did know the term Palladian, for example, but it never hurts to throw in some good description around any term - enough to give that mental picture to both the initiated and uninitiated. Hard to define - Susan Kearnsley had some interesting things to say on that subject in her posting to 'Wenches', I thought.
Like many of those above I don't prefer the north or south of England. If I'm caught up in a story it doesn't matter where it is set. Anyplace in the world can be interesting to me if there is a good story going on.
Best of luck with the move next week - the new home looks lovely.
Posted by: Maria Martin | Friday, September 25, 2009 at 08:52 AM