This week we have:
A short story - Markham and the Fox by Jodi Taylor
This week’s History Briefing is about The Battle of Stamford Bridge: The End of the Viking Age in England
A joke from the Silly Sunday thread in the Fans & Readers Facebook group
Events: New event at The Wallingford Bookshop on 28th September
Back to School notebook sale
Guest posts: Do you want to share something on Jodi's Substack blog?
There’s plenty to read this week and you can see everything new on the blog too. CLICK HERE for the blog.
Enjoy a new short story by Jodi Taylor
To set the scene – and before everyone scoffs at the unlikeliness of the following tale – this is based on an actual event. There really was a fox. And an avenging cat. And a traumatised thigh. And no, it wasn’t my thigh. Just to be absolutely clear.
Anyway – this story is set at St Mary’s. Markham is in Sick Bay, receiving treatment from Nurse Hunter when Peterson turns up to see what all the noise is about.
History and Happenings - click here to view more posts
The Battle of Stamford Bridge: The End of the Viking Age in England
The Battle of Stamford Bridge, fought on September 25, 1066, was a significant and decisive conflict that marked the end of Viking invasions in England. This battle saw the forces of the Anglo-Saxon king, Harold Godwinson, triumph over an invading Norwegian army led by King Harald Hardrada. Though overshadowed by the Battle of Hastings, which followed just three weeks later, Stamford Bridge was crucial in shaping the events that culminated in the Norman Conquest of England.
The origins of the Battle of Stamford Bridge lie in the succession crisis that followed the death of Edward the Confessor, the childless King of England, in January 1066. Several claimants vied for the English throne, including Harold Godwinson, who was crowned shortly after Edward's death, and William, Duke of Normandy, who also claimed that Edward had promised him the throne.
A third major contender emerged from Scandinavia—King Harald Hardrada of Norway. Hardrada, one of the most formidable Viking leaders of his time, based his claim to the English throne on an old agreement between the earlier kings of England and Norway. He was supported by Tostig Godwinson, the exiled brother of Harold Godwinson, who sought to reclaim power in England by helping the Norwegian king.
In September 1066, Harald Hardrada launched his invasion of northern England with a fleet of around 300 ships, carrying thousands of seasoned warriors. He was joined by Tostig, who brought additional forces. The Norwegian army advanced through Yorkshire, defeating local forces at the Battle of Fulford near York on September 20. Following this victory, they occupied the city and demanded hostages and supplies.
CLICK HERE to read the full article
Enjoy a joke from the Silly Sunday thread from the Facebook Fans and Readers group.
Thanks to Ruth Buckle for this one…
What dinosaur loves pancakes?
Answer: A tri-syrup-tops!
Events - Join Jodi for launch events for The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal
NEW! 28th September at The Wallingford Bookshop CLICK HERE for detail
Guest posts: Do you want to share something on Jodi's Substack blog?
It could be about historical costumes, places or something for Controversy Corner. Those are just a few ideas but others are welcome. The articles are usually about 500 words and need at least one picture.
If your article is published you'll get a free annual subscription worth £50. This entitles you to the writing masterclass, chat room, and free eBook of the Reading Companion and History Briefing for Just One Damned Thing After Another.
Please email Hazel at hazel@rushford.ltd with your ideas. The article will appear on the blog and in the Friday digest email.
The Reading Companion and History Briefings eBook for Just One Damned Thing After Another. The eBook is 99p or FREE for subscribers.
It contains:
A foreword by Jodi Taylor
Background information on the characters
History Briefings giving information on the four main jumps in the book
Floor plans of St Mary’s Institute for Historical Research
A list of British idioms and expressions
How to make tea like a Brit
A recipe for Toad in the Hole
A full series guide and reading order for The Chronicles of St Mary’s series
Available in both epub and PDF formats. You can also download full-size images of the floor plans.