Annie Garthwaite: The King’s Mother
Annie Garthwaite: The King’s Mother
This is one of the events included in Annie’s historical locations’ tour. This event is now sold out, thank you for your support!
Returning to the extraordinary heroine of the critically acclaimed Cecily, this is a story of mothers and sons; of maternal ferocity and female ambition – of all they can build and all they can destroy.
Cecily Neville was the wife of Richard, Duke of York, and the mother of two kings of England: Edward IV and Richard III. Fotheringhay Castle was one of their principal homes and many of their children (including Richard III) were born there. Cecily and her husband were largely responsible for the building of the church in the 15th century and, most importantly, it is the place of their eternal rest. They lie in the church side by side, with several of their children.
1461. Through blood and battle Edward has gained England’s throne, king by right and conquest. Eighteen years old and unstoppable. Cecily has piloted his rise to power and stands at his shoulder now, first to claim the title King’s Mother.
However, to win a throne is not to keep it and war is come again. As brother betrays brother, and trusted cousins turn treacherous, other mothers rise up to fight for other sons. Cecily must focus her will to defeat every challenge. Wherever they come from. Whatever the cost.
For there can be only one King, and only one King’s Mother.
“A novel in a class of its own” AK Blakemore
“History at its most powerful” Jennifer Saint
“Family dynamics at their most fierce – timeless and brilliant” Kate Sawyer
Annie Garthwaite is the author of the highly-acclaimed Cecily. She grew up in a working-class community in the north-east of England before embarking on a thirty-year career in international business. In 2017, she returned to her first love – books – and began writing the story of a lifelong fascination, Cecily Neville.