To celebrate the release of Blood and White Roses, the second novel in the Bethany Mortimer series, we caught up with passionate medievalist and author, Rebekah Fanning, to find out what to expect from this thrilling tale of a female Yorkist spy…
Hello, Rebekah! How would you describe the character of Bethany Mortimer?
Bethany Mortimer is a strong, independent woman who doesn’t let her visual impairment get in the way of a life well lived. She has a bright, enquiring mind, and a deep affinity to her ancestors.
In the novel, Bethany embraces a new calling as a Yorkist spy – why have you chosen to tell this story from the perspective of a Yorkist supporter, rather than a Lancastrian?
I have been a loyal follower of the House of York since October 1987. My interest in this period was sparked during a stay with my step-grandparents in Heworth Green, which witnessed one of the first skirmishes to ignite the Wars of the Roses. My interest in the Yorkists was further ignited after a visit to Monk Bar, where the Richard III Experience used to be housed. From that day forward, I have immersed myself in medieval history!
Wow! Which Heworth Green skirmish proved so crucial in kicking off the Wars of the Roses?
In August 1453, a wedding party consisting of Sir Thomas Neville and his new wife, Maud Stanhope, was returning from Tattershall Castle in Lincolnshire to Sheriff Hutton Castle in Yorkshire, when they were ambushed by the Percy family…
The novel is set during the aftermath of the Battle of Towton, a key battle of the Wars of the Roses. Do you think that our readers may be surprised to learn that this bloody battle occurred on their doorstep?
Yes, many readers may well be surprised that such a bloody and fierce battle once occurred at Towton, especially as the location of the battle is a picture of tranquillity nowadays, with a well-defined walking trail that meanders around open fields and down to a beautiful wooden bridge, over the Cock Beck.
The first novel in the series, Candles and White Roses, featured historical figures like Sir William Oldhall and Richard, Duke of York. Which real-life figures can readers expect to meet in Blood and White Roses?
Readers can expect to encounter King Edward IV, Richard Earl of Warwick (the Kingmaker), George Duke of Clarence, Maud Stanhope, Richard Duke of Gloucester (later King Richard III),
and many more.
You’ve been researching Richard III for over 30 years now – why do you think he remains such an enduring figure of interest?
During his short reign, he extended the principles of good justice that his father, Richard Duke of York (1411-1460), oversaw and promoted. However, the main reason for me is that King Richard III was England’s true King, and even more importantly, he was flesh and blood, like all of us. A complex personality who lived a principled life and tried to do his very best in every situation…
Visit www.bookguild.co.uk/bookshop/historical/blood-and-white-roses to purchase Blood and White Roses. Visit www.bookguild.co.uk/our-authors/rebekah-fanning to find out more about Rebekah.
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