The Conqueror (Hot Knights)
Page 37
There are few Saxon property owners listed, and most of those had ties to the Norman hierarchy prior to the conquest. Female names are also seldom encountered, although women property owners were once common. It appears English women lost significant power and status with the coming of the Normans.
In a document such as the Domesday Book, it is the exceptions that pique the interest of the researcher—and the fiction writer. A woman named `Edeva the Fair” is listed as owning land in several shires of England. Most historians think she was probably King Harold’s mistress. But I was struck by her eloquent name and decided to give another interpretation to her story.
Another female property owner listed is a gentlewoman who was permitted to occupy a half of a hide (a unit of measurement) of royal land during the term of the Sheriff of Godric’s office. The reason for the sheriff’s largess? The gentlewoman was teaching the English art of embroidery in gold to the man’s daughter.
These are some of the picturesque details from which I spun a story of love and betrayal, trust and treachery.
I hope you enjoyed The Conqueror. And please look for the other books in my “Hot Knights” series, coming soon: The Leopard, The Champion and The Warrior.
Happy reading,
Mary Gillgannon
http://www.marygillgannon.com
P.S. I always enjoy hearing from readers. You can email me at mgillgannon1@hotmail.com.
Books By Mary Gillgannon
Dragon of the Island
Dragon’s Dream
The Dragon Prince
The Dragon Bard
Beyond the Sea Mist
Storm Maiden
Devil’s Own Bargain
Earl of Scandal
The Silver Wheel Saga:
Lady of the Moon
The Raven of Death
The Silver Wheel
The Conqueror
The Leopard
The Champion
The Warrior
About the Author
Mary Gillgannon writes romance novels set in the dark ages, medieval and English Regency time periods and fantasy and historical novels with Celtic influences. Her print books have been published in Russia, China, the Netherlands and Germany. Raised in the Midwest, she now lives in Cheyenne, Wyoming where she works at the Laramie County Library.
She is married and has two grown children. When not working or writing she enjoys gardening, traveling and reading, of course!
She always enjoys hearing from readers. You can write her at P.O. Box 2052, Cheyenne, WY 82003, or contact her through her website: http://marygillgannon.com or email at mgillgannon1@hotmail.com.