Harvington Hall History Festival

1:30pm, Wednesday, 23 July

Harvington Hall, Harvington Hall Lane, Harvington, Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY10

MOTHERS-IN-WAR: MEET THE WOMEN OF THE WARS OF THE ROSES

In conversation with Dr Nicola Tallis.

Accounts of the Wars of the Roses are dominated by men – kings and kingmakers, traitors and tyrants. But maybe it was the women calling the shots? In conversation with historian Nicola Tallis, Annie reveals how the wars were shaped by powerful mothers, driving the action and risking their lives to secure the throne for their sons. From Cecily Neville, matriarch of House York, to Margaret Beaufort, mother of the Tudor dynasty, she traces the risks they took – and the terrible prices they paid.

Annie Garthwaite is the acclaimed author of two novels that bring the women of the Wars of the Roses to life. Cecily (Penguin Viking 2021) was named a 'top pick' by The Times and Sunday Times, a 'Best Book of 2021' by independent bookshops and Waterstones, and has recently been optioned for television. The King's Mother (Penguin Viking 2024) was named ‘Book of the Month’ by The Times immediately on publication. Annie came to writing after a 30-year international business career, determined to cast light on a female history so often overlooked.

Book signing available 

Details and tickets here.