Celebrating Earth Day today.
Sitting at ease in a medieval rose garden in 1460.

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. Apple blossom looking good.

Some readers, new to my novels, enjoy reading chronologically to follow the path of history.
There is no real reason to do so, since they are all stand-alone novels apart from the Pastons, but here is the order by date/event for those who wish to do so:
www.anneobrienbooks.com/should-anne-...

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. On a gloomy morning, here's a summer view from the top of the mound at Richard's Castle just south of Ludlow, looking over towards the east. A very early castle with little now remaining of the stonework but a splendid vista.

On this day 20th April 1417 died Elizabeth Mortimer at 46 years old, widow of Sir Henry (Hotspur) Percy and wife of Lord Thomas de Camoys. Here buried in the church at Trotton in Sussex next to Lord Thomas. Her mother was Philippa Countess of Ulster grand daughter of King Edward III.

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. Another gorgeous sunrise over the orchards which are now just showing a hint of pink. #cider

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. The oaks beginning to show their summer outlines. A lovely morning with the promise of a perfect day.

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. Bluebells in a very wild patch of shrubbery coming to life in the early sun.

On this day 17th April 1397 Geoffrey Chaucer read from his Canterbury Tales before the Court of King Richard II.
The illustration is from the Frontispiece to his 'Troilus & Criseyde'. It depicts the poet Chaucer standing in a pulpit, reciting his work to the royal audience.

From the Archives.
The atmospheric interior of the Church of St Mary and St David at Kilpeck in Herefordshire with its rounded apse and chancel arch. Mostly famous for its carvings in the Romanesque style by the 12th century Herefordshire School.
A 'must visit' little church!

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. Cowslips, mostly self sown, looking good in dark spots.

A morning in Hereford before the rain descended. As usual a passing nod to Sir Edward and Mr Phoebus, looking over in calm contemplation at the cathedral.

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. The cherry blossom manages to survive the wind, rain and frost. Hoping for some cherries eventually.

On this day 14th April 1471 the battle of Barnet in the Wars of the Roses.
Fought in thick mist on Easter Day, Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, who had changed sides from York to Lancaster, was killed, as was his brother.
Here the Earl of Warwick and his wife Anne Beauchamp from the Rous Roll

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. Dawn at its spectacular best.

Thinking of a trip to Hay on Wye this week. Nothing really to buy in mind, but I never come home from the bookshops empty handed.
A view from the door of Hay Castle looking down into the main street.

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. Frost! Sun just creeping into the lane. Trees still looking wintry.

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. We have now been joined by our summer neighbours.

#onthisday 11th April 1376 was born Roger Mortimer 4th Earl of March at Usk Castle. Son of Edmund Mortimer and Philippa of Clarence who was granddaugter of King Edward III, giving the Mortimers a claim to the English throne.
Mortimer heraldry in St Laurence's Church in Ludlow

Thank you so much to Mercedes @authorrochelle for the splendid 5* review for A Court of Betrayal.
I agree that it is difficult to resist the notorious medieval Mortimer family.
buff.ly/KzF7HTx

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. A damp start in the lane by sun approaching.

On this day 9th April 1483 died Edward IV at the Palace of Westminster. His death was sudden, possibly caused by pneumonia or fever following a fishing trip, possbily from syphilis.
Here Edward with his father Richard Duke of York in the west window in St Laurence's in Ludlow.

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. Trees beginning to look less wintry after the warm spell. All is green and the long shadows are back.

Celebrating today's sunshine.
In a medieval garden. The Lover and Dame Oyseuse outside a walled garden, from a British Library manuscript of the Roman de la Rose c.1490-1500. Fountains and music to add to the pleasure.

Good morning from the Welsh Marches . Another day of sunshine is promised. Goldfinches busy on the seed containers.

A magnificent amelanchier in full bloom. Not even the edges of Storm Dave could spoil it.

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. Spectacular sunrise over the orchards.

Easter Day.
The Resurrection with the Beaufort Arms in the border.
Late 15th century, or early 16th.
In the National Library of Wales, and a rare survival in its original binding.
Its importance also lies in its Beaufort connection to the Royal households of Henry VII and Henry VIII.

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. Easter Day. The beautiful calm after Storm Dave.

Another fine scene from the 13th century Percy Psalter and Book of Hours.
The page shows a couple, she offering up her heraldic shield to her husband while he is clothed in chainmail with a surcoat and carrying his family standard.
Between a hunt is taking place with dogs, a hare and a deer.