Fact or Fiction: French Knights in Medieval Scotland?
by Amanda Forester
One
thing I enjoy about writing historical fiction is doing the research. As a history buff, I enjoy learning new
historical facts. For example, I was
surprised to learn that Scotland was almost conquered by the English in
1356. Okay, that’s not terribly
surprising since the Scots were almost conquered by the English many times
throughout history, but this particular time the French were to blame.
On
the eve of a settlement, France entered the picture with a tempting offer. The French were currently at war with England
(in what was later known as the Hundred Year’s War), and had no interest in
seeing peace on the British Isle. So a
legion of French knights sailed off to Scotland and offered 40,000 moutons of
gold if Scotland would agree to go to war with England.
In
1355 the Scots and French invaded northern England. Unfortunately, they underestimated England’s
reserve and at the sight of 80,000 experienced English troops, the French
decided it was time to go home and left the Scots to their fate.
Now
the Scots were in a tight spot. They
retreated, but King Edward declared himself the King of Scotland and threatened
to invade. The Scots realized they
could not survive open warfare against the English, and so relied instead on a
bit of trickery. They sent the Earl of
Douglas to negotiate their surrender, and gained 10 days of a truce. During this time, the Scots retreated back
into the North, taking every scrap of food with them. When King Edward finally marched into
Scotland he found it devoid of all living inhabitants. Unable to live off the land, Edward was
forced to rely on dwindling supplies.
Edward
was enraged at being deceived by Douglas and in vengeance marched into
Scotland, burning and destroying everything in his wake. This was later known as Burnt Candlemas. However, Edward’s wrath was short lived, as
his soldiers were nearing starvation.
The English king was forced to retreat, and the Scots made the most of
harassing the hungry troops as they fled back to England.
This
wonderful bit of history inspired my second and third books in my Highlander
series. In TRUE
HIGHLAND SPIRIT the hero is in fact a French knight. I’m sure readers will probably think I’ve
allowed my imagination to run wild. French knights in Scotland?
Preposterous! And yet, that part of the
book is actually based on fact!
TRUE
HIGHLAND SPIRIT chronicles the initial attack by the French and Scots and the
aftermath. With the independence of
Scotland at stake, who can save them? My
heroine of course! In my book Morrigan develops the plan to repel the English
out of Scotland. And that, my friends,
is pure fiction. This is the best part
about writing historical fiction for me - using the rich historical setting to
spark the imagination and create interesting characters through whose escapades
I can live during fascinating times in history… all without giving up hot
showers or central heating! Happy
reading!
Do you enjoy novels that bring the history to life in the lives of the
characters? What is the right balance
for you between character, plot, and history lesson? Comment on the blog for a chance to win a
copy of TRUE HIGHLAND SPIRIT.
TRUE HIGHLAND SPIRIT
Morrigan
McNab learned to survive with a sword in her hand. Taking command, she is
determined to protect her impoverished clan, no matter the cost. When an
elusive French knight offers gold to fight against England, she joins the call
to arms. Sparks fly on the battlefield as a forbidden passion smolders between
Morrigan and Sir Dragonet. Yet Sir Dragonet holds a secret that will destroy
the hope for a life together, and will make them rivals on a dangerous quest
for a mysterious relic. As they fight beside each other against the English,
and against each other to find the treasure, their love becomes a greater force
than either can control.
4 comments:
What a fascinating guest post! Historical fiction is my favorite genre for the same reason you love to write it. The story doesn't have to end with the last page because I can go research the events and characters afterwards. As far as balance between characters, plot and history lesson, I'd say Elizabeth Chadwick is exceptional in providing the right mixture of all the elements. The history isn't too dry because the plot is mesmerizing and characters are completely three dimensional.
I find it fun to read historical romances esp scottish romances. I learn what things were like hundreds of years ago plus get to picture the landscape, the hunky man in the kilt with the sexy accent & dream I'm the heroine. Historical romances let me do what I love read a love story yet learn alittle about the past.
Motorlips19@aol.com
I <3 historical fiction because it gives me just enough spice to hang the actual lesson onto. I find it pretty easy to separate out the fact/fiction, especially when there's an author's note at the end to confirm my suspicions. But I do love remembering a historical fact, then realising that it was a fictional adventure that helped me remember it.
Your book looks great! :D
I love history and historical fiction because it can take me back in time and forget about today's problems.
The book sounds great. It is now on my reading list.
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