The King’s Mother - An Evening with Annie Garthwaite and Dr Nicola Tallis

A conversation between best-selling author Annie Garthwaite and historian Dr Nicola Tallis on Annie's latest novel The King's Mother

1461. Through blood and battle Edward has gained England’s throne – king by right and conquest – eighteen years old and unstoppable. Cecily has piloted his rise to power and stands at his shoulder now, first to claim the title King’s Mother.

But to win a throne is not to keep it and war is come again. As brother betrays brother, and trusted cousins turn treacherous, other mothers rise up to fight for other sons. Cecily must focus her will to defeat every challenge. Wherever they come from. Whatever the cost.

For there can be only one King, and only one King’s Mother.

From the Wars of the Roses to the dawn of the Tudor age, this is a story of mothers and sons; of maternal ferocity and female ambition - of all they can build and all they can destroy.

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Annie Garthwaite is the author of the highly-acclaimed Cecily. She grew up in a working-class community in the north-east of England before embarking on a thirty-year career in international business. In 2017, she returned to her first love - books - and began writing the story of a lifelong fascination, Cecily Neville.

Dr Nicola Tallis is a British historian and researcher. Her debut book, Crown of Blood: The Deadly Inheritance of Lady Jane Grey, was published to wide praise. She has previously lectured at the University of Winchester and worked with Historic Royal Palaces and the National Trust.

This event will be in-person only and won't be streamed or recorded. Doors to the Cathedral library will open at 6pm.