Monarchs, Murders and Mistresses

This engaging book explores 1000 years of royal history, detailing significant events and personalities in English monarchy, including Monarchs, Murders and Mistresses.

Covering a millennium of royal history, Monarchs, Murders and Mistresses by David Hilliam serves as a comprehensive reference to significant royal events from Alfred the Great to the modern royal family. This engaging volume addresses intriguing questions about the English monarchy, such as which unprepared monarch ruled at the turn of the last millennium and how many have been crowned on St. George's Day. Each entry presents a royal event for every day of the year, providing vivid details and insights into the personalities involved.

The book also highlights the persistent challenges faced by the royal family throughout history. As Shakespeare's Henry IV famously noted, 'Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.' The narrative draws parallels between the past and present, illustrating how the royal family has always been under scrutiny, whether from the press today or from the public centuries ago. For instance, Charles II once felt compelled to apologize to onlookers for his prolonged illness.

Monarchs, Murders and Mistresses brings to life the drama and complexities of being a king or queen. It is entertaining, thought-provoking, and often humorous, making it an ideal gift and reference guide for anyone fascinated by the English monarchy and its storied past.