The Savoy Palace

Utterly destroyed in the Peasants Revolt. But the Savoy Hotel is built on the site and, viewed from the Thames, it gives a superb idea of the extent and dominance of this incredible building that was completely laid waste. One of the finest palaces in Europe, with a wealth of valuable items collected by the Duke of Lancaster, it remains a matter of great regret that it is lost to us along with all its treasures.

Dartington Hall

John Holland’s new home was derelict by the 1920s, when it was rebuilt as the present Dartington Hall.

Burford Manor

The present Burford manor was erected in the reign of George II. Some remains of an earlier manor, presumably that of Sir John Cornewall, have been discovered in the gardens and beneath the present manor after an archaeological investigation.

Pultney House

No trace remains.

The Church of Holy Trinity, Pleshey

The church was rebuilt in the eighteenth century and contains no trace of the burial there of John Holland.

Ampthill Castle

More famous now for its associations with Henry VIII and particularly Katherine of Aragon, who was living there when news reached her of her divorce, Ampthill Castle in Bedfordshire no longer exists. Katherine’s Cross marks the place where it once stood.

www.ampthillhistory.co.uk



QUESTIONS FOR YOUR READING GROUP

  1. What do you think of Elizabeth of Lancaster? What appeals to you about her, and what doesn’t?

  2. John Holland makes an unusual hero. A complex character, with a notorious and turbulent temper, he had more enemies than friends in his day. Is it possible for us to understand Elizabeth’s love for him?

  3. ‘Frankly wanton and highly sexed.’ Does Elizabeth deserve this epithet by a modern historian?

  4. Elizabeth’s first husband was a child of eight years, when she was adult at seventeen. Such diversity of age was not un known. Can we understand her impatience with this situation, even though she might accept the need for a dynastic alliance?

  5. What is the driving force behind John Holland? Can we believe that his wooing of Elizabeth and his love for her were genuine? Or was it purely ambition?

  6. At the centre of this story is the heartbreak of Elizabeth’s loyalties in the aftermath of rebellion. How would you have reacted? Do we praise her or condemn her?

  7. We meet some old friends. What role does Katherine Swynford play here? Would her own lifestyle have had any influence on Elizabeth’s view of morality and marriage?

  8. How hard do you think it was for Elizabeth to accept her part in the outcome of the Epiphany Rising? Is it possible to come to terms with guilt of such major proportions and move on with your life?

  9. Henry IV was faced with a difficult kingdom, suffering unrest in the wake of the overthrow of Richard, as well as financial weaknesses. Does this help us to understand his uncompromising stance with regard to John Holland and his sister?

10. Elizabeth accepts her role in her brother’s new kingdom, the lot of many medieval women. But did she have more independence than many?

11. Apart from Elizabeth and John, which character in The King’s Sister appeals most strongly to you?


ALSO BY ANNE O'BRIEN



THE KING’S SISTER

THE SCANDALOUS DUCHESS

THE FORBIDDEN QUEEN

THE KING’S CONCUBINE

DEVIL’S CONSORT

VIRGIN WIDOW



ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

All my thanks to my agent, Jane Judd, who, in the beginning, was willing to take on my fixation with medieval women. Her continuing support and enthusiasm for me and the voiceless women of the English Middle Ages are beyond praise.

Also my profound thanks to Sally Williamson at MIRA, who burrows under the skin of my characters with as much tenacity as I do. Her insight is invaluable. And to all the staff at MIRA whose professional commitment has enabled Elizabeth of Lancaster to live again.

And my thanks to Helen Bowden and all at Orphans Press. Their expertise in dealing with website matters, genealogy and maps is exceptional. I could not manage without them.

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