It’s launch day - my new book THE BONE CHESTS is out today!!
The extraordinary story of the six mortuary chests in Winchester cathedral.
Perched high up on the stone choir in the heart of the cathedral, the chests contain 1400 years of remarkable history: 8 kings, 2 bishops, 1 formidable queen.
These remains encompass the history of England from its earliest kingdoms, through the Viking invasions, and the Norman conquest.
THE BONE CHESTS tells the story of these bones through a millennium of British history: the story of both the seekers and the sought; of those who protected the bones and those who spurned them; and of the methods used to investigate.
Out in bookshops and as ebook & audiobook now!
#history #Winchester #winchestermortuarychests #thebonechests #archaeology #vikingage #emma #alfredthegreat #cnut #anglosaxons #catjarman
Exciting news! My brand new podcast with @charles.earl.spencer and @revrichardcoles launches tomorrow!
It’s called The Rabbit Hole Detectives and is all about the history of…. Stuff. Each week, we fall into weird and wonderful rabbit holes as we discuss the history of objects and concepts, real and imaginary.
This has been so much fun to work on - Richard and Charles are really knowledgeable and both hilarious. We really hope you enjoy it!
Available on all podcast platforms. Please help spread the word, subscribe & share if you can!
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#history #podcasts #rabbitholedetectives #newpodcast #objects #richardcoles #charlesspencer #catjarman
So…. I had some news today! Apparently, River Kings is going to be on the Sunday Times bestseller list this weekend, at no. 6!!!
I’m so, so happy but also totally and utterly shell shocked. This is my absolute dream: I’ve wanted to write books for as long as I can remember.
Definitely celebrating this tonight!!
#riverkings #bookstagram #waterstones #archaeology #history #vikings #harpercollins #sundaytimesbestseller
I’ve been to Oslo this week to continue my work helping to advise on the content of the new Museum of the Viking Age. We got a sneak preview inside: I’m not allowed to share photos but it’s STUNNING. Even better than I thought! The ships have safely been moved into their new locations - see @vikingtidsmuseet for videos.
It’s due to open next year.
I also got to show @charles.earl.spencer around my hometown again, celebrating both our anniversary and his one year without alcohol 🥰
Sunday snuggles 😍
Embla and Oda have been reunited with their mums after we had to separate them for a few months to be weaned. They seem to have created a really lovely bond, preferring each other’s company most of the time! They still love getting muddy and covered in leaves though. 😣
#Alpacas #althorpalpacas
The perfect, sunny day to explore the Park with @charles.earl.spencer . Almost exactly a year ago, I had my first ever riding lesson and I’m so pleased we can now ride together and enjoy days like this.
Aslan, Charles’ new ex-police horse is settling in really well in his semi-retirement here with us. He’s got a brilliant character and seems to enjoy life far away from the noisy streets of London!
#althorp #althorphouse #horseloversofinstagram #yearofthehorse
With the year nearly over, I’m racing to finish my next writing project. This one is taking me in a brand new and exciting direction, while sticking to the core themes that connect all my research and writing. I can’t wait to share the details!
Current word count: 80% of what it’s meant to be… wish me luck. 😩
#writing #authorlife #deadlineapproaching
Something I never thought I’d be able to do when I was diagnosed with MS nine years ago: shooting arrows from the back of a fast moving horse. 😅
I’d give anything to be able to go back to that 2016 version of me, terrified that it was the end of my life as I knew it, to tell her this is where I’d be in 2025: I thought I’d never be able to use my right arm again, and believed, like I was told, that I’d have less than a decade before my body would fail me.
Because of the excellent care I got from the NHS and amazing advancements in treatment options, I’m now fitter than I’ve ever been and there’s no reason to think I’ll ever deteriorate.
But - this past year, having been forced to reveal my previously secret disability because someone callously and maliciously chose to share it without my knowledge and tell lies about it - has been horrendous beyond belief.
I am so grateful to @charles.earl.spencer for all his love and support and for encouraging me to take up riding as a distraction. To actually hit a few targets in a trot this week, nine months after my first ever riding lesson, feels like a massive F*** Y** to MS!
