Mary of Carisbrooke

This is a well-written work of historical fiction that is woven around Mary Floyd, a young woman who really lived during the Cromwellian civil war in England in which an embattled King Charles I, the last absolute monarch of England, fought Oliver Cromwell for control of England and for his crown. Mary Floyd lived in Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight, where her father, Silas Floyd, was sergeant of the garrison of soldiers stationed at the castle, and his sister and Mary's aunt, Drucilla Wheeler, was its housekeeper. Mary's life was to change considerably when the much beleaguered King Charles I sought succor and refuge at Carisbrooke Castle. Fleeing from his enemies, the Roundheads, as Oliver Cromwell's followers were known, King Charles I hoped that from the relative safety of the castle, he might be able to bargain with Cromwell. Moreover, the islanders were, for the most part, fiercely loyal to the King. Unfortunately, at Carisbrooke Castle the King would ultimately find betrayal. Still, Mary would prove to be a most loyal servant of the King, smuggling letters to and from the King, at great danger to herself. This is Mary's story, and it is through her eyes that the reader sees the historical events of the time unfold. Cast amidst political intrigues and danger surrounding the last absolute monarch of England, her beautifully crafted story is one that should capture the imagination of all those with an interest in the Stuart dynasty. Rich in period detail and replete with the historical personages that would leave their mark for generations to come, this is a vibrant and well-told story.

This is a well-written work of historical fiction that is woven around Mary Floyd, a young woman who really lived during the Cromwellian civil war in England in which an embattled King Charles I, the last absolute monarch of England, fought Oliver Cromwell for control of England and for his crown. Mary Floyd lived in Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight, where her father, Silas Floyd, was sergeant of the garrison of soldiers stationed at the castle, and his sister and Mary's aunt, Drucilla Wheeler, was its housekeeper. Mary's life was to change considerably when the much beleaguered King Charles I sought succor and refuge at Carisbrooke Castle. Fleeing from his enemies, the Roundheads, as Oliver Cromwell's followers were known, King Charles I hoped that from the relative safety of the castle, he might be able to bargain with Cromwell. Moreover, the islanders were, for the most part, fiercely loyal to the King. Unfortunately, at Carisbrooke Castle the King would ultimately find betrayal. Still, Mary would prove to be a most loyal servant of the King, smuggling letters to and from the King, at great danger to herself. This is Mary's story, and it is through her eyes that the reader sees the historical events of the time unfold. Cast amidst political intrigues and danger surrounding the last absolute monarch of England, her beautifully crafted story is one that should capture the imagination of all those with an interest in the Stuart dynasty. Rich in period detail and replete with the historical personages that would leave their mark for generations to come, this is a vibrant and well-told story.