Book 1 in the Legends of the North series
MARMION
A TALE OF FLODDEN FIELD
Follow the Marmion Flodden Trail in North Northumberland and visit castles, bridges, wells, churches, camps and the site of the Battle of Flodden itself where a tour is available
Significant sections of Scott’s Marmion are set in Northumberland during the reign of King Henry VIII when King James IV of Scotland invaded Northern England. The battle that ensued came to be known as The Battle of Flodden Field and was one of the biggest and bloodiest battles ever fought between the Scots and the English. The Scottish casualty numbers were high and King James died in battle.
In this book you will find historical information, maps and walking routes to help you discover locations relevant to the battle and the novel. Also in these pages are poetry, art and songs inspired by the story of Marmion and the Battle of Flodden Field.
Immerse yourself in Scott’s tale of pride, honour, loyalty and betrayal and do so in the landscape in which it was set.
Book 2 in the Legends of the North series
“The Hermit of Warkworth”
The Hermit of Warkworth is a reproduction of an old and once famous story of star crossed love, battles between Northumbrians and Scots and the kidnapping and rescue of a maiden followed by a great tragedy. The tale is narrated by Sir Bertram of Bothal who now lives as a hermit. Despite the high drama there is an upbeat ending to the story.
This story is set in Northumberland at a time when vassal lords ruled the region after both the Earl of Northumberland and his son the famed Harry Hotspur had been killed in battles against King Henry IV. The heir to the earldom was banished to Scotland as a child, but will the young Percy return to claim his rightful seat and restore Northumberland to its former glory ?
With illustrations from the original publication of the book by a brilliant wood engraver and author of natural history books Thomas Bewick who’s home is a National Trust property near Stocksfield in Northumberland.
About the editor
Dan Ashton, a son of Northumberland who moved south but after returning rediscovered what he had left behind. Being brought up with Northumbrian folk music, rural beekeeping, country fairs and hill walking he found that the south of England had no compensation for these rustic charms so returned after a long period of absence. Only partly out of a sense of nostalgia or homesickness Dan hosted (mostly) folk music concerts while living in Bristol 8 years and did tour booking for a few acoustic musicians of repute. On returning to the Kingdom of Northumbria he rekindled a deep sense of place.. That connection is further enhanced by learning and rediscovering the history, legends and songs which relate to the landscape and people of the locale. In among working on old country houses for the day job Dan tries to keep the family tradition of beekeeping going while discovering long diseased Northern poets and rambling with his collie dog in the landscapes their poems are set in. Along with the other four books in this series to follow, Dan is also recording poems by Northumbrian poets set to music so join the mailing list to keep updated.
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