It began as a simple drive to see my daughter. I was listening to an audiobook about Eleanor of Aquitaine and her son, Richard the Lionheart, when something unexpected happened — a moment of emotion so intense it still lingers years later.

In northern France, on an August day in 1346, the air grew heavy with dust, blood and the brutal sounds of war.

At only sixteen years old, Edward of Woodstock, heir to the English throne, stood at Crécy on the cusp of manhood. The boy who would later be known as the Black Prince commanded not with hesitation but with striking confidence. By the time the battle cries began to fade, he had carved his name into history, proving that youth was no barrier to greatness on the field of war.

Yet long before he stepped upon his first battlefield, Edward of Woodstock had been marked out for greatness.

Those of us in the history fan community had been waiting in keen anticipation for the release of BBC’s King & Conqueror. A big-budget series on the Battle of Hastings? Of course we were curious.

But now that it’s aired in the UK, the chatter online hasn’t been what many had hoped. Instead of applause, there’s been a storm of criticism over its historical accuracy.

And here’s where I need to confess something: I am one of those people who yells at the TV when history gets twisted. You should have heard me during Vikings! And don’t get me started on Richard the Lionheart’s death in Robin Hood…

This, of course, is not a new debate. From Braveheart to the present day, every time Hollywood or television takes on the past, sparks fly over how much truth has been sacrificed for the sake of drama.

There’s something about the clang of steel on steel, the scent of woodsmoke, and the flutter of banners against a winter sky that always stirs something in me.

Every July, the Abbey Medieval Festival transforms a quiet corner of Southeast Queensland into a place where centuries collide, where knights ride, artisans craft, and crowds gather to glimpse the echoes of the past. Over the years, I’ve been quite a few times, not just for the living drama, but for the way it makes me feel - grounded, curious, and quietly connected to something far older than myself.

Edward III’s early reign was forged in fire — rebellion, betrayal, and the burden of legacy.

He had grown up in a court bruised by betrayal, where the marriage of his parents had unravelled and loyalties lay in ruins. His father had been deposed and died, , all in the midst of scandal and subterfuge. His mother now ruled alongside her lover, Roger Mortimer, a man some whispered was king in all but name.

When I first began dreaming of a tour dedicated to the extraordinary women of the Plantagenet era, one name kept rising to the surface—Sharon Bennett Connolly. A best-selling author, respected historian, and passionate storyteller, Sharon has made it her mission to uncover the lives of medieval women and return them to their rightful place in history.

With eight published books, a Fellowship with the Royal Historical Society, and experience ranging from castle tour guiding to co-hosting the podcast A Slice of Medieval, Sharon brings both heart and expertise to every page she writes. Her words don’t just tell stories—they bring voices back to life.

In this special conversation, I was thrilled to ask Sharon five questions that dive into her historical passions, the women who inspire her, and why these stories still matter today.

What if you didn’t just visit the past… but walked right into it, as it was being built?

Tucked away in a quiet corner of rural France, Guédelon Castle is a living medieval construction site. A real 13th-century castle, rising stone by stone through the hands of modern artisans using ancient techniques.

In this blog, let’s take a journey through the sounds, smells, and stories of that incredible place, not just as observers, but as if we’ve stepped into the pages of a historical novel. The characters we meet are craftsmen and women, the setting is alive, and we’re not reading the story… we’re inside it.

Edward II: A Crown Too Heavy explores the life of one of England’s most misunderstood monarchs. Rather than focusing solely on politics and scandal, this reflective piece looks at Edward as a man — shaped by longing, loss, and the heavy expectations of a crown he was never meant to wear. Through themes of love, loyalty, and emotional vulnerability, this post offers a deeply human lens on a king whose story still echoes through history.

Step into history and discover the untold stories of the remarkable women who shaped the Plantagenet era. Explore the lives of powerful heroines like Cecily Neville, Katherine Swynford, and others on an unforgettable historical tour that takes you to iconic locations like Lacock Abbey and Lincoln Castle.

Strong-willed, strategic, and often ruthless, Edward I left a legacy that shaped medieval Britain in both admirable and deeply troubling ways. From battlefields in Wales and Scotland to his tender devotion as a husband, this is the story of a king both feared and revered.

The troubadours of medieval France were more than poets and musicians—they were the voice of chivalry and love. Emerging in the courts of Aquitaine, their art flourished under the patronage of Eleanor of Aquitaine and her descendants. But their influence went beyond poetry, often carrying subtle political messages and critiques. From courtly love to coded messages, these highly sought-after entertainers shaped medieval culture.

Read on to discover the world of these lyrical storytellers and their ties to the Plantagenet dynasty.

Crowned at just nine years old, Henry III ascended the throne in the shadow of his father, King John, whose turbulent reign left England reeling. While it seemed things could hardly worsen, the challenges Henry faced were monumental. Yet, amid the strife of the threat of French invasion and baronial rebellion, this young king would leave his own mark on history through his enduring contributions to art, architecture, and culture. From the chaos of civil war to the grandeur of Westminster Abbey, join us as we delve into the highs and lows of Henry III’s remarkable reign, a story of resilience, creativity, and legacy.

Solo female travel is on the rise, offering women the freedom to explore the world on their own terms. This blog addresses the unique considerations solo women travellers face, including safety, companionship, cultural navigation, and planning stress. Whether you're a seasoned solo adventurer or taking your first steps, discover empowering insights and practical tips for making your journey unforgettable.

Beyond the turbulent reign of King John lies a monumental moment that reshaped history: Magna Carta. This charter, born out of tension and rebellion, was once a failed peace treaty for baronial rights but has evolved into a cornerstone of democratic principles worldwide. In this post, we explore the unexpected heroes behind the scenes, the ripple effect on common lives, and the perspectives of those who stood at Runnymede on that fateful day. Join us in unravelling the legacy of Magna Carta and pondering its far-reaching impact.

Our journey begins...

As many of you may already know, Plantagenet Discoveries isn’t a big, faceless company, it’s very personal. My passion project—a labour of love that’s been growing for over two decades, fueled by every story of the Middle Ages that captured my heart. Each tale, each historical figure, and every piece of research ignited a spark that grew into this dream.

Enjoy the story of our first tour. I can’t wait to share more with you!

Welcome to the latest installment in our discovery of the Plantagenets! Join me as we traverse the tumultuous reign of a monarch whose infamy precedes him - that of Bad King John.

Inheriting a legacy of grandeur and expectation, John was thrust into a position of unparalleled power. Sadly for him, though, he stumbled, faltered, and ultimately failed to live up to the legacy of his forebears. Within the chaos of his rule lie tales of defiance, brutality, murder and rebellion. From the shadowed corridors of medieval power to the windswept battlefields where men clashed in defiance of tyranny, John’s story has divided historians for decades and continues to do so even today.

Step back in time with us as we continue our discovery into the remarkable era of the Plantagenets, this time shining a spotlight on the legendary Richard the Lionheart (Cœur de Lion).

Renowned for his prowess as a warrior king, Richard's indomitable spirit gave him many triumphs, including the 3rd Crusade, earning him lasting acclaim. Yet, as we explore his 10-year reign, we'll uncover the twists of fate that led to his capture on the journey home—a dramatic chapter in the life of this iconic monarch. Stay tuned for an insider's look at the highs and lows of Richard's reign, culminating in his untimely death and departure from the stage of medieval history.

The 35 year reign of Henry II, was a period teeming with controversy, conflict and betrayal. Yet, amidst the tumult, this vibrant and dynamic monarch carved out an extraordinary empire that stretched from the Scottish borders to the foothills of the Pyrenees. Henry’s rule was remarkable - a time of transformative government and groundbreaking legal reforms that would echo through the corridors of history for centuries to come.

The pivotal moment in history that unfolded after the passing of Henry I in the 12th century, gave birth to what would become known as “the anarchy.” England, a kingdom celebrated for its justice, peace, prosperity, and piety, was now unrecognisably torn asunder, plunged into an abyss of discord, shattered loyalties, and insurrection. It is no wonder it was said this haunting chapter of English history was “a time when Christ and his saints slept”.

Building upon the foundation laid in Part 1 of my blog series, let us journey through the catastrophic events that resulted from the young heir’s demise in 1120.

No one could have imagined how, on a chilly November day in 1120, an overindulgence of wine, together with the courageous actions of a loving brother, would lead to a tragedy that would completely alter the course of history. When the White Ship sank off the coast of Barfleur, this single event that would go down in history as the greatest maritime disaster of the Middle Ages, would herald in a royal dynasty that would forever reshape the landscape of Medieval England.

In the coming weeks, we will discover the riveting saga of the Plantagenet Dynasty, a line of rulers that would totally transform England, laying the foundation for monarchy, democracy and society as we know it today.