Lions of the North: An action-packed medieval mystery from the bestselling author

Ralph Delchard and Gervase Bret travel England examining issues raised in the Domesday Book, discovering that where matters of property are concerned, there are often dangerous and violent consequences. A wealthy Yorkshire merchant's castle is guarded by his pet lions, who make a meal of an anonymous young man attempting to gain entry, leading Delchard and Bret to wonder what was at stake.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 18 February 2021
Publisher: Allison & Busby

Ralph Delchard, a former soldier in the infamous Battle of Hastings, and Gervase Bret, a skilled lawyer, embark on a journey across England, diligently examining the challenges encountered during the compilation of data for the Domesday Book, a vast survey commissioned by William the Conqueror. Their exploration uncovers a startling reality: where property matters are concerned, there are often perilous and violent repercussions. The king's domain is a perilous realm. A wealthy Yorkshire merchant, secure in the protection of his castle, guarded by his beloved pet lions, finds himself astonished when the beasts devour an anonymous young man attempting to gain entry. Delchard and Bret, driven by curiosity, delve into the underlying motivations behind such a suicidal act. Despite their noble mission, they cannot resist the urge to uncover the truth behind the stakes involved.

The Domesday Book

The Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of the country commissioned by William the Conqueror, aimed to gather detailed information about the land, its inhabitants, and their assets. The survey was conducted in 1086 and resulted in a detailed record that provided valuable insights into the social, economic, and political landscape of medieval England.

Ralph Delchard and Gervase Bret

Ralph Delchard and Gervase Bret were two prominent figures who played crucial roles in the compilation of the Domesday Book. Delchard, a former soldier, had firsthand experience of the battles and conflicts that shaped the medieval world. Bret, on the other hand, was a skilled lawyer with a deep understanding of legal matters and property rights.

Their Mission

The duo's mission was to travel across England, visiting various counties and towns, and collecting information from local officials, landowners, and inhabitants. They were tasked with recording the details of land ownership, the number of people living in each village, the types of crops grown, and other relevant information.

Dangerous Consequences

However, their journey was not without its dangers. They frequently encountered conflicts and disagreements with local officials who were reluctant to provide information or who tried to manipulate the data for their own benefit. They also faced the threat of violence from landowners who were unhappy with the results of the survey or who believed that the information could be used against them.

The Case of the Anonymous Young Man

One such incident occurred when Delchard and Bret visited a wealthy Yorkshire merchant who enjoyed the security of his castle, guarded as it was by his pet lions. The beasts, in a fit of rage, devoured an anonymous young man attempting to gain entry. Delchard and Bret were astounded by the incident and wondered why anyone would make such a suicidal effort.

Uncovering the Truth

Determined to uncover the truth, Delchard and Bret began to investigate the circumstances surrounding the young man's death. They interviewed witnesses, examined the castle's security records, and even consulted with experts in animal behavior.

The Stakes Involved

As they dug deeper, they discovered that the young man's death was not just a random act of violence. He was a spy sent by the king's enemies to gather information about the castle's defenses and weaknesses. The merchant, unaware of his true intentions, had unwittingly played a role in the king's enemies' plans.

Conclusion

The journey of Ralph Delchard and Gervase Bret, as they examined the challenges encountered during the compilation of the Domesday Book, revealed a darker side of medieval England. The pair discovered that where matters of property were concerned, there were often dangerous and violent consequences. They also uncovered a plot by the king's enemies to gain access to a castle through an anonymous young man, highlighting the importance of vigilance and security in a time of political instability.

The Legacy of the Domesday Book

The Domesday Book, despite its flaws and controversies, remains a valuable source of information about medieval England. It provides a detailed account of land ownership, population, and economic activity, and has helped historians and scholars understand the social, economic, and political dynamics of the period.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the journey of Ralph Delchard and Gervase Bret, as they examined the challenges encountered during the compilation of the Domesday Book, highlights the perilous nature of the king's domain and the importance of vigilance and security in a time of political instability. The Domesday Book, despite its flaws and controversies, remains a valuable source of information about medieval England, providing insights into the social, economic, and political landscape of the period.

Weight: 224g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780749025892