Hello Mr. Cornwell,

I was intrigued to read, in a foreword to the Saxon Stories, that you have discovered that you are a direct descendant of a man called Uhtred.  I am a keen family historian, and very much enjoy hearing about peoples’ links to heroes of the past.  I am guessing that somewhere in your family tree, you have a gateway ancestor.
I have recently been thrilled to find a gateway ancestor in my own tree (Very briefly, I’m descended from Edward Sutton, 5th Baron Dudley and his mistress, who was called, “a lewd and infamous woman.” Old Edward took great care of his illegitimate offspring, but one descendant ended up running off with a Welsh Redcoat. Hence the descendants became coalminers; how the mighty are fallen!).  It’s opened up an entire canvas of famous, and infamous people.  One of them is your, “Billy,”, William de Bohun.
So who, amongst your ancestors, is your favourite?
Your books are superb – please keep them coming; I still live in hope that some filmmaker will take up a challenge of filming your Warlord Chronicles one day!
Very Best Wishes,
Susan Winch