Bulletin Board

Hi Bernard,

This is following on from an earlier question posed by a fellow fan regarding shield decorations. Like you said in your reply, there weren't many badges or symbols denoting families, clans, or warlords except for the standards (bloody axes, skulls, or a goose as described in the Saxon Chronicles) during the Dark Ages. It wasn't until medieval times when elaborate heraldry - with particular meanings - began to appear. I believe Celtic and Dark Age shield design was mainly more a matter of choice in style and colour. Back to heraldry, however, it was necessary for me to invent an entirely new design for a character of my own creation. Set during the Wars of the Roses, Sir Cecil of Kinlet - nicknamed 'The Raven' - has a black raven, clutching a bloodied white rose (thus rendering it to the red rose of Lancaster), set upon a gold field representing his allegiance to King Henry VI. Simple, but effectively foreboding! There is an online game called 'War of the Roses' where players can create their own soldiers and coat of arms. Great fun!

Robert Douglas

I love reading these series of books. I actually think I am in the time and place  possibly due to my vivid imagination due to reading Ivanhoe as a young girl.  Your books are beyond excellence. Thank you and I also come from Saxon origins

Jill Chart

Happy 72nd Birthday Bernard-its already the 23rd down here.Cheers mate.

Wayne

Just wanted you to know how much your books mean to me. The first I read was Agincourt then Archer Tale. I loved them. I have been reading about your Saxon for years I can't wait for the next. Your battles make me feel I'm there. I'm 58 yr woman who has enjoyed the times I spent with the books and just wanted to thank you.

Deborah Dodds

Dear Mr Cornwell,

I'm a great fan of yours & have all your Sharpe & Starbuck novels, among many others. Every few years, I check your website to see if there is any sign that you are ready to write the next Starbuck novel. With the similarities between Sharpe & Starbuck's characters & era, I totally understand that you'd prefer not to write about them both at the same time but now that it's been 20 years since The Bloody Ground was published & a good few years since your last Sharpe novel, I (& a good few of my friends who also love your books) hope that you'll think hard about resurrecting Starbuck now? Go on! He's too big a star to leave with his story only half told.

Yours respectfully & hopefully

Chris

Hello Again Bernard

Thanks for answering my Greatest Britain Question..I liked your choices. I would put Henry the Second near the top too!

I didn't realize I could share a video with you!

I llke this..especially the bit with the flute...

Enjoy!

Matt

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEaRiGZBmw0

I have just finished the last Sharpe story - Sharpe's Devil and thoroughly enjoyed them all. I read them in chronological order so during the sea battle in 'Devil' he was unable to share his thoughts on Nelson in 'Trafalgar' with Cochran, which is a shame!  As a schoolboy in England in the late 50s early 60s the history of the Peninsular War was sadly neglected - so your historical notes, and storylines, filled in a great gap and reminded me that as an Englishman there's much to be proud of! I passed through Vitoria in 1970 and saw Wellington's memorial, and now I see it in context. I'm going back to Sharpe's Christmas and think I will enjoy it more having read all the stories. Thanks for a great series. I've read 'Rebel' so will now carry on with the Starbuck series.

Chris Cuerden

English History was always my favourite subject at school but it had been over 50 years since then. I love reading all sorts of subjects but most prefer stories with historical leanings. Never having read any of you books until last year I picked up a Sharpe book in a charity shop (sorry about that).Then being given a Kindle I started at the first book and read the whole series back to back and was enthralled. Then followed up with the Starbuck Chronicles. Would have been a Grey ghost myself. Now on fifth book of The Last Kingdom. Brilliant stories, brilliant plots, superbly written. Thank you..

Brian West

 

Hi Bernard

I just wanted to say thank you for all of your books over the years. They have been my constant companion through all of lifes ups and downs and I have to sometimes the only thing that have kept me sane 😁  Any way as I say I just wanted to thank you - I never did with Terry Pratchett another of my favourite authors and someone who is greatly missed - and I feel you guys give so much pleasure to so many you should be thanked. That is my real name by the way 😊

Saxon Chadwick

Dear Bernard

I enjoy reading your books the Saxon series.  I find that I can read one of your books within three days because they are so enjoyable. I’m up to The Empty Throne and will be picking that up this weekend.  I think you are an extremely talented writer that describes the entire scene and that is what draws me into these books.  It would be a pleasure shaking your hand and if you sign books in the U.S please post it on your website.

Thank you for your time

Michael Morin