Your historical novels, in particular the Sharp series, the grail quest and most recently the Saxon stories are a very enjoyable read. However there is always a risk of getting historical or geographical facts wrong! Thus, in your most recent book Aethelred the Mercian’s forces prior to the battle of Farnham are stated as being encamped in Silchester. Where its stated that “they are pissing in the Thames”. The point is that Silchester is nowhere near the River Thames (Temes), the river’s nearest point being 15 miles away at Reading (an Alfredian burgh). Silchester was however, the major regional crossroads of the old Roman road network, despite being a completely abandoned settlement as the Saxons preferred Reading and Basing (5 miles away).

Mike