Hi Bernard,

Regarding my question yesterday in relation to the existence of a Saxon Fort at Durham, I have just found that you explained this in your historical notes section in the book that there is no record of one but given its great defensive position it was likely and all trace was lost with the building of the Castle and Cathedral.(Sorry, should have noted that before posting the question, I was too eager to start reading book four!) There is however a fascinating small chapel within Durham Castle which is obviously Norman built but has a Saxon stone floor and Saxon decoration on its pillars. The tour guild said this was the only example of Normans using others material anywhere in the world as they always built their own. Maybe these items were recycled from an original Saxon building found on the site by the Normans? I found it fascinating anyway and inspired from reading your brilliant books! Thank you.

Just on a further note I am also a huge fan of your Sharpe books and the TV series, again in has inspired me to find out more about this period. I love the Navel side of the Napoleonic period and as such loved Sharpe’s Trafalgar. As a huge fan of the Hornblower series also I have always thought it would be great for Sharpe to meet Hornblower at some point, maybe through their links to the Wellesley family, Sharpe with the Duke of Wellington and Hornblower marrying his fictional sister Lady Barbara? I can just picture Sean Bean and Ioan Gruffudd in in battle together against the French in their blue and green uniforms!

Chris