Mr Cornwell,
My wife and I would like to ask you a quick question, if we may?
We’ve both just finished reading your most recent “Utred of Bebbanburg” novel, whilst on our honeymoon, having just been married in Bamburgh Castle. We live just down the coast, near Coquet Island.
Though there are probably far more normal things to discuss whilst honeymooning, we (she a Royal Air Force officer, and I an Army officer) were discussing the merits of different approaches to the castle.
Obviously, the castle as it is today is hugely different from how it would have been in Utred’s day, but one of the key things we were wondering was where you envisioned the sea gate to be? As I’m sure you’re aware, there is currently no harbour around Bamburgh, and certainly not one big enough to need four ships to blockade it. The castle has a small gate on the landward side of the north west corner, but that would surely be pointing the wrong way?
We fully accept that the castle is very different today, and that you have an inherent right to artistic licence, so please don’t take this as anything other than a question out of curiosity- we are in no way challenging your historiography…but it seemed a nice way to while away the hours drinking cocktails in the Pacific sun!
Thank-you for your time,
Abi and Adam