Dear Mr Cornwell.
I have a question about The Burning Land… you mention that Harald escapes from the battle at Fearnhamme and takes refuge at Torneie Island, near where the River Colaun meets the Temes. In the historical note you identify Torneie Island as Thorney Island and mention it has now disappeared under the sprawl of Heathrow.
I’m wondering if you recall where you got this information? I know there has been a lot of debate about the location of the medieval Thorney Island, but everything I can find about it suggests it was in the Westminster area, and I can find no mention of the Colaun at all. But a location in the Heathrow area makes so much more sense to the story than central London!
Many thanks
Phil.