I just finished reading your latest book War Lord. I enjoyed it. However I like to comment on the kingdom of Northumbria. I would like to note that the border between the Kingdom of Scotland and England was not settled until 1237 with the Treaty of York. In that treaty Alexander II gave up his rights to Northern England. It is interesting that Scotland lost Northumbria because of the death of two men. Prince Henry, son of David I, died leaving 3 male minor children. David designated Malcolm his successor as King of Scotland, William as Earl of Northumbria, and David as Earl of Huntington. David I died shortly after his son . Henry II of England had no objection to Malcolm, or David getting their inheritance, however he deprived William his. This denial of Williams inheritance, was going to cause problems between the two Kingdoms for years, especially after William became King of Scotland after the passing of Malcolm. William lost to Henry II, with his invasion of England, he regain the southern part of Scotland under Richard. Almost regained Northern England under Richard as well, however they could not come to agreement on who would control key castles/fortress’s. Alexander II, supported the Baron’s revolt against King John, His claim to Northern England recognized under Magna Carta. He invaded England with the French under Prince Louis, and the with the English Barons support. However King John died, and the English Barons switched sides and through their support behind John’s son Henry. Thus Alexander went home, and Scotland’s last real remaining chance of extending her southern boundaries was lost forever.
Robert Dornan