Robin Hood - The New Evidence

The story of Robin Hood is very well known. Writers and historians have been reading and rewriting it, analysing and altering it since Ritson published his version in 1795, more than 200 years ago. The story has been published in many forms, including books, films, TV and radio programs, articles held in the World Wide Web and probably many others. As far as can be ascertained, they all have two things in common: they all contain many errors and they all fail to explain a number of mysteries.

In his book, Geoff Wilson has corrected many of the errors and has explained many of the mysteries. This he has done by accessing many surprising sources of evidence, including, for example, the British Geological Survey, aerial photography and by following on foot several of Robin Hood’s journeys described in the ballads. Practical tests were also carried out. The author’s sons (both quite young at the time) were encouraged to shout at the top of their voices in one particular location to test if sounds do in fact echo in the valleys. They do.

Among the mysteries solved are the identities of Sir Richard at the Lee and the location of Verysdale and the Village of Lee. The ‘fayre castell’ described in the Gest is also identified, as is the chapel in Barnsdale dedicated to Mary Magdalene and described in stanza 440 of the Gest. One mystery which remains unresolved, however, is the identity of Robin himself. Perhaps he is, after all, just a yeoman named Robin Hood, although the claims of an alternative candidate are seriously considered.

Roger the Boxer

This book tells the story of the extraordinary life of a man from North London, from 1960 to 2020. He battles his way through life, mostly in a catastrophic manner. To the reader he openly admits his faults and mistakes, from violence, cocaine, sexual differences, prison, and to Northern Ireland and back to London.

Whilst reading this book you will feel joy, sorrow, then more joy. You will want to love him, hit him, then love him some more. It’s an enjoyable read for everyone to learn from his mistakes and understand how he turned his life around to success.

Rogue Malory

London, 1469. Rogue Malory sets out to show how, ‘comfortably imprisoned’ in Newgate Jail, Sir Thomas Malory works on his magnum opus, Le Morte D’Arthur, with the help of his scribe, Montmorency Pickle, his servant, John Appleby, and his stationer, Jack Worms. The story is an imagined account of the preparation of the famous manuscript, the true revelations of Sir Tom’s disreputable past and the factual events covering the final two years of the ongoing tussle for the crown between the Earl of Warwick and King Edward IV. A combination of real and imaginary events brings to life this arresting period of history.

Reluctantly, Monty and Jack become embroiled in Malory’s political machinations whilst also contending with his dissolute yet magnetic character. Whores, pimps, spies and officials pass in and out of Sir Tom’s cell, where he sits at its centre like a hilarious old spider weaving mischief.

Roo Burra

In a country where ground-pushers and air-tuggers are taught never to mix, an unthinkable friendship must choose: save everyone but risk being found out or do nothing and keep their secret safe.

Find out what they will do.

Rotting Man Goes to Town

Rotting Man Goes to Town deals with an adult relationship; which is in deep trauma from the outset of the story. Its technique is predominately dual narration, going from him to her vantage points. There are two sides to every story. Some of the language is hard-hitting, with angry scenes or mindsets, including some swearing. Political incorrectness exists in parts. The emotions are raw. It is a compelling and authentic read. It begins badly. How will it end?

The initial setting is in America, with flashbacks to Britain, meant to counter the: hurt, sadness and anger, by the use of the device of injecting past comedic episodes. Levity and tragedy are seen in animal antics. Thus, the humorous scenes are meant to bring a balance to the novel overall.

With the exception of the animals’ names, which remain true, all human names have been changed.

Royal Engineer

As compelling as it is a delight to read, Royal Engineer is a military memoir that is truly a breath of fresh air and a ‘must’ read for anyone who has an interest in either the military or modern history, and for those who quite simply enjoy a good read.

Fascinating, honest, gripping, hard-hitting and never shying away from the truth, the author’s passion for chronicling his and others’ past events and experiences becomes abundantly clear from the very beginning. The unique style of writing and the way in which detailed narratives are brilliantly incorporated make Royal Engineer a powerful and moving memoir. Emotions, opinions, positives, and negatives are freely shared with the reader to ensure that there is no sugar-coating on subjects and matters that are of a sensitive and topical nature in today’s world.

Be prepared for a reading experience like no other because Royal Engineer is filled with comprehensive and engaging narratives that will have the reader mesmerised from the very first page, and it is also a remarkable piece of writing because of the honest approach and evocative language the author adopts throughout.

Running for His Lives

Dennis ‘Dutch French’ was determined to rid himself of the nightmare memories of his childhood; orphaned as an infant when his father was killed in action, his mother’s subsequent suicide had a profound effect. Constant bullying and humiliation, combined with a disadvantaged lifestyle throughout his early years, caused his behaviour to deteriorate and cause concern. However, all was to change when, following in his father’s footsteps, he joined the Army, immediately enhancing his life. Due to an unusual but fortunate assignment, he meets and marries Melanie. During years of happy marriage and a long, distinguished military career, a number of near-death experiences fuel an inward belief regarding the myth of nine lives. His sought-after peace is subsequently shattered when his wife is viciously assaulted and raped, triggering a series of fatal events, changing their lives forever.

Safe Haven

When toys have been neglected by their owners, when they have started to fray, when their owner has lost interest in them and they are destined for the recycling bin, where do they go? They go to Safe Haven, a place beyond the rainbow, where toys are fixed, where they can make new friends and live a happy life.

Join Miranda, a doll who faces the recycling bin, as she makes her escape to Safe Haven. Once she reaches there, she befriends Threadbare, the cuddly teddy bear, Ssssnake, the mischievous toy snake, and pretty little Trixie the Pixie. Read about their adventures as they help other toys, have fun together and sometimes get into mischief in their new home.

Safe in the Arms of Love?

We’re back! The third and final (?) book in the Lloyd and Lacey series is done! Prepare to be swept along at breakneck speed as their story continues to evolve.

Your many questions are about to be answered. Questions to which you believe you already know the answers? You might just be shocked and surprised.

Please remember, surprise in a mystery novel is the main element that keeps a reader wanting more. Don’t spoil your surprise by reading ahead – this is the final book – hang on to your hat and wait for it! You can do it!

Enjoy book #3, Safe in the Arms of Love? my dear readers. See you when my next book is published.

Sailing Everest

In the world of adventure, one achievement stands out as the ultimate physical and emotional challenge: sailing non-stop alone around the world. This is the saga of two teenage girls who seek to do this, rounding Cape Horn, Sailing Everest, then challenging the mighty Southern Ocean.

One succeeds and one fails, but a more important event takes place while they are on their journeys. Initially rivals and strangers, they become friends over the radio and in a most exciting climax, one comes out to save the other from death by drowning in a storm-ravaged Indian Ocean. This is a saga of friendship and faith in the most unusual of circumstances.

Set not only on both girls' yachts but also including the sponsors, support teams, media and the politicians who are involved, this is a saga of great adventure and great friendship.

Sailing Through Life...

When Nick Ardley asked for a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, the aftershocks of a prostate cancer diagnosis were momentous. Frightened, he said he was too young to die. Petrified, he understandably broke down. But all was not lost: his family and the boat shared with his wife were soon at work repairing his life.

A life-long sailor, the salt marsh fringed waters of the greater Thames estuary had always enthralled, and it was to them he went for healing. It’s a place where in the free flow of a saline breeze his mind cleared, and he began treating it all as just another little illness. Like a cold, he said, knowing full well it wasn’t! Sailing up the River Thames, he announced to his wife his choice of the medical directions offered. Later, after mooring off Gravesend, both cried together.

Ardley’s treatment overlapped the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, the serious stuff was done and dusted. The pandemic brought new trials. The couple were frighteningly threatened by a fellow yachtsman who disliked an Ardley web blog … the horror of that summer has remained fresh.

Throughout the telling of Ardley’s tales, his story, sailing with family and friends, country walking and living life, he has maintained a normality. Perhaps a familiar story, but it comes with a warning: Men, get yourselves tested before it’s too late!

So, onwards he goes, sailing through life…

Sam's Search for Superpowers

Sam has always wanted to be a superhero but is having a tough time figuring out what his superpower is. With some help from his Mum and a new friend called Joe, Sam soon finds out that he has the best superpower of all. Join Sam and his friends as they find out what it really means to be a superhero, and how helping others can be the best superpower in the world.