Your Questions

Q

Hello there.

I was recently tipped off by a relative about an indirect ancestor of mine who wrote his memoir about Waterloo. Chap by the name of Thomas Jeremiah. Welshman from Goytre, Monmouthshire near to my own birth place. He was one of 4 cousins who fought at the battle as a young man of around 18.  The memoir, I have now found out, is digitised on the National Library of Wales website. Reading it through, I wonder if during your own research you ever encountered Thomas' story and may have found some inspiration from it?

Many thanks for your time,

Susan Winch

A

I wish I had read it, but your message is my first intimation of the memoir – I’ll look at it!  Thank you!!!


Q

Dear Mr Cornwell

I have just finished The Starbuck Chronicles which I read after finishing the Sharpe books and I was just wondering whether there has ever been any temptation to write a book or short story about Sharpe's son Patrick and his exploits, such as how he lost his eye or received his scars? Many thanks for providing me and many others with joy and entertainment with your novels,

Sincerely

James Ryan

 

A

It's not in my plans at the moment....


Q

Dear Bernard,

will there be any more books in the Last Kingdom series?

Paul McCandless

A

I think that series is done.


Q

Hello, Mr. Cornwell.

I just finished reading all your "Saxon Stories". I noticed that you have concentrated back on Sharpe. Do you plan writing another "Medieval series"? I am more fan of the "grittiest" "sword-and-arms" style of novels. Even now I've begun reading "Brothers of the Sands" by Robert Low, because I love the Antiquity and Middle Ages. Back to the topic: do you plan writing another "Medieval series" or at least another single novel as " Azincourt"?

Regards:

Chavo

A

I don't know what will come after Sharpe's Command.


Q

I have read (many several times) all of your books, save the latest Sharpe - that one I own but am rereading the Sharpe books now. Two questions/suggestions really -

1 - I think Uhtred the younger, probably now lord of Bebbenburg is an interesting character, and there is much of interest still happening before the Norman conquest - would you consider some books from the death of Athelstan until the invasion by William the Norman?

2 - would you consider a story set in the American west from just before the Mexican war until maybe 1900? we have some starting point documents if you are interested. Thank you for so much reading enjoyment

Mike Brady

A

No plans for either I'm afraid.


Q

Hi Mr. Cornwell.

How are you? I recently discovered the Last Kingdom and Uthred and your potential direct familial relationship to him. Uthred may be the grandfather of Gospatric. My wife is a direct descendant by family report and research of Gospatric. Are you then related to Gospatric? We thought that Gospatric was related to King Alfred. Thanks. Your body of work no matter the result of this inquiry is impressive. I have started the book series and the Netflix series.

 

Stuart

Stuart A. Stein, MD, MBA, MS

A

I guess I could be....


Q

Dear Mr Cornwell,

I am a great fan of your books, having discovered them a few years ago. Thank you for so many hours of enjoyment.

I am rereading Sharpe’s stories and am looking forward to next years new novel.

During my reading of Sharpe’s Havoc, while Sharpe is positioned on the hill fort above Vila Real De Zedes you mention that the French travel to”Valengo” to recover some artillery to shift Sharpe from the hill fort. Did you mean Valongo? Valongo is a town about 20 minutes drive from Porto. Valengo does not appear to be a Portuguese town although I believe there is a town of that name in France.

Once again, thank you for so many hours of enjoyment in reading your novels.

Best wishes

Joseph

A

Oh my.  Yes, I suppose I did mean  Volongo..,..


Q

Hi Bernard,

For the past few months a TV set has been built at one of my favourite dog walking spots, Blaise Castle in Bristol. It's been fascinating to see this village get constructed but I had no idea what TV show it was for. I had a good chat with some of the crew building it as well as the 'bat protection team' who were on site to make sure the local bats weren't disturbed by it. Imagine my delight when I finally discovered the other day it's for the Warlord chronicles. A series of yours I love. Any chance you can pull some strings so I can be in it? If the role of Derfel has been cast I will happily settle for background mud splattered peasant. Also if you are ever visiting the set and want some good pub recommendations I'd be happy to point you in the direction of a few. Loving your work as always.

Eddie T

A

I'd love to help - but I fear all the roles have already been cast!


Q

Dear Bernard,

I've never sent a fan mail before until now. I've read lots of good books (I work for the English Literature department at a university in the land of the rising sun) but I must say yours have truly moved me... to write my first ever fan mail. I first got into your books rather late... when I was at high school and Sharpe was on TV, a friend told me that the book-Sharpe would kick the crap out of the TV-Sharpe. He told me the books were brilliant and he wasn't a big fan of the show. About 20 years later, I needed a page-turner for a long flight home, and I thought Sharpe might keep me going. It did... and basically since that time (about four years ago and well before COVID) I literally have not read much else except for your books. I'm deep into the Saxon Stories now.

Easily my favourite was your Arthur legend... masterful! How you wrote that so tightly and retold such a familiar tale in such fresh and yet believable was amazing.

So here's my question (apologies for the prior gushing, as I said, first fan mail). My partner doesn't read much but I really want her to be able to enjoy the Arthur stories. I heard a rumour they were also being televised. Is that true?

Hope you are well and looking forward to the next Sharpe book!

Richard

 

A

It is true!  The series is being filmed now.  We don't know the release date yet - but we'll be sure to post it on the homepage of this website when we do!


Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell,

I just read The Lords of the North. A fascinating evocation of the the history of the era, and a depiction of the relations between Northumbria and King Alfred.  I thoroughly enjoyed it. One question: In several instances a Saxon recognizes someone as a Dane or vice versa.  What physical characteristics would identify someone as a Dane or as a Saxon. Thank you for making the history of that era come alive.

Sincerely,

Roger Gray

A

There is some evidence that the Danes wore their hair much longer than the Saxons, and certainly the designs on shields would be a hint.