Your Questions

Hi Mr. Cornwell

By reading your books, it's easy to notice that your main focus is in the military side of the history, most of the time. But I've got one question about the political side:

It's about the Parliament of England itself. I was searching about the Members of Parliament in the 14th, 15th and 16th century and the function of the Parliament as a whole, but I couldn't understand how exactly the politicians of that time worked. Being a MP in those times was just like today? A full-time occupation or something like that? Or did they were summoned only when Parliament was in session? Did they reunited themselves in Westminster to discuss laws and all that stuff?

Thank you for your time, Mr. Cornwell! Good luck with your next books.

Vinicius Costa

 

Hello, I'm from Brazil and I´m just one of a lot of fan that you have here.

When will you come back here to talk with us? Do you have anything planned? I couldn´t visit you when you come to Brazil years ago and I hope to have that opportunity once more. I have many others questions, but I don't want to spent your time. I prefer that you continue writing fantastic stories for all of us! =) Thanks for every line that you already wrote, because your books teaches me what IS A REAL STORY and brings me the felling of love to read a book. Thanks and hope to see you one day!

Best Regards,

Andre Berbert

I notice the name Wiggins in your recent q&a. I remember the Wiggins family of builders in Thundersley  who were members of the Peculiars, was this where it came from? Excellent books by the way.

Regards

Peter

Good morning, Mr. Cornwell.

 

Have you already thought about the next Saxon Stories book name? Have you decided the title? I'm very anxious to know!!

 

A great hug from Brazil.

Vagner Stefanello

Hi Mr Cornwell,

 

I have been a huge fan of your writing for the past 12 years or so, ever since I saw an episode of the Sharpe TV series.

I was wondering which character you found easiest to write for:

Duke Wellington - since there is so much info available on him King Alfred - some info and lots of conjecture Arthur - little real info and tonnes of conjecture.

 

Thanks for your time.

 

James Bell

Hi Bernard,

About a third of the way through 'The Empty Throne', my question touches on a more philosophical note: personally, do you believe those who have died can view or visit the world as it progresses? I was quite intrigued when Uhtred suddenly wondered whether the spirits of Romans, for example, now found thatched huts and wooden churches mostly replaced the familiar stone villas. Those of a more recent Roman period might perhaps understand what had happened to the 'Britannia' province, realizing (with some fascination) that the Saxon 'barbarian' hordes (as depicted in your Warlord Chronicles) eventually settled the land, governed by laws, commerce, and taxes. Ironically, the Danes embarked on much the same path - but do you think, if Wessex had been destroyed, a 'Daneland' would have eventually begun to embrace Christianity in the same way?

Robert Douglas

Hi Bernard,

I have recently completed a novel by one of your rivals about the Duke of Wellington. The passage that really caught my eye was where, before the battle of Vittoria, the Light Division had caught the French rearguard and inflicted a heavy defeat on them. the author describes a Major of the 95 th who caught Wellingtons eye as he carried a rifle as well as a heavy cavalry sword, when he had reported to the commander of the Light Division, the response was "Thank you Richard." An image of Richard Sharpe came instantly to mind. I discussed it with a friend at work who is also an avid reader of your books, particularly the Saxon Stories and he agreed that it was the one and only Mr Sharpe and this was the authors way of paying an enormous compliment to you fantastic writing. What do you think?

Terry Coulton

Dear Mr. Cornwell,

I have two questions, but first let me say I was happy to see Uhtred (the Christian) join his father, Uhtred (the pagan) for a little sword song. First Q: I don't think the Saxons regained Engaland until about ten years after the death of Knut the Great (1042-1045). Since the "Empty Throne" takes place in 911, I calculate (say 40 years per) that at least three generations of Uhtred's are left to help achieve this. Do you see the saga going that far?

Second Q: In the 10th century both the Danes and Norse were speaking basically the same language, "Old Norse", while the Saxons were speaking "Old English", which I thought was a closely related Germanic dialect. In the Saxon stories there seems to be a larger linguistic distinction. Is that your intention, or am I incorrect? Thank you.

Peter Hansen

Mr. Cornwell,

 

I'm writing to you in hopes that I can take just a moment of your time and hopefully a few of your words back to someone I that care about.

My fiancé is a huge fan of yours and has been telling me about your writing for the entirety of our relationship. He is a fellow history lover and admires that you root your fictional so firmly (or, as firmly as fiction can be rooted in fact) in various historical facts and references.

With this in mind, I have one question for you, one that I'm sure he would love to hear the answer to: what is your favorite moment in history and why?

 

Thank you so much for your time and your words.

 

Dianna

Alabama, USA

Dear Mr Cornwell,

 

I just want to say that  I love the Saxon Chronicles series and Uhtred is the man!! After purchasing the whole series on audio and listening to them all ,I noticed that Uhtred never used a crossbow, which was around during the 9th century.This weapon could have made his battles come to quick end and save lives. Why?  Also I'M jonesing for the next book in this series to come ,do you have one in the works now? Thanks for being a great Author !

Jim