Your Questions

Hi Bernard. I've just returned from a short break to Devon and made a visit to Dawlish Warren where I know you set the final battle of Camlan scenes of the Arthur trilogy (Excalibur to be precise). I have so wanted to see the area for several years to get a proper picture of the area when I next re read this wonderful trilogy (my favourite of all your books). I was however somewhat disappointed as the hill where Derfel stands watching Arthur sail away is now badly eroded. The hill is almost in two parts now and a large arch looks as if it is about to fall as there are large cracks leading from it to the top. The hill is now fenced off to stop visitors walking to the top, so sad as I couldn't stand where Derfel stood! The dunes however are still pretty much as you describe in the book. However, I was wondering, the battle itself, did you envision it on the main seaward side of the warren or around the point into the Exe river? Also did Sagramore cross the exe to get to Arthur from the Exmouth side? Did Derfel throw Excalibur into the sea or the river mouth? Sorry to ask for silly details but it helps me visualise it more. Thanks Andrew

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I live in Belfast and have been a big fan since Sharpe's Eagle - have enjoyed all your books. I was interested to hear that you lived in Belfast for a number of years - any chance of you putting it on your tour date the next time that you are in the UK? It has probably changed a lot in the last decade or so. Can you tell me where you used to live, socialise etc. when you lived here? it would be nice to pay my respects the next time I'm passing or raise a glass in your honour in one of your favourite watering holes. Regards, Shane Horkan

Hello Bernard, I have far too many questions to ask! I am one of your followers that is thanks to Sean Bean, although the Arthur & Uhtred books are now my favourites. I often wonder how a writer feels about a character being used in a story not written by its creator, do you authorise the story (for example Sharpe's Challenge/Peril)? I think they made a decent job of the Sharpe books, are there any plans for Derfel & Uhtred to hit the screens? Thank you Bernard - keep writing! Denis Jones

Hello, I am sixteen years old and I have absolutely fallen in love with your Saxon Stories which were recommended to me by a teacher. I am extremely interested in the Viking Invasions of England, but in all the Historical Documentaries (films) on the Viking Invasions that I have seen they do not talk about the Danes, only the Norwegians. I was wondering what sources or books that you know of that you could recommend for me about the Danish Vikings who invaded England during the time of King Alfred the Great. Also if there are any Historical Fiction novels of the Vikings and their Invasions that you would recommend.

I am extremely excited to read The Burning Land, and I love your protagonist in the story, Uhtred. To me he is my favorite protagonist in all literature and I really love all his internal qualms and how richly you developed him into a person. And I think it's really cool that he was based off of your ancestor? Thank you so much! Manon W.

Mr. Cornwell, After having picked up my first Sharpe book about six months ago, I got "hooked" on Napoleonic Warfare. I read the entire series (absolutely loved it) and am in the process of reading the Alexander Kent novels about Richard Bolitho (if you haven't heard of these books, I highly recommend them to you. They are similar in nature to Sharpe's Trafalgar, as they are naval based) In any event, I am a Senior in High School and an International Baccalaureate (I.B.) candidate. This means that I have to write an extended essay of a topic of my choice. Naturally, (still having Sharpe Fever) I decided to write about the Napoleonic Wars. My essay's "purpose" is to ascertain what the most important factor was for the British victory on land. I suspect it is one of the three areas, but I am not sure yet (after all, I haven't written the paper!): los guerrillos, the riflemen, and the British Tactics (two ranks instead of three, training with live powder, etc) Unfortunately, I am having a great deal of difficulty finding sources, as neither my school or local library has much information on this topic. Although I realize you have some of your sources in the back of your books, I am fairly sure that you used many more than you were able to list. If you have a list of sources I might be able to acquire by Inter-library Loan, I would DEEPLY appreciate your sending them to me, especially the source for Hagman's incredible 700 yard shot (I know you put this source in the back of a book, but I can't seem to find the book). Sincerely, Cameron Crawford

Hello, I am a big fan of the Saxon stories. I got turned onto them by my uncle who had everyone in my family read The Last Kingdom because he liked it so much. I have just started The Grail Quest Series and those are good too (although I still like the Saxon Stories better.) I am writing because I saw the interview on your homepage and I was curious about your admiration of Edmund Burke. I just got done taking political science 101 where we learned about his political philosophy. To me his ideas of abandoning reason for the sake of the "wisdom of the ages" are horrifying. Admittedly, my teacher was very liberal in his political views so we probably got a jaded picture of the man. I was hoping that you could explain where your admiration comes from and what makes him your hero. Your Fan, Josh

Hi, I need to do a school project on the isle of the dead and was wondering where you got your information on it. Please state the source. Thank you.
Kaelan Bhate

Hi Bernard,I love your stories but that isn't the reason behind this contact.In about 1952 I went to Hydon heath camp school in surrey and palled up with a lad called Bill Cornwell from Wakering,seeing your history I have often wondered if Bill was any relation? we never met after returning home ,Wickford to Wakering was a long way to a school boy in the early 50s warm regards, Fred Greaves

Have you considered a Richard Sharpe novel(s) that takes place between Copenhagen and the first book about his time in Spain?

Ralph Gibbons

when will the Saxon tales end? because i luv Uhtred but he deserves to retire and get Bebbanburg back. ( although i know he will) he just is extremely lucky nut he deserves a break. sincerely Alycia Sikes

Dear Mr Cornwell I was wondering if the Burning land is the last in the Alfred series. And if it is do you have any idea about the next period or event in history you will write about?
William Goulding