Annabel Croft, broadcaster, former tennis player and Strictly Come Dancing contestant, is doing a national tour at the moment and last night we went to see her at our small theatre in Christchurch, the Regent. Run largely by volunteers, the Regent is a much-valued local entertainment centre and once hosted Ricky Gervais. And by the way, Ricky, you need to come back for a couple more shows, because last time all the tickets were snapped up online and locals didn't get a look-in. Anyway, back to Annabel. I'm neither a big tennis fan nor any longer a fan of Strictly, but I've always kind of liked Annabel.

Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks are joined by historian, Lauren Johnson, to discuss the much-maligned Margaret Beaufort. Music by Adriel Fair licensed from Epid

Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss, with Sara Cockerill, the remarkable Queen Eleanor of Castile. Music by Adriel Fair licensed from Epidemic Sound

Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss Edward V and why he did not become king in 1483. Music by Adriel Fair licensed from Epidemic Sound

Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks are joined by author, Angus Donald, to discuss the story behind his latest historical novel, Templar Traitor. Music by Adriel Fa

Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks are joined by the Sheriff of Nottingham, Richard Townsley, to discuss the role of the medieval sheriff. Music by Adriel Fair lic

Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks discuss the succession problems of late Anglo-Saxon England and their effect on the events of 1066. Music by Adriel Fair licensed from Epidemic Sound

Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks are joined by historian and writer, Catherine Hanley, to discuss the life of Joanna Plantagenet. Music by Adriel Fair licensed f

Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss the three powerful English Earls of the Eleventh Century, established by King Cnut: Godwin of Wessex, Leofric of Mercia an

Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks are joined by historian and writer, David Pilling, to discuss the the Royal House of Wales. Music by Adriel Fair licensed from E

Did a Craft Fair at Lyndhurst yesterday - as I sometimes do. Sold some books, signed some and met some great people, including tourists from Belgium Denmark and Germany - among others probably. Even had my picture taken by Robin from Germany who bought a copy of Feud. Robin, if you ever read this, maybe you could send me a copy of the picture via my website contact page!

Well, I feel vindicated at last this morning because, apparently, I am definitely a grown-up. Many have questioned that in the past but not any more. Yes, Bluesky has verified that I am an adult. Which is good to know. They took a picture of my ancient, craggy face and it took barely a nanosecond for them to conclude that youth had abandoned me long ago.

Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks are joined by bestselling novelist, Scott Mariani, to discuss the Third Crusade and his new novel, Pilgrim's Revenge. Music by A

It's been a busy few weeks. My alter ego, Tom Hadley has been finalising the sequel to the thriller, Eyes Like Blades which went out to some beta readers last week. I've been editing podcasts, including one with best selling novelist, Scott Mariani. The podcasts available on Youtube seem to be gathering some momentum at the moment. The feed back from listeners has been great, So, many thanks for that.

Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss the life and times of King Henry IV with historian, Helen Castor. Music by Adriel Fair licensed from Epidemic Sound

Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss the life and times of King Henry IV with historian, Helen Castor. Music by Adriel Fair licensed from Epidemic Sound

Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss the life and career of Emma of Normandy with historical novelist, Patricia Bracewell. Music by Adriel Fair licensed from

A Slice of Medieval is a series of podcasts hosted by historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and writer, Derek Birks. They discuss aspects of medieval history and historical fiction, often with the help o...

Crikey! Almost a month since I posted here. Where did all that time go? Well, to be fair, I have had back trouble. No, that's sounds pathetic... Anyway, I've just been watching Department Q on Netflix and it's the most impressive series I've seen for a while. Once you get past the series title, which sounds like a 1970s sci-fi series, it's really rather good.

Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss the life and career of John of Gaunt with historian, Kathryn Warner. Music by Adriel Fair licensed from Epidemic Sound