The Lollard Oak: Seven stories about the Norman Anglo-Saxon divide in English society from the 11th century to the present day Paperback – 11 Jan. 2024

Contrasting Anglo- Saxon with Norman culture, The Lollard Oak, is named from a tree planted in 1381. This tale re-incarnates the Edmundson brothers and their trusted friends on a Staffordshire estate, repeatedly inter- relating with the de Laceys through pivotal times across nearly nine centuries of English history, from the aftermath of the Norman Conquest to the present day. Bringing us war, religion and politics with plenty of intrigue and deceit, this is a truly compelling story, intuitive and well- researched and providing an excellent read but how does it end?

A great review of the continuity of history and how the past lives on today.

This was a new one on me: the history of a prosperous family living in England told throughout the centuries and the events that determined their fates. Running through it are recurring themes of comradeship, loyalty, love, religious faith, enlightenment culture and a certain amount of bloody- mindedness that had shaped their fortunes and relations since the Norman invasion. The resolution to the main family's dilemma was very convenient but one stroke of good luck is perfectly acceptable to my mind. Definitely one to reread and savour the dialogue, maybe too read up on some of the many literary and historical references that stud the sequential narratives. Shades of the House on the Strand (Daphne du Maurier) but with much more likeablе characters.

Really enjoyed this book and have been recommending it to others. Congratulations on writing such an epic tale and making it accessible - clever starting it with the HS2 debacle.

I was so sad to finish this extraordinary tale - or tales. I was totally swept up into the stories of the brothers and their families and friends over time - living with them through the Norman Conquest vis the Peasant’s’ Revolt, the Civil War, the Chartists struggles, to the coming of HS2. What happens next?The stories explore the complex nature of the “British Character” - part Norman part Anglo-Saxon, which are still in us today.Fast moving, exciting, and totally involving tales with a poignant ending.

A fascinating look at some of the most divisive moments in English history from the Norman Conquest to HS2 and how they effected different generations of the same family. Well researched and written. A debut novel to be proud of.

Very well written and absorbing

A really interesting story looking at how England’s history shapes the present told through relatable and complex characters. A great read!