Derek Birks

I would like to thank Sharon Bennett Connolly and Derek Birks for inviting me to talk about Henry Tudor on their podcast 'A Slice of Medieval' soundcloud.com/user-1425259... @thehistorybits.bsky.social @derekbirks.bsky.social #Tudors #Podcsst

Henry Tudor | A Slice of Medieval #86 In our first 'Goes Tudor' episode, historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks are joined by historical fiction author, Tony Riches, to discuss Henry Tudor's path to the thro

New episode: We are running a series of Tudor Specials in 2026 and in the first of our "A Slice of Medieval Goes Tudor" episodes the inimitable @tonyriches.bsky.social joins us to discuss the first of the Tudors: Henry VII
#Tudor
@derekbirks.bsky.social @penandswordbooks.bsky.social
bit.ly/3OjIV5X

Mercia | A Slice of Medieval #87 Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks are joined by author, historian and archaeologist, Max Adams, to discuss the rise and fall of the Kingdom of Mercia. Music by A

We have a real treat in our fabulous new episode of A Slice of Medieval. @derekbirks.bsky.social and I chat with Max Adams on the Kingdom of Mercia. I learned an awful lot!
@penandswordbooks.bsky.social @headofzeus.bsky.social
#Mercia #podcast
soundcloud.com/user-1425259...

Post Roman Britain | A Slice of Medieval #84 Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss the problems faced by Britain in the fifth century after the end of Roman rule. They also consider whether there was actua

New episode time! Post-Roman Britain
Derek and Sharon have a look at what life was like after the Romans left British shores - and whether or not King Arthur really existed
#Podcasts @derekbirks.bsky.social @penandswordbooks.bsky.social
#Romans #medieval
soundcloud.com/user-1425259...

It was great to talk to Ian again.

Very good to hear time-travelling historian Dr Ian Mortimer on A Slice of Medieval podcast talking about his new book (out now in hardback and as an audiobook) MORTIMER's A-Zs of ENGLISH HISTORY. @derekbirks.bsky.social @thehistorybits.bsky.social soundcloud.com/user-1425259...

Christmas Episode 2025 | A Slice of Medieval #82 Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks re-visit some of their favourite Slice of Medieval episodes, including: Bernard Cornwell, JustinHill, Anne O'Brien and David Gilma

It is not Christmas until the A Slice of Medieval Christmas Special has dropped.
Derek and Sharon have a nostalgic look back at some of their favourite episodes of the last 3 years.
Do you have a favourite?
Merry Christmas!
@penandswordbooks.bsky.social @derekbirks.bsky.social
bit.ly/4oZlaNe

Christmas Episode 2025 | A Slice of Medieval #82 Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks re-visit some of their favourite Slice of Medieval episodes, including: Bernard Cornwell, JustinHill, Anne O'Brien and David Gilma

Join us for the Christmas episode of the Slice of #Medieval #podcast.
#history bit.ly/4oZlaNe

Eighth Century Europe | A Slice of Medieval #80 Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks are joined by author and podcaster, Matthew Harffy, to discuss the story behind his latest historical novel, Dominion of Dust whic

The latest episode of A Slice of Medieval is out!
And to celebrate 80! episodes
@matthewharffy.bsky.social joins @derekbirks.bsky.social and myself to chat about his latest book, Dominion of Dust, and the challenges of travel to the Holy Land before the Crusades
#podcast #medievalsky
bit.ly/4odSK1O

December Book Recommendations | A Slice of Medieval #81 Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks give their summer book recommendations along with guests: Kathryn Warner, Patricia Bracewell, Helen Castor, Scott Mariani, David P

All I want for Christmas is ... a good book!
But which one?
Our guests have some suggestions...
#podcast #medievalsky
@penandswordbooks.bsky.social
@derekbirks.bsky.social @patbracewell.bsky.social @angusdonald.bsky.social @historylauren.bsky.social
soundcloud.com/user-1425259...

8th December 2025

Well, it's that time of year again and the usual preparations are under way. The lead-in to Christmas is already taking its toll on me. Yesterday I had my annual fight with the Christmas tree and this year the tree gave a much stronger showing than usual. Yes, I know it isn't a…

Tennis Balls and Glitter Balls!

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…

MargaretBeaufort | A Slice of Medieval #79 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

The latest episode of A Slice of Medieval is out now!
@derekbirks.bsky.social and I have a fascinating chat with @historylauren.bsky.social about the subject of her latest book, the much-maligned and misunderstood - and remarkable, Margaret Beaufort!
#medievalsky
soundcloud.com/user-1425259...

Join Ned Elder and his sisters as they struggle to survive the Wars of the Roses in Feud, the first book of an epic series, set in fifteenth century England.
For the last few days, it's only #99p.
#histfic #kindleseries #KindleMonthlydeals

Eleanor of Castile | A Slice of Medieval #78 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

New episode!
In the latest edition of A Slice of Medieval, @derekbirks.bsky.social and I chat with Sara Cockerill about the life, times, loves and challenges of Eleanor of Castile, queen of Edward I
@penandswordbooks.bsky.social
#medievalsky #podcastsky
bit.ly/47nr4kt

New out today! The latest episode of the Slice of Medieval #podcast in which @thehistorybits.bsky.social and I talk to Sara Cockerill about Edward I's queen, Eleanor of Castile. #History #medieval bit.ly/47nr4kt

Edward V | A Slice of Medieval #77 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

There's a new A Slice of Medieval episode today.
In Episode 77, @derekbirks.bsky.social and I discuss the short life of Edward V - from his education and upbringing to the events of 1483
@penandsword.bsky.social
#podcast #warsoftheroses

soundcloud.com/user-1425259...

Feud, book 1 of the epic Wars of the Roses saga, is now only #99p. https://bit.ly/46MyEVk

#KindleMonthlydeals Feud, book 1 of the epic Wars of the Roses saga, is now only #99p. Join the Elder family in their quest for survival in fifteenth century England.
#historicalfiction #histfic #kindleseries
bit.ly/46MyEVk

Templar Traitor | A Slice of Medieval #76 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

Join us today for a brand new Slice of Medieval #podcast featuring Angus Donald talking about his new book, Templar Traitor. And it's one of his best.
#historicalfiction #MongolEmpire #Templars
bit.ly/3IhzPnQ

If you are studying the Wars of the Roses for #History #Alevel or at uni, check out A Guide to the Wars of the Roses.
“Anyone who wants a thorough understanding on The Wars of the Roses needs to read this book!” Christine Cazeneuve on NetGalley. amzn.to/3YRGqJQ

The Sheriff of Nottingham| A Slice of Medieval #75 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

Ever wondered what was the role of a medieval sheriff? @derekbirks.bsky.social and I have a chat with the not-so-dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham
#SoundCloud
#medievalsky @penandswordbooks.bsky.social
on.soundcloud.com/OagmhCM2pKmm...

Before 1066 | A Slice of Medieval #7 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

Wondering about the history behind #KingAndConqueror?
A Slice of #Medieval #Podcasts can help you out. Check out our podcasts: #7 Before 1066 bit.ly/4p6dV7l and #74 A Triumvirate of Earls bit.ly/47jJowy
#asliceofmedieval

Joanna Plantagenet | A Slice of Medieval #73 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

Episode 73 of A Slice of Medieval
In this fabulous episode, @derekbirks.bsky.social and Sharon chat with Catherine Hanley, author of Lionessheart, about Richard I's baby sister, Joanna Plantagenet, Queen of Sicily and Countess of Toulouse
#medieval #podcast #womeninhistory
bit.ly/4loVVSA

A Triumvirate of English Earls | A Slice of Medieval #74 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

New! A Triumvirate of English Earls
@derekbirks.bsky.social and I discuss the 3 great Anglo-Saxons earls of 11th century England: Godwin, Leofric and Siward. How influential were they?
#podcast #kingandconqueror
@penandswordbooks.bsky.social @historia-hwa.bsky.social

soundcloud.com/user-1425259...

The Royal House of Wales | A Slice of Medieval #72 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

The latest episode of A Slice of Medieval is now live.
@derekbirks.bsky.social and I have a fascinating chat with @robeh1979.bsky.social about the Royal House of Wales of Llywelyn ap Iorweth, better known as Llewelyn Fawr, or Llywelyn the Great
#medieval @penandswordbooks.bsky.social
bit.ly/4lTLisf

Sunday, 27th July

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…

Friday, 25th July

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…

The Third Crusade and Pilgrim's Revenge | A Slice of Medieval #71 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

We have a treat today!
New on A Slice of Medieval @derekbirks.bsky.social and I chat with bestselling author ScottMariani about his new character, Will Bowman and his journey to the Third Crusade in The Pilgrim's Revenge
@penandswordbooks.bsky.social @hodderbooks.bsky.social

bit.ly/3GLOCGq

Friday, 11th July

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…

Henry IV | A Slice of Medieval #70 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

We have a fabulous treat for listeners today.
In our 70th episode, the wonderful historian, Helen Castor chats with @derekbirks.bsky.social and myself about Henry IV. And, although Richard II encroaches, this is Henry's fascinating story...
#medieval #HenryIV #podcast
bit.ly/4l6bqQf