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Paul Bernardi

@paulbernardi.bsky.social
974 followers 1.7K following 239 posts

#Writer of #HistoricalFiction Husband to a teacher wife Father to 2 grown up children And I will write my novels … Paulbernardiauthor.com

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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
‘Christ’s balls, it’s the king. Look sharp, lads.’ Brocwulf clambered out of the ditch, using his discarded tunic to mop the worst of the grime and sweat from his face. The moment Brocwulf's life changed forever. Look out for the cover reveal next week. #histfic #books #amwriting
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
#onthisday 9th Sept 1087 (I was on holiday last week!) - the death of #WilliamtheConqueror. Was his the grossest funeral in #history ? #Normandy #medieval paulbernardiauthor.com/2026/09/17/w...
paulbernardiauthor.com
William the Conqueror’s grossout funeral
All images public domain If you’re the sort of person that enjoys a tale filled with plenty of gross, vomit-inducing detail, then this is the article for you. For clarity, I absolutely consider mys…
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
#onthisday 925, Æthelstan is crowned king in #kingstonuponthames Time to revisit this article on how he very nearly wasn't #history #medieval paulbernardiauthor.com/2025/12/11/a...
paulbernardiauthor.com
Æthelstan: the king who nearly wasn’t
In the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle (specifically the Winchester Manuscript, also known as version [A]), the entry for the year 925 [924] reads as follows: “Here, King Edward [The Elder] passed …
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
New Blog: Edward the Exile: the man who could have been king. #history #AngloSaxon #medieval paulbernardiauthor.com/2026/08/09/e...
paulbernardiauthor.com
Edward The Exile: The man who could have been king
All images are public domain Over the last few weeks, I have been working on a contribution to a forthcoming compendium of short stories set during the 11th Century. Whilst my tale is largely based…
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Next up on the ToBeReviewed list for Aspects of History Magazine is this beauty. Worthy of your time (NB. not released until 3rd Sept) #history #bookstoread #Domesdaybook
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Off to #Beddgelert for a wedding on Wednesday. A chance to air this recent article on the story of the faithful hound, Gelert, and its shocking denouement #Wales #History paulbernardiauthor.com/2026/05/16/w...
paulbernardiauthor.com
Wanderings in Wales #2: Beddgelert
All images are public domain or author’s own The legend of the faithful hound Despite its apparent renown, this is a story I had not heard before until we visited the wonderful little north W…
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Phew what a scorcher! The weather’s quite hot too. It most definitely is a belter, I’m happy to say. Review written and interview questions submitted. #history #books #anglosaxon
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
With the news that the #BayeuxTapestry has arrived in London, it's time to reprise this blog I wrote when the news of the loan first broke. #history #medieval paulbernardiauthor.com/2025/07/09/t...
paulbernardiauthor.com
The Bayeux Tapestry
A Pot Pourri of delectable detail Note: all images used in this blog are public domain It’s not been seen on these shores for more than 900 years, not since its creation to document the events lead…
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
This week, I 'ave been mostly taking a break from writing my next novel to work on a short story for a future anthology of 11th century stories. First draft almost complete. #history #histfic #amwriting teaser....
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Will Saturday prove to be a rerun of the #BattleOfStamfordBridge with #Haaland as the lone Norse axeman holding the english at bay (until speared in the bollocks from underneath!) Read Thurkill's Revenge to find out what really happened in 1066 amazon.co.uk/Thurkills-Re... #worldcup
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
My latest blog: The meeting at Eamont Bridge (927). A key plot line in the 2nd book of my new King Aethelstan series. #history #england #medieval paulbernardiauthor.com/2026/06/04/e...
paulbernardiauthor.com
Eamont Bridge (927): The Birth of a Nation?
NB. All images either public domain or licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence. In my current novel (set during the reign of King Æthelstan), I have been writing about a gathering th…
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
“I would rather stand in the front rank of the shieldwall, Lord. That is the place for a warrior - where the shields clash and the swords sing. Shoulder to shoulder with men whom you would trust with your life. That is where names are made" #amwriting #histfic #Aethelstan
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
The Legend of Gelert: the Faithful Hound #wales #dog #beddgelert #history paulbernardiauthor.com/2026/05/16/w...
paulbernardiauthor.com
Wanderings in Wales #2: Beddgelert
All images are public domain or author’s own The legend of the faithful hound Despite its apparent renown, this is a story I had not heard before until we visited the wonderful little north W…
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
A lovely day for reading the new book on #Offa for @AspectsHistory Also a nice day for lazing in the sunsheinnnneeee ☀️ 🐕 #history #spring
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
A timely reminder that arresting a monarch's brother is not - as some media outlets assert - unprecedented. I give you George, Duke of Clarence (brother to Edward IV) who was put to death in 1478 by being drowned in a butt of Malmsey wine. #history #brothers #Arrest
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
To coincide with the launch of my new book, The Reckoning, the lovely folks at Aspects of History have kindly hosted a Q&A & an article on the Harrying of the North. Enjoy #history #histfic #kindlebooks aspectsofhistory.com/author_inter... www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GN8RBK3...
aspectsofhistory.com
Paul Bernardi on The Reckoning - Aspects of History
Paul Bernardi on The Reckoning. Paul Bernardi discusses The Reckoning, the third and final volume in his Rebellion series, as resistance is met with Norman brutality.
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 14/02/2026
I am indebted to the marvellous @anniehistory.bsky.social for a truly great endorsement: 'A compelling and absorbing drama, grounded with impeccable research, that hooks the reader and carries them along on an epic ride.' #KindleUnlimited #histfic #BookTwitter www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GN8RBK3...
amazon.co.uk
The Reckoning (Rebellion Book 3) eBook : Bernardi, Paul : Amazon.co.uk: Books
The Reckoning (Rebellion Book 3) eBook : Bernardi, Paul : Amazon.co.uk: Books
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
PUBLICATION DAY It's the 8th novel but it's never any less exciting! The Reckoning (book 3 of the Rebellion trilogy) is out today in ebook format (paperback to follow) 1069: It's the end of days in the north. King William is coming. #histfic #kindle #books www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GN8RBK3...
amazon.co.uk
The Reckoning eBook : Bernardi, Paul : Amazon.co.uk: Books
The Reckoning eBook : Bernardi, Paul : Amazon.co.uk: Books
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 01/02/2026
New #Blog Eadric Streona: England's greatest pantomime villain? A study in misdeeds and treachery #history #England #AngloSaxons #medieval paulbernardiauthor.com/2026/02/01/e...
paulbernardiauthor.com
Eadric the Grasper: Pantomime Villain
NB. All images used herein are public domain. He’s one of English history’s greatest (i.e. worst) pantomime villains, but aside from historians or enthusiasts of the era, I doubt many people will k…
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
New Blog 1098: The Battle of Antioch during the #FirstCrusade. Just when all seemed lost, were the Franks saved by a powerful holy relic? #history #medieval paulbernardiauthor.com/2026/01/09/t...
paulbernardiauthor.com
The Holy Lance of Antioch
All images used are public domain It’s June 1098 in northern Syria. Blisteringly hot and dry. After 9 months besieging – and finally capturing – the vast city of Antioch, the greatly de…
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
#OnThisDay 1066: death of Edward Confessor (1st of 4 kings in that year). Here's an article I wrote 18mths ago re. who was supposed to follow Edward. #History #medieval paulbernardiauthor.com/2024/07/17/t...
paulbernardiauthor.com
The 1066 Succession Question
It’s a question that’s often asked. Who was supposed to succeed King Edward the Confessor when he died on 5th January 1066? For most people, it’s a choice between Harold Godwineso…
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 03/01/2026
My latest blog: how King Alfred the Great's plans for the succession nearly came crumbling down around his ears. #history #medieval #AngloSaxons paulbernardiauthor.com/2026/01/03/a...
paulbernardiauthor.com
Æthelwold: a failed rebellion (AD 902)
Note: all images public domain. Prior to the Norman Conquest, kingship was passed on by election (via the council of nobles known as the Witan(agemot), rather than by primogeniture. Whilst the norm…
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 29/12/2025
Looking forward to The Reckoning (book 3 of my Rebellion trilogy) being published in Jan (date TBC). In the meantime, I'm 40k words into the 1st draft of my next work (set in 10th century is all I'll say). 'Retirement' suits me! #amwriting #histfic #WritingCommunity
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Reposted by Paul Bernardi
𝑬𝒍𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝑹𝒂𝒅𝒕𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒓 @tarot-secrets.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
The e-book edition is finally available! The launch price is €1.49 / $0.99. Further information can be found here: www.pressenet.info/rider-waite-... #tarot #tarotcards #tarotsky #tarotreader #tarotreading #booksky
pressenet.info
Decoding the Wisdom of Rider-Waite Tarot. Unlocking the Secrets of the Arcana. A book by Eleonore Radtberger
Decoding the Wisdom of Rider-Waite Tarot: In her book, Eleonore Radtberger discusses all 78 cards of the Rider-Waite Tarot in detail. Further articles provide valuable tips on how to use the Tarot and...
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
100 views up on this blog - thanks all A fascinating study of how the accession of Aethelstan (England's first king) after his father (Edward the Elder) was anything but smooth #history #medieval #historymatters
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 11/12/2025
My new blog on England's first king and how he very nearly wasn't. Enjoy #history #medieval #england paulbernardiauthor.com/2025/12/11/a...
paulbernardiauthor.com
Æthelstan: the king who nearly wasn’t
In the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle (specifically the Winchester Manuscript, also known as version [A]), the entry for the year 925 [924] reads as follows: “Here, King Edward [The Elder] passed …
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Reposted by Paul Bernardi
G. Lawrence 📚💙📚💙📚 @glawrence.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
#NewRelease! January 1536 The King is dead... but who will live long now? A fateful accident on the jousting field leaves Henry VIII dead and his country trembling on the edge of chaos... All the King's Bastards $2.99 #Free #KU! #Histfic #SpeculativeFic #Booksky 📚💙📚 www.amazon.com/All-Kings-Ba...
amazon.com
All the King's Bastards: A Succession of Chaos
January 1536 England The King is dead... but who will live long now? A fateful accident upon the jousting field leaves Henry VIII dead, crushed to death under the weight of his horse. His country, a...
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
My latest blog: #Aethelflaed, Lady of the Mercians and why she is not as well known as the rest of her family. #History #medieval paulbernardiauthor.com/2025/11/24/a...
paulbernardiauthor.com
Aethelflaed: Lady of the Mercians
Images all public domain unless otherwise stated. A mother, a warrior, a builder, a diplomat. In fact, a queen in all but name, without whom the foundation of what we now know as England might very…
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
50 years before #Hastings, England was conquered by the Danes. You may have heard of #KingCanute but how much do you know about his father, Swein Forkbeard? King for 5 weeks only, he has been all but forgotten #history #medieval aspectsofhistory.com/the-other-co...
aspectsofhistory.com
The Other Conquest: England’s Forgotten King - Aspects of History
The Other Conquest by Paul Bernardi. author of the Rebellion trilogy explores the history of the francisca throwing axe and its role in his ongoing series.
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 08/11/2025
Honoured to have my article on Earl Harold's trip to #Normandy in 1064/65 published on History with Jackson's blog page. Why did Harold go? What was he hoping to achieve? Was he an utter muppet? #History #medieval historywithjackson.co.uk/blog/f/1064-...
historywithjackson.co.uk
1064: A Fishing Trip Gone Wrong
Those of you who worked your way through to the end of the BBC’s recent King and Conqueror series (and well done if you did; it was certainly a struggle at times), will know that the makers of the pro...
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 02/11/2025
New Blog alert: England's most underrated king also has the coolest name. #EdmundIronside #history #medieval paulbernardiauthor.com/2025/11/02/e...
paulbernardiauthor.com
Edmund Ironside: great name, great king?
It’s one of those ‘what if’ cases that often pops up in history: how might things have been different had King Edmund Ironside not died in November 1016? But who was Edmund, and why sho…
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 01/11/2025
A throw back to an article I wrote a while back on England's first (& best?) king: Aethelstan aspectsofhistory.substack.com/p/thelstan-e...
aspectsofhistory.substack.com
Æthelstan: England’s First King – Who Nearly Wasn’t
England’s First King, and greatest some say, almost didn't make it. By Paul Bernardi.
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 27/10/2025
So, that's the final draft of The Reckoning submitted to Sharpe Books. Pretty dark at times - but then the #HarryingoftheNorth will do that to a narrative. Now to do the dreaded blurb. #histfic #amwriting
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 25/10/2025
A date every stout, longbow wielding yeoman should remember "We few, we happy few, we band of brothers. For he today that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother." #agincourt #history By all means remember your wedding anniversary too
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 25/10/2025
Check out my latest article for Aspects of History magazine. #England's other forgotten king of the 11thC. #history #medieval aspectsofhistory.com/the-other-co...
aspectsofhistory.com
The Other Conquest: England’s Forgotten King - Aspects of History
The Other Conquest by Paul Bernardi. author of the Rebellion trilogy explores the history of the francisca throwing axe and its role in his ongoing series.
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
Latest in an occasional series of interesting things seen while walking the dog (note: Boz’s first appearance in said series) Not sure if it’s an otter, stoat or weasel - I just know that one’s stoatily different from the others and none is weasily identifiable #dadjokes
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
Uncertainty reigns re. what happened to Harold after the battle. In some sources, his 'wife' Edith Swanneck found his body (unrecognisable but for marks that only she might know). In others, his mother, Gytha, begged William for it (he refused). #history #hastings #KingHarold
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
The #BattleofHastings took place #onthisday 1066 Here's a podcast I did 4 Aspects of History mag with Adam Staten aspectsofhistory.com/podcasts/epi... & a blog on how Harold died. paulbernardiauthor.com/2024/07/17/j... (NB I misspoke 2/3 times on the pod; I put it down to nervous excitement!)
aspectsofhistory.com
Episode 184 - Aspects of History
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 04/10/2025
Meet Agatho, the Frankish Huscarl from the Rebellion trilogy. Brutal warrior, deadly with a throwing axe (can split a running man's skull at 30 paces), but rubbish at riding horses. #histfic #BooksWorthReading #Kindle paulbernardiauthor.com/2025/10/04/a...
paulbernardiauthor.com
Agatho the Frank
Fans of my Rebellion Trilogy (Blood Feud, Uprising and – soon to be released – The Reckoning) will be very familiar with this character. Originally from northern France – an area …
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 02/10/2025
Nice to see Thurkill's Revenge getting some love after a lull #histfic #kindle "A really good read for history fans. Well written. Draws you in such that you feel you're on the battlefield feeling each blow, Looking forward to starting Thurkill's Battle" www.amazon.co.uk/Thurkills-Re...
amazon.co.uk
Thurkill's Revenge (The Huscarl Chronicles Book 1) eBook : Bernardi, Paul: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store
Thurkill's Revenge (The Huscarl Chronicles Book 1) eBook : Bernardi, Paul: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 02/10/2025
#Books book 3 of the Rebellion Trilogy (title: The Reckoning) is on its way. In time for Christmas ... Make sure you've read Blood Feud and Uprising! Please do subscribe to my website mailing list to stay up to date... #KindleUnlimited #Histfic paulbernardiauthor.com/2025/10/02/t...
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 28/09/2025
#OnThisDay Duke William of Normandy lands at Pevensey with 100s of ships. Chose it due to Roman fort (Anderitum) & the wide bay. As a kid, I had the ladybird book; it showed him tripping on the beach & saying how he had seized England in both hands #cojones #history #medieval
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 25/09/2025
New Blog alert: Harold Godwineson's infamous trip to Normandy in 1064. Why did he go? Clue: it was not part of the bromance that #KingandConqueror might have us believe #history #medieval paulbernardiauthor.com/2025/09/25/h...
paulbernardiauthor.com
Harold & William: a bromance?
Note: all images are public domain Those of you who have worked your way through the BBC’s King and Conqueror series (and well done if you made it to the end; it was definitely a struggle at times)…
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 25/09/2025
#OnThisDay 1066: Harold defeats the Norse at Stamford Bridge. They'd come in 300 ships, but went home in 24. Hardrada & brother, Tostig, both slain The lone Viking on the bridge? A much later addition to the ASC with echoes of antiquity. Cool story though #history www.amazon.co.uk/Thurkills-Re...
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 24/09/2025
#DayofDays Not only have I finished the second edit for The Reckoning (final book in the Rebellion trilogy), but I've also cut the grass (for hopefully the last time in 2025) #amwriting #ammowing #histfic
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 20/09/2025
#OTD 1066: Battle of Fulford Gate 1st of 3 battles in 1 mth that changed England forever Earls Edwin & Morcar block King Harald Hardrada's route to York, only to be swept aside due to less experienced troops & poor terrain choice #History #medieval www.amazon.co.uk/Thurkills-Re...
amazon.co.uk
Thurkill's Revenge (The Huscarl Chronicles Book 1) eBook : Bernardi, Paul: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store
Thurkill's Revenge (The Huscarl Chronicles Book 1) eBook : Bernardi, Paul: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 14/09/2025
I don't hold with using AI tools, for many reasons, but I did have a little play yday to see how it might render Agatho, the Frankish axe-wielding warrior from my Rebellion trilogy. Must say, I'm impressed. Pretty much how I imagined him. #amwriting #histfic
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
New Blog alert: the story of how the Anglo-Saxons, 2-nil down from the first leg at Hastings, managed to equalise deep into in extra time with a couple of crafty marriages in c.1069 and 1100. #history #StMargaretofScotland #AngloSaxons paulbernardiauthor.com/2025/09/10/s...
paulbernardiauthor.com
St. Margaret of Scotland: She who laughs last…
Note: all images in this blog are public domain. In book 3 of my Rebellion Trilogy (The Reckoning – due out later in 2025), a new character comes into play, albeit by proxy as he remains ‘off…
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Paul Bernardi @paulbernardi.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
9th Sept: today we commemorate/celebrate (delete as applicable) the death of #kingwilliam in 1087. Fun fact: when he was buried in Caen, his already rotund body was so bloated/decomposed that it burst when they tried to force it into a too small coffin #history #medieval #puke
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