Author’s Note. At heart I am a historian. Before I
begin writing a #classi#historical#omance I research the background. I hope you
will enjoy this month’s insider blog based on my notes.
Princess
Anne was six years old when her mother died in 1671. Her father, James, Duke of
York, had taken the unpopular decision to become a Roman Catholic. Her uncle, the
childless King Charles II, knew politics demanded his heirs, Anne and her elder
sister, Mary, were Protestants. He appointed Lady Frances Villiers, a committed
Anglican, as their governess and leased Richmond Palace, where his nieces would
live, to Frances and her husband.
The princesses benefited from country air and were privileged to
live by the Thames at a time when, due to bad roads, the river was important.
Anne’s indulgent father visited his daughters regularly, showered
them with gifts and often stayed for several nights at Richmond Palace. Yet all
was not well with the family. In 1673, the Test Act excluded anyone who did not
take communion in the Anglican Church from public office, James was forced to
resign as Lord High Admiral and give up his other official positions. In an era
with fervent religious allegiances, I wonder what effect religious controversy
had on Anne, a stubborn child.
What did she think when her father married fifteen year old Mary of
Braganza? History relates James was captivated by his bride. Looking at a copy
of her portrait, I’m not surprised. She was tall with a good figure, jet black
hair, a fair skin, and large eyes her contemporaries at court described as
‘full of sweetness and light’. The proud bridegroom introduced his new wife to
his daughters as a ‘playmate’. Anne formed a bond, not with her stepmother,
whose children would be raised in the Roman Catholic faith, but with vivacious
Sarah Churchill, who would have a profound influence on Anne.
Granddaughter of tragic King Charles 1 how would her life develop?
* * *
Rosemary Morris’#classic#historical#romance fiction
set in Queen Anne Stuart’s reign 1702-1714
Far Beyond Rubies
Tangled Love
The Captain and The Countess
The Viscount and The Orphan
With firmly closed bedroom doors, the reader can relish the details of emerging romances.
* * *
To purchase my novels choose an online click onto
the book cover to choose an online bookstore at https:bwlpublishing.ca/morris-rosemary.
.jpg)
