'Son of Prophecy: The Rise of Henry Tudor' cover reveal

Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus, pawb! Happy Saint David’s Day, everyone!

St David was the patron saint of Wales, and his feast day, the national day of Wales, is celebrated on 1 March every year. Traditionally, we Welsh would wear daffodils or leeks, perhaps full Welsh costume to school, sing some hymns, and eat foods like Cawl and Welsh Cakes. A great day for the Welsh to show off, basically, especially those of us exiled from the homeland. I made my first ever Cawl last night (lamb neck fillet, swede, potato, carrot, onion and of course leek) and its currently in the fridge getting ready to be heated tonight.

Henry VII was a big supporter of Saint David’s Day, which shouldn’t be too surprising since he heralded from the same part of Wales as the revered saint. We have copious payments made from the king’s own chamber books to the Welshmen in his employ, money they were to use celebrating the feast of their saint.

So it feels appropriate to officially share with you the cover of my forthcoming book, 'Son of Prophecy: The Rise of Henry Tudor'. This is a 300-year history of one Welsh family, and how they emerged from the wilds of Gwynedd, navigated the murky and violent waters of Welsh-Anglo politics, and eventually found their way, almost improbably, onto the English throne.

The rebellious Hywel and Gwilym of Ednyfed Fychan, the cunning of Rhys and Gwilym ap Tudur, the boldness of Owen Tudor, the resilience of Jasper Tudor, and of course the turbulent and unexpected rise of Henry Tudor. This involves war, treason, escapes and love.

Fourteen years in the making, from Welsh rebels to English kings, this is the story of the Tudors, but not how you know it.

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Son of Prophecy: The Rise of Henry Tudor is on sale from July 2024, available from all good bookshops (online and in store). Pre-Order NOW.