sections:
THE NORFOLK FAMILY were the wealthiest and most powerful members of the aristocracy in Tudor England. They were the last of the "over-mighty subjects" to survive from the powerful nobles of the Middle Ages and possessed the pride and arrogance to match the huge swathes of England under their ownership. The Fourth Duke, who died on the scaffold on trumped-up charges of treason, boasted that his own revenues "were not much less than those of the kingdom of Scotland . . . and that when he was in his tennis court at Norwich, he thought himself... equal with some kings". They were cursed with a blind stupidity and a persistent penchant for plotting against the Crown of England. Over successive generations, they were to pay dearly for their fatal ambitions.
This book describes the human drama and tensions of a turbulent century in the history of the Norfolks - when two dukes were attainted for treason; another executed and a fourth died in the Tower of London, later to be created a saint for his adherence to the Catholic religion. Most were no saints when it came to their inherited all-consuming lust for greater political power and wealth. Conspiracy was in their blood. Only the low cunning that was part of the Tudor genes, held them in check.
book reviews
Sorry, no book reviews are available.
subscribe to agency's newsletter
Andrew Lownie writes a monthly newsletter, which includes details of the Agency's latest news as well as advice for authors. If you would like to receive this free newsletter, please enter your email address in the box below.