Annie Gaithwaite: The King’s Mother

Returning to the extraordinary heroine of the critically acclaimed Cecily, this is a story of mothers and sons; of maternal ferocity and female ambition – of all they can build and all they can destroy.

Cecily Neville, who called Fotheringhay home and is buried beside her husband in this very church, was mother of two kings of England: Edward IV and Richard III. In 1461 through blood and battle Edward has gained England’s throne, king by right and conquest. Eighteen years old and unstoppable. Cecily has piloted his rise to power and stands at his shoulder now, first to claim the title King’s Mother. However, to win a throne is not to keep it and war is come again. As brother betrays brother, and trusted cousins turn treacherous, other mothers, Marguerite, Elizabeth and Margaret – rise up to fight for their sons.  Cecily must focus her will to defeat every challenge. Wherever they come from. Whatever the cost. For there can be only one King, and only one King’s Mother.

‘Elegant and propulsive . . . I had to fight myself to put it down’ A.K. Blakemore
‘Family dynamics at their most fierce – timeless and brilliant!’ Kate Sawyer

Annie Garthwaite is the author of the highly acclaimed Cecily. She grew up in a working-class community in the north-east of England before embarking on a thirty-year career in international business. In 2017, she returned to her first love – books – and began writing the story of a lifelong fascination, Cecily Neville.

This event is part of The King’s Mother’s Historical Locations Tour

Annie Garthwaite: The King’s Mother