Derek Birks @derekbirks - Bluesky Profile

The Royal House of Wales | A Slice of Medieval #72 Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks are joined by historian and writer, David Pilling, to discuss the the Royal House of Wales. Music by Adriel Fair licensed from E

The latest episode of A Slice of Medieval is now live.
@derekbirks.bsky.social and I have a fascinating chat with @robeh1979.bsky.social about the Royal House of Wales of Llywelyn ap Iorweth, better known as Llewelyn Fawr, or Llywelyn the Great
#medieval @penandswordbooks.bsky.social
bit.ly/4lTLisf

31.07.2025 10:38 — 👍 7 🔁 2 💬 0 📌 0

Sunday, 27th July Did a Craft Fair at Lyndhurst yesterday - as I sometimes do. Sold some books, signed some and met some great people, including tourists from Belgium Denmark and Germany - among others probably. Even had my picture taken by Robin from Germany who bought a copy of Feud. Robin, if you ever read this, maybe you could send me a copy of the picture via my website contact page!

Sunday, 27th July

Did a Craft Fair at Lyndhurst yesterday - as I sometimes do. Sold some books, signed some and met some great people, including tourists from Belgium Denmark and Germany - among others probably. Even had my picture taken by Robin from Germany who bought a copy of Feud. Robin, if…

27.07.2025 09:15 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0

Friday, 25th July Well, I feel vindicated at last this morning because, apparently, I am definitely a grown-up. Many have questioned that in the past but not any more. Yes, Bluesky has verified that I am an adult. Which is good to know. They took a picture of my ancient, craggy face and it took barely a nanosecond for them to conclude that youth had abandoned me long ago.

Friday, 25th July

Well, I feel vindicated at last this morning because, apparently, I am definitely a grown-up. Many have questioned that in the past but not any more. Yes, Bluesky has verified that I am an adult. Which is good to know. They took a picture of my ancient, craggy face and it took…

25.07.2025 08:42 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0

The Third Crusade and Pilgrim's Revenge | A Slice of Medieval #71 Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks are joined by bestselling novelist, Scott Mariani, to discuss the Third Crusade and his new novel, Pilgrim's Revenge. Music by A

We have a treat today!
New on A Slice of Medieval @derekbirks.bsky.social and I chat with bestselling author ScottMariani about his new character, Will Bowman and his journey to the Third Crusade in The Pilgrim's Revenge
@penandswordbooks.bsky.social @hodderbooks.bsky.social

bit.ly/3GLOCGq

16.07.2025 10:24 — 👍 5 🔁 3 💬 0 📌 0

Friday, 11th July It's been a busy few weeks. My alter ego, Tom Hadley has been finalising the sequel to the thriller, Eyes Like Blades which went out to some beta readers last week. I've been editing podcasts, including one with best selling novelist, Scott Mariani. The podcasts available on Youtube seem to be gathering some momentum at the moment. The feed back from listeners has been great, So, many thanks for that.

Friday, 11th July

It's been a busy few weeks. My alter ego, Tom Hadley has been finalising the sequel to the thriller, Eyes Like Blades which went out to some beta readers last week. I've been editing podcasts, including one with best selling novelist, Scott Mariani. The podcasts available on…

11.07.2025 10:06 — 👍 2 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0

Henry IV | A Slice of Medieval #70 Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss the life and times of King Henry IV with historian, Helen Castor. Music by Adriel Fair licensed from Epidemic Sound

We have a fabulous treat for listeners today.
In our 70th episode, the wonderful historian, Helen Castor chats with @derekbirks.bsky.social and myself about Henry IV. And, although Richard II encroaches, this is Henry's fascinating story...
#medieval #HenryIV #podcast
bit.ly/4l6bqQf

02.07.2025 10:52 — 👍 8 🔁 4 💬 0 📌 0

Henry IV | A Slice of Medieval #70 Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss the life and times of King Henry IV with historian, Helen Castor. Music by Adriel Fair licensed from Epidemic Sound

The latest Slice of Medieval #podcast is out. And it's a corker. Historian, @hrcastor.bsky.social shares her in-depth knowledge of Henry IV with @thehistorybits.bsky.social and me. Turns out, Shakespeare got it wrong. Who knew?
#medieval #history
bit.ly/4l6bqQf

03.07.2025 08:04 — 👍 2 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0

Emma of Normandy | A Slice of Medieval #69 Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss the life and career of Emma of Normandy with historical novelist, Patricia Bracewell. Music by Adriel Fair licensed from

New episode!

@derekbirks.bsky.social and I chat with the wonderful Patricia Bracewell about all-things Emma of Normandy, the only woman to be England's queen to 2 different - very different - kings!
#podcast #ASliceofMedieval

bit.ly/3TrDUrk

18.06.2025 09:43 — 👍 7 🔁 2 💬 0 📌 0

A Slice of Medieval Podcast A Slice of Medieval is a series of podcasts hosted by historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and writer, Derek Birks. They discuss aspects of medieval history and historical fiction, often with the help o...

Want to hear the thoughts of Bernard Cornwell, Elizabeth Chadwick, Ian Mortimer, Ben Kane, Matthew Lewis and many many more? You might like to tune in to the Slice of Medieval podcast on Youtube. bit.ly/4gXIaZL

17.06.2025 08:11 — 👍 2 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0

Wednesday, 11th June Crikey! Almost a month since I posted here. Where did all that time go? Well, to be fair, I have had back trouble. No, that's sounds pathetic... Anyway, I've just been watching Department Q on Netflix and it's the most impressive series I've seen for a while. Once you get past the series title, which sounds like a 1970s sci-fi series, it's really rather good.

Wednesday, 11th June

Crikey! Almost a month since I posted here. Where did all that time go? Well, to be fair, I have had back trouble. No, that's sounds pathetic... Anyway, I've just been watching Department Q on Netflix and it's the most impressive series I've seen for a while. Once you get past…

11.06.2025 07:58 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0

This week's new #SliceofMedieval #podcast is a bit different. Along with some of our guests, we've put together some summer #book recommendations #booksky
bit.ly/445vmwg

06.06.2025 09:28 — 👍 6 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0

John of Gaunt | A Slice of Medieval #67 Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss the life and career of John of Gaunt with historian, Kathryn Warner. Music by Adriel Fair licensed from Epidemic Sound

The new Slice of Medieval #podcast is out today. @derekbirks.bsky.social and I chat to Kathryn Warner about the giant of 14th century politics, John of Gaunt.
bit.ly/43nX6L3 #history #medievalhistory
@royalhistsoc.org @historicalwriters.bsky.social

21.05.2025 09:14 — 👍 4 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0

ICYMI catch my chat with
@derekbirks.bsky.social & @thehistorybits.bsky.social as we talk about medieval murder most foul... bit.ly/3RTjeI2

31.05.2025 09:12 — 👍 24 🔁 20 💬 0 📌 0

Friday, 16th May Busy week! Recorded two podcasts and edited another one. Did some decorating... Did some writing - contrived to lose said writing... never to be seen again. Did some editing of Tom Hadley's next book. Did some more decorating... Deep joy... This morning I got my first look at the concepts for the cover of Tom Hadley's second Liv Fisher thriller. Exciting!

Friday, 16th May

Busy week! Recorded two podcasts and edited another one. Did some decorating... Did some writing - contrived to lose said writing... never to be seen again. Did some editing of Tom Hadley's next book. Did some more decorating... Deep joy... This morning I got my first look at the…

16.05.2025 09:09 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0

Medieval Murders | A Slice of Medieval #66 Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss Medieval Murders with Annie Whitehead Music by Adriel Fair licensed from Epidemic Sound

I was invited back to the podcast of
@derekbirks.bsky.social & @thehistorybits.bsky.social
to chat about medieval murder most foul:
bit.ly/3RTjeI2

07.05.2025 08:42 — 👍 6 🔁 7 💬 0 📌 0

Medieval Murders | A Slice of Medieval #66 Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss Medieval Murders with Annie Whitehead Music by Adriel Fair licensed from Epidemic Sound

ICYMI catch my chat with @derekbirks.bsky.social &
@thehistorybits.bsky.social as we talk about medieval murder most foul...
bit.ly/3RTjeI2

08.05.2025 09:03 — 👍 7 🔁 6 💬 0 📌 0

Today's new A Slice of Medieval podcast with Annie Whitehead talking about Medieval Murders.

In today's new Slice of #Medieval #podcast @anniehistory.bsky.social joins @thehistorybits.bsky.social and me to talk about Medieval Murders! bit.ly/3RTjeI2
#history

07.05.2025 07:45 — 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0

Monday, 5th May Busy week ahead... Later this week, if I manage to escape from planet decorating, I'll be recording the final part of a three part podcast on the Wars of the Roses with Aspects of History editor, Oliver Webb-Carter and fellow author, David Pilling. You can find our earlier podcasts on the Causes of the Wars of the Roses here…

Monday, 5th May

Busy week ahead... Later this week, if I manage to escape from planet decorating, I'll be recording the final part of a three part podcast on the Wars of the Roses with Aspects of History editor, Oliver Webb-Carter and fellow author, David Pilling. You can find our earlier podcasts…

05.05.2025 08:40 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0

Thursday, 1st May i've been a bit AWOL of late because I've been immersed in a somewhat daunting blend of writing, decorating, recording and decorating. Work has started on a new project: the continuation of the Last of the Romans series, following the exploits of Ambrosius Aurelianus in post-Roman Britain. And this time, the Saxons are very much the main threat - well, mostly anyway.

Thursday, 1st May

i've been a bit AWOL of late because I've been immersed in a somewhat daunting blend of writing, decorating, recording and decorating. Work has started on a new project: the continuation of the Last of the Romans series, following the exploits of Ambrosius Aurelianus in…

01.05.2025 09:05 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0

A Slice of Medieval #64 ~ Edward IV, with Sharon Bennett Connolly and Derek Birks soundcloud.com/user-1425259... @thehistorybits.bsky.social @derekbirks.bsky.social #medieval #podcast

09.04.2025 09:50 — 👍 9 🔁 6 💬 0 📌 0

Edward IV | A Slice of Medieval #64 Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss the reign of Edward IV - was he a hero or a villain? Music by Adriel Fair licensed from Epidemic Sound

On this day in History: 1483. Death of Edward IV.
The latest Slice of Medieval #podcast features
@derekbirks.bsky.social and myself discussing Edward IV. Was he a hero or a villain?
bit.ly/4co6e6N

09.04.2025 09:59 — 👍 8 🔁 4 💬 0 📌 0

@thehistorybits.bsky.social @derekbirks.bsky.social Really loved the Edward IV episode and it prompted me to go looking for E IV films, just watched the 1915 'Jane Shore' staring Blanche Forsythe, which I didn't know, it was excellent and time very well spent 👍 (BFI restoration)

10.04.2025 16:08 — 👍 3 🔁 1 💬 2 📌 0

Medieval Policing | A Slice of Medieval #65 Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss Medieval Policing with Tom Andrews. Music by Adriel Fair licensed from Epidemic Sound

New #podcast! Episode no. 65 looks into ‘Medieval Policing' as @derekbirks.bsky.social and I chat with Tom Andrews from University of Derby | A Slice of Medieval #65’ by @Feud_writer is on #SoundCloud
#medieval #medievalpolicing
on.soundcloud.com/oS5Lm9oQnZ9Y...

23.04.2025 13:38 — 👍 5 🔁 2 💬 0 📌 0

Cheers, Rosie!

01.05.2025 08:28 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0

#ReadingCatchup if you love history as much as I do then I have got your attention the following where utterly brilliant #TheWarsOfTheRoses #HenryIII #LadyJaneGrey @derekbirks.bsky.social @writerbeverleya.bsky.social

27.04.2025 12:41 — 👍 6 🔁 3 💬 1 📌 0

Tuesday, 15th April Last week, I was in Shaftesbury talking about Rebel Sword which is set in the town during the Anarchy period. I was also interviewed by local radio Alfred 107.3FM. Here is the interview: You can get Rebel Sword on Amazon UK or Amazon US as well as bookstores. Why not request it at your library? Because we need libraries!

Tuesday, 15th April

Last week, I was in Shaftesbury talking about Rebel Sword which is set in the town during the Anarchy period. I was also interviewed by local radio Alfred 107.3FM. Here is the interview: You can get Rebel Sword on Amazon UK or Amazon US as well as bookstores. Why not request it…

15.04.2025 08:35 — 👍 0 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0

Friday, 11th April Yesterday I gave a talk at Shaftesbury Abbey Museum - which, by the way, if you're ever in Shaftesbury, is well worth a visit. I was talking to an invited audience about my most recent historical fiction thriller, Rebel Sword, most of which is set in medieval Shaftesbury. The abbey itself also plays a significant role in the plot of the novel.

Friday, 11th April

Yesterday I gave a talk at Shaftesbury Abbey Museum - which, by the way, if you're ever in Shaftesbury, is well worth a visit. I was talking to an invited audience about my most recent historical fiction thriller, Rebel Sword, most of which is set in medieval Shaftesbury. The…

11.04.2025 09:04 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0

Thanks, pleased you enjoyed it.

11.04.2025 07:44 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0

Out today! The latest Slice of Medieval #podcast which features @thehistorybits.bsky.social and I talking about Edward IV. Was he a hero or a villain? https://bit.ly/4co6e6N

Out today! The latest Slice of Medieval #podcast which features @thehistorybits.bsky.social and I talking about Edward IV. Was he a hero or a villain?
bit.ly/4co6e6N

09.04.2025 07:39 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 1

A Guide to the Wars of the Roses is now out in the UK on #kindle and in the US in #hardback

A Guide to the Wars of the Roses is now out in the UK on #kindle and in the US in #hardback @penandswordbooks.bsky.social
"Anyone who wants a thorough understanding on The War of the Roses needs to read this book!" Christine C Netgalley. #NewBook #medieval #History bit.ly/3WEXAdu

30.03.2025 09:28 — 👍 3 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0

Derek Birks

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