Turning history into fiction

Dr Samantha Ward-Smith’s talk focuses on how the archaeological discoveries and historical records of a building can influence historical fiction, in particular her debut novel Tower of Vengeance.  In this instance, Dr Ward-Smith considers the Tower of London during the Medieval period. She demonstrates how an historical fiction writer researches history, architecture, archaeology, society, chronicles, records and rolls to establish authenticity and immerse the reader in the period, but also ensures that the book’s historical facts are worn lightly to enhance rather than overwhelm.