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Rosemary Griggs is an author, researcher, seamstress and popular West Country speaker.

I hope you enjoy my website. If you’re a fan of Tudor History, love historical fiction, are interested in costume and sewing, or Devon’s history, there’s something to interest you here.

Visit my blog for posts on 16th-century history, my costume work, and places that inspire me.

Please use the contact form for any comments and questions, or to enquire about a talk.

Sign up for my newsletter to receive regular updates on new projects, news of my next book, historical insights, and exclusive content from my research, early access to new blog posts, and book recommendations. You’ll receive a complimentary copy of my short story, “The Alabaster Angel”, when you subscribe.

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Mistress of Dartington Hall

Mistress of Dartington Hall

July 28, 2025

In 1587, the people of Dartington Hall turn to Roberda, a young Huguenot woman who married into one of Devon's most prestigious families, for guidance during troubled times. Her world is thrown into confusion by the unexpected return of her estranged husband, Gawen Champernowne.

Later Roberda will have to fight to remain Mistress of Dartington Hall and secure her children’s inheritance. Can she ever truly find fulfilment for herself?

Set against the backdrop of the Spanish Armada in a well known Devon location, this is a woman's story during wartime and beyond.

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The Dartington Bride

The Dartington Bride

March 28, 2024

The Dartington Bride tells the extraordinary story of Lady Gabrielle Roberda Montgomery, a woman who, after a childhood in war-torn France, came to England to marry into one of Devon’s most prominent and well connected families. Like most women of her time Roberda must be a good wife, run a large household and produce a son and heir.

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A Woman of Noble Wit

A Woman of Noble Wit

Sept. 28, 2021

Few women of her time lived to see their name in print. But Katherine was no ordinary woman. She was Sir Walter Raleigh’s mother, and she inspired her sons to follow their dreams.

As the daughter of a Devon family with close connections to the glittering court of King Henry VIII, Katherine’s duty is clear. Still a girl, she starts a new life at Greenway Court on the River Dart. She settles into the life of a dutiful wife and mother until a chance shipboard encounter with a handsome privateer, turns her world upside down.…..

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Introducing Rosemary

A bit about me ...

The Death of Katherine Raleigh’s Youngest Son, Sir Walter and The Red Velvet Bag

October 28, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

Portrait of Sir Walter Raleigh (painted around 1598) Nati…


Who was the other Katherine Champernowne? Who was Kat Ashley?

September 26, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

&…


The Feisty Women of St Nicholas Priory, Exeter

October 12, 2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

St Nichoals Prior…


Edgecumbe’s Escape

December 23, 2023

Rosemary Griggs - A Devonian Time Traveller

January 20, 2025

Roberda Arrives at Dartington Hall

April 29, 2024 | The Dartington Bride

Mistress of Dartington Hall Blog Tour

November 05, 2025

Mistress of Dartington Hall Blog Tour

A captivating read about an impressively resilient lady!

November 05, 2025 | Mistress of Dartington Hall

In the late 1580s, England is holding its breath: word has it that Philip of Spain is assembling a …


This is one of the best historical fiction novels I have read.

August 11, 2025 | The Dartington Bride

Rosemary Griggs has created a wonderful historical fiction series based on meticulous research, whi…


My best gown of silk

June 12, 2025