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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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My latest novel - The Dartington Bride

The story of a young Huguenot woman who comes to England to marry into one of Devon's most prominent families

The Last Wishes of Katherine Raleigh

April 16, 2022

"Deare Sonnes"

On the 18th April in the year 1594 Katherine Raleigh lay in her bed in a …


Aston Rowant, Oxfordshire: Princess Elizabeth passes by on her journey to Woodstock

April 06, 2025

Today Aston Rowant is a tranquil village with pretty thatched cottages, a village green and the cha…


A Parakito for the Queen — Sir John Gilbert

February 14, 2025

In the spring of 1596 Sir John Gilbert presented Queen Elizabeth I with an exotic gift.

 


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

Guest post Q & A with Rosemary Griggs

March 15, 2025

Guest post Q & A with Rosemary Griggs

... swept me away to 16th century Devon, England ...

January 02, 2025 | A Woman of Noble Wit

If you love Tudor Era Historical Fiction…
Tudor England is a historical timeframe that I absolutely …


This book did not disappoint.

December 19, 2024 | The Dartington Bride

Having read Rosemary's first book, it was with eager anticipation that the second came about and wi…


History Speaks with Devon author Rosemary Griggs

March 06, 2025