Rosemary Griggs banner

Author and speaker

Welcome to my website.

I've been researching Devon's sixteenth-century history for years and I've discovered a cast of fascinating characters and an intriguing network of families whose influence stretched far beyond the west country. I love telling the stories of the forgotten women of history – the women beyond the royal court; wives, sisters, daughters and mothers who played their part during those tumultuous Tudor years: the Daughters of Devon.

My novel A Woman of Noble Wit tells the story of Katherine Champernowne, Sir Walter Raleigh’s mother, and features many of the county’s well-loved places.

I also create and wear sixteenth-century clothing, a passion which complements my love for bringing the past to life through a unique blend of theatre, history and re-enactment. My appearances and talks for museums and community groups all over the West Country draw on extensive research into sixteenth-century Devon, Tudor life and particularly Tudor and Elizabethan, dress. 

Out of costume, I lead heritage tours of the gardens at Dartington Hall, a fourteenth-century manor house and now a visitor destination and charity supporting learning in arts, ecology and social justice.

I hope you enjoy exploring my website. You'll find lots of articles on Devon history and sixteenth century costume and snippets from my research in my Blog.

It's worth popping back now and then as I update my website regularly.

I'd love to hear from you - please use the contact form for comments and questions, or to book a talk.

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Welcome

A Woman of Noble Wit

A Woman of Noble Wit

Publication: 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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Slashed sleeves

Making my slashed sleeves and a look at the history of this popular Tudor fashion trend

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…


The Haccombe Horseshoes

August 29, 2023

These ancient horseshoes are nailed to the door of St  Blaise, Church, Haccombe, Devon.

&nb…


Inhabiting their sixteenth century world  — dressing as they did

June 20, 2023

The late Dame Hilary Mantel advised that those who aspire to write historical fiction should aim to…


A Devonian time traveller

September 22, 2023

A Devonian time traveller

Well written story giving interest to history

October 14, 2023 | A Woman of Noble Wit

A brilliant 1st novel, well worth reading. Rosemary Griggs obviously put much time and thought into…


Beautifully written

July 01, 2023 | A Woman of Noble Wit

An engaging read about the mother of Sur Walter Raleigh. I was captivated from the very first page.…


Halloween traditions - bobbing for apples

October 27, 2023