Rosemary Griggs
Author
Devon’s famous explorers, soldiers, sea-captains and courtiers — men like Drake, Raleigh, Hawkins, and Grenville — are still famous today. Yet the women — wives, sisters, daughters, and mothers — who also played their part during those tumultuous Tudor years are often overlooked. My Daughters of Devon series highlights the lives of these forgotten women.
Sir Walter Raleigh’s mother, Katherine Champernowne, inspired my first novel, A Woman of Noble Wit. Married twice, mother of eight, possibly nine children, she must navigate the social, religious and political upheaval of Tudor England. Through a brave act, she will live to see her name in print. In August 2024 A Woman of Noble Wit reached number one ion the Amazon USA Kindle best sellers list for Biographical Historical Fiction and Biographical Fiction.
The Dartington Bride tells the story of a young Huguenot woman who escapes war in France to marry into a prominent family, the Champernownes. The daughter of a French count, Lady Gabrielle Roberda Montgomery, arrives in Elizabethan England full of hope. But there are some who will never accept her as a true Daughter of Devon.
Researcher
The sixteenth century saw the Champernowne family of Devon rise to prominence. They were part of an intriguing network of families whose influence spread far beyond the west country. I have devoted ten years to researching their history. My appearances at museums and community groups all over the West Country draw on extensive research into sixteenth-century Devon, Tudor life, Tudor and Elizabethan dress.
Sixteenth-century seamstress
Alongside my writing, I recreate historical clothes. Dressing as they did, walking in their shoes, helps me connect with the women I write about.
Speaker
I bring history to life with presentations using a unique blend of theatre, history, and re-enactment. In 2024, I made sixty appearances all over the west of England. You’ll find more details on my Events page.
I also lead heritage tours around Dartington Hall’s gardens, though not usually in costume.
