---

Mistress of Dartington Hall is the third novel in Rosemary Griggs's Daughters of Devon series, and once again, she brings the women of Tudor England out of the shadows and into the light. Set in 1587, with the threat of the Spanish Armada looming, the novel centres on Roberda, a French Huguenot noblewoman navigating life as the lady of Dartington Hall in South Devon.

Roberda is more than a wife or mother—she's a determined estate manager, navigating the legal and logistical challenges of keeping Dartington operational in her husband's absence. But when her estranged husband, Gawen, suddenly returns from Ireland, everything shifts. Gawen's reappearance forces Roberda to reassert her place in a household that had become hers alone. At the same time, he throws himself into military efforts alongside well-known figures such as Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Francis Drake.

What follows is not just a domestic drama but a layered exploration of identity, marriage, power, and property. Roberda is a striking heroine, conflicted, capable, and utterly human. Her efforts to protect her children's inheritance and preserve her agency highlight the real stakes faced by women of her status in Elizabethan society.

Rosemary's writing is careful and immersive. Her background as a historical interpreter and her deep connection to Devon shine through in the detailed descriptions of the local setting and the inner workings of Dartington Hall. Historical figures and events are seamlessly woven into the narrative, never overpowering the personal story at the novel's heart.

The author doesn't romanticise the period. Instead, she brings to life the practical, political, and emotional realities of a woman caught between expectation and survival. The tension between Roberda and Gawen is particularly well-drawn. There is no neat reconciliation but rather a complex negotiation of power and responsibility in a world that rarely offered women control over their destinies.

While you don't need to have read the previous books in the series to enjoy this one, returning readers will appreciate Rosemary's consistent focus on untold women's stories and her gift for giving voice to those often left out of the historical record.

Verdict:

Mistress of Dartington Hall is a compelling and richly researched historical novel that skillfully balances the personal and political. Rosemary Griggs presents a vivid and grounded portrait of a resilient woman navigating love, loss, and power during a time of national crisis. It's a quiet but powerful story of female strength and agency, perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven Tudor fiction with heart and historical integrity—highly recommended.

---