An extraordinary journey that uncovers historical secrets about England's forgotten queen. From Alice Loxton, author of the acclaimed bestseller Eighteen.
'Loxton is the leading historian of her generation' – Dan Jones, bestselling author of The Templars
In 1290, England mourned the death of a queen, Eleanor of Castile, beloved wife of King Edward I. Her body was carried on a 200-mile journey from Lincoln to London, a solemn procession that would become immortalized in stone. To mark the places where her cortege rested, a heartbroken Edward commissioned twelve magnificent Eleanor Crosses.
More than seven centuries later, bestselling historian Alice Loxton set herself an epic challenge: following in history's footsteps by walking the entire 200-mile funeral route on the corresponding dates.
As Alice journeys in search of England's forgotten queen, over ancient paths and modern motorways, history comes alive in surprising ways. Lively and entertaining, Eleanor uncovers the extraordinary life and formidable character of this lesser-known royal, revealing her inspiring legacy and the hidden history of Britain.
'Loxton has the novelist's skill of seeing the world through her characters' eyes, and the historian's accuracy of vision' – Philippa Gregory, bestselling author of Normal Women
Bestselling historian and social media sensation Alice Loxton embarks on an epic walk, retracing the funeral route of England's most forgotten queen and uncovering historical secrets along the way.
Alice Loxton is one of Britain's most exciting young historians. She has a loyal following of 3 million across Instagram, TikTok and X. She is an experienced writer and broadcaster, as seen on Sky Arts, Channel 5, the BBC and History Hit.
Loxton is the author of the acclaimed book UPROAR!, which was longlisted for Blackwell's Book of the Year. Her second book, Eighteen, was an instant Sunday Times bestseller, was named Blackwell's Book of the Year and was shortlisted for Waterstones Book of the Year.
Eleanor is her third book. Loxton is the leading historian of her generation Alice Loxton is the star of her generation . . . the next big thing in history Loxton has the novelist's skill of seeing the world through her characters' eyes, and the historian's accuracy of vision
