An extraordinary historical journey from the author of Eighteen, the acclaimed Sunday Times bestseller.
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 immortalised 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: walking the entire 200-mile funeral route from Lincoln to London, following in history's footsteps on the corresponding dates in November and December 2024.
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 a royal, the hidden history of Britain and Eleanor's inspiring legacy.
"I loved this beautiful, elegiac, honest and compelling book - a modern-day pilgrimage walking in the footsteps of one of the great forgotten queens. This is history as it should be done, connecting the real people of the past with the people we are now. Storytelling at its finest"
Kate Mosse, bestselling author of The Map of Bones
"Eleanor is dazzling, alive with wit, elegance and insight. A book that makes history feel urgent, intimate and unforgettable"
Rob Rinder MBE, bestselling author of The Trial
"Alice Loxton takes us on a highly engaging 200-mile trek that resonates with history and shows why a rather amazing 13th-century queen was remembered so poignantly by her heartbroken husband. Written with energetic zest and originality by a natural storyteller"
Charles Spencer, bestselling author of The White Ship
