Helen Johnson, Yorkshire Writer
Helen Johnson Freelance Writer
New year, a fresh start, and, one of my favourite parts of starting a new historical novel: the research. My latest story features an Anglo-Scandinavian woman healer living in 11th Continue Reading →
Who were the Danes? When the Danish fleet arrived in the River Humber in September 1069, they were greeted with rejoicing. English resistance fighters flocked to them. The combined armies Continue Reading →
Helen Johnson considers the unimaginable horror of the Harrying of the North – then writes a historical novel about it. Continue Reading →
In an earlier post, the Northern Powerhouse of 1065, I wrote about a northern revolt in 1065. It was, however, only one of a long chain of north/south power struggles. Continue Reading →
Helen Johnson reflects on Yorkshire Christmas traditions. Continue Reading →
For over two centuries, the towering brick walls of a prison dominated the centre of Northallerton. But now, they have been torn down and reduced to rubble. While developers wait Continue Reading →
The Battle of Fulford, 1066, was long and bloody.
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In my previous post about 11th century Yorkshire, Northern Powerhouse of 1065, I wrote about how northeners, fed up with mis-governenance under Earl Tostig, made a stand. Tostig was exiled, Continue Reading →
Jane Hatcher and Bob Woodings have published a diary written in Georgian Richmond, Yorks, with extensive commentary about life in the town at the time. Continue Reading →
Yorkshire and the North-East of England boast an impressive collection of Anglo-Scandinavian stone sculpture, skillfully carved with interlace. Gravestones, standing stones, crosses: pieces of stone built into the walls of Continue Reading →