Soldier Rebel Traitor John Lord Wenlock & the War of the Roses - written by
Dr Alexander R. Brondarbit and published by Pen & Sword Books - £19.99
- Hardback - Pages 224
John Wenlock, first Lord Wenlock, was a leading diplomat, courtier and soldier during
the Wars of the Roses whose remarkable career offers us a fascinating insight into one
of the most turbulent periods in English medieval history. And yet he has hitherto been
overshadowed by his more illustrious contemporaries. Alexander Brondarbit’s
meticulously researched and perceptive biography is overdue. It establishes Wenlock
as a major figure in his own right and records in vivid detail how this shrewd nobleman
found his way through the brutal conflicts of his times.
Wenlock served in Henry V’s military campaigns in France in the 1420s before moving on to a career in the royal households of Henry VI, Margaret of Anjou and Edward IV. As a diplomat, he led multiple embassies to Burgundy and France and, in addition to the kings he served, he was closely connected with other notable figures of the age such as Richard Neville, earl of Warwick. But Wenlock’s speciality was on the battlefield – he took part in many raids, skirmishes and sieges and in three major battles including the Battle of Tewkesbury in 1471 where he lost his life.
Using primary sources as well as contemporary assessments in chronicles and letters, Alexander Brondarbit gives a nuanced description of the main episodes in Wenlock’s long career and throws new light on the motivation of a man who has been labelled a ‘Prince of Turncoats’ because of his frequent changes of allegiance.
Very much a many of many talents or wearer of many hats John Wenlock war is primarily known as very much a military man at heart. Fighting in a number of battles and skirmishes during the Wars of the Roses he would eventually be killed at the Battle of Tewkesbury 1471. It would turn out that Wenlock was very much a major player during Henry V’s reign, but would also serve other kings and major players of the time.
The author Dr Alexander Brondarbit has done a really good job in writing this book a very clear, descriptive and informative text. As someone who is relatively new to this period of history, the author wrote the book very well and was very easy to read and whereas in some other books the people can be various this was very easy to understand and clear. In fact, it just makes me want to read more about this period of history. I would certainly recommend this book to others as it was a really good read, and I would have thought those that are more into this period than me would enjoy the book too.
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