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Anne O'Brien

@anneobrienauthor.bsky.social

1.2K followers 480 following 620 posts

Writer of historical novels celebrating often invisible and silent medieval women who deserve a face and a voice. Sunday Times Best Seller New Novel for February 2025: The Queen and the Countess

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Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · Sep 12

The Queen and the Countess is now out in the wild, alive and well. Thank you for all the kind wishes on Paperback Publication Day.
I will be running a giveaway shortly, so if you enjoy medieval fiction keep an eye open ...

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Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 12h

Another delightful image from the 14th Century Book of Hours, the Luttrell Psalter.
A lady prepares her hair for the day with comb, mirror and casket, with the help of her maid servant.
It has to be said that she does not look overjoyed at her reflection in the mirror.

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Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 14h

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. The first clear dawn sky for over a week. The woodpeckers have returned and are now on the bird table.

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Reposted by Anne O'Brien

Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 7d

Pick this up for only 99p.
The Queen and the Countess
Two remarkable women facing the victories and tragedies of the Wars of the Roses.
Queen Margaret of Anjou and Anne Countess of Warwick.
www.amazon.co.uk/Queen-Counte...

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Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 1d

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. Yesterday’s rain brought down all the witch hazel leaves but they make a splendid splash of autumn colour.

Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 2d

Good morning from the Welsh Marches.
An ageless occupation for those who care for free range chickens.
From Tacuinum Sanitatis, originally an 11th-century Arab medical treatise. European versions were made in increasing numbers in the 14th and 15th centuries.

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Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 3d

So many of you clearly love Shrewsbury as much as I do for its history and enticing streets. Here some steps luring you to follow them down from the walls and through the arch in the castle. Whose feet used these steps in the past?

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Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 3d

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. In spite of all the present gloom in this part of the world, there is plenty going on in the garden. Such a range of vibrant colours and shapes.

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Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 5d

Definitely Shrewsbury. My pic.

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Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 5d

One of the best views when travelling up the Marches from Ludlow to Shrewsbury.
Stokesay Castle and the church in all their glory.
Always a pleasure to see from this side.

Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 5d

Good morning from the #WelshMarches. Spent the day up the marches in Shrewsbury yesterday. Always a lovely place to visit, full of history, good places to eat, and retail therapy. Discovered a new bookshop as well.

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Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 7d

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Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 7d

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. Autumn leaves with a carpet of cyclamen. The witch hazels have never been so magnificent as this year.

Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 8d

On this day 13th October 1459 after the debacle at Ludford Bridge, the Yorkist leaders fled. York and his son the Earl of Rutland went to Ireland, Salisbury, Warwick and Edward Earl of March to Calais.
Cecily Duchess of York remained behind with her daughter Margaret and 2 sons George and Richard.

Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 8d

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. The lane still looks green but hemmed in by mist.

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Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 9d

On this day 12th October 1459 the Battle of Ludford Bridge.
In the face of the numerous Lancastrian troops, the Yorkist leaders including York, Salisbury, March and Warwick, retreated to Ludlow Castle, then fled.
This is Ludford Bridge with the River Teme in spate last year.

Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 9d

I share your anticipation. I have just finished planting crocus in pots with spring in mind.

Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 9d

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. Very little to see since the morning mist has thickened to fog.

Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 10d

Today we are celebrating #BookshopDay.
Still time to call into your local indie bookshop and buy a book.
Rossiters if you live in this part of the world.
I came out with two unexpected books this morning ...

Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 10d

Good morning ...

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Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 10d

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. Dogwoods in autumn splendour.

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Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 11d

#onthisday 10th October 1361 the marriage of Edward of Woodstock, known to history as the Black Prince, and Joan the Fair Maid of Kent, in Westminster Abbey, after her prevous two marital adventures.
Joan from the Church of St Mary the Virgin in Ware, Kent, by Christoper Whall.

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Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 11d

Today is #MentalHealthDay
Whether happy or sad, give someone you love a hug. You will both enjoy the experience.

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Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 11d

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. Grey and misty but all is made more cheerful by the holly berries.

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Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 12d

Another gem from the margins of the marvelous Luttrell Psalter, commissioned by Sir Geoffrey Luttrell (died 1345), a wealthy English landowner.
A lady and gentleman enjoying a board game in a garden. There seems to be a high wind as the lady's veils are in dramatic flight.

Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 12d

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. Grey and chilly. A gorgeous little flock of long tailed tits squabbling on the bird feeders to brighten it up.