Eleanor of Aquitaine

What a lovely February morning! Sun shining and a sharp chill in the air. Spring is coming! I have been writing my follow up book to Magnum Opus, set in the time of King John. Its fascinating the massive impact Magna Carta (1215) has had on the world and still has today. Democracy, not the…

I have now completed my writing plans for 2026. Amongst many targets, I aim to attend 18 markets of various sorts, including book festivals. My passion is talking about my books and the history they cover, and in turn listening to peoples’ own experiences and knowledge. A conversation will typically start with someone telling me…

We have a very local WhatsApp group, our close neighbours, and I thought I would send out details of my books to them. I was extremely pleasantly surprised to receive 4 responses almost immediately from some very happy readers. I later had a message from a neighbour inquiring about WW1 information for her granddaughter, who…

I have a stall at this brilliant market which is being held at The Neeld Community and Arts Centre in Chippenham, on Saturday 25th November, from 9am for the day. I was here two years ago and my books were very well received. I will be promoting and selling my four books and will give…

The Lions Christmas Bazaar was great yesterday, Saturday 25th November 2023. The organisation, led by Ian Gilbert brilliant, atmosphere buzzing, lots of footfall and lovely people. And I was well supported by daughter Nikki. Have a look on my Instagram nigelmessenger2019. Most of all I love to talk about my books and history of WW1…

This was a great story to research and write. The London Blitz was more horrific than many realise today. The docks and factories were bombed remorselessly and many of the people who worked there lived nearby. Many lost their houses and were killed alongside their families. The Blitz lasted 8 long months. The government of…