The Winchester Hours continues with The Belfont Rose, which is my current WIP.  It’s now 1365 and the story switches to Agnes, the girl from the Abbey. Skilled herbalist and bright as a button, her life changes dramatically when she reaches the age of eighteen. Her future is in the hands of others, and since women don’t have that much agency over their choices, it seems likely she’s going to have to play the hand she’s given. Being a dutiful girl, she sets out to do just that with her usual optimism and can-do attitude.  But Agnes’ sense of duty is going to be stretched to breaking point and there is a terrible shock in store for her. She will have to choose which path to walk – duty to others, or a choice of her own.

The action is going to move to Lainston, an area just outside Winchester, near the village of Sparsholt (the Spear Wood of the story).  The word “Spar” is defined (see Merriam Webster) as an old English word meaning “spear”.  And “Holt” is a medieval word for Wood.  The book was initially going to be called The Spear Wood, and the words will still have meaning.

Sparsholt itself is surrounded by Crabwood and is a beautiful place for a walk. Lainston is also lovely, especially Lainston House. There are beautiful gardens and grounds, and the remains of a medieval chapel. I asked at reception and they let me park up and walk around, although it is a wedding venue so beware of brides!