Elizabeth Chadwick is one of Britain’s most acclaimed medieval historical fiction authors, hailed by the Historical Novel Society as “the best writer of medieval fiction currently around.” With over 33 novels spanning the 11th to 14th centuries, she has brought the medieval world to life for millions of readers through meticulously researched stories of knights, queens, and the tumultuous events that shaped the Middle Ages.
Chadwick’s novels are distinguished by their historical authenticity. A member of Regia Anglorum, a medieval reenactment society, she combines primary source research with hands-on experience of medieval life to create richly detailed worlds. Her William Marshal series and Eleanor of Aquitaine trilogy have earned international acclaim, with The Greatest Knight becoming a New York Times bestseller and The Scarlet Lion nominated as one of the top ten historical novels of the decade.
Whether writing about England’s greatest knight, powerful medieval queens, or the brutal conflicts that shaped feudal Britain, Chadwick’s work offers readers an immersive journey into a vibrant, dangerous, and utterly fascinating past.
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Early Life and Background
Elizabeth Chadwick was born in 1957 in Bury, Lancashire, England. When she was four years old, her family moved to Scotland, settling in the village of Newton Mearns near Glasgow. At age ten, the family relocated to Nottingham, where Chadwick has lived ever since.
From an early age, Chadwick was a natural storyteller. Even before she could read or write, she would look at picture books and imagine herself inside the images. Watching television shows like The Lone Ranger and Champion the Wonder Horse, she would invent new episodes in her mind, casting herself in starring roles. At school, she would organize her classmates into acting out dramatic scenes from Scottish history, galloping around the classroom on imaginary horses.
Writing Career
Chadwick’s passion for historical fiction ignited in her teens when she watched the 1965 film The War Lord starring Charlton Heston, followed by the children’s series Desert Crusader featuring a dark, handsome French knight. At the age of 15, she decided to write a novel that continued the knight’s adventures. Although her first attempt was marred by historical inaccuracies (her medieval knowledge was limited to what she’d learned in school), it sparked a lifelong commitment to meticulous research.
The early years of Chadwick’s writing career were marked by persistence in the face of rejection. For years, she submitted manuscripts to publishers with no success, though her work did win competitions. She continued writing because she loved it, treating each rejection as an opportunity to improve her craft. She was writing not for publication but for the joy of storytelling.
Her breakthrough came when literary agent Carole Blake of Blake Friedmann became interested in The Wild Hunt. The novel was auctioned to Michael Joseph (part of Penguin Group) and published in 1989. Within a year, it won a Betty Trask Award, presented by the Prince of Wales at Whitehall. Chadwick had arrived.
In 1994, Chadwick received an unusual commission: Columbia Pictures asked her to novelise the film First Knight, starring Sean Connery and Richard Gere. Given just four months to turn the screenplay into a novel, Chadwick says the experience taught her discipline and new approaches to storytelling that shaped her subsequent career.
Since then, Chadwick has published roughly one book per year, establishing herself as one of historical fiction’s most prolific and respected voices. She became a full-time writer and has never looked back.
Writing Style and Approach
Chadwick’s historical fiction is characterized by meticulous research and vivid period detail. She works with primary and secondary sources, visits historical locations, and draws on her membership in Regia Anglorum, a medieval reenactment organization, to gain a deeper understanding of how medieval people actually lived.
“I research in depth,” Chadwick explains. “I want to know what people wore, what they ate, how they traveled, what their homes looked like, what motivated them.” This commitment to authenticity extends to understanding the mindset of medieval people, their beliefs, their values, and the constraints under which they lived.
Chadwick’s prose brings the medieval world to life with sensory richness. Her battle scenes crackle with energy, her court politics bristle with tension, and her romantic relationships unfold with emotional depth. She excels at creating strong, complex characters, particularly powerful women navigating a male-dominated world.
Critics and readers praise her ability to make history feel immediate and relevant while never sacrificing authenticity. As the Daily Telegraph notes, “Picking up an Elizabeth Chadwick novel you know you are in for a sumptuous ride.”
Elizabeth Chadwick Series in Reading Order
William Marshal Series
Setting: Medieval England and France, 12th-13th century.
Number of Books: 6 novels (complete)
Main Character: William Marshal, England’s greatest knight
William Marshal (1146-1219) is one of history’s most remarkable figures: a landless younger son who became Earl of Pembroke, regent of England, and one of the most powerful men of his age. Chadwick’s series follows his entire life from youth to death, creating a sweeping portrait of medieval chivalry, politics, and warfare.
Complete Reading Order:
- A Place Beyond Courage (2007), about William’s father, John FitzGilbert Marshal, establishes the family background
- The Greatest Knight (2005), William’s early years from tournament champion to royal favorite (New York Times bestseller)
- The Scarlet Lion (2006), William’s rise to power and his relationship with Eleanor of Aquitaine
- The Time of Singing (2008) / For the King’s Favor (US title), about William’s marriage and position at Richard the Lionheart’s court
- To Defy a King (2011), William serves King John during turbulent times (RNA Historical Novel Prize winner)
- Templar Silks (2018), William’s pilgrimage to Jerusalem as an old man, fulfilling a sacred vow
Eleanor of Aquitaine Trilogy
Setting: Medieval France and England, 12th century
Number of Books: 3 novels (complete)
Main Character: Eleanor of Aquitaine, Queen of France and England
One of the most powerful women of the Middle Ages, Eleanor of Aquitaine (1122-1204) was Queen of France, Queen of England, mother of kings Richard and John, and a political force for over 60 years. Chadwick’s trilogy became a worldwide bestseller.
Complete Reading Order:
- The Summer Queen (2013), Eleanor’s youth, marriage to Louis VII of France, and the Second Crusade
- The Winter Crown (2014), Eleanor’s marriage to Henry II of England, and her rise to power
- The Autumn Throne (2016), Eleanor’s imprisonment and later years
Wild Hunt Trilogy (Ravenstow)
Setting: Welsh Marches, late 11th century
Number of Books: 4 books (3 novels + 1 prequel)
Main Characters: The FitzMiles family of Ravenstow
Chadwick’s first published series follows the Norman lords who controlled the turbulent Welsh border regions during the reigns of William Rufus and Henry I.
Complete Reading Order:
- The Coming of the Wolf (2020), a prequel set in 1069 during the Norman invasion
- The Wild Hunt (1990), Lady Judith’s marriage to Guyon FitzMiles (Betty Trask Award winner)
- The Running Vixen (1992), the next generation
- The Leopard Unleashed (1993), continuing the family saga
FitzWarin Series
Setting: Welsh Marches, late 12th-early 13th century
Number of Books: 2 novels
Main Characters: The FitzWarin family
Complete Reading Order:
- Shadows and Strongholds (2004), the FitzWarin family during the Anarchy
- Lords of the White Castle (2000) / The Outlaw Knight (US title), about Fulke FitzWarin’s rebellion
Bigod Series
Setting: Medieval England, 12th-13th century
Number of Books: 2 novels
Main Characters: The Bigod family
Complete Reading Order:
- The Winter Mantle (2002), Roger Bigod and Ida de Tosney, King Henry II’s mistress
- The Time of Singing (2008) / For the King’s Favor (US title) (also part of William Marshal series)
Jeanette of Kent Duology
Setting: 14th-century England and France
Number of Books: 2 novels (1 published, 1 forthcoming)
Main Character: Joanette of Kent, cousin to Edward III
Complete Reading Order:
- The Royal Rebel (2024), Jeanette’s early life at the court of Edward III
- The Crownless Queen (April 2026), forthcoming
Standalone Novels by Elizabeth Chadwick
Chadwick has written numerous standalone novels that can be read independently:
- Daughters of the Grail (1993) / Children of Destiny (US title), the Cathar heresy in 13th-century France
- Shields of Pride (1994), 13th-century Bigod family
- First Knight (1995), novelization of the film starring Sean Connery and Richard Gere
- The Conquest (1996), the aftermath of the Norman Conquest in 1066
- The Champion (1997), 12th-century tournament champion (RNA shortlist)
- The Love Knot (1998), 12th-century England
- The Marsh King’s Daughter (1999), 13th-century East Anglia and royal court
- The Falcons of Montabard (2003), Crusader states in the 12th century (RNA shortlist)
- Lady of the English (2011), Empress Matilda’s fight for the English throne during the Anarchy
- The Irish Princess (2019), Aoife MacMurchada, an Irish princess who marries Richard de Clare
- A Marriage of Lions (2021), Joanna de Valence’s marriage to William de Lusignan
- The King’s Jewel (2023), Joanna of Swanscombe at the court of King Henry III
Where to Start with Elizabeth Chadwick
Best First Book
Recommendation: The Greatest Knight (William Marshal series, book 2) or The Summer Queen (Eleanor of Aquitaine trilogy, book 1)
For readers new to Chadwick, The Greatest Knight is the perfect entry point. It introduces William Marshal, one of history’s most compelling figures, at the start of his remarkable rise from landless knight to power and fame. The novel works as a standalone while also serving as the gateway to Chadwick’s most popular series.
Alternatively, The Summer Queen launches the Eleanor of Aquitaine trilogy and offers everything that makes Chadwick’s work brilliant: a powerful female protagonist, sweeping historical scope, and rich medieval atmosphere. The trilogy became a worldwide bestseller for good reason.
If You Want…
Knights and tournaments: Start with The Greatest Knight or The Champion
Powerful women: Start with The Summer Queen, Lady of the English, or The Irish Princess
Welsh border conflicts: Start with The Wild Hunt or Shadows and Strongholds
Crusades and Holy Land: Start with The Falcons of Montabard or Templar Silks
Her most acclaimed work: Start with The Scarlet Lion (nominated as one of the decade’s top ten historical novels) or the Eleanor of Aquitaine trilogy
Romance with historical depth: Start with The Champion or The Love Knot
Books by Time Period
Norman Conquest and Aftermath (1066-1100)
- The Conquest (1066)
- The Coming of the Wolf (1069)
- The Wild Hunt (1098)
- The Running Vixen
- The Leopard Unleashed
Reign of Henry I and The Anarchy (1100-1154)
- Lady of the English (1135-1153, Empress Matilda)
- Shadows and Strongholds (Stephen and Matilda)
- A Place Beyond Courage (John FitzGilbert Marshal)
Reign of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine (1154-1189)
- The Greatest Knight (William Marshal’s early career)
- The Scarlet Lion (William Marshal)
- The Winter Crown (Eleanor of Aquitaine)
- The Autumn Throne (Eleanor of Aquitaine)
- The Winter Mantle (Roger Bigod and Ida de Tosney)
- The Champion
- The Love Knot
- Lords of the White Castle / The Outlaw Knight
Crusader States (12th century)
- The Falcons of Montabard
- Templar Silks (William Marshal’s pilgrimage)
Reign of Richard I and King John (1189-1216)
- The Time of Singing / For the King’s Favor
- To Defy a King (William Marshal and King John)
- The Irish Princess (Aoife MacMurchada, 1170s-1180s)
13th Century
- Daughters of the Grail / Children of Destiny (Cathar heresy)
- The Marsh King’s Daughter
- A Marriage of Lions (Joanna de Valence)
- The King’s Jewel (Joanna of Swanscombe, 1238)
14th Century
- The Royal Rebel (Jeanette of Kent, 1338)
- The Crownless Queen (forthcoming 2026)
Popular Elizabeth Chadwick Works
The Greatest Knight (William Marshal Series)
This New York Times bestseller introduces William Marshal (1146-1219), a penniless younger son who rose to become one of medieval England’s most powerful figures. The novel follows William from his training as a knight through his years as a tournament champion and his rise in the service of Eleanor of Aquitaine and her sons.
What makes this novel special is Chadwick’s ability to bring William to life as a flesh-and-blood man rather than a distant historical figure. His skill in tournaments, his loyalty to Eleanor, his complicated relationship with the volatile Young King Henry, and his gradual accumulation of lands and power create a compelling narrative of medieval ambition and honor.
The novel is based on L’Histoire de Guillaume le Maréchal, a 19th-century verse biography of William written by a herald, making it one of the most well-documented lives from the Middle Ages.
Perfect for readers who love: Knights and chivalry, tournament combat, political intrigue, rags-to-riches stories, Eleanor of Aquitaine
The Summer Queen (Eleanor of Aquitaine Trilogy)
The first volume of Chadwick’s Eleanor of Aquitaine trilogy became a worldwide bestseller, bringing one of history’s most remarkable women to vivid life. The novel follows Eleanor from her childhood in Aquitaine through her marriage to Louis VII of France, the disastrous Second Crusade, and the annulment that freed her to marry Henry of Anjou.
Chadwick portrays Eleanor as intelligent, politically astute, passionate, and determined. The novel explores her complex relationship with Louis (a pious king ill-suited to her temperament), her experiences in the Holy Land during the Crusade, and her transformation from young duchess to seasoned political operator.
The trilogy draws on the latest historical research to present Eleanor as a three-dimensional woman rather than the legends that have accrued around her over centuries.
Perfect for readers who love: Powerful female protagonists, court politics, medieval France, Crusades, romance with historical depth
The Wild Hunt (Ravenstow Series)
Chadwick’s breakthrough novel won the Betty Trask Award, launching her career. Set in the turbulent Welsh Marches during the reign of William Rufus, it follows Lady Judith of Ravenstow, who at age 15 is married to the roguish, handsome Guyon FitzMiles, Lord of Ledworth, in a union designed to protect their lands from ambitious rivals.
The novel brilliantly captures the violence and beauty of the Welsh borderlands, where Norman lords struggled to maintain control against Welsh resistance. Judith and Guyon’s relationship evolves from a political arrangement to a genuine partnership as they navigate threats from without and within.
The book established Chadwick’s signature style: meticulous historical detail, strong female characters, vivid action sequences, and relationships that develop realistically over time.
Perfect for readers who love: Norman England, Welsh history, arranged marriages that become love stories, strong heroines, and castle life
Awards and Recognition
Elizabeth Chadwick is one of Britain’s most honored medieval historical fiction authors:
- “The best writer of medieval fiction currently around” – Historical Novel Society
- Betty Trask Award (1990) for The Wild Hunt
- RNA Historical Novel Prize (2011) for To Defy a King
- New York Times Bestseller (The Greatest Knight)
- Top Ten Historical Novel of the Decade (2010) – The Scarlet Lion, nominated by Historical Novel Society founder Richard Lee
- Waterstones Best Books of 2008 – A Place Beyond Courage selected as one of the best historical fiction titles
- RNA Parker Pen Award shortlist (1998) for The Champion
- RNA Award shortlist for Lords of the White Castle (2001), The Winter Mantle (2002), The Falcons of Montabard (2003), The Coming of the Wolf (2021)
- HNS Editor’s Choice for The King’s Jewel
- Translated into 16-18 languages
- 33+ books published
- William Marshal series optioned for film and television (ongoing project)
Writing Schedule and Upcoming Books
Latest Release
The Royal Rebel (September 2024) The first novel in a duology about Jeanette of Kent, cousin to Edward III, following her life at court during the opening years of the Hundred Years’ War.
Upcoming Releases
The Crownless Queen (April 2026). The conclusion of the Jeanette of Kent duology.
Current Projects
Chadwick continues to write medieval historical fiction at a steady pace of roughly one book per year. At age 67-68, she shows no signs of slowing down and remains passionate about bringing the medieval world to life for contemporary readers.
She lives in Nottingham with her husband and their four terriers (Pip, Jack, Billy, and Little Ted), where she continues her research, writing, and participation in Regia Anglorum’s medieval reenactment activities.
Similar Authors You’ll Enjoy
If you enjoy Elizabeth Chadwick’s work, you might also like:
- Sharon Kay Penman, who also writes meticulously researched medieval fiction, particularly about the Plantagenet period and Welsh princes
- Alison Weir, Britain’s bestselling female historian, who has written both biographies and novels about medieval and Tudor queens
- Robyn Carr, who writes medieval historical romance with strong female characters
- Jean Plaidy (Victoria Holt),a prolific historical novelist who covered many of the same medieval figures
- Judith Merkle Riley, whose medieval novels combine humor with historical detail
- Cecelia Holland, an acclaimed historical novelist known for medieval and Viking fiction
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Elizabeth Chadwick’s best book?
Chadwick’s most acclaimed work is The Scarlet Lion, which was nominated by the founder of the Historical Novel Society as one of the top ten historical novels of the decade. For accessibility and popularity, The Greatest Knight (a New York Times bestseller) is her most successful single novel. The Eleanor of Aquitaine trilogy is her most commercially successful series, becoming a worldwide bestseller. However, many readers consider The Wild Hunt, her debut novel, to be a perfect introduction to her style.
In what order should I read Elizabeth Chadwick’s books?
William Marshal series: Read in chronological order, starting with A Place Beyond Courage (though you can start with The Greatest Knight, as it works as an entry point).
Eleanor of Aquitaine trilogy: Read in order: The Summer Queen, The Winter Crown, The Autumn Throne.
Wild Hunt/Ravenstow series: Read in publication order, though The Coming of the Wolf (2020 prequel) can be read first chronologically.
Standalone novels: Can be read in any order, though some share connections to the larger historical world Chadwick has created.
Is Elizabeth Chadwick historically accurate?
Yes. Chadwick is renowned for her meticulous historical research. She works with primary sources, visits historical sites, and participates in medieval reenactment through Regia Anglorum to understand how medieval people actually lived. While she creates dialogue and imagines private moments (as all historical novelists must), the framework of events, the details of daily life, and the portrayal of historical figures are grounded in solid research. Historians and academic reviewers consistently praise her accuracy.
What time period does Elizabeth Chadwick write about?
Chadwick specializes in the medieval period, specifically from 1066 to 1400 (the Norman Conquest through the 14th century). Her particular strength lies in the 12th-13th centuries, encompassing the reigns of Henry II, Richard the Lionheart, and King John. She focuses primarily on England, Wales, and France, with some novels set in the Crusader states.
Are Elizabeth Chadwick’s books appropriate for all ages?
Chadwick’s novels are written for adult readers and contain mature content, including violence (often graphic medieval warfare), adult relationships (though not explicit), and themes of power, betrayal, and political intrigue. The content is generally appropriate for mature teens (16+) interested in medieval history, but parents should be aware that medieval life was brutal and Chadwick doesn’t shy away from that reality.
Has Elizabeth Chadwick’s work been adapted for TV or film?
The William Marshal series has been optioned for film and television and remains an ongoing project. While no adaptations have been produced yet, the option reflects the cinematic quality and commercial appeal of her work.
Is Elizabeth Chadwick still writing?
Yes. Chadwick continues to write and publish regularly. Her most recent novel, The Royal Rebel, was published in September 2024, and she has The Crownless Queen scheduled for April 2026. She typically publishes one book per year.
How many books has Elizabeth Chadwick written?
Chadwick has published over 33 novels as of 2025, all of which focus on medieval historical fiction. Her books have been translated into 16-18 languages and sold worldwide.
What makes Elizabeth Chadwick different from other medieval authors?
Chadwick’s distinctive qualities include: (1) her membership in Regia Anglorum, giving her hands-on experience with medieval life, (2) her focus on lesser-known but fascinating historical figures like William Marshal, (3) her ability to create strong, complex female characters in a male-dominated world, (4) her meticulous attention to period detail without sacrificing narrative drive, and (5) her commitment to accuracy that has earned praise from historians and general readers alike.
Conclusion
Elizabeth Chadwick stands as one of historical fiction’s finest practitioners, bringing the medieval world to life with unparalleled authenticity and narrative skill. Called “the best writer of medieval fiction currently around” by the Historical Novel Society, she has spent over three decades creating richly detailed novels that transport readers to the courts, castles, and battlefields of the Middle Ages.
With 33+ novels ranging from intimate character studies to sweeping multi-generational sagas, Chadwick offers readers entry into a world that is at once brutal and beautiful, dangerous and romantic. Her William Marshal series captures the life of England’s greatest knight, her Eleanor of Aquitaine trilogy illuminates one of history’s most remarkable women, and her standalone novels explore every corner of the medieval landscape from the Welsh Marches to the Crusader states.
What sets Chadwick apart is her commitment to bringing medieval people to life not as distant historical figures but as complex individuals with recognizable emotions, motivations, and struggles. She doesn’t romanticize the past or sanitize its violence, but she finds in it stories of courage, loyalty, love, and human resilience that resonate across the centuries.
Whether you’re drawn to knights and tournaments, powerful queens and court politics, or the everyday realities of medieval life, Chadwick offers authoritative, immersive, and utterly captivating historical fiction.
Ready to start your Elizabeth Chadwick reading journey? Begin with The Greatest Knight or The Summer Queen and discover why millions of readers have made the medieval world their favorite fictional destination.
