Tag Archives: medieval

History a’la Carte for Ginger Cat Appreciation Day 2020

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To celebrate Ginger Cat Appreciation Day, we’re looking at the relationship between writers and their cats! And don’t miss Why Writing Takes so Long here on this site. “A very fine cat, a very fine cat indeed….”   Lexicographer and writer, Dr Johnson, was a cat lover. It was whilst he was in residence at 17 Gough Square, London, that he owned his most well-known cat, Hodge. To this day a statue of Hodge, appropriately seated on a dictionary, … Continue reading →

History a’la Carte for Ginger Cat Appreciation Day 2019

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To celebrate Ginger Cat Appreciation Day, I’ve got a delicious smattering of articles featuring ginger cats in history!  And don’t miss Marginal Cats   Orange Tabby Cats Facts Jim Davis, creator of Garfield, once said “In my head, the sky is blue, the grass is green and cats are orange.” While Davis’ famous comic strip has also included cats that were gray, yellow and even pink, blue and purple, it’s big orange Garfield that everyone … Continue reading →

Marginal Cats by Cait Reynolds

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 I’d like to welcome my friend Cait Reynolds today as she takes us along for a trip down the research rabbit hole finding cats in the margins. I’ve heard it said that the more thing change, the more they stay the same, and I’m pretty convinced it’s true.  Though I write historical fiction that reflects the attitudes and understandings of the times, human beings are still pretty much the same then as they are now.  … Continue reading →

Castles 101

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Though there is a lot of debate, castles are generally considered to be the private fortified resident of a lord or noble. (Palaces are not fortified)  Castles did not serve as a public defense. They originated in Europe in the 9th and 10th century. Castles served not only as military structures, but as centers of administration and symbols of the nobility’s power. Since their first function was defense, castles often exploited natural defenses like hilltops … Continue reading →