VIII (31 page)

When the idea for this book first grabbed me by the scruff of the neck, I knew what I had to do: ring my sister, Helen Castor, and run it by her. Handily for me she is a brilliant writer and an equally brilliant historian; effortlessly, within that first conversation, she improved my idea a hundredfold. This was just the first of many times she helped me during the writing process. I cannot adequately express my gratitude.

My dear friend Dominique Velarde has been the book’s midwife here in Bristol. Shamelessly making use of her skills as a psychotherapist, I have talked through every aspect of Henry’s character with her – her views have been illuminating and wise. I am also deeply indebted to Jungian analyst Matthew Harwood, without whose expert help I could not have made the dark journey into Henry’s psyche.

My parents, Gwyneth and Grahame Castor, have been, as ever, unflagging sources of support, both practical and moral. Amongst so many other things, they have read every draft and provided not just encouragement and perceptive comment, but also a wonderful translation service without which this book would have been much the poorer. My parents-in-law, Jon and April Jeffery, have also been indispensable sources of support, both to me and to the whole family – thank you.

Penny Holroyde has been the most fantastic agent I could wish for. Anne Finnis, my editor, has asked all the right questions and improved the book more than I could have hoped. I am hugely grateful to Amanda Wood for having faith in me and for making an early editorial suggestion that turned out to be transformative. I am also much indebted to Richard Scrivener, who saw
VIII
’s potential early on. In-house, I have been blessed with a fabulous editorial team
in Emily Hawkins and Helen Boyle, and I am grateful too to Helen Greathead and Katie Cotton, my copyediting
hawk-eyes.
James Fraser, Nick Spence and Will Steele have made the book look gorgeous, and Phil Perry and Jayne Roscoe have expertly spread the word.

My marvellous history teacher from my schooldays, Helen Lenygon, heroically came out of retirement to untangle the Italian Wars for me (again!). Joe Rigby and Rae Williams of Cleve Archers have been my much-valued experts on fifteenth- and sixteenth-century archery – as well as the very best of neighbours. Dr Maria Hayward – author of indispensable books on Tudor clothes – kindly sent me an article of hers to which I had no other access. I am grateful to Medieval World (Themed Entertainments Ltd) for help with jousting research. For my own experience of fighting techniques, I am indebted to the generosity and expertise of Master Le Van, of Le Van Taekwondo in Bristol.

My esteemed fellow writers and friends Philip Ardagh, Josh Lacey, Simon Scardifield, Merle Nygate and Laura Fidment have been indefatigably supportive. My uncle, Colin Watson, has been a hugely appreciated source of warm encouragement. And my dear friend John Amson – a lifelong inspiration to me – gave me courage at a crucial moment.

Finally – but most of all – I am indebted (in more ways than I could possibly list) to my lovely husband, Richard, and my beautiful daughters, Maud and Florence. For me they are the foundation on which everything else is built and they have all, frankly, had to put up with a lot.