Eleanor - by Alice Loxton

About the Book

Book Synopsis

An extraordinary historical journey from the author of Eighteen, the acclaimed Sunday Times bestseller.
'Loxton is the leading historian of her generation' Dan Jones, bestselling author of The Templars

In 1290, England mourned the death of a queen, Eleanor of Castile, beloved wife of King Edward I. Her body was carried on a 200-mile journey from Lincoln to London, a solemn procession that would become immortalised in stone. To mark the places where her cortege rested, a heartbroken Edward commissioned twelve magnificent Eleanor Crosses.

More than seven centuries later, bestselling historian Alice Loxton set herself an epic challenge: walking the entire 200-mile funeral route from Lincoln to London, following in history's footsteps on the corresponding dates in November and December 2024.

As Alice journeys in search of England's forgotten queen, over ancient paths and modern motorways, history comes alive in surprising ways. Lively and entertaining, Eleanor uncovers the extraordinary life and formidable character of a royal, the hidden history of Britain and Eleanor's inspiring legacy.

'Loxton has the novelist's skill of seeing the world through her characters' eyes, and the historian's accuracy of vision' Philippa Gregory, bestselling author of Normal Women

About the Author

Alice Loxton is one of Britain's most exciting young historians. She has a loyal following of nearly 3 million across Instagram, TikTok and X. She is an experienced writer and presenter, regularly fronting documentaries on History Hit, Channel 4 and the BBC.

She is the author of Eighteen: A History of Britain in 18 Young Lives, which was an instant Sunday Times bestseller, was named Blackwell's Book of the Year and was shortlisted for Waterstones Book of the Year. Eleanor: The 200-Mile Walk in Search of England's Lost Queen is her third book.