Eleanor

<p><b>An extraordinary historical journey through England. From Alice Loxton, author of the acclaimed bestseller<i> Eighteen</i></b></p><p><b>A Waterstones Best History Book of 2025</b><br><br><b>‘Joyous. The perfect walk through history‘ – Sir Tony Robinson, actor, presenter and author</b><br><br><b>'Whimsical, charming and cosy. Will make you want to take a long walk, look at some churchyards, and drink a lovely cup of tea' – Alice Winn, bestselling author of <i>In Memoriam</i></b><br><br>In 1290, England mourned the death of a queen, Eleanor of Castile, beloved wife of King Edward I, the warrior king. Her body was carried on a 200-mile journey from Lincoln to London, a solemn procession that would become immortalized in stone. To mark the places where it stopped overnight, a heartbroken Edward commissioned twelve magnificent Eleanor Crosses.<br><br>More than seven centuries later, bestselling historian Alice Loxton set herself an epic challenge: following in history’s footsteps by walking the entire 200-mile funeral route on the corresponding dates.<br><br>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, <i>Eleanor</i> uncovers the extraordinary life and formidable character of this lesser-known royal, revealing her inspiring legacy and the hidden history of Britain.<br><br><b>‘Beautiful, elegiac, honest and compelling . . . a modern-day pilgrimage walking in the footsteps of one of the great forgotten queens’ – Kate Mosse, bestselling author of <i>The Map of Bones</i><br><br>‘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 <i>Normal Women</i><br><br>‘<i>Eleanor </i>is dazzling, alive with wit, elegance and insight. A book that makes history feel urgent, intimate and unforgettable’ – Rob Rinder, bestselling author of <i>The Trial</i></b><br></p>