Historical Huthwaite author pens tale of Nottinghamshire heroine during Magna Carta wars

From Mansfield and Ashfield Chad:

Bringing to life the historic tale of one of Nottinghamshire’s forgotten heroines is the focus of a new book by a dedicated Huthwaite author.

Austin Hernon, aged 78, has a history of writing novels that explore Britain’s medieval heritage, having written books on Robert - son of Battle of Hastings legend William the Conqueror.

And now he has penned his focus on a local Nottinghamshire heroine - Matilda of Laxton, who was the Keeper of the King’s Forest, Sherwood, in the Wars of the Magna Carta.

It was when the self-confessed history-buff paid a visit to King John’s Palace in Kings Clipstone that his research really came to life - discovering her role in the wars from 1216AD.

Basing his investigation on historical chronicles and land ownership, he discovered the way she “fought off power and stayed strong to her duties”, and believes her story "should be told".

His book, Wars of the Magna Carta - The Battle for England; Women at war in Medieval England, explores the life and strength of Matilda, and her counterpart in Nicholaa of Lincoln.

read more here 

@ Mansfield and Ashfield Chad

@ Henry III Fine Rolls

@ History Re-Imagined