Medieval Society, Religion, and the Crusades

You will probably be hard pressed to find any medieval book or movie that does not dwell on religion, even for just a brief moment. The same can be said of Lancastrian: The Knight of Colchester. While religion is not a main topic of the story, there are references to the church, Christian Chivalry, and even Scripture quotes. Feudal systems had a hierarchy, much like any other system. There were those who prayed, those who fought, and those who worked. Your status in medieval society was determined by what you did. Peasants and Serfs were not viewed as important as a soldier or certainty a knight in the eyes of nobility and royalty.

When anyone writes a historical novel they cannot exclude important aspects of the culture of which they are writing. In the case of Lancastrian, being set in 15th Century England and France, you will find that religion in those times was more of a popular idea to cling to rather than an actual practice. Of course, if you've studied medieval history at all you would know that, being before the Reformation, English translations of the Bible were scarce. Even if someone managed to have a copy, chances are they couldn't read it.

Of course the Popes abused this monopoly by convincing the "Christian" armies that a holy crusade to Israel was God's plan. The Crusades were not entirely selfish acts, however, since the fear of being invaded by the Saracens was in the minds of Europe's kings. The politically correct movie, Kingdom of Heaven, does not tell the whole story and anyone watching that movie who does not understand this might think negatively towards Christians.

While reading Lancastrian, do not be surprised when coming across references to Christianity and religion in general. Since, it is true that any writer puts part of who they are into their stories and also because the time period demands it.

I apologize for the shortness of this recent entry, but more, including my novel is coming soon!