The Tower of London: Creating a 13th Century World Within its Walls

Описание: Dr Samantha Ward-Smith’s talk examines how archaeology and historical records surrounding a building can shape historical fiction, with her novel Tower of Vengeance set in the Medieval Tower of London. She shows how writers use research—architecture, excavations, chronicles, and archival sources—to create an authentic sense of the past.

Her work explores elements of daily life, including the lesser-known history of taverns within the Tower itself—spaces that evolved from simple alehouses to more established drinking quarters serving garrisoned soldiers, workers, and visitors. It also reflects the turbulent experiences of the Jewish community, who endured persecution, forced levies, and eventual expulsion. These historical threads are subtly woven into the story to deepen the setting without overwhelming the reader.

Dr Samantha Ward-Smith
Dr Samantha Ward-Smith recently published her debut novel Tower of Vengeance, a historical fiction novel set in the Tower of London in 13th century. She lived in London for over 30 years working in investment banking, also pursuing a PhD in English at Birkbeck. For the past 13 years, she has also been a volunteer at the Tower, which has provided her with invaluable insights into its history—many of which deeply influenced her writing. She now lives in Kent by the sea with her two cats, Belle and Rudy.
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