Celebrating Earth Day today. Sitting at ease in a medieval rose garden in 1460.

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. Apple blossom looking good.

Some readers, new to my novels, enjoy reading chronologically to follow the path of history. There is no real reason to do so, since they are all stand-alone novels apart from the Pastons, but here is the order by date/event for those who wish to do so: www.anneobrienbooks.com/should-anne-...

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. On a gloomy morning, here's a summer view from the top of the mound at Richard's Castle just south of Ludlow, looking over towards the east. A very early castle with little now remaining of the stonework but a splendid vista.

On this day 20th April 1417 died Elizabeth Mortimer at 46 years old, widow of Sir Henry (Hotspur) Percy and wife of Lord Thomas de Camoys. Here buried in the church at Trotton in Sussex next to Lord Thomas. Her mother was Philippa Countess of Ulster grand daughter of King Edward III.

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. Another gorgeous sunrise over the orchards which are now just showing a hint of pink. #cider

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. The oaks beginning to show their summer outlines. A lovely morning with the promise of a perfect day.

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. Bluebells in a very wild patch of shrubbery coming to life in the early sun.

On this day 17th April 1397 Geoffrey Chaucer read from his Canterbury Tales before the Court of King Richard II. The illustration is from the Frontispiece to his 'Troilus & Criseyde'. It depicts the poet Chaucer standing in a pulpit, reciting his work to the royal audience.

From the Archives. The atmospheric interior of the Church of St Mary and St David at Kilpeck in Herefordshire with its rounded apse and chancel arch. Mostly famous for its carvings in the Romanesque style by the 12th century Herefordshire School. A 'must visit' little church!

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. Cowslips, mostly self sown, looking good in dark spots.

A morning in Hereford before the rain descended. As usual a passing nod to Sir Edward and Mr Phoebus, looking over in calm contemplation at the cathedral.

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. The cherry blossom manages to survive the wind, rain and frost. Hoping for some cherries eventually.

On this day 14th April 1471 the battle of Barnet in the Wars of the Roses. Fought in thick mist on Easter Day, Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, who had changed sides from York to Lancaster, was killed, as was his brother. Here the Earl of Warwick and his wife Anne Beauchamp from the Rous Roll

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. Dawn at its spectacular best.

Thinking of a trip to Hay on Wye this week. Nothing really to buy in mind, but I never come home from the bookshops empty handed. A view from the door of Hay Castle looking down into the main street.

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. Frost! Sun just creeping into the lane. Trees still looking wintry.

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. We have now been joined by our summer neighbours.

#onthisday 11th April 1376 was born Roger Mortimer 4th Earl of March at Usk Castle. Son of Edmund Mortimer and Philippa of Clarence who was granddaugter of King Edward III, giving the Mortimers a claim to the English throne. Mortimer heraldry in St Laurence's Church in Ludlow

Thank you so much to Mercedes @authorrochelle for the splendid 5* review for A Court of Betrayal. I agree that it is difficult to resist the notorious medieval Mortimer family. buff.ly/KzF7HTx

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. A damp start in the lane by sun approaching.

On this day 9th April 1483 died Edward IV at the Palace of Westminster. His death was sudden, possibly caused by pneumonia or fever following a fishing trip, possbily from syphilis. Here Edward with his father Richard Duke of York in the west window in St Laurence's in Ludlow.

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. Trees beginning to look less wintry after the warm spell. All is green and the long shadows are back.

Celebrating today's sunshine. In a medieval garden. The Lover and Dame Oyseuse outside a walled garden, from a British Library manuscript of the Roman de la Rose c.1490-1500. Fountains and music to add to the pleasure.

Good morning from the Welsh Marches . Another day of sunshine is promised. Goldfinches busy on the seed containers.

A magnificent amelanchier in full bloom. Not even the edges of Storm Dave could spoil it.

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. Spectacular sunrise over the orchards.

Easter Day. The Resurrection with the Beaufort Arms in the border. Late 15th century, or early 16th. In the National Library of Wales, and a rare survival in its original binding. Its importance also lies in its Beaufort connection to the Royal households of Henry VII and Henry VIII.

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. Easter Day. The beautiful calm after Storm Dave.

Another fine scene from the 13th century Percy Psalter and Book of Hours. The page shows a couple, she offering up her heraldic shield to her husband while he is clothed in chainmail with a surcoat and carrying his family standard. Between a hunt is taking place with dogs, a hare and a deer.

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. Dilwyn. One of the little black and white villages, and the nearest one to where I live.

The Crucifixion, from this very early Percy Book of Hours now in the British Library Made in the late 13th century in York the Percy prayer-book consisted of a psalter and a book of hours. Exactly which Percy – or wife of a Percy – was patron of the manuscript has not been decided.

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. A gloomy start with light rain but hopes of improvement. Here an atmospheric view of the only remains of the motte and its moat next to the church in the lovely black and white village of Eardisland. No ducks today.

Another April page to enjoy. From the early 15th century Tres Riches Heures du Duc de Berry by the Limbourg brothers. April with the superbly dressed great and the good enjoying the fine weather. The river and the Chateau de Dourdan in the distance.

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. Sunrise behind the oaks.

Celebrating the first day of April with an April page from the early 15th century Bedford Book of Hours with all its vibrant colours and gold leaf.

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. Welcome to April. All the grey and greens and the occasional pheasant.

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. More gorgeous pasqueflowers opening up in the sunshine on a rough bank.

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. Primroses taking possession of one of the garden paths.

On this day 29th March 1461 (Palm Sunday) the Battle of Towton near York. A major Yorkist victory over the Lancastrians that brought Edward IV to the throne, while Henry VI and Queen Margaret fled to Scotland. The battle was fought through a snowstorm with terrible bloodshed.

British Summer Time begins today with the clocks going forward one hour. Thanks to the NT for moving the stones at Avebury so promptly to comply with the rising sun. (The old memes are always the best!).

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. The sun just creeping over the horizon behind the orchards. I love the silhouette of the trees in this light. A pair of geese flying over.

#Onthisday 28th March 1420 (or 1421) died Thomas, Lord de Camoys, commander of the rearguard at the Battle of Agincourt. Buried in Trotton in Sussex with his second wife, Elizabeth Mortimer, previous wife of Sir Henry (Hotspur) Percy.

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. The sun is shining and birds singing. Here the lovely little black and white dovecote dated 1673 at Luntley Court between Pembridge and Dilwyn.

Calling US ebook readers Last days. A Marriage of Fortune still on offer for only 99c. Enjoy the medieval Paston family. 'A compelling tale of a family caught up in the turmoil of the Wars of the Roses... Be warned: it's dangerously addictive.' amazon.com/Marriage-For...

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. A damp lane. All is green but there are primroses along the banks.

From the archives on a sunny morning. One of the large empty but impressive spaces at Tretower Castle in Powys with the sun shining through door and windows. Tretower is always worth a visit.

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. Dawn over the orchard where the apple trees are beginning to show a pale green haze. Woodpeckers hammering,

Celebrating the Feast of the Annunciation with this lovely pre-Raphaelite offering by Dante Gabriel Rossetti. 'Ecce Ancilla Domini!' Behold the handmaiden of the Lord The Virgin Mary is shown looking startled. The Angel Gabriel has a stem of lilies and flames at his feet.

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. A carpet of blue anemone blanda on a wild bank with a touch of aubretia and a primrose. Spring!