Q. Favourite period in History?
A. 1300-1500 Medieval England (Hundred Years War and Wars of the Roses)
Q. Favourite character in History?
A. There are so many to pick from! Probably Anne Boleyn because she was my very first favourite and I love her picture in the National Portrait Gallery. Then again, I also love Catherine of Aragon. I also really, really like Henrietta Maria, Marie Antoinette and Alexandra Feodorovna (I like tragic queens!)
Q. When and why did you first fall in love with History?
A. First fell in love with history in the lower second (year five) with Miss Kilminster. We were learning about the Great Fire of London, the Plague and press ganging (it seems like all at once in my memory!) I can’t really remember why I started liking it; I think I got lots of stars for History. I also love learning things off by heart so I’ve always enjoyed memorising dates etc.
Q. Favourite baddy in History?
A. I really, really dislike Henry VI.
Q. Favourite story from History?
A. The English victory over the French, against the odds, at Agincourt, 1415 and the subsequent Treaty of Troyes.
Q. What tips would you give budding historians?
A. Continuity can be just as important as change. (For VI form) start reading the bibliographies of your history books.
Q. Favourite historical websites?
A. John D Clare, Wikipedia, Spartacus.
Q. If you were not a History teacher what would you be?
A. If I wasn’t a History teacher I’d be dressed up like a Tudor, giving tours at Hampton Court (still an ambition of mine…..)
Q. Who are your favourite historians?
A. GR Elton; Maurice Keen; Antonia Fraser