Why has King Harold become such a great legend
Paul Doherty, the well-known author of medieval period novels like “The Death of the Red King”, “Darkening Glass” and “Nightshade”, generously offered to come to Waltham Abbey and give a talk in support of King Harold Day.
Paul’s talk was entitled: “Harold, the Eternal King: the life and legend of the last Anglo Saxon King of England.”
This is a subject close to the hearts of many of us in Waltham Abbey. Harold reigned for less than a year, yet he is held in reverence by English people because he was the last Anglo Saxon King. The King Harold Day Society recently received an e-mail from someone who lives far away from Waltham Abbey, but who said: “I’m pleased to see that some people are commemorating one of the great figures in English history. It’s extremely unfortunate that there isn’t a national monument to this remarkable man........It is a strange country which... ..fails to acknowledge a deserving and great figure from English history.”
Paul shed some light on this mystery.
Paul Doherty, who lives and works near Waltham Abbey, has published many historical novels over the years, covering periods from Alexander the Great, ancient Rome and ancient Egypt, though to Tudor times, some in his own name and under pen names. He has also written some non-fiction works.
The talk was held as part of a Cheese & Wine evening on Saturday 10th October, in the Abbey Church Centre, Abbey Gardens, Waltham Abbey.
It was a fascinating and amusing talk, and Paul showed he is a complete master of his subject.
The evening was such a success that everyone agreed something similar should be held every year.
