Frequently Asked Questions

Why HistoryLauren?

My name’s Lauren, and I love History. I’ve been working as a historian since 2008, mainly in heritage interpretation and publishing, with a tasty sideline of regular appearances on History podcasts and at public talks.

What is a historian?

Someone who works in a historical field (occasionally literally). I’ve also worked in palaces, castles, museums, stately homes, libraries, schools, archives - and also often in my shed, where I do a lot of my writing.

So do you write books or what?

I do, thanks for asking. Four and counting. My latest, MARGARET BEAUFORT. SURVIVOR REBEL KINGMAKER is available to preorder through Bloomsbury. My earlier books included ‘The best life of Henry VI now in print' (according to Dan Jones): Shadow King. The Life and Death of Henry VI.

And I’ve also written an AHRC-funded site-responsive play, and various fictionalised historical tales, including this podcast.

What’s this heritage interpretation stuff about?

It basically means storytelling History, in a heritage setting. In my case, it’s mainly meant creating or performing ‘museum theatre’ or ‘live costumed interpretation’, with a particular focus on restoring marginalised narratives to our public history and spaces.

What’s your favourite historical era?

Fifteenth Century. Wars of the Roses. Hundred Years War. Rise of the Tudors. Fascinating women all over the place. And, having often strayed in to the C16th, I am currently doing an AHRC-funded PhD with National Archives/ Manchester Metropolitan University exploring Tudor Catholic exiles’ involvement in Anglo-Roman diplomacy.