Towton Battlefield Society Review

Mark Taylor, Chairman of Towton Battlefield Society

Peter Algar really brings this true story to life

with his lively interpretation. The work is very

well researched at all levels; the history and

geography are accurate, the political intrigue

correct, and the narrative full of dialect takes

the reader to another place and time. Following

the death of his father at Dintingdale during the

Battle of Towton, the young Henry Clifford is

spirited away from the safety, security and

privilege of Skipton Castle into the Yorkshire

Wolds and Dales to be brought up as a shepherd

until the time is right to reclaim his birthright.

The story weaves through glorious rural settings

as the young Henry learns his new trade, adapts

to a new life and evades those sent to harm him.

This is a great first work by Peter; I thoroughly

enjoyed it and found I couldn’t put the book

down; its atmosphere, use of dialect and swirl of

contrasting lives and emotions were reminiscent

of the dark brooding tales of the Brontes and Ann

Radcliffe. I heartily recommend it and can’t wait

for Peter’s next work.