The Tudor Heresy

By Sam Burnell

A short story Introduction to the Tudor Mystery Trials

This short pre-quel sets the stage for the full length book - A Queen's Spy. Enjoy either as a short read on its own, or as an introduction to the Mystery Trials Series.

A gripping Historical Adventure set in 16th Century Tudor England. Elizabeth Tudor needs a hero. Murder, Mystery & Intrigue with a Splash of Romance.

Based on actual historical events, an epic tale of a young Tudor nobleman’s courage as he tries to keep his future Queen safe in one of England’s most turbulent eras.

If you enjoy Tudor Fiction by Phillipa Gregory and Alison Weir then 'A Queens Spy' is perfect for you. A fascinating insight into Tudor England and the life of Elizabeth I before she sets foot on the steps to the throne.

The story unfolds in 16th Century Tudor England

Richard Fitzwarren is a Tudor nobleman with a dubious past who takes risks for a living.

His close friendship with Princess Elizabeth leads to his banishment to France, but when he returns he remains loyal to her.

At his side is Jack, his bastard sibling, and their relationship is a troubled one due to a family secret and their opposite personalities.

Will he keep the future Queen safe?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sam Burnell
• Release date: Nov 14, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386297383

Sam Burnell

BiographySam Burnell lives in the North East of England and has had a passion for history and archaeology all her adult life. Originally trained as a Solicitor, whilst studying for a law degree at Durham University she discovered a love for legal history. Various jobs followed, including researcher for a local museum, public sector audit work and finally now running her own successful scuba diving business both on-line and in a bricks and mortar store. During a career break a return to University was possible where she studied Archaeology, and Sam is never happier then when she's stood in a castle wondering what when and why and trying to unlock the secrets in the stones

Book preview

The Tudor Heresy

By Sam Burnell

Copyright Sam Burnell 2017

This book is available in eBook at most online retailers.

The right of Sam Burnell to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the writer. Any person who does any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Historical Background

In the summer of 1548, Princess Elizabeth, daughter of Henry VIII, lived with her stepmother, Katherine Parr. Katherine was Henry’s last wife and survived him when he died in 1547. Before becoming Queen of England, Katherine Parr had been betrothed to the dashing Admiral Sir Thomas Seymour, and after Henry’s death Katherine turned to her first love and they married within months of her becoming a widow. Elizabeth and Katherine had become close during the final years of Henry’s reign and it seemed only natural that the Princess should remain under her governance, so she became a part of the Seymour household. In 1548, a scandal reached even the ears of the Privy Council; something had happened at Seymour’s house. There was even a rumour that the Lady Elizabeth was with child. These are facts; the rest is fiction.

Chapter 1

July 1548

They found them together in the garden. Alone!

Elizabeth was crying, cheeks red and puffy. She had been sobbing for some time. On her arm a set of bruises; the telltale shadow left where a hand had gripped it hard, and a grazed shoulder told where the cloth from the dress had scored her skin as it had resisted before finally ripping. Her bodice was rent apart and shaking hands clutched desperately at the material, trying to pull the torn edges together. Fiery auburn curls spilt from the neat pile beneath a cap and lay on shaking shoulders in uneven, curled locks.

They could only guess what he had done to her - and guess they did. The Lady had obviously tried to defend herself and his shirt was ripped down the front, and across his cheek he wore an ugly set of lines, ripped by her nails as he