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Juliana and Ranulph of Morpeth Castle

She was the granddaughter of Gospatric, former earl of Northumberland, who’d been sent into exile by William the Conqueror.

He was the son of a man who’d battled in the Norman conquest of England.

Their parents had negotiated with the king.  The two young people were to marry.  Juliana would leave her family at their place of exile in Scotland and join the conquering de Merlays at their castle on a green hill at Morpeth in Northumberland. 

But Juliana was no helpless heiress.  She brought to Ranulph a dowry of lands which enlarged the barony of Morpeth, and which would establish her children’s future.

The stories and characters which led to this marriage are revealed; the Earl Gospatric who raged against the Conqueror; the dark and dangerous earl of Northumberland, Robert de Mowbray, and his unfortunate wife the Lady Matilda; the warrior bishop Geoffrey and his servant William de Merlay who became the first baron of Morpeth.

The formerly unknown place of origin of the de Merlay family is revealed for the first time by the writer who went to Normandy on her bicycle.

This is Morpeth’s earliest history. It has never been told before.

'I love the book! I could go on and on about your blending of storytelling and such rigorous research...it works so well'

Bob Hutchison

Publisher

Greater Morpeth Development Trust

Year

2016

ALL boOkS 1991 ~ 2024

The Hay Girl Trilogy books are available in your local bookshop, and online

Morpeth History books from Morpeth Chantry or from Greater Morpeth Development Trust

Or contact Bridget
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