Jonathan Healey: The Blood in Winter

Saturday 15 November, 12:30pm, QUAD DE1 3AS

This event will be filmed and made available as a digital recording after the Festival. Available for purchase here.

Why did the English Civil War break out? The Blood in Winter tells the story of an English people's great political awakening, and of a nation that splintered into bloodshed at a terrifying speed. Jonathan Healey recreates a thrilling history about the months that sent England into civil war: the claustrophobic atmosphere of the day, with rowdy protestors in the streets and London blanketed in coal smoke. It is a story of remarkable but flawed characters, all faced with unpalatable choices and a frightening picture of a society in profound distress.

After years of tension between a king and his people, in 1641 England reaches a semblance of peace. Armies have disbanded, legislation has passed to ensure Parliament will continue to sit, and the people are tentatively optimistic. Radical politicians congratulate themselves on a stunning political victory. Royal servants are coming to accept an altered future.

Then comes winter. With it, chaos, protests, political deadlock, and eventually a remarkable attempt by King Charles I to destroy his opponents. On 4 January 1642 Charles marches on the small riverside city of Westminster at the head of an army, seeking to arrest five Members of Parliament. In doing so, he sets in motion a series of events that will lead to bloodshed and war, changing a nation forever.

Jonathan will be in conversation with Professor Keith McLay, Chair of Derby Book Festival  and Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Derby.

'An old-fashioned Westminster thriller . . . You could hardly find a more engrossing or exciting story' DOMINIC SANDBROOK, SUNDAY TIMES

'A rollicking history, packed with fire and excitement *****' DANIEL BROOKS, TELEGRAPH

'The House of Cards-ish drama remains gripping to the last' LITERARY REVIEW

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