Derek Birks
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derekbirks.bsky.social
Derek Birks
@derekbirks.bsky.social
710 followers 560 following 90 posts
#Bestselling action thriller author of #HistoricalFiction #TheLastoftheRomans #TheWarsoftheRoses #Podcasts: Co-hosts A Slice of #Medieval Podcast. And now, non-fiction history!
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Derek Birks @derekbirks.bsky.social · 13d
Join Ned Elder and his sisters as they struggle to survive the Wars of the Roses in Feud, the first book of an epic series, set in fifteenth century England.
For the last few days, it's only #99p.
#histfic #kindleseries #KindleMonthlydeals
derekbirks.bsky.social
Join Ned Elder and his sisters as they struggle to survive the Wars of the Roses in Feud, the first book of an epic series, set in fifteenth century England.
For the last few days, it's only #99p.
#histfic #kindleseries #KindleMonthlydeals
October 28, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Reposted by Derek Birks
thehistorybits.bsky.social
New episode!
In the latest edition of A Slice of Medieval, @derekbirks.bsky.social and I chat with Sara Cockerill about the life, times, loves and challenges of Eleanor of Castile, queen of Edward I
@penandswordbooks.bsky.social
#medievalsky #podcastsky
bit.ly/47nr4kt
Eleanor of Castile | A Slice of Medieval #78
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss, with Sara Cockerill, the remarkable Queen Eleanor of Castile. Music by Adriel Fair licensed from Epidemic Sound
bit.ly
October 22, 2025 at 9:32 AM
derekbirks.bsky.social
New out today! The latest episode of the Slice of Medieval #podcast in which @thehistorybits.bsky.social and I talk to Sara Cockerill about Edward I's queen, Eleanor of Castile. #History #medieval bit.ly/47nr4kt
October 22, 2025 at 7:20 AM
Reposted by Derek Birks
thehistorybits.bsky.social
There's a new A Slice of Medieval episode today.
In Episode 77, @derekbirks.bsky.social and I discuss the short life of Edward V - from his education and upbringing to the events of 1483
@penandsword.bsky.social
#podcast #warsoftheroses

soundcloud.com/user-1425259...
Edward V | A Slice of Medieval #77
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss Edward V and why he did not become king in 1483. Music by Adriel Fair licensed from Epidemic Sound
soundcloud.com
October 8, 2025 at 12:25 PM
derekbirks.bsky.social
#KindleMonthlydeals Feud, book 1 of the epic Wars of the Roses saga, is now only #99p. Join the Elder family in their quest for survival in fifteenth century England.
#historicalfiction #histfic #kindleseries
bit.ly/46MyEVk
Feud, book 1 of the epic Wars of the Roses saga, is now only #99p. https://bit.ly/46MyEVk
October 1, 2025 at 9:54 AM
derekbirks.bsky.social
Join us today for a brand new Slice of Medieval #podcast featuring Angus Donald talking about his new book, Templar Traitor. And it's one of his best.
#historicalfiction #MongolEmpire #Templars
bit.ly/3IhzPnQ
Templar Traitor | A Slice of Medieval #76
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks are joined by author, Angus Donald, to discuss the story behind his latest historical novel, Templar Traitor. Music by Adriel Fa
bit.ly
September 24, 2025 at 12:20 PM
derekbirks.bsky.social
If you are studying the Wars of the Roses for #History #Alevel or at uni, check out A Guide to the Wars of the Roses.
“Anyone who wants a thorough understanding on The Wars of the Roses needs to read this book!” Christine Cazeneuve on NetGalley. amzn.to/3YRGqJQ
September 19, 2025 at 7:19 AM
Reposted by Derek Birks
thehistorybits.bsky.social
Ever wondered what was the role of a medieval sheriff? @derekbirks.bsky.social and I have a chat with the not-so-dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham
#SoundCloud
#medievalsky @penandswordbooks.bsky.social
on.soundcloud.com/OagmhCM2pKmm...
The Sheriff of Nottingham| A Slice of Medieval #75
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks are joined by the Sheriff of Nottingham, Richard Townsley, to discuss the role of the medieval sheriff. Music by Adriel Fair lic
soundcloud.com
September 10, 2025 at 9:37 AM
derekbirks.bsky.social
Wondering about the history behind #KingAndConqueror?
A Slice of #Medieval #Podcasts can help you out. Check out our podcasts: #7 Before 1066 bit.ly/4p6dV7l and #74 A Triumvirate of Earls bit.ly/47jJowy
#asliceofmedieval
Before 1066 | A Slice of Medieval #7
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks discuss the succession problems of late Anglo-Saxon England and their effect on the events of 1066. Music by Adriel Fair licensed from Epidemic Sound
bit.ly
September 3, 2025 at 8:54 AM
Reposted by Derek Birks
thehistorybits.bsky.social
Episode 73 of A Slice of Medieval
In this fabulous episode, @derekbirks.bsky.social and Sharon chat with Catherine Hanley, author of Lionessheart, about Richard I's baby sister, Joanna Plantagenet, Queen of Sicily and Countess of Toulouse
#medieval #podcast #womeninhistory
bit.ly/4loVVSA
Joanna Plantagenet | A Slice of Medieval #73
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks are joined by historian and writer, Catherine Hanley, to discuss the life of Joanna Plantagenet. Music by Adriel Fair licensed f
bit.ly
August 13, 2025 at 9:28 AM
Reposted by Derek Birks
thehistorybits.bsky.social
New! A Triumvirate of English Earls
@derekbirks.bsky.social and I discuss the 3 great Anglo-Saxons earls of 11th century England: Godwin, Leofric and Siward. How influential were they?
#podcast #kingandconqueror
@penandswordbooks.bsky.social @historia-hwa.bsky.social

soundcloud.com/user-1425259...
A Triumvirate of English Earls | A Slice of Medieval #74
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss the three powerful English Earls of the Eleventh Century, established by King Cnut: Godwin of Wessex, Leofric of Mercia an
soundcloud.com
August 28, 2025 at 9:18 AM
Reposted by Derek Birks
thehistorybits.bsky.social
The latest episode of A Slice of Medieval is now live.
@derekbirks.bsky.social and I have a fascinating chat with @robeh1979.bsky.social about the Royal House of Wales of Llywelyn ap Iorweth, better known as Llewelyn Fawr, or Llywelyn the Great
#medieval @penandswordbooks.bsky.social
bit.ly/4lTLisf
The Royal House of Wales | A Slice of Medieval #72
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks are joined by historian and writer, David Pilling, to discuss the the Royal House of Wales. Music by Adriel Fair licensed from E
bit.ly
July 31, 2025 at 10:38 AM
derekbirks.bsky.social
Sunday, 27th July

Did a Craft Fair at Lyndhurst yesterday - as I sometimes do. Sold some books, signed some and met some great people, including tourists from Belgium Denmark and Germany - among others probably. Even had my picture taken by Robin from Germany who bought a copy of Feud. Robin, if…
Sunday, 27th July
Did a Craft Fair at Lyndhurst yesterday - as I sometimes do. Sold some books, signed some and met some great people, including tourists from Belgium Denmark and Germany - among others probably. Even had my picture taken by Robin from Germany who bought a copy of Feud. Robin, if you ever read this, maybe you could send me a copy of the picture via my website contact page!
dodgingarrows.wordpress.com
July 27, 2025 at 9:15 AM
derekbirks.bsky.social
Friday, 25th July

Well, I feel vindicated at last this morning because, apparently, I am definitely a grown-up. Many have questioned that in the past but not any more. Yes, Bluesky has verified that I am an adult. Which is good to know. They took a picture of my ancient, craggy face and it took…
Friday, 25th July
Well, I feel vindicated at last this morning because, apparently, I am definitely a grown-up. Many have questioned that in the past but not any more. Yes, Bluesky has verified that I am an adult. Which is good to know. They took a picture of my ancient, craggy face and it took barely a nanosecond for them to conclude that youth had abandoned me long ago.
dodgingarrows.wordpress.com
July 25, 2025 at 8:42 AM
Reposted by Derek Birks
thehistorybits.bsky.social
We have a treat today!
New on A Slice of Medieval @derekbirks.bsky.social and I chat with bestselling author ScottMariani about his new character, Will Bowman and his journey to the Third Crusade in The Pilgrim's Revenge
@penandswordbooks.bsky.social @hodderbooks.bsky.social

bit.ly/3GLOCGq
The Third Crusade and Pilgrim's Revenge | A Slice of Medieval #71
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks are joined by bestselling novelist, Scott Mariani, to discuss the Third Crusade and his new novel, Pilgrim's Revenge. Music by A
bit.ly
July 16, 2025 at 10:24 AM
derekbirks.bsky.social
Friday, 11th July

It's been a busy few weeks. My alter ego, Tom Hadley has been finalising the sequel to the thriller, Eyes Like Blades which went out to some beta readers last week. I've been editing podcasts, including one with best selling novelist, Scott Mariani. The podcasts available on…
Friday, 11th July
It's been a busy few weeks. My alter ego, Tom Hadley has been finalising the sequel to the thriller, Eyes Like Blades which went out to some beta readers last week. I've been editing podcasts, including one with best selling novelist, Scott Mariani. The podcasts available on Youtube seem to be gathering some momentum at the moment. The feed back from listeners has been great, So, many thanks for that.
dodgingarrows.wordpress.com
July 11, 2025 at 10:06 AM
Reposted by Derek Birks
thehistorybits.bsky.social
We have a fabulous treat for listeners today.
In our 70th episode, the wonderful historian, Helen Castor chats with @derekbirks.bsky.social and myself about Henry IV. And, although Richard II encroaches, this is Henry's fascinating story...
#medieval #HenryIV #podcast
bit.ly/4l6bqQf
Henry IV | A Slice of Medieval #70
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss the life and times of King Henry IV with historian, Helen Castor. Music by Adriel Fair licensed from Epidemic Sound
bit.ly
July 2, 2025 at 10:52 AM
derekbirks.bsky.social
The latest Slice of Medieval #podcast is out. And it's a corker. Historian, @hrcastor.bsky.social shares her in-depth knowledge of Henry IV with @thehistorybits.bsky.social and me. Turns out, Shakespeare got it wrong. Who knew?
#medieval #history
bit.ly/4l6bqQf
Henry IV | A Slice of Medieval #70
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss the life and times of King Henry IV with historian, Helen Castor. Music by Adriel Fair licensed from Epidemic Sound
bit.ly
July 3, 2025 at 8:04 AM
Reposted by Derek Birks
thehistorybits.bsky.social
New episode!

@derekbirks.bsky.social and I chat with the wonderful Patricia Bracewell about all-things Emma of Normandy, the only woman to be England's queen to 2 different - very different - kings!
#podcast #ASliceofMedieval

bit.ly/3TrDUrk
Emma of Normandy | A Slice of Medieval #69
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss the life and career of Emma of Normandy with historical novelist, Patricia Bracewell. Music by Adriel Fair licensed from
bit.ly
June 18, 2025 at 9:43 AM
derekbirks.bsky.social
Want to hear the thoughts of Bernard Cornwell, Elizabeth Chadwick, Ian Mortimer, Ben Kane, Matthew Lewis and many many more? You might like to tune in to the Slice of Medieval podcast on Youtube. bit.ly/4gXIaZL
A Slice of Medieval Podcast
A Slice of Medieval is a series of podcasts hosted by historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and writer, Derek Birks. They discuss aspects of medieval history and historical fiction, often with the help o...
bit.ly
June 17, 2025 at 8:11 AM
derekbirks.bsky.social
Wednesday, 11th June

Crikey! Almost a month since I posted here. Where did all that time go? Well, to be fair, I have had back trouble. No, that's sounds pathetic... Anyway, I've just been watching Department Q on Netflix and it's the most impressive series I've seen for a while. Once you get past…
Wednesday, 11th June
Crikey! Almost a month since I posted here. Where did all that time go? Well, to be fair, I have had back trouble. No, that's sounds pathetic... Anyway, I've just been watching Department Q on Netflix and it's the most impressive series I've seen for a while. Once you get past the series title, which sounds like a 1970s sci-fi series, it's really rather good.
dodgingarrows.wordpress.com
June 11, 2025 at 7:58 AM
derekbirks.bsky.social
This week's new #SliceofMedieval #podcast is a bit different. Along with some of our guests, we've put together some summer #book recommendations #booksky
bit.ly/445vmwg
June 6, 2025 at 9:28 AM
Reposted by Derek Birks
thehistorybits.bsky.social
The new Slice of Medieval #podcast is out today. @derekbirks.bsky.social and I chat to Kathryn Warner about the giant of 14th century politics, John of Gaunt.
bit.ly/43nX6L3 #history #medievalhistory
@royalhistsoc.org @historicalwriters.bsky.social
John of Gaunt | A Slice of Medieval #67
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss the life and career of John of Gaunt with historian, Kathryn Warner. Music by Adriel Fair licensed from Epidemic Sound
bit.ly
May 21, 2025 at 9:14 AM
Reposted by Derek Birks
anniehistory.bsky.social
ICYMI catch my chat with
@derekbirks.bsky.social & @thehistorybits.bsky.social as we talk about medieval murder most foul... bit.ly/3RTjeI2
May 31, 2025 at 9:12 AM
derekbirks.bsky.social
Friday, 16th May

Busy week! Recorded two podcasts and edited another one. Did some decorating... Did some writing - contrived to lose said writing... never to be seen again. Did some editing of Tom Hadley's next book. Did some more decorating... Deep joy... This morning I got my first look at the…
Friday, 16th May
Busy week! Recorded two podcasts and edited another one. Did some decorating... Did some writing - contrived to lose said writing... never to be seen again. Did some editing of Tom Hadley's next book. Did some more decorating... Deep joy... This morning I got my first look at the concepts for the cover of Tom Hadley's second Liv Fisher thriller. Exciting!
dodgingarrows.wordpress.com
May 16, 2025 at 9:09 AM