Helen Carr- Sceptred Isle - A New History of the Fourteenth Century

From the bestselling author Helen Carr, a thrilling new history of the fourteenth century - a time of catastrophe and conflict that shaped England for centuries to come. ‘A sparkling popular history which brings the Middle Ages’ most terrible century to life for a new generation‘ Dan Jones ‘Tells the story of the 14th-century Plantagenets with verve’ The Times ‘A highly engaging re-evaluation of a tumultuous century’ Observer The death of Edward I in 1307 marked the beginning of a period of intense turmoil and change in England.

The fourteenth century ushered in the beginning of the bloody Hundred Years’ War with France, an epic conflict with Scotland that would last into the sixteenth century, famine in Northern Europe and the largest human catastrophe in known history, the Black Death.

Through the epic drama of regicide, war, the prolonged spectre of bubonic plague, religious antagonism, revolt and the end of a royal dynasty, this book tells the story of the fourteenth century via the lives of Edward II, Edward III and Richard II - three very different monarchs, each with their own egos and ambitions, each with their own ideas about England and what it meant to wield power.

Alongside the lives of the last Plantagenets, it also uncovers lesser-known voices and untold stories to give a new portrait of a fractured monarchy, the birth of the struggle between Europeanism and nationalism, social rebellion and a global pandemic.

Sceptred Isle is a thrilling narrative account of a century of revolution, shifting power and great change - social, political and cultural - shedding new light on a pivotal period of English history and the people who lived it.

Praise for Sceptred Isle ‘A sweeping look at an era of upheaval, panic and change.

Gripping, powerful history’ Hallie Rubenhold Helen Carr is an historian, writer and presenter specialising in medieval history and public history.

Helen’s best-selling book, The Red Prince: John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, was listed in the Times and Sunday Times top five best books of 2021.

She is also the co-author and editor of What is History, Now? a follow up to What is History? (1961) by her great-grandfather, the historian and diplomat, E.H.

Carr.

Helen’s most recent book, Sceptred Isle: A new history of the fourteenth century featured on The Times’s Books to look out for in 2025 and hit the top ten Times bestseller list on publication in May 2025.

Helen has presented several documentaries for HistoryHit TV including; Edward II - Worst King of England?, Bannockburn: The Battle for Scotland, Captain Cook’s Endeavour and The Trail of Guy Fawkes.

Helen has also appeared as an expert on Richard II as part of the Medieval Kings series and presented a documentary for Cambridge University on its history, shared globally.

During major royal occasions, such has the death of HM The Queen and the Coronation of King Charles, she has co-presented special programmes for City TV Canada and worked with CNN, NBC and Sky News on British Royal Family news.

Helen previously hosted the chart-topping podcast, Hidden Histories and now hosts podcasts for Intelligence Squared, both live and online.

Helen is passionate about sharing how we study and interpret the past and has been praised for her ability to enthuse and engage the public for various historical subjects. ‘Helen Carr is one of the most exciting and talented young historians out there.

She has a passion for medieval history which is infectious and is always energetic and engaging, whether on the printed page or the screen.’ - Dan Snow Helen writes for The Spectator, The Telegraph, the TLS and BBC History.

She holds an undergraduate degree in history and history of art from the University of York and a masters in medieval history from the University of Reading.

She is currently working on a doctorate in medieval history at Queen Mary University London.

Helen is an elected fellow of the Royal Historical Society.

Helens’ website can be found here: https://www.helenhcarr.com/