NEWTON Abbot historian Rosemary Griggs has spent the last six years researching for her latest book on the life of a remarkable Devon lady from Tudor times.

‘Woman of Noble Wit’ is about Katherine, the mother of Sir Walter Raleigh.

Few women of her time lived to see their name in print. But Katherine was no ordinary woman. She was Sir Walter Raleigh’s mother. This is her story.

Rosemary says: ‘I thought your readers would be particularly interested to know that amongst the well known Devon locations featured in my book are some in Newton Abbot itself.

‘Readers will find a mention of Bradley Manor, the Gilbert Almshouses, both St Mary’s Church, Wolborough, and All Saints Church, Highweek, as well as nearby Compton Castle woven into my story of Katherine Champernowne, the mother of both Sir Humphrey Gilbert and Sir Walter Raleigh.

‘Her stepson, John Raleigh, lived in our town and his private door into St Leonard’s Chapel remains in the Clock Tower.’

‘I live in Newton Abbot and have been researching Katherine’s life for more than six years.’

Rosemary is well known locally and all over Devon for her appearances in 16th century clothing at Compton Castle and as a speaker on Devon’s history and on costume for local history groups, WIs and other community groups.

Reports of her talks have featured in the Mid-Devon Advertiser several times. 

‘I also help our wonderful  museum, Newton Abbot Town and GWR Museum, bring history to life.

‘I appeared as “Bessie the serving woman” with them for Heritage Open Days at the Clock Tower on Saturday.’

Her book is already available as an ebook and a print copy can be ordered from High Street retailers, including Waterstones and WH Smiths, or online.

Copies will also be available for purchase at the museum;

‘You can find out more on my website, where you will also find photos of me in costume in my more usual guise as “The Lady Katherine” – the heroine of my novel,’ adds Rosemary.

Set against the turbulent background of a Devon rocked by the religious and social changes that shaped Tudor England, a Devon of privateers and pirates, a Devon riven by rebellions and plots, A Woman of Noble Wit tells how Katherine became the woman who would inspire her famous sons to follow their dreams. It is Tudor history seen though a woman’s eyes.

As the daughter of a gentry family with close connections to the glittering court of King Henry VIII, Katherine’s duty is clear.

She must put aside her dreams and accept the husband chosen for her.

Still a girl, she starts a new life at Greenway Court, overlooking the River Dart, relieved that her husband is not the ageing monster of her nightmares.

She settles into the life of a dutiful wife and mother until a chance shipboard encounter with a handsome privateer, turns her world upside down…

Years later a courageous act will set Katherine’s name in print and her youngest son will fly high.

About the book the author says: ‘My book sees the events that shaped Tudor England through the eyes of a remarkable Devon woman who stands behind famous men.

‘Love him or hate him, Sir Walter Raleigh is a towering historical figure. His mother’s story has never been told before.’

Rosemary is a retired Whitehall Senior Civil Servant with a lifelong passion for history. She is now a speaker on Devon’s sixteenth century history and costume. She leads heritage tours at Dartington Hall, has made regular costumed appearances at National Trust houses and helps local museums bring history to life.

A Woman of Noble Wit’s release date is September 28. ISBN: 9781800464599. Price: £9.99