Dear Reader

Have you ever wondered how many stories of remarkable women have been lost to time?

This week, I’ve been captivated by the story of a medieval heroine whose bravery shaped history—yet her name has almost faded from memory. If you love tales of resilience and forgotten courage, this one’s for you.

Here’s what I’m sharing with you this week:

✅ The Forgotten Heroine: A medieval woman who defied a king—and changed history.
✅ Medieval Recipe: Honey-Spiced Biscuits
✅ Medieval Fashion Secrets: How did noblewomen really dress—and what hidden meanings lay in their choices?

So, pour yourself a cup of tea and let’s uncover some hidden history together.

👑 The Forgotten Heroine Who Defied a King

History remembers kings and warriors—but sometimes the most remarkable figures are the ones history tries to forget. Meet Joan of Kent—the scandalous and strategic royal who became the first Princess of Wales. Joan was known for her beauty, charm, and political skill—but her early life was defined by rebellion. At just twelve, she secretly married Thomas Holland while her family arranged a politically advantageous match for her with William Montagu, Earl of Salisbury. When Thomas returned from military service and revealed their secret marriage, it caused an uproar at court. Joan fought for her right to remain with Thomas—and won. But her life would become even more complicated when she became the wife of Edward, the Black Prince, heir to the throne of England. As Princess of Wales, Joan navigated political intrigue, war, and scandal with remarkable poise.

Her legacy lives on in her son, Richard II, but Joan herself remains an often-overlooked figure in medieval history—a woman who challenged the rules of her time and carved her own path through court politics and royal expectations.

🍴 Medieval Recipe: Honey-Spiced Biscuits

Sweetened with honey and flavoured with warming spices, these biscuits are inspired by medieval treats enjoyed by the wealthy. They’re simple to make and perfect for a taste of history!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250g) whole wheat flour (or spelt flour for a more authentic touch)
• 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/3 cup (80ml) honey
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix the flour, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
3. Add the softened butter and honey, then mix until the dough forms a ball. (You may need to knead it gently with your hands.)
4. Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch (0.5 cm) thick and cut into shapes using a knife or a simple round cutter.
5. Place the biscuits on the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden.
6. Let them cool before serving. These biscuits go wonderfully with herbal tea or a glass of mead :-)

How Did They Bake These in a Castle?

Imagine the grand kitchens of a medieval castle, bustling with activity. To bake treats like our honey-spiced biscuits, they’d use large stone ovens, cleverly designed to trap heat. These “beehive ovens” were heated by burning wood inside until the stone walls were searing hot. Once the flames died down and the ashes were swept out, the dough would be placed on flat stone or metal trays to bake in the oven’s lingering warmth. The result? Perfectly cooked biscuits, infused with the cozy scent of honey and spices, wafting through the castle halls.

👗 Medieval Fashion Secrets

Forget corsets and towering headdresses—medieval fashion was far more practical and political than you might think. Noblewomen in medieval England often wore gowns made of wool or silk, dyed in rich colours like deep blue, crimson, and green. The quality of the fabric and the intensity of the dye reflected wealth and status. Jewellery and embroidery weren’t just decoration—they were a statement of allegiance and political power. Embroidered symbols like lions, fleurs-de-lis, or hawks could signify family ties, political alliances, or even religious devotion. And those long sleeves you see in medieval portraits? They weren’t just stylish—they were a sign of wealth since they required more fabric (and more expense). The longer the sleeve, the higher the status!

💭 Behind the Scenes: A Love Triangle Twist?

I thought I had the whole story drafted… but it turns out my heroine had other ideas. As I’ve been editing, I realized she’s starting to develop feelings for two men—and now I’m not sure which one she’s going to choose (or if she’ll even have to). I didn’t expect a love triangle, but the emotional tension and complexity it’s adding to the story feels so right for her character.

I’m curious—how do you feel about love triangles in historical fiction (or any genre)?

❤️ Love them! The more emotional tension, the better.​
🙅‍♀️ Not my thing—just pick one already!​
🤔 It depends—if it’s well written, I’m in.

Hit reply and let me know—your thoughts might help me figure out how to handle this tricky situation!

💌 Until Next Time…History is full of hidden stories—some lost, others waiting to be rediscovered. I hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s tale and recipe.

Wishing you captivating tales and cozy reading days,

Augusta x

P.S. Next week, I’ll be diving into the real story behind one of history’s most mysterious deaths—a royal whose sudden demise changed the course of a dynasty. Stay tuned!

P.S. For weekly doses of historical intrigue and behind-the-scenes peeks at my writing life, come find me on Instagram and TikTok!