Inverness writer Barbara Henderson launches new children’s historical novel To War With Wallace
An award-winning Inverness author has published a new children’s book,after being inspired by the story of an often-forgotten medieval warrior.
Writer and drama teacher Barbara Henderson, who specialises in historical and eco-fiction set in Scotland, has released her new novel called To War With Wallace — marking the 720th anniversary of William Wallace’s death.
The book focuses on Andrew de Moray, a Scottish military and political leader who jointly led a revolt against English forces with Wallace.
“I was taking the dog for a walk along a new route,” she explained.
“My husband and I had never been to Ormond Hill above the village of Avoch. It was a scenic path, but for me the most impressive thing was to read that the site had been home to the castle of Andrew de Moray, who had fought at the Battle of Stirling Bridge with Wallace. I was impressed.
“Once I read up a bit more I discovered: de Moray had co-commanded the battle, equal with Wallace. Now I was astonished. Why had I never heard of this?”
After this discovery, Henderson made contact with the local heritage group The Andrew de Moray Project to learn more about his history.
To War with Wallace will be published by Luath Press on August 23, the 720th anniversary of William Wallacec’s execution in London’s Smithfield.
“Wallace is an important character in my book, but the focus is really on Andrew de Moray,” she said.
“At the beginning, de Moray is a prisoner in Chester Castle, guarded by an inexperienced young boy who normally works in the armoury.
“By telling the story through the English boy’s eyes, I hope that the book is a bit more nuanced. But you can’t beat a good prison escape as an opener for a story.”
The author, who is just back from the Edinburgh Fringe, is now running events across the Highlands to present her new novel: on August 23 she will have a drop-in book launch with lots of medieval family fun at Waterstones Inverness from 11am to 12pm, after which she will feature at the St Duthac and Nairn Book & Art Festivals as well as an online book launch on the anniversary of the Battle of Stirling Bridge on September 11.
She will also visit Black Isle schools in among which Avoch, Cromarty and Culbokie Primaries.
“I’m excited,” Ms Henderson said.
“There may not be a national monument for Andrew de Moray, but maybe my story can go a little way to honour his memory.”