Katherine Swynford
Barry Aveyard
- Regions:
- East Midlands, East Midlands, East Riding, East Riding
- Notice Period:
- Emergency (maybe less than one week's notice)
- Type:
- Historian
- Fee:
- Expensed
- Category:
- History
- Updated:
- 25th October 2026
- Tagged:
- Medieval | Royalty | Plantagenets | Richard Ii
Baz Aveyard’s talk on Katherine Swynford explores the life and legacy of one of the most influential — and misunderstood — women of medieval England. Moving beyond the familiar romantic narrative of Katherine and John of Gaunt, the talk examines Katherine as a politically significant, intelligent, and resilient medieval woman whose descendants would shape the future of the English crown.
Drawing on chronicles, primary sources, monuments, and the history of Lincoln itself, Baz traces Katherine’s journey from her early years and long relationship with John of Gaunt to their marriage at Lincoln Cathedral in 1396 and the legitimisation of the Beaufort children. The talk also explores how the Beaufort family became central to the dynastic struggles of the fifteenth century and the eventual rise of the Tudors.
Particular attention is given to separating myth from reality, challenging later portrayals of Katherine as merely a romantic heroine or “scarlet woman.” Instead, the talk places her firmly within the political, social, and cultural world of fourteenth-century England.
Engaging, accessible, and firmly grounded in historical research, the presentation combines national history with local Lincolnshire connections, bringing Katherine Swynford and her world vividly to life for modern audiences.
Views: 251 | Enquiries: 2About Barry Aveyard
Baz Aveyard
Historian, Author, Speaker and Associate Fellow of the Royal Historical Society
Baz Aveyard is an independent medieval historian, author and public speaker based in Lincoln. He specialises in the lives of individuals whose stories illuminate the political, social and personal complexities of medieval England, particularly the women whose experiences have too often been overshadowed by those of kings, noblemen and warriors.
In October 2026, Baz was elected an Associate Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, recognising his contribution to historical research and writing.
Following a career in higher education, including senior roles in nursing education and a lectureship at Sheffield Hallam University, Baz retired in 2016. His longstanding fascination with medieval history subsequently developed into a second career as a researcher, writer and speaker.
He has now secured contracts with Pen & Sword Books for four historical biographies:
- Joan Beaufort, Katherine Swynford’s Daughter: Matriarch of the North — a biography of the daughter of Katherine Swynford and John of Gaunt, whose marriage into the Neville family placed her at the heart of northern aristocratic power. Scheduled for publication in 2027.
- Eleanor Neville — the remarkable and often tragic story of Joan Beaufort’s daughter, Countess of Northumberland, who endured the loss of her husband and four sons during the Wars of the Roses. Scheduled for publication in 2027.
- Piers Gaveston — a reassessment of the controversial Earl of Cornwall, his intimate relationship with Edward II, his extraordinary political career and his violent death in 1312. Planned for publication in 2028.
- Catherine de Valois — the story of the French princess who became Queen of England through her marriage to Henry V and whose later relationship with Owen Tudor helped establish the dynasty that would transform English history. Forthcoming from Pen & Sword.
Baz’s research places particular emphasis on contemporary chronicles, medieval records and archival evidence, while seeking to recover the human experiences behind the historical narrative.
An experienced and engaging public speaker, he regularly delivers illustrated talks to historical societies, U3A groups and other organisations. His subjects include Katherine Swynford, Joan Beaufort, Eleanor Neville and the wider world of medieval England.
Through his website, The Medieval History Bloke, Baz shares his research, visits to historic sites, discoveries and reflections on bringing medieval lives to a modern readership.
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