MANSEL JONES 
Welcome
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Welcome to my website. For over twenty-five years I have been researching medieval and social history and on this website you will find books, articles and features relating to that research.
 

 
 
To date, Goylake Publishing have published two of my books: Tangwstyl, a novel set in the medieval period and A History of Kenfig. You can read more about these books by following these links Tangwstyl and A History of Kenfig.
 
My latest writing project is Pendragon, a novel set in 497 A.D. This novel will tell the story of Arthur and his fight against the invading Saxons. In a land ravaged by war the ageing Pendragon, Ambrosius Aurelianus, seeks a successor only to encounter the twin threats of the Saxon advance and treason. He places his trust in Arthur, a man torn between the defence of his country and the defence of the woman he loves. Based on ancient Welsh sources, my aim is to make Pendragon the most authentic novel about Arthur that you will ever read.
 
In the meantime you can read my monthly history column in the Seaside News
 
I have many interests away from history and books and you are welcome to read about those interests by following the Interests link.
 
You can also read some of my historical articles by following the Time Passages link.
 
I hope you enjoy my website and if you have any questions or queries please feel free to contact me via the Contact link.
  

 
 
Latest Reviews
 
'Tangwstyl is a riveting story of love and hate and of good and evil, cowardice and bravery, peopled by real individuals...the story moves along at a terrific pace. The dialogue is sharp, taut and authentic. The villains are unfailingly evil and you really care about what is going to happen to the ordinary people caught up in this web of intrigue. It holds your interest from start to end and is a real ‘page turner’...a very good read and an excellently written book, giving us a vivid insight of what it must have been like to live in Kenfig all that long time ago.’ - Terry Robbins, the Kenfig Society. The full review of this book can be read on the Society’s website www.kenfigsociety.org
 
'For once I found that Tangwstyl portrays a true medieval village. The weather, scenery and characters, all resemble a true Welsh village at this era in time. The divergence between the Welsh and the English, as was the case during this period, is also made clear. The characters are believable, and it shows a side to King Richard that is not often seen. The plot is brilliant, and is filled with twists, as each page reveals a new piece of it. The timeline of Tangwstyl is perfect, as it stretches over only a few days. This helps the story feel more realistic and keeps the reader's attention throughout'. 5 stars - Luci Patterson on www.amazon.co.uk
 
'Tangwstyl is a historical novel of complex plot and violent action, rooted in the history and landscape of Glamorgan (specifically the lost town and castle of Kenfig) near the end of the reign of Richard II...the lawless savagery and tyranny of the Norman marcher lords of the castle and their treacherous plot drive the story...on a more individual level we follow the fortunes of Euros, the Anglo-Welsh noble who cares deeply for the people; Anest, the selfless and brave healer; and the mysterious child, Tangwstyl, whom she rescues. Mansel Jones keeps the tension wound up and introduces many interesting and well-differentiated characters, not least his portrait of the self-deceiving and self-destructive King Richard II. Mansel Jones has well imagined the details of life in the period and vividly conveys the fear and conflicting loyalties of his many characters. He obviously knows the landscape well and the evocation of this adds greatly to the book’. - Caroline Clark on the Welsh Books Council’s website www.gwales.com used with permission.
 
 
All website content Copyright © 2010 - 12 Mansel Jones. All rights reserved
  
Website updated 19 May 2012