A reading by historian and author Alison Weir

Alison Weir is a British writer of history books, and latterly historical novels, mostly in the form of biographies about British royalty.

Weir retains a wide following of loyal readers. All of her books are best-sellers in the UK. In 2007, she completed her first novel Innocent Traitor, based on the life of Lady Jane Grey (1537–1554). Her second novel is The Lady Elizabeth which deals with the life of Queen Elizabeth I before her ascension to the throne. The Captive Queen was released in the summer of 2010 and is about Eleanor of Aquitaine.

Weir will give a presentation on the three subjects covered in her new novel, Dangerous Inheritance:  Lady Katherine Grey, Lady Katherine Plantagenet (illegitimate daughter of Richard III), and the mystery of the Princes in the Tower. The over-arching theme is 'innocent blood' imperilled by being too close to the throne. She will also look at the writing of historical fiction, and how historical sources can be used to create a novel such as this.

Admission: by free ticket only, available from yorkfestivalofideas.com/tickets