Some of you will remember that Aileen’s little sister in the St. Edmundsbury series is named Mabel. Well, Mabel was a real person who lived in the 13th century. She became a renowned embroiderer and was commissioned by King Henry III to embellish panels for the rebuilt Westminster Cathedral and to add beautiful silk and pearl embroidery to garments for both clergy and laypeople.
Mabel was so highly regarded by the king that he asked around to make sure he was paying her enough for her work, and when he visited St. Edmundsbury later in life he awarded the retired Mabel some fine cloth and materials.
Watch this space for more information on Mabel and on the upcoming book in which she solves a royal mystery.
