W is for Barbara Willard

Barbara Willard – Where She Fits In History

Barbara Willard was born in March, 1909 in Sussex, England. This was the year that President Taft was sworn in to replace Theodore Roosevelt, France enacted an income tax, suffragettes were going strong in England, and poor Mr. William Hobby was arrested for speeding on his bicycle at the whopping speed of 12 mph and evading a policeman in New York.

Barbara Willard might be a new name, but in our home she is an old favorite.

I grew up reading her books. My favorites were the Mantlemass Chronicles series. This is a wonderful set of historical fiction for children detailing the life of a family from 1485 through the 17th Century. The story begins with the death of Richard III Plantagenet. There are mysteries and adventures and a strong picture of what it was like to live through those important times in English and, by extension, American history.

Mantlemass Chronicles

1. The Miller’s Boy, 1977
2. The Lark and the Laurel, 1970.
3. The Sprig of Broom, 1971
4. A Cold Wind Blowing, 1972.
5. The Eldest Son, 1977.
6. The Iron Lily, 1973.
7. A Flight of Swans, 1980.
8. Harrow and Harvest, 1974.
9. The Keys of Mantlemass, 1981

Selected Other Books:

• Son of Charlemagne
• Augustine Came to Kent

Come back next week and read about another author, or click here to read some past authors we highlighted.

But in the meantime, join me and my fantastic co-hosts as we link up all of our “W is for” posts!

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