The Shadow on the Bridge – A Murder Mystery
My book ideas evolve in various ways, but The Shadow on the Bridge was an amazing lightbulb moment.
One day whilst driving on the outskirts of Thetford (in Norfolk), I spotted a sign for the Nuns’ Bridges and I soon fell into a fascinating historical rabbit hole. Especially when I discovered the bridges are supposedly haunted by a young boy on his rocking horse!
These are three narrow bridges where two rivers, the Thet and the Little Ouse meet, and they were once part of the Icknield Way. To one side sit the ruins of an old hall, a 12th century convent converted in the 16 th century to a residence.
It was there in 1569 where a young boy, George Dacre, fell from his rocking horse, dying instantly – a peg had been removed from one of the horse’s legs. Was it an accident, or was he murdered? We’ll never know for sure.
George and his three sisters were orphans, under the guardianship of their stepfather, the 4th Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Howard. After their father’s death George inherited riches and a valuable estate. These would have been attractive to the Duke, but enough to murder the child? Who knows, that’s purely conjecture on my part. But we do know that Howard subsequently arranged the marriages of the three girls to his sons, their stepbrothers.
After marrying the Duke’s eldest son, George’s sister Anne moved to Howard House (now Charterhouse) in London where she became known at court for her poetry, which still exists today. However, whilst she was living there, Howard was secretly plotting to marry Mary Stuart and overthrow Queen Elizabeth. His plan, now known as the Ridolfi Plot, was thwarted by Sir Francis Walsingham and his network of spies after the discovery of a book of ciphers hidden at Howard House, and he was executed for treason on 2nd June 1572.
Anne Howard went on to live a full life. It’s only my theory the Duke ordered her brother’s death, just as it’s a work of fiction of how she gained her revenge. However, Thomas Howard’s part in the Ridolfi Plot, and his execution, are true. Just as there was once a house beside the bridges over the juncture where two rivers meet, supposedly haunted by a small boy riding his rocking horse.
Discover more about this fascinating history, in Clare Marchant‘s brand new book #TheShadowontheBridge, out today! Read here: https://mybook.to/shadowonthebridge