With the King at Oxford: A Tale of the Great Rebellion

A young narrator recounts his humble beginnings in an Oxfordshire family scarred by old monastic curses and the turbulence of the era. He offers a vivid portrait of his father, a third‑son forced into the royal court only to reject its corruption, then drawn into the restless seas with Sir Walter Raleigh. Their exploits weave together the glitter of courtly ambition, the harsh realities of colonial ventures, and the looming shadow of the Great Rebellion that drives the king to Oxford.

Through a blend of personal memoir and meticulous historical detail, the story immerses listeners in the charged atmosphere of 1640s England—court conspiracies, the clash of musketeers and pikemen, and the scholarly serenity of Oxford’s colleges. Illustrated scenes bring to life the city’s streets, its ancient libraries, and the looming trial of the monarch, while the narrator’s reflective voice invites contemplation of loyalty, honor, and the price of war.