Paul Wreyford

Having worked throughout Britain and abroad as a newspaper journalist for more than 25 years, Paul reckons he has had plenty of experience writing fiction! And, despite penning seven non-fiction history books, his true love has always been making up stories.

When Henry VIII came to Dinner gave him the opportunity to combine fact and fiction. It is his second novel, but first for young adults (and adults young at heart).

In another of his roles, as a tutor of English, Paul does his best to encourage teenagers to read – anybooks, not necessarily those that he has written! However, making history accessible and fun was the aim of his latest novel.

Paul was brought up on the outskirts of London, but now lives in North Cornwall with his wife and two teenage children. Cycling and solitary treks along the coast path (even the family dog doesn’t like walking) will regularly lure him away from his laptop.

When Henry VIII came to Dinner will be published by Chiselbury on 1 March 2024 and is now available to pre-order with a great discount

Who would you invite for dinner if you could choose anyone who has ever lived?

 A teenager – with his father acting as cook – entertains some of the most famous people in history at their suburban semi in modern-day Britain. But he finds he soon has more on his plate than spaghetti Bolognese.

 Will he be able to satisfy HENRY VIII’s huge appetite; beat the fiery NAPOLEON in a game of Risk; prevent Dad from playing the fool in front of WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE; resist the charms of a conniving CLEOPATRA; help the lost CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS get back on track; embrace WINSTON CHURCHILL’s battle plans; convince the pious OLIVER CROMWELL that they are not celebrating Christmas; assist the conscientious FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE in saving Dad’s life; paint a pretty picture of the hideous-looking ELIZABETH I?

 When Henry VIII came to Dinner interweaves historical facts with modern imagination, revealing new but true pictures of major historical figures.