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Meonbridge Maidens: Three Meonbridge Chronicles Novellas
Eleanor, Agnes and Emma are all spirited young women, with a zest for life and hopes and desires for their future. Just like young women everywhere. But, in the 14th century, women rarely determined the path of their own lives. Men––fathers, husbands, brothers, lovers––were in charge.
Not that that necessarily deterred the women from trying to make the best of things.
Emma Bidwell’s family are cottars, on the lowest rung of society in the rural Hampshire village of Meonbridge. Their lives are hard, relentless, poor. Emma’s father wants a better life for her and his other children, but his idea of “better” and hers do not necessarily agree. Rejecting her father’s chosen suitor, Emma is determined to choose a husband for herself.
As the daughter of a wealthy freeman, Eleanor Titherige’s future looks bright. Yet, 14th century life is precarious, even for the rich. When her beloved mother’s latest pregnancy ends in tragedy, Eleanor is left to manage her father’s household and care for her little brothers. She is content enough until her father chooses to remarry, to a woman who regards Eleanor first as an interloper, then as a servant.
Agnes atte Wode wants more from life than being just a village goodwife. Marrying another villein and running a household of her own is not a bad life, but she longs to learn a craft, to become independent, a femme sole, however unlikely such a future might be for a girl like her. But Agnes is not immune to the piercing of love’s darts, and when the heir to Meonbridge, the handsome Philip de Bohun, casts his eye her way, she is unable to resist.
Three novellas that reveal more about your favourite Meonbridge Maidens …
Not that that necessarily deterred the women from trying to make the best of things.
Emma Bidwell’s family are cottars, on the lowest rung of society in the rural Hampshire village of Meonbridge. Their lives are hard, relentless, poor. Emma’s father wants a better life for her and his other children, but his idea of “better” and hers do not necessarily agree. Rejecting her father’s chosen suitor, Emma is determined to choose a husband for herself.
As the daughter of a wealthy freeman, Eleanor Titherige’s future looks bright. Yet, 14th century life is precarious, even for the rich. When her beloved mother’s latest pregnancy ends in tragedy, Eleanor is left to manage her father’s household and care for her little brothers. She is content enough until her father chooses to remarry, to a woman who regards Eleanor first as an interloper, then as a servant.
Agnes atte Wode wants more from life than being just a village goodwife. Marrying another villein and running a household of her own is not a bad life, but she longs to learn a craft, to become independent, a femme sole, however unlikely such a future might be for a girl like her. But Agnes is not immune to the piercing of love’s darts, and when the heir to Meonbridge, the handsome Philip de Bohun, casts his eye her way, she is unable to resist.
Three novellas that reveal more about your favourite Meonbridge Maidens …
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 6, 2025
9 people are currently reading
1 person want to read
About the author
Carolyn Hughes
8 books45 followersCarolyn Hughes was born in London, but has lived most of her life in Hampshire. After a first degree in Classics and English, she started her working life as a computer programmer, in those days a very new profession. It was fun for a few years, but she left to become a school careers officer in Dorset.
But it was when she discovered technical authoring that she knew she had found her vocation. She spent the next few decades writing and editing all sorts of material, some fascinating, some dull, for a wide variety of clients, including an international hotel group, medical instrument manufacturers and the Government.
She has written creatively for most of her adult life, but it was not until her children grew up and flew the nest, several years ago, that creative writing and, especially, writing historical fiction, took centre stage in her life.
She has a Masters in Creative Writing from Portsmouth University, and a PhD from the University of Southampton.
But it was when she discovered technical authoring that she knew she had found her vocation. She spent the next few decades writing and editing all sorts of material, some fascinating, some dull, for a wide variety of clients, including an international hotel group, medical instrument manufacturers and the Government.
She has written creatively for most of her adult life, but it was not until her children grew up and flew the nest, several years ago, that creative writing and, especially, writing historical fiction, took centre stage in her life.
She has a Masters in Creative Writing from Portsmouth University, and a PhD from the University of Southampton.
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September 29, 2025
A wonderful addition to the series!
This short book was just the book I needed in order to truly understand these young women and their paths in life. Enjoyed the details given. This entire series has been such an interesting read, the individual stories have all been interesting and unique and with all the historical information, especially as it relates to everyday life back then is a real treat for me. Hoping for more stories to come along soon.
This short book was just the book I needed in order to truly understand these young women and their paths in life. Enjoyed the details given. This entire series has been such an interesting read, the individual stories have all been interesting and unique and with all the historical information, especially as it relates to everyday life back then is a real treat for me. Hoping for more stories to come along soon.
Displaying 1 of 1 review