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Elizabeth St.John
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The Lady of the Tower: A novel (The Lydiard Chronicles Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Elizabeth St.John (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 2,157 ratings
"Innocent romance and bleak deception create a believable heroine and an intriguing plot." Historical Novel Society

London, 1609. Lucy St.John, a highborn orphan at the glittering court of King James, is drawn into a dangerous affair with the Earl of Suffolk—a fateful choice that creates powerful enemies. Betrayed by her sister, Barbara and cast out in disgrace by the formidable Countess of Rochester, the Earl's vengeful sister, Lucy’s life at court is shattered.

Armed with her intelligence, education, and skill in healing, she refuses to accept defeat. In a world where women’s fates are often sealed by the ambitions of men, Lucy fights her way back into society. An unexpected marriage elevates her to the position of mistress of the Tower of London, where she faces the harsh realities of plague, political upheaval, and tragic executions of both enemies---and friends. Inside the walls of the Tower, she tends to aristocratic prisoners and criminals alike, confronting the stark brutality of the world around her.

As Barbara's fortunes rise through a marriage into the powerful Villiers family, Lucy is drawn into a dangerous game of power and survival. Her sister’s alliance with the king’s favourite, the Duke of Buckingham, promises wealth and influence but brings treachery and peril that could destroy Lucy and everything she holds dear.

In a court rife with deceit, ambition, and shifting loyalties, Lucy must navigate a perilous path, fighting to protect her honour, her family, and her very survival.

Based on the true story of Elizabeth St.John’s ancestor, Lucy St.John, this critically acclaimed novel offers a vivid portrayal of one woman’s resilience in the face of betrayal, and her courageous journey through the turbulent politics of seventeenth-century England.

"Elizabeth St.John has brought the Stuart Court vividly to life. She weaves together the known facts of Lucy’s life with colourful scenes of fictional imagination." Historical Novel Society

"A real page turner and a fascinating historical read." Reader's Favorite Five Stars

"The Lady of the Tower is a beautifully produced novel with a well-crafted story that will keep you both engaged and entertained. A joy to read. Thank you for sharing your world with us." Writers Digest 24th Annual Book Awards
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  1. Book 1 of 3
    The Lydiard Chronicles
  2. Print length
    395 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    January 28, 2016
  6. File size
    4.8 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

Tower of London

Ancient Diary

Lady of the Tower Cover

Lieutenans Lodgings Tower of London

Historical Fiction Novels by Elizabeth St.John

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Elizabeth St John has brought the early Stuart Court in the years before the English Civil War vividly to life. She weaves together the known facts of Lucy's life with colourful scenes of fictional imagination, drawing on innocent romance and bleak deception to create a believable heroine, and an intriguing plot.." - Historical Novel Society Review

"Elizabeth St.John offers great drama and intrigue in her compelling novel The Lady of the Tower." - M.K. Tod, author of Lies Told in Silence

"A real page-turner and a fascinating historical read. The author quickly brings the reader to the heart of the story and maintains the reader's interest and intrigue right to the very end." - Readers' Favorite

"The Lady of the Tower is a beautiful, well-crafted story that will keep you both engaged and entertained. The author has a lovely voice; I enjoyed this novel and thank you for sharing your world with us." - Writers Digest 24th Annual Book Awards

"Lucy was a character that I automatically connected with; she was incredibly strong in spirit. I also loved that she found solace and purpose within plants and medicine. The settings were all tremendously described. I felt immersed in the time." - Stephanie's Book Reviews

Elizabeth St John brings the known facts of her ancestor's life together with richly imagined scenes creating in the process a believable heroine, an intriguing plot and an enjoyable novel." - Discovering Diamonds Reviews

"Beautifully written, rich in historical detail and keen characterization make for an excellent historical fiction novel set in the early 17th century." - Cryssa Bazos, Author of Traitor's Knot

About the Author

Elizabeth St.John's critically acclaimed historical fiction novels tell the stories of her ancestors: extraordinary women whose intriguing kinship with England's kings and queens brings an intimately unique perspective to Medieval, Tudor, and Stuart times.

Inspired by family archives and residences from Lydiard Park to the Tower of London, Elizabeth spends much of her time exploring ancestral portraits, diaries, and lost gardens. And encountering the occasional ghost. But that's another story.

Living between California, England, and the past, Elizabeth is the International Ambassador for The Friends of Lydiard Park, an English charity dedicated to conserving and enhancing this beautiful centuries-old country house and park. As a curator for The Lydiard Archives, she is constantly looking for an undiscovered treasure to inspire her next novel.

Elizabeth's works include The Lydiard Chronicles, a trilogy set in 17th-century England during the Civil War, and The Godmother's Secret, which unravels the medieval mystery of the missing princes in the Tower of London. Her latest release, The King's Intelligencer, follows Franny Apsley's perilous quest to uncover the truth behind the sudden discovery of the princes' bones. In Charles II's court of intrigue and deceit, Franny must decide what she'll risk—for England's salvation, her family's safety, and her own happiness.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01B8NL7FO
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Amazon Digital Services LLC
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 28, 2016
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.8 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 395 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 3 ‏ : ‎ The Lydiard Chronicles
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 2,157 ratings

About the author

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Elizabeth St.John

Elizabeth St.John

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Elizabeth St.John’s critically acclaimed historical fiction novels tell the stories of her ancestors: extraordinary women whose intriguing kinship with England's kings and queens brings an intimately unique perspective to Medieval, Tudor, and Stuart times.

Inspired by family archives and residences from Lydiard Park to the Tower of London, Elizabeth spends much of her time exploring ancestral portraits, diaries, and lost gardens. And encountering the occasional ghost. But that’s another story.

Living between California, England, and the past, Elizabeth is the International Ambassador for The Friends of Lydiard Park, an English charity dedicated to conserving and enhancing this beautiful centuries-old country house and park. As a curator for The Lydiard Archives, she is constantly looking for an undiscovered treasure to inspire her next novel.

Elizabeth's works include The Lydiard Chronicles, a trilogy set in 17th-century England during the Civil War, and The Godmother's Secret, which unravels the medieval mystery of the missing princes in the Tower of London. Her latest release, The King’s Intelligencer, follows Franny Apsley's perilous quest to uncover the truth behind the sudden discovery of the princes' bones. In Charles II's court of intrigue and deceit, Franny must decide what she’ll risk—for England’s salvation, her family's safety, and her own happiness.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
2,157 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers praise this historical novel for its rich detail and great attention to historical facts, with one review noting how the fascinating strong heroine's story interweaves with historical facts. Moreover, the book is well-written with vivid language and believable characters, while the author spent many hours meticulously researching the period. Additionally, customers appreciate the emotional depth of the story and its portrayal of a young strong-willed woman.

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45 customers mention "Historical fiction"45 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the historical fiction elements of the book, praising its rich detail and attention to historical accuracy, with one customer noting how the heroine's story interweaves with historical facts.

"...I loved all the description of the people, King James’ court, all the intrigue. Truly wonderful." Read more

"Author Elizabeth St. John does a marvelous job at portraying the intrigue that surrounded the court of King James VI & I as he took the throne of..." Read more

"A real page Turner . I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Lucy. A goaler wife...." Read more

"...Shallow, vain and intriguing, Barbara is quite the character, brought to excellent life by Ms St John..." Read more

35 customers mention "Enjoyment"35 positive0 negative

Customers find the book fascinating and wonderful to read, with one customer noting it's particularly enjoyable on cold rainy days.

"What a wonderful book! I loved all the description of the people, King James’ court, all the intrigue. Truly wonderful." Read more

"A real page Turner . I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Lucy. A goaler wife...." Read more

"I enjoyed the book, but was disappointed in her historical correctness...." Read more

"...And this book is truly excellent! Thank you for all your work!!" Read more

25 customers mention "Writing style"25 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing style of the book, describing it as richly and beautifully written with vivid language and authentic dialogue.

"What a wonderful book! I loved all the description of the people, King James’ court, all the intrigue. Truly wonderful." Read more

"...the royal palace and the Tower of London, I loved the glimpses into everyday English life, and really felt as if I were a part of the story...." Read more

"...The Lady in the Tower is the beautifully written story of a woman who lived in an age where royal favourites came and went, where a king’s..." Read more

"...The story has excellent flow. Keeps your interest throughout. I particularly liked reading the remedies that were written by Lucie herself!..." Read more

13 customers mention "Character development"13 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the believable characters in the book, with one review highlighting the compelling antagonist.

"...Shallow, vain and intriguing, Barbara is quite the character, brought to excellent life by Ms St John..." Read more

"...Much of the history is accurate and true, using fictional characters along with the historical people we have all lived with in dry history classes...." Read more

"...These characters were very real to me. I have cried at the end of very few books, but I did in this one...." Read more

"...storyteller who effortlessly weaves historical details with richly drawn characters, creating a world that comes alive on the page...." Read more

11 customers mention "Research accuracy"10 positive1 negative

Customers praise the book's thorough research, noting that the author spent many hours meticulously gathering information, with one customer highlighting its detailed exploration of medical practices of the time and another mentioning its coverage of alchemical practices.

"...atmosphere of 17th century England, the authentic dialogue, meticulously researched and vividly presented life of noble families make this novel..." Read more

"...this period in history, for those with a love of well-written and researched books, and for those who love reading about strong, ethical, caring..." Read more

"...This was a great historical book that also touched on the strong practices of alchemy." Read more

"...She is an amazing woman and I am very impressed with her work. I sincerely hope she continues her literary career." Read more

8 customers mention "Detail"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's vivid imagery and period detail, with one customer noting it provides a rare behind-the-scenes look.

"...It's a rare behind the scenes look at the every day life of the Tower and all it's mysteries...." Read more

"The Lady of the Tower is a stunning, provocative tale of main character Lucy St. John’s family spanning three decades...." Read more

"...This book is amazingly historically accurate, down to the last detail, and even includes the recipes of Lucy's physicks that she concocts in her..." Read more

"...that one can picture the characters (especially the mean ones) in vivid detail even without seeing photos of the actual people upon which the book..." Read more

5 customers mention "Strength"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the strength portrayed in the book, with one review highlighting Lucy's determination and faith, while another notes her loyalty and supportiveness.

"...Lucy St John did her best to be honourable and steadfast, to be loyal and supportive. Personally, I think she did a great job!" Read more

"...I enjoyed reading this finely written story about a young strong-willed woman at a time when that was not the norm. Highly recommend!" Read more

"...love of well-written and researched books, and for those who love reading about strong, ethical, caring women...." Read more

"...I enjoyed the courage of Lucy to stand strong to her beliefs even though her piers did much to discredit her...." Read more

3 customers mention "Emotion level"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the emotional depth of the book.

"...of Lucy, she is a wonderful protagonist, a force of will, spirit and heart...." Read more

"...I was eager to know about Lucy St. John and her life. This book evoked true emotions and sometimes the characters I wanted to throttle while other..." Read more

"Loved the imagery, the characters and the emotion I felt throughout - the family drama, love, and deceit. I think anyone would love this book...." Read more

Inside life in The Tower of London
5 out of 5 stars
Inside life in The Tower of London
Loved this book! I was transported back in time and could feel the dampness of the Tower and the despair that emanates from it's walls. History, drama, romance, politics-it has everything. It leaves you desperate to get into Book Two.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Jean38no
    5.0 out of 5 stars Jean38no
    Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    A real page Turner . I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Lucy. A goaler wife. I had not read many stories of the lives of those that kept the prisoners in the Tower of London . They were wardens of all the prisoners . The high class political prisoners as well as the poor prisoners . It appears there were two jails one where the rich had all the convinces of their class. Food. Maids to serve them. Warm clothes. Poor prisoners were left to rot and get the poorest of food. The lieutenant of the Tower apparently was responsible for the food the prisoners ate. As Lucy husband was Also in charge of the kings navy he was responsible for making sure the ships were in good shape. He had the responsible of outfitting all the ships of food and men. He would have to use his own money or credit backed by the king. Who might never pay him. The title gave prestige but little monetary value. A person could go bankrupt serving the king. Or become rich depending on how shrewdly one was. Lucy and her husband had highs and lows because she was a part of the D’ville family through her sister who married Edward D’ville. Her sister dragged the rest of the family into backing Edward’s brother one of the Kings favorite. There was a lot of corruption going on. Seems like the least wary was left holding the bag. Sinking further into debt. This book emphasizes once again how little rights woman had. They were in their fathers keeping until marriage . Then their husband keeping. Their husband was in charge all money whatever he said that was it. Many a wife and children ended up on the streets because their husbands did not manage their money well. Lucy appears as strong woman who was not afraid to speak her opinion.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • tonya brown
    4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Glimpse into 17th Century Life
    Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Author Elizabeth St. John does a marvelous job at portraying the intrigue that surrounded the court of King James VI & I as he took the throne of England after Elizabeth I’s death. This first book in the Lydiard Chronicles, follows the life of Lucy St. John as she tries to avoid the politics of court in an effort to live a quiet, unassuming life. Caught up in her family’s desire for riches, prestige, and titles, we watch as Lucy struggles to distance herself from court and make her way in the world without the royal trappings that the rest of her family longs for.

    The Lady of the Tower, is rich in historic narrative, immersing the reader into a time of great political transition in England. From the English countryside to the royal palace and the Tower of London, I loved the glimpses into everyday English life, and really felt as if I were a part of the story. I particularly enjoyed reading about Lucy’s time spent as jailor in the Tower of London. For, although many stories have been written about the people who have spent time within these walls, we rarely get a feel for what life might have actually been like for those unfortunate enough to spend any amount of time there.

    Tumultuous times lie ahead for the country of England, as the Lydiard Chronicles continue with the next generation of St. Johns in the second book in the series, By Love Divided. I’m confident that readers will not be disappointed.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Rosario M. Barrera
    5.0 out of 5 stars A tale of an era
    Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    What a wonderful book! I loved all the description of the people, King James’ court, all the intrigue. Truly wonderful.
    One person found this helpful
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  • RW
    3.0 out of 5 stars Historically incorrect.
    Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed the book, but was disappointed in her historical correctness. It didn’t take much research to find that few of these characters were really married to each other. I also found several other facts incorrect.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Anna B
    5.0 out of 5 stars Breathing life into the past
    Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    In early 1603, Queen Elizabeth slipped from this world to the next. The English crown passed to King James of Scotland, spelling potential disaster for those courtiers who’d built their entire existence and wealth on their relationship with the queen. The Scottish king was an unknown quantity. Queen Bess was not.

    For fourteen-year-old Lucy St John the news of the queen’s death was not quite as significant – her life was hard enough as it was, bullied and mistreated by her aunt and her most dislikeable older sister Barbara. Shallow, vain and intriguing, Barbara is quite the character, brought to excellent life by Ms St John (And yes, the shared surname is no coincidence: the author is descended from the St John family).

    Over the coming chapters we follow Lucy’s life as she grows into her beauty, as she falls in love and has her heart broken. The research that has gone into this novel becomes very apparent in Ms St John’s depiction of life at court, of people like Edward Villiers, an as yet very young George Villiers, Frances Howard and Lord Rochester. These are people that exist at the periphery of Lucy’s life – well, Frances has a somewhat more central role – all of them adeptly drawn and brought to life.

    With her heart and pride in tatters, Lucy chooses to flee life at court. As often happens, life surprises her. She is given a second chance at love, and Lucy matures into the woman she was destined to be, a woman strong enough to handle whatever life throws at her – which is plenty.

    The Lady in the Tower is the beautifully written story of a woman who lived in an age where royal favourites came and went, where a king’s capriciousness could make or break a man. It is a world where being honourable did not necessarily earn you any accolades, a world where greed was a main motivator. And in the midst of all this, Lucy St John did her best to be honourable and steadfast, to be loyal and supportive. Personally, I think she did a great job!
    4 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Ozviking
    3.0 out of 5 stars Historical details were impressive
    Reviewed in Australia on January 16, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I have become a big fan of historical fiction but this time period of the early 1600s was new to me. I read this book in many broken sessions and for this reason I struggled to remember who the different characters were, their partners and their connection to Lucy and the throne, not a fault of the book.
    It was a fascinating story and made more interesting knowing it was based on facts learnt from diaries, letters and court papers. However, I found it very slow and although I wanted to read the book, I had to force myself to go back to the task of reading and eventually finish.
    The historical details of this book were impressive and I have learnt a lot about life during the reign of James I and Charles I as well as the importance of having the right connections. Women’s lives at the time was also portrayed in a captivating manner.
    The book was an interesting read and I can recommend The Lady of the Tower to fans of history fiction. I fully intend to read the other two books in The Lydiard Chronicles later this year.
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  • Christine Boos
    5.0 out of 5 stars Historical fiction
    Reviewed in Germany on May 21, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    This story was so enthralling! Historical facts embedded into the life of the main characters; love opposed to duty and social advancement; morality opposed to survival; a beautiful writing style that takes the reader to the various places so vividly you think you are there yourself, all of these facts make this book hooking, interesting and beautiful. Highly recommended to readers of historical fiction!
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  • Anne E Clark
    5.0 out of 5 stars Exception Book
    Reviewed in Canada on December 22, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    This book is a fabulous read and I was addicted from the start! The author held to the facts as closely as possible while telling an extremely absorbing tale of a riotous time in English history - very good read!
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  • Lizanne Lloyd
    5.0 out of 5 stars Vivid picture of Stuart London
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 6, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Writing in the first-person, Lucy St John tells us her story in intimate detail and the reader cannot fail to identify with her and to become immersed in the 17th century world. An orphan, separated from most of her siblings, she is brought up by an unkind aunt who favours her only accompanying sister, Barbara, even dressing Lucy in ill-fitting drab clothes while Barbara wears the finest fabrics and latest styles. But Lucy is self-sufficient and loses herself in cultivating the garden and learning recipes to provide healing. Eventually reuniting with her other sisters and brother at Lydiard, her old family home, Lucy begins to find happiness until she reluctantly goes to the court of King James with her unpleasant sister, Barbara.
    Feeling like a fish out of water, Lucy responds to the charms of Theo Howard, Earl of Suffolk, unaware that his sister Frances, plots against her. Her reputation ruined, Lucy seeks refuge on the island of Guernsey with her close friend, her sister-in-law, Anne. After even her brother John, Anne’s husband, turns against her, Lucy goes to Wales for a short stay with her sister, Eleanor at Fonmon castle. Planning to return to Guernsey to live a simple life of a spinster with the French community, Lucy first becomes involved with two children, Peter and Jocasta, motherless children of Sir Allen Apsey, who had been a captain in Queen Elizabeth’s Guard in Ireland. On his way to London to take up a post as Victualler of the Navy he is anxious about settling his children after the sudden death of their nurse. In time, Lucy agrees to marry Sir Allen and become a mother to his children. At first they are happy starting their own family until he takes on the appointment of Lord Lieutenant of the Tower of London. Lucy has a deepening feeling of dread as they move into the Tower where she must share responsibility for the well-being of those incarcerated there by the King.
    During the story we encounter famous historical figures such as Sir Walter Raleigh both as a free man and as a captive and also the Duke of Buckingham, favourite of the King. It is fascinating to read about how those people seemed to their contemporaries in a time of changing fortunes on the whim of the monarch. The dramatic successes and failures of Lucy’s family are effectively revealed in this gripping life story. I am looking forward to the next volume.
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  • JPNoosa
    4.0 out of 5 stars One woman’s life in the Jacobean period
    Reviewed in Australia on April 17, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    A historical saga of one woman’s life and that of her family’s through the tumultuous years of the reign of James the 1st. The reader is introduced to all the key characters of the time as events of that time unfold.
    At times, too wordy.
    Report

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