Picture a Welsh storyteller who brought the Tudors out of dusty history books and into vivid, page-turning life—meet Tony Riches! From his home in Pembrokeshire, West Wales, Riches crafts historical fiction that breathes humanity into the early Tudors, blending meticulous research with gripping narratives. His knack for spotlighting lesser-known figures, like Owen Tudor, has earned him a loyal readership and a reputation as a master of the genre.
With no formal history degree, Riches’s journey to becoming a Tudor expert is as fascinating as his novels. His love for storytelling, paired with a passion for kayaking the wild Welsh coast, infuses his work with a unique blend of intellectual depth and adventurous spirit. Let’s dive into the world of Tony Riches and discover how he’s reshaped historical fiction.
The Making of Tony Riches
Born within sight of Pembroke Castle, the birthplace of Henry Tudor, Tony Riches grew up steeped in the lore of Wales’s storied past. His early career was far from literary—he earned a Psychology degree and a Master’s in Business Administration, later heading the Cardiff Harbour Authority. Yet, a childhood fascination with space exploration and a stint writing for NASA’s blog hinted at his creative spark. Riches’s pivot to writing began with nonfiction, including a bestselling book on Agile Project Management, before his heart led him to historical fiction, inspired by the gaps in Tudor narratives.
His first novel, Queen Sacrifice (2012), explored 10th-century Wales, but it was the Tudor era that captured his imagination. Frustrated by the lack of novels about Owen Tudor, the Welsh servant who founded a dynasty, Riches set out to fill the void, launching a career that would redefine Tudor fiction.
Tony Riches’s Unforgettable Stories
Riches’s novels are a tapestry of historical accuracy and human drama, weaving the lives of overlooked figures into compelling tales. His Tudor Trilogy—Owen (2015), Jasper (2016), and Henry (2017)—chronicles the rise of the Tudor dynasty through the eyes of its unsung heroes. Owen tells the daring love story of Owen Tudor and Queen Catherine of Valois, while Jasper follows Jasper Tudor’s quest to restore his family’s throne during the Wars of the Roses. Henry brings Henry VII’s resilience to life, earning praise for its vivid portrayal of a complex king.
The Brandon Trilogy—Mary - Tudor Princess (2018), Brandon - Tudor Knight (2018), and Katherine - Tudor Duchess (2019)—shifts focus to Charles Brandon and his wives, exploring love, loyalty, and betrayal in the Tudor court. Riches’s Elizabethan Series, including Drake - Tudor Corsair and Penelope - Tudor Baroness, dives into the swashbuckling and scandalous world of Elizabeth I’s era. His style, often compared to C.J. Sansom and Philippa Gregory, balances rich historical detail with accessible, character-driven storytelling, making the 15th and 16th centuries feel as immediate as today.
Riches’s commitment to authenticity shines through his research—he visits castles, pores over primary sources like letters, and even considers how period clothing shaped behavior. Yet, his stories never feel academic; they pulse with passion, adventure, and the human struggles that transcend time.
Why Tony Riches Matters
Tony Riches has carved a niche in historical fiction by illuminating the Tudors’ lesser-known stories, making history accessible and thrilling for new audiences. His work has inspired a growing interest in the Wars of the Roses and early Tudor era, with readers praising his ability to blend fact and fiction seamlessly. Through his blog, The Writing Desk, and Stories of the Tudors podcast, Riches fosters a community of history lovers, sharing insights and interviews that deepen the genre’s appeal.
His influence extends beyond books—Riches’s trilogies have set a standard for serialized historical fiction, proving that niche stories can find a global readership. By humanizing figures like Owen and Jasper Tudor, he’s reshaped how we view a dynasty often dominated by Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, cementing his legacy as a storyteller who finds gold in history’s margins.
- Born in Pembrokeshire, Wales, near Pembroke Castle.
- Key Works: Tudor Trilogy, Brandon Trilogy, Elizabethan Series.
- Hobbies: River and sea kayaking, sailing.
- Notable: Finalist for the Amazon Storyteller Award for Henry.
About Tony Riches
Ready to step into the Tudor court? Snag Owen or Drake - Tudor Corsair and dive into Tony Riches’s thrilling historical world!