The Coffee Pot Book Club Presents "The Scots of Dalriada" by Rowena Kinread
Please make welcome the fabulous author, Rowena Kinread! We're celebrating a blog tour for her book, The Scots of Dalriada. This story definitely caught my attention and is on my reading list. Grab a cup of cider and let's hear what Rowena has to say about her new release...
Life in Scotland during the 5th century
Life in Scotland during the 5th century was an interesting time in history. It was a time of great change and transition as different cultures and societies merged together. Here, I will describe what life was like during this time period, including the types of houses people lived in, what they wore, what they ate, and what their occupations were.
Houses in Scotland during the 5th century were primarily made out of natural materials such as stone, wood, and thatch. The houses were often small and simple, consisting of a single room with a fireplace or hearth in the centre. The roof was usually made of thatch, and the walls were often made of wattle and daub, which is a mixture of mud, straw, and sticks. The houses were not very well insulated, so people often huddled together around the fire to stay warm during the cold winter months.
In terms of clothing, the people of Scotland during the 5th century wore garments made out of wool or linen. These garments were often simple and practical, designed to keep the wearer warm and protected from the elements. Men wore tunics or trousers, while women wore dresses or skirts. Cloaks and shawls were also common, especially during the colder months.
The people of Scotland during the 5th century were primarily farmers and fishermen. They grew crops such as barley, oats, and wheat, and raised animals such as sheep, cattle, and pigs. Fishing was also an important industry, especially along the coast. The people of Scotland relied heavily on the land and sea for their livelihoods, and often worked long hours to ensure that they had enough food to survive.
In terms of food, the people of Scotland during the 5th century ate a simple diet consisting mainly of grains, vegetables, and meat. Porridge made from oats or barley was a common breakfast food, while stews made with meat and vegetables were a common dinner meal. Bread was also a staple food, and was often made from barley or oats. Fish was a popular food along the coast, and was often preserved by salting or smoking.
In addition to farming and fishing, other occupations during the 5th century in Scotland included blacksmiths, weavers, and leatherworkers. Blacksmiths made tools and weapons, weavers made clothing and textiles, and leatherworkers made shoes and other leather goods. These skilled craftsmen were highly respected members of their communities, and their work was essential to the survival of the people.
Religion also played an important role in the lives of the people of Scotland during the 5th century. Christianity had begun to spread throughout the region, and many people were converting to the new religion. Missionaries such as St. Patrick and St. Columba travelled throughout Scotland, spreading the word of Christianity and establishing monasteries where people could worship and learn.
Life in Scotland during the 5th century was not easy, but it was also not without its joys and pleasures. Despite the harsh living conditions, the people of Scotland were able to maintain a strong sense of community and togetherness. They relied on each other for support and worked together to ensure that they could survive in a harsh and unforgiving environment. They found joy in the company of their families and friends. The people of Scotland during the 5th century were hardworking, resilient, and resourceful, and their legacy continues to inspire and influence the culture and traditions of Scotland today.
THREE BROTHERS Fergus, Loarn and Angus, Princes of the Dalriada, are forced into exile by their scheming half-brother and the druidess Birga One-tooth.
THREE FATES Fergus conceals himself as a stable lad on Aran and falls helplessly in love with a Scottish princess, already promised to someone else. Loarn crosses swords against the Picts. Angus designs longboats.
TOGETHER A MIGHTY POWER Always on the run the brothers must attempt to outride their adversaries by gaining power themselves. Together they achieve more than they could possibly dream of. Fergus Mór (The Great) is widely recognised as the first King of Scotland, giving Scotland its name and its language. Rulers of Scotland and England from Kenneth mac Alpín until the present time claim descent from Fergus Mór.
Full of unexpected twists and turns, this is a tale of heart-breaking love amidst treachery, deceit and murder.
Available from these online retailers ~
Meet the Author
Rowena Kinread grew up in Ripon, Yorkshire with her large family and a horde of pets. Keen on travelling, her first job was with Lufthansa in Germany.
She began writing in the nineties. Her special area of interest is history. After researching her ancestry and finding family roots in Ireland with the Dalriada clan, particularly this era.
Her debut fiction novel titled “The Missionary” is a historical novel about the dramatic life of St. Patrick. It was published by Pegasus Publishers on Apr.29th, 2021 and has been highly appraised by The Scotsman, The Yorkshire Post and the Irish Times.
Her second novel “The Scots of Dalriada” centres around Fergus Mór, the founder father of Scotland and takes place in 5th century Ireland and Scotland. It is due to be published by Pegasus Publishers on Jan.26th, 2023.
The author lives with her husband in Bodman-Ludwigshafen, Lake Constance, Germany. They have three children and six grandchildren.
Connect with Rowena here ~
