History Buff
Surrey Life|October 2017

Ahead of his appearance at Guildford Book Festival, historian, TV presenter and sports columnist Dan Jones tells Alexander Larman about his latest work and why living in Surrey is a privilege

Alexander Larman
History Buff
“I believe in redistribution of opportunity for the living, but not for the dead,” so speaks best-selling historian, TV presenter, sports columnist and proud Surrey resident Dan Jones. Certainly, opportunity has knocked at the 36-year-old’s door a plentiful number of times. He first came to international attention with his critically acclaimed and much admired 2012 book The Plantagenets, and since then has presented documentaries, offered incisive punditry on anything from the Olympics to this year’s election and written several more successful volumes. All this, and he rejoices in the nickname of ‘Castle Daddy’ amongst his many fans too. “I like to think it’s ironic but affectionate…”

The latest, The Templars, threatens to be his best yet. Combining a fascinating story with an almost novelistic narrative, it’s the literary equivalent of one of those miniseries that you never want to end. (Coincidentally, or not, Jones has served as historical adviser to the forthcoming Templars series Knightfall, produced by the film star Jeremy Renner and starring Downton Abbey’s Tom Cullen.)

Although The Da Vinci Code introduced the shadowy sect to public attention, Jones was interested for altogether more useful reasons. As he says, “It’s a historical subject that hits a sweet spot for me: the Templars have relatively high name recognition, but low familiarity. The story has not been told so many times that there is nothing to say, and it’s incredibly dramatic, epic and rich, and packed with the sort of action I love writing.”

This story is from the October 2017 edition of Surrey Life.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the October 2017 edition of Surrey Life.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM SURREY LIFEView All
The House That Rocks
Surrey Life

The House That Rocks

Transforming an impressive, seven-bedroom Victorian property in Dorking wasn’t without its challenges, but the result is a stunning family home that has had the interiors world raving

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2020
REMEDY FOR SUCCESS
Surrey Life

REMEDY FOR SUCCESS

Surrey’s Tracy Borman discusses the return of her heroine healer in the final book of her best-selling fictional trilogy

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2020
Love Celia
Surrey Life

Love Celia

Actress Celia Imrie has travelled the world for work and leisure but wherever she goes there is a part of her which is forever Surrey

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2020
EXHIBITION OF THE MONTH
Surrey Life

EXHIBITION OF THE MONTH

Art & Action: Making Change in Victorian Britain at Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village in Compton focuses on the Victorian roots of art activism

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020
Electric dreams
Surrey Life

Electric dreams

The Range Rover plug-in hybrid brings silent electric motoring to this iconic luxury car

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
THE OPEN ROAD
Surrey Life

THE OPEN ROAD

Chris Pickering rounds up some of the best drives in Surrey

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2020
TOWN AND COUNTRY: Oxted & Limpsfield
Surrey Life

TOWN AND COUNTRY: Oxted & Limpsfield

With the North Downs looming nearby and glorious countryside surrounding it, Oxted is a town with real “escape from London” appeal and character, while nearby Limpsfield has a superb village vibe with its own community-run pub

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2020
Artist to the stars
Surrey Life

Artist to the stars

Known as ‘The Face of Modern British Impressionism’, Mickleham-based Sherree Valentine Daines is celebrating four decades at the forefront of her field

time-read
8 mins  |
November 2020
A RIGHT ROYAL WELCOME
Surrey Life

A RIGHT ROYAL WELCOME

The Signet Collection’s inaugural hotel project is a reimagining of a former royal guest house, situated directly opposite Hampton Court Palace

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020
TOWN AND COUNTRY: Godalming & Hascombe
Surrey Life

TOWN AND COUNTRY: Godalming & Hascombe

On the banks of the River Wey, Godalming is a watercolour pretty town surrounded by pristine countryside and in-demand rural villages, such as Hascombe

time-read
4 mins  |
October 2020