Saint Peter's Fair
First edition
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| Author | Ellis Peters |
|---|---|
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Series | The Cadfael Chronicles |
| Genre | Historical whodunnit, Crime novel |
| Publisher | Macmillan Publishers |
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Publication date
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May 1981 |
| Media type | Print (hardcover) |
| Pages | 224 |
| ISBN | |
| OCLC | 7870525 |
| 823/.912 19 | |
| LC Class | PR6031.A49 S2 1981b |
| Preceded by | Monk's Hood |
| Followed by | The Leper of Saint Giles |
Saint Peter's Fair is a medieval mystery novel by Ellis Peters, set in July – September 1139. It is the fourth novel in The Cadfael Chronicles, first published in 1981 (1981 in literature). The story occurs during The Anarchy, in the English town of Shrewsbury.
It was adapted for television in 1997 by Central for ITV.
The book was received positively, saying that Cadfael was "stylishly authentic, though not quite as darkly inventive, as his previous three [novels]". Another review considered that while "Murder abounds in these early chronicles", the "predictable plotting is amply compensated for by the author's wonderful re-creation of the period".
In summer 1139, England is torn by strife between King Stephen and his cousin Empress Maud, during The Anarchy. King Stephen has the advantage now. From abroad Empress Maud is building support for a renewed attempt on the throne, with Earl Robert of Gloucester. Ranulf, Earl of Chester, is married to a daughter of Robert of Gloucester. Earl Ranulf is powerful in his own right, and has not yet chosen to stand with one or the other in this war for the crown of England. Hoping they have peace now their Castle is aligned with King Stephen, the monks of Shrewsbury Abbey prepare for the three-day annual fair in honour of their namesake saint, held on the feast of Saint Peter ad Vinculum.
On 30 July 1139 at the Abbey of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Geoffrey Corviser, the town provost speaks up at Chapter. He appeals unsuccessfully to Abbot Radulfus for a share of the money raised by the fair to repair the damages from the siege the prior year.
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Wikipedia