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I have always been drawn to the Restoration period of Charles II. I have a soft spot for Charles Stuart, who was always loving and kind to the opposite sex. The members of his court were fascinating, and Barbara Castlemaine was one of the greatest courtesans in history.

Elizabeth I was my favourite monarch though, what an inspiration, she did great things for women.

Charles was very intent to use his years as Prince of Wales to make his mark while he still had freedom of maneuver that he wouldn't have as King. The first subject he really went for was architecture. It made an impact.

I first got to know Charles in the late seventies when I wrote an article and then a book about him and I think at the time he came across as quite appealing, it was probably the height of his popularity.

As great as kings may be, they are what we are: they can err like other men.

In fact I enjoyed every minute of my life at King's, especially the discovery of French and German literature.

Say what you will about Queen Eleanor, she was a savvy, quick-witted woman who made her mark on history. And as the founder of the Courts of Love, what better patron monarch could there be for a romantic novelist?

I have always enjoyed the company of women.

I am a huge admirer of Elizabeth I, and this intriguing biography gives a wonderful picture of the era.

What made women's labour particularly attractive to the capitalists was not only its lower price but also the greater submissiveness of women.