reviews

Dr Michael Honeybone

‘At last the problem of the location of the Stamford Grey Friars has been thoroughly investigated. Linda Ball’s wonderfully illustrated book has completely analysed the question of the location of the Stamford Grey Friars and White Friars. Her book is open-minded and it demonstrates the range of different possibilities. Linda presents every possible scenario in a thoughtful manner and the book is packed with evidence. We are fortunate that the author has put so much thought and research into this problem. The result is a magnificent book which answers the question and which at the same time offers a splendid account of Stamford in the medieval period.’

Stamford Sights and Secrets Tours

‘The book is a detailed academic study into a conundrum which has been confusing historians since the reformation - which friary was where? Linda Ball sifts through the evidence, and unusually, this evidence is quoted in the text. We love stories of people’s lives and some of the VIPs of the time are discussed and illuminated. Their fame in Stamford stems from their deaths and burials rather than their lives here! A useful and well-researched addition to the literature on Stamford, which we’ll keep referring back to for future tour writing and planning.’

https://www.stamfordsightsandsecretstours.com/

Betty Haddon

‘Having finished reading about the Stamford Friaries, I'm happy to say how much I've enjoyed it. The content and evidence included opened up a well-researched debate and a good read!  An excellent book, my mindset was always that the White Friars were on the Infirmary site and I remain convinced.  The Stamford School pupils' discoveries are fascinating and there must be a lot of evidence under the ground still. Thank you, Linda for all your work, and all your contributors.’

John William Riley

‘Very much enjoying reading the book and impressed with the amount of research you put in. Many famous incidents in Stamford's history re-addressed. Getting close to the end, and I think I know which way you're going to jump; but it feels a bit like waiting for Poirot to assemble the suspects in the drawing-room to expose the guilty party. A satisfying conclusion to the book - to me, anyway! Would be interested to see comments from experts; but it has surely made an important contribution to the research of Stamford's history.’ Thanks very much! '