Simon the Coldheart

One of Georgette Heyer's first books was 'Simon the Coldheart.' During the Hundred Years' War in the early 15th century England and France were fighting for supremacy over France. Hand-to-hand fighting the creation of the longbow and genuine knights in armour characterised this period. Geoffrey of Malvallet's illegitimate son Simon Beauvallet was born in 1386. Following the death of his mother in 1400 he and his half-brother the legal son and heir of his father became close friends with the Prince and fought against France. Simon who was known for his quiet and was dubbed ""the Coldheart"" adored children and had a complex and profound personality.