Alison Weir publishes Katherine Swynford biography [audio 8min]

Katherine Swynford was a royal mistress with four children by her lover and the subject of great scandal in the 14th century. Now she is the subject of a new biography, which dispels the idea of her as a scheming enchantress, describing her instead as woman of integrity who left a legacy that has shaped the history of Britain. Historian Alison Weir joins presenter Jenni Murray to explain why she wants to resurrect John of Gaunt's mistress from the footnotes of history. Katherine Swynford: The Story of John of Gaunt and his Scandalous Duchess by Alison Weir is published by Jonathan Cape (ISBN 978-0224063210).