Bladys of the Stewponey is a captivating historical novel that follows the life of a young woman named Bladys as she navigates the challenges and intrigues of sixteenth-century England. The author, S. Baring-Gould, has crafted a vivid and immersive story that transports readers back in time to a period filled with political unrest, religious conflicts, and personal struggles.

One of the standout aspects of this novel is the strong and complex character of Bladys herself. She is portrayed as a fiercely independent and intelligent woman who defies societal expectations and faces adversity with courage and resilience. Her relationships with other characters, particularly her interactions with men who underestimate her abilities, add depth and tension to the story.

Baring-Gould's writing is rich in historical detail and vivid descriptions, bringing the setting of Elizabethan England to life with vivid authenticity. The plot is filled with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged and eager to see how Bladys will overcome the obstacles in her path. The author's meticulous research and attention to detail are evident throughout the novel, adding depth and richness to the story.

Overall, Bladys of the Stewponey is a compelling and well-crafted historical novel that will appeal to fans of the genre. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of women in the past and explores themes of power, ambition, and resilience. S. Baring-Gould has created a memorable protagonist in Bladys, whose story will linger in the minds of readers long after they have finished the book.

Book Description:
The setting, geography and history of this story by Rev'd Sabine Baring-Gould, author of Onward Christian Soldiers and other well-known hymns, are all accurate, or at least as accurate as local lore will allow. Kinver has long been a midlands beauty spot, and the UK National Trust own and open one of the rock-dwellings mentioned. The 'Stewponey' too was an inn until a year or two into the twenty-first century - the present reader having stopped there for a drink and a meal many times.

The story, whether you call it a romance, a historical novel or a horror story - comprising as it does a young woman being offered as a prize in a bowling match, a wife-burning, highwaymen and buried treasure - is of course wholly fiction.