Clarke embarked on a 3,000-mile motorcycle journey around the coast of Great Britain during the wettest June on record, 2007, in spite of strong opposition from his wife for having bought a new bike and daring such an adventurous trip at his age.

'My dear friend. I know not how long I shall live hereafter, nor do I fear death. But I fear the manner of my passing and those, mine enemies who have the ear and heart of my husband, their cruelty I fear very much. My husband, in his mercy has granted me leave to seek you and hire your services. I dare to address you in terms of affection, for I believe that you parted from me in much bitterness. Therefore I beg you, as a good Christian man to lay aside any resentment and to remember the sweet times we shared together. I beg you too, on my bended knees to show me mercy. My dear friend Elinor...

Friday, May 19th, 1536. Anne Boleyn shuffles from the rooms where she has been held prisoner since her conviction for High Treason against King Henry. A few yards away is the spot where she will meet her death. Some watching suppose that this is the end of the matter. The enemies of the Church will take notice; the heretics will tremble and dissension will wither. But on that May morning the flame of dissent became a fire that would engulf England. Some would flee before it, others would end their lives in it. But for Jean Rombaud, the Swordsman of Calais and Elinor, Anne's closest friend,...