The technology of milling as described is authentic, though based on river-mills rather than tidal ones. I took a liberty in describing this as the first tide mill, though in 1258 it would certainly have been one of the earliest.

The Church did not tax anyone: you had to pay a tithe (i.e. 10% of your income), plus charges for any services rendered by the Church’s business activities. Taxes were the privilege of the King.

I wanted to sing the praises of the engineer, who is shamefully undervalued, especially in Britain, and without whom we would be cold, hungry, and miserable. In the 13th century much effort was expended on military engineering — siege engines and the like — and in the civil field on the construction of cathedrals; but there was also an undercurrent of innovation which in some small way prefigured the achievements of the Renaissance.

Mainly though, as always, I just wanted to tell a story!

Thanks again for the review, and may I remind everyone that the book is available as freely downloadable shareware?