Ellis Peters

1913–1995

Ellis Peters is best known for medieval crime fiction that combines monastic life, civil war and local mystery.

Ellis Peters was the principal pen name of Edith Pargeter, born in Shropshire in 1913. She worked as a pharmacist’s assistant before serving in the Women’s Royal Naval Service during the Second World War, for which she received the British Empire Medal. Pargeter wrote across several genres and also became an important translator of Czech literature, reflecting a sustained interest in Central European history and culture.

Her best-known creation is Brother Cadfael, a former crusader turned Benedictine herbalist who investigates crimes in and around Shrewsbury during the twelfth-century conflict known as the Anarchy. Beginning with A Morbid Taste for Bones in 1977, the series combines mystery plots with monastic life, medicine, pilgrimage and the rivalry between King Stephen and Empress Matilda. Peters also wrote the modern George Felse mysteries and substantial historical fiction under her own name, including the Heaven Tree trilogy. She was appointed OBE and died in 1995. Her work helped establish the historical mystery as a major form and remains especially valuable for its humane portrayal of medieval communities.

Periods and events

Medieval Period High Medieval The Anarchy Medieval England after the Norman Conquest Medieval Wales Battle of Lincoln (1141)

Series

Series by Ellis Peters (1 series)

Chronicles of Brother Cadfael in Order

by Ellis Peters 19 books 4.5

The Chronicles of Brother Cadfael follow a former soldier and crusader who has become the herbalist of Shrewsbury Abbey. Between 1137 and 1145, Cadfael investigates deaths, disappearances and disputed identities while working within the rhythms of Benedictine life and the law of medieval England. The twenty novels unfold…