AN Irish author living in the borough is to discuss her bestselling historical novel at the tribute evening.

Writer Elaine Powell (E. M. Powell) will discuss The Fifth Knight alongside fellow historical novelist Deborah Swift, from North Lancashire.

She said: “I never had the privilege of meeting her, but the event at St Hilda’s Church will be a very special tribute to Beverley and her work.

“Her words live on and people continue to enjoy them. I hope we can do her proud.”

Elaine, who lives with husband Jonathan Channell and 14-year-old daughter Angela, moved to Prestwich from London in 1999 after leaving her home in the Republic of Ireland in 1987.

“I’ve always loved mediaeval history. It’s so neglected in fiction compared to, say, the Tudors, but there are so many intriguing people and events from that time,” said Elaine, of Butt Hill Avenue.

“The murder of Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, in his own cathedral in 1170 is one of the most infamous.

“History records four knights committed the murder.

“When writing The Fifth Knight I added my fictional fifth, Sir Benedict Palmer, and asked ‘what if’.”

After enjoying last year’s festival events, she met event organiser Ebba Brooks and was asked to participate this year.

She said: “The arts scene in Prestwich and Manchester is excellent, excellent to the point where I think there’s something in the water in this city.

“There are so many creative people living here — writers, artists, designers, musicians. And as a city it attracts the best in the world to visit and perform.”

Elaine, who works for Stockport Council as a quality assurance officer, is a member of the writer’s group at the Irish World Heritage Centre in Cheetham Hill, which hosted the UK launch of her book.

“I might have a number one Amazon bestseller, but like a lot of writers I still have a day job!” she said.

Her passion for artefacts and historical records stems from reading English Literature and geography at university.

“For my dissertation I researched one of Ireland’s oldest urban parishes and the lives of people who’d lived there since the 1600s,” she said.

“I loved imagining what past day-to-day existences must have been like.”

The Fifth Knight, published by Thomas & Mercer, is a number one Amazon bestseller in the Historical and Action & Adventure category.

It is available from Amazon.co.uk. Elaine is currently working on a sequel,The Blood of The Fifth Knight.