The English Civil War was a turbulent era of shifting allegiances, political intrigue, and high-stakes espionage. In this fraught period, few women wielded influence as deftly as Anne Wilmot, Countess of Rochester. Known within her family as “Nan,” she played a pivotal yet covert role in supporting King Charles II’s cause against Oliver Cromwell’s Parliamentarians. But while her loyalty to the monarchy was unwavering, Nan’s first allegiance was always to her family—even to those who stood on the opposing side of the conflict.
Her remarkable life, filled with intrigue, loyalty, and acts of defiance, is depicted in my novel, Written in Their Stars. This historical fiction explores Nan’s extraordinary journey and her enduring legacy as one of the most compelling figures of the era. In the accompanying Counterpoint novelette, I explore the surprising and heartfelt love story between Nan and Henry Wilmot, the King’s Cavalier.
A Fortress of Loyalty
Ditchley Park, Anne’s grand estate in Oxfordshire, became a hub of royalist activity under her watch. Despite the ever-present threat of confiscation by Cromwell’s regime, she managed to hold on to her precious home through sheer tenacity and clever maneuvering. Ditchley provided not just a sanctuary for loyalists but also a vital supply line for information and weapons, with Nan herself arranging arms and horses for the Cavalier army.
Her husband, Henry Wilmot, Earl of Rochester, was one of Charles II’s closest confidants. Often operating in disguise, Henry would visit Nan at Ditchley to coordinate their efforts in supporting the royalist cause. Their partnership exemplified the union of love and political purpose, with Nan’s home serving as both a domestic refuge and a strategic asset.
The Art of Espionage
Nan’s contributions went beyond material support. She was a master of secret correspondence, employing trusted couriers to relay messages between royalist factions. Her skill in subterfuge not only ensured the safe passage of sensitive information but also protected her networks from Cromwell’s spies.
This expertise in espionage made her a mentor to her cousin, Franny Apsley, the protagonist of my novel, The King’s Intelligencer. Franny inherits Nan’s talent for navigating the dangerous world of intelligence work, proving herself a worthy successor. Both women embody the courage, wit, and resourcefulness needed to operate as covert agents in an era when discovery meant certain ruin—or worse.
Fierce Loyalty to Family
Nan’s loyalty to the Stuarts was matched only by her devotion to her family, even those who had opposed the monarchy. One of her most remarkable acts after the Restoration of King Charles II was her effort to save her cousin, John Hutchinson, a Parliamentarian and one of the signatories to King Charles I’s death warrant.
Despite Hutchinson’s role as a regicide, Nan rallied some of the most influential figures in the restored court to plead for clemency on his behalf. Among those she enlisted was her relative, Barbara Villiers, Charles II’s new mistress and an undeniable power at court. This extraordinary—and dangerous—act of compassion demonstrated Nan’s belief in the enduring bonds of family, even in the face of political betrayal.
A Legacy Mapped in Written in Their Stars
Anne Wilmot’s story is one of resilience, cunning, and unwavering loyalty—to the monarchy, to her family, and to her principles. 
In Written in Their Stars, Nan’s life is mapped in rich detail, capturing the intelligence, courage, and compassion that defined her legacy. Whether supplying arms to the Cavaliers or advocating for clemency for a regicide cousin, she emerges as a woman ahead of her time, navigating the treacherous landscape of war and restoration with unmatched wit and bravery.
London, 1649. As King Charles I is executed, Royalist cousins Nan Wilmot and Frances Apsley vow to restore the monarchy, while their radical cousin Luce defends the new republic. Nan, Countess of Rochester, leads a Royalist spy network, Frances aids the exiled prince, and Luce holds Nottingham Castle under siege. Based on true events, this gripping novel explores loyalty, love, and sacrifice as these courageous women shape England’s fate during its darkest days of civil war.
Available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited.
