Charles Cordell is the author of English Civil War historical fiction series Divided Kingdom. This is the website for his books, English Civil War historical notes, news and events, the Divided Kingdom Readers’ Club and more.
The Keys of Hell and Death
From the brutal Battle of Lansdown Hill to the Storming of Bristol in 1643 – Divided Kingdom book #2 takes some of the characters from God’s Vindictive Wrath to the edge of Hell and drags others into the Civil War that racks Britain. All must face the brutal reality of war.
‘Heart-pounding action, heartbreaking loss as a nation tears itself apart. The ground shudders from cavalry attack and cannon fire. You can smell the sweat of fear. Not to be missed.’
David Gilman, award-winning author of the Master of War series, The Last Horseman and The Englishman
‘Charles Cordell, a former soldier, writes with bravura confidence.’
Antonia Senior, The Times
Books

The Divided Kingdom books take a fresh approach. They are not based on a single hero. They do not take sides. Ordinary men and women face each other in the chaos of civil war.
Short Story eBook

A desperate ride, a city stormed, a final stand, a forlorn hope. Humiliation, cleansing fire and bitter wind sweep through Winchester’s streets, cathedral close and sacred aisles.
Notes & Maps

Read historical notes and maps to accompany the Divided Kingdom books. These include background articles on the Little Ice Age and The General Crisis of the 17th Century, the English Revolution and causes of war in 1642, and Pike & Shot Warfare. They also include research notes on English Civil War battles such as Edgehill, Brentford, the Storming of Winchester, Roundway Down, the Storming of Bristol and more.
Talks & Walks

Charles Cordell enjoys giving talks and battlefield walks. To join him, check out the calendar at Charles Cordell Events.
Alternatively, get in contact and let the author support you and your projects.
News & Blogs
- Miranda Malins’ book review – The Keys of Hell and DeathHuge thanks to Miranda Malins for her fantastic book review.
- Firing a Civil War Matchlock Musket – best book researchFiring a Civil War matchlock musket – the best book research possible!
- 17th Century Almanac for February – carnival & cleansing fireCandlemas, Shrovetide carnival chaos, cleansing fire & riot
Readers’ Club

Join the Divided Kingdom Readers’ Club for exclusive FREE access to unpublished work, opportunities to meet the author and more. Click for details and join us.
Charles Cordell – the author
Charles Cordell was a career soldier serving in the British Army. He has seen conflict on the ground in the Middle East, South Asia and North Africa – witnessing humanity at its best, its worst and its near most desperate. He is now a full-time historical fiction author.
If you want to know a little more, please do visit the About Page or follow Charles Cordell’s Author Blog posts at News & Blogs.
Divided Kingdom – the books
The Divided Kingdom books take a fresh approach. They are not based on a single hero. They do not take sides. Their voices – ordinary men and women – face each other in the chaos of Britain in civil war. They are both relatable and sharply relevant today. Hardship, inequality, injustice scar each character. Each faces the brutal reality and human emotions of war – the bloodiest in British history. A war fought in its towns, villages and fields. A war that forged the United Kingdom.
Book blurbs and links to each book can be found at Divided Kingdom books. This includes links to the novels, short stories and a FREE eBook. Full details, editorial reviews (including The Times), reader reviews and read samples can be found on each of the book pages. Please do check them out and try a read sample.
See More – social media & the Divided Kingdom Readers’ Club
You can also find and follow Charles Cordell on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. His posts include historical research, Living History and English Civil War fiction. They also include upcoming events and opportunities to meet. Or, follow on social media at #DividedKingdomBooks or #EnglishCivilWarFiction on:
If you want even more, join us in the Divided Kingdom Readers’ Club. You will receive FREE exclusive access to unpublished short stories, email and more. Click the link to sign up and join the Clubmen.
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