Women close to the thrones of York and Lancaster during the violent yet glamorous male-dominated world of Tudor England will be explored as part of national libraries day.

Authors Emma Darwin and Vanora Bennett will look at what it meant to be the mother, wife or daughter of a king during Tudor England during a talk in Twickenham.

Darwin wrote the Mathematics of Love and a Secret Alchemy, both of which span six centuries, and her PhD explored how historical fiction works for writers and readers.

Bennett has four published books set in Tudor times and before, one of which is Queen of Silks that tells the story of Elizabeth of York, sister of the princes in the tower.

The insight into the Renaissance period will finish off a week of celebrations in schools, colleges and libraries across Richmond to mark national libraries day 2014.

The annual day, which this year falls on Saturday, February 8, shines a light on the people who provide access to knowledge in our communities, workplaces, schools, colleges and universities.

Richmond Council’s cabinet member for culture, Councillor Gareth Evans, says: “National libraries day highlights the hugely important work our libraries carry out on a daily basis.

“Every day they are improving literacy rates, connecting people with the information they need to succeed and helping to build a fair and prosperous society.

“This is a chance to say thank you to our libraries across the borough.”

The Power and the Danger: Women and the throne in historical fiction a talk by Emma Darwin and Vanora Bennett; at Twickenham library, in Garfield Road; 2.30pm to 3.30pm, on Saturday, February 8; Tickets £2 including refreshments; To book visit your library or richmond.gov.uk/libraries.