Diana, Princess of the Royal Forest of the Peak; From Domesday to Derbyshire with the Eyres, Fanshawes, Featherstonehaughs, and Fanchers

Book excerpt: The author draws upon Peak Forest legends to unite readers with Diana Eyre's spirit. A phantom wind ushers the memory of Diana into the forest where she recants her visits to the place of which the King had given authority to her ancestors. She shares treading upon thoroughfares carved out by the Romans. She recollects walks through the dark canopied forest of Hope, Derwent Valley, and Sherwood Forest, the retreat of Robin Hood. She gasps at thoughts of Henry VIII's doings during Reformation. She recalls Eyre monuments in Hathersage Churchyard near Little John's grave, and foresees Hathersage as the setting for the book "Jane Eyre". As Diana relives history and superstitious tales, an elusive wolf lets out a chilling howl. The story nears its close as the wolf's distant cry breaks the wind's spell, and provokes it into fits of aggravated maneuverings. Seemingly, at the behest of nature's call, the wind, having sensed it's completed mission, takes Diana's memories back to their former hidden realm.