Lord Protector d’Eyvill

Sir John d’Eyvill, played by John Koot, is a character in the forthcoming series set in Scarborough in the year 1264 - the series name is "A Fair Maiden's Tale". 

The high medieval period is an interesting time for Scarborough and 1264 is a watershed. The men of the town have been drained away to fight in the wars between King Henry and the Barons led by Simon de Montfort. 

John d’Eyvill came within a heart-beat of the highest office, perhaps even kingship, but was fated to die decades later, unremarked, in poverty and abandoned by history. 

In 1264 he was appointed by the Baronial usurpers as Lord Protector of York and, effectively, ruler of Northern Britain. Then, for reasons unspoken, he was posted to hold the keep at Scarborough, at that stage, a cold and dismal coastal alternative to the bloom of York, to count sheep and mind the Great Fair. 

Originally, this page included a character study of d'Eville for the film - these early short pieces have been withdrawn as we get close to the release date of the series.  After release, they will be re-released as a library of stories about the town.

Thanks to crew and actors of this production. Special thanks to the Scarborough Archaeological and Historical Society and Scarborough Maritime Heritage Center.

Posts detailing the recreation of our set of the town of Scarborough in 1264 can be found here.