A Family’s Thousand-Year Battle for Survival Revealed in ‘Saints and Sinners’

New book uncovers the extraordinary history of the St Aubyn family

A gripping new book promises to unveil the untold story of how one family survived war, rebellion and scandal for more than 1,000 years.

A journey from Hastings to modern Cornwall

Saints and Sinners, by Nicholas St Aubyn, traces his family’s journey from a Breton soldier at the Battle of Hastings, returning to ancient Celtic roots in the West Country, through generations who navigated the turbulence of English history. From medieval conflicts to Cornish uprisings, the St Aubyns found themselves at the centre of major moments across the centuries.

Romance, rebellion and remarkable women

Readers will meet Sir John, described as Ross Poldark’s “real life equivalent”, whose controversial marriage to Juliana, a farmer’s daughter, shocked Cornish society. The story also shines a light on the strong women of the family, including the Countess of Oxford in the 14th century, Honor Basset at Henry VIII’s court, and Vita Sackville-West of the Bloomsbury Group.

A deep bond with St Michael’s Mount

The St Aubyns’ connection with Cornwall runs especially deep through their special relationship with St Michael’s Mount, dating back more than eight hundred years. Acquired during the Civil War, the island became central to the family’s evolving legacy.

From Regency scandals to wartime sacrifice

The family’s colourful history includes tales of a Regency rake, property empires built in Plymouth, parish revolts, and heroic military service. St Aubyns fought and died on the Western Front during the First World War, while others served in the harsh conditions of the PQ17 Arctic Convoy and at the Battle of Arnhem in the Second.

Seventy years ago, the family castle was gifted to the National Trust, marking a new chapter as the family’s story intertwined further with Cornwall’s.

Meet the author

Nicholas St Aubyn, who won a scholarship to Oxford before a varied career in business and politics, brings the family’s story to life in his latest work. He will appear at the Fowey Literary Festival on Thursday 15th May, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm and at Falmouth Poly later the same day at 6:30pm.

Saints and Sinners is available to buy via Amazon.