While doing some further research about the War Routes of Northern Spain - Franco's propaganda strategy to bring in tourists while the conflict still raged - I came across an account of a Coventry school teacher (and Franco supporter), Miss Walker, "spreading the word" about the Nationalists' side of the story to a meeting of her local … [Read more...] about The Blood-Stained Legacy of Northern Spain’s Civil War
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1876, Wrexham’s “Year of Wonder”
There have been many memorable years in Wrexham's history.1463, and the great fire which destroyed so much of the town and the original church; 1643, another fire and Cromwell's troops occupy the town; 1715, and the terrible anti-Dissenter Sacheverell riots; 1857, and the town receives its borough charter; 1864, and Wrexham AFC formed. But then … [Read more...] about 1876, Wrexham’s “Year of Wonder”
It’s Here – Blood Among the Threads
Wrexham, 1876. Meet Alfred Neobard Palmer, an unlikely hero. “It was a death which had brought him here. Death by snake venom, of all things.” Palmer – and his more courageous sweetheart, young Ettie Francis. A series of accidental deaths which increasingly seem – well, more than simply accidental. Deaths luring Palmer and Ettie, slowly but surely, … [Read more...] about It’s Here – Blood Among the Threads
George W.M. Reynolds – Forgotten Rival to Charles Dickens
In 1876, most people would have been familiar with George W.M. Reynolds and I couldn't help including him in a couple of chapters in Blood Among The Threads. But I originally ran into George Reynolds about ten years ago. I was writing the first of my Spanish Civil War novels, The Assassin’s Mark, and I needed to find an appropriate real-life … [Read more...] about George W.M. Reynolds – Forgotten Rival to Charles Dickens
Life and Times of Amado Granell Mesado, 1898-1972
At Sueca, in that old Valencian town, they showed me to the stone which bears his name. Granell – and then the date on which he died. A carved palm frond and bold insignia. The letters S, then L, small D, and H. Society of the Légion d’Honneur. A Spanish paladin of France, it seemed. You’ll want to know the story, I suppose. So, sit with me … [Read more...] about Life and Times of Amado Granell Mesado, 1898-1972