The Library

Here is the Red Lion at Colchester.

Part of the fascination of DW books for me has been the mixture of real places and events with exciting story lines. I am fortunate to live in an area that DW has written into two of his books, "Black August" and "To the Devil a Daughter". I was aware that he had visited the area...

Thank you so much for that Darren! My holiday home actually looks across the river Orwell straight at the Hall. I remember DW was very nearly turned into a socialist by Lord Berners pulling the hat off of one of his servants and throwing it to his new gun dog. I can see now why DW placed two of his ...

I will shortly be writing a piece tracing the "Hansford Water route (in reality HAMFORD WATER) contained in "To Te Devil A Daughter". I seem to remember that in "Drink and Ink" DW mentioned staying at a stately home (may have been Woolverstone) in Suffolk, just a few miles f...

Regarding To The Devil A Daughter, I once went on a visit to St Osyth Priory in Essex with my wifes architecture group. Wonderful place!. I remember one of the guides mentioning that they had filmed TTDAD at the priory? I havent been able to find any confirmation of this anywhere. If anyone else kno...

Hello Cibator, Yes the Martello Tower is inhabited. Looks quite posh really. Seems like some kind of conservatory on top. The thing in the fore ground is, I think, a plant support hoop made from cane. You can see it when blown up. The plant is surrounded by wire mesh to protect it from rabbits. I no...

I forgot to add the prison signpost!

Black August was always one of my favourite DW books, and luckily my holiday home is very near Shingle street. I have often been there for a stroll (when I could walk properly) or just a little wander now I am disabled. I went there today with my camera and took a few pictures that I hope you will f...

I have just noticed the GENERAL section is much more frequented. So I will post there with the Admin permission.

Hello Ken, I have spent the day at Shingle Street and taken some pictures. I will post then in the Black August section. Thanks for your welcome.

My name is Steve Biggs, I an 66 years old and retired. I worked in the docks at Harwich International for 35 years until disability meant I had to retire early. I was actively involved with the company and was a Director of our pension scheme Trustee company, and for many years a tutor for my trades...