Gisborough Priory is cared for by English Heritage and a local charity, Gisborough Priory Project. Its peaceful presence situated on the edge of the busy market town of Guisborough (that is not a typo, the two names are different) offers an escape into a tranquil space.
The priory’s name originates from the Old Norse origin, whereas the town’s name derives from the Domesday book entry – the town of ‘Gighesbore’.
Stepping inside the well-tended grounds is like entering a timeless sanctuary that has been lovingly preserved, providing a place of peace and reflection. I was surprised and delighted that this free-to-enter space is obviously a much used and cared for relic from the past, yet it is accessible to travellers today.
The Augustinian priory of St Mary the Virgin was founded by Robert de Brus in 1119. Its success led to the establishment of Guisborough as a thriving market town. In 1540 the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII’s reign ended the priory’s power and control.
In my novels and novellas I created the fictitious towns of Gorebeck and Beckton, which were strongly influenced by such beautiful Yorkshire market towns as Guisborough. In the period when the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815) raged overseas taking many menfolk to enlist for the King’s shilling and also to serve in HMS Navy, either by choice or pressgang, the lives of their families and loved ones were deeply affected back home. Trade was disrupted, taxes were high leading to smuggling – which was rife in the area, the costs of farming and grain rose, and of course men were away at war. Unrest, fear and tough times would be the reality for the many, whilst the landed gentry and ‘new money’ were still the relatively few who thrived in the country.
My stories reflect some of the issues of the day and the struggles that a country in the midst of war and social, industrial and religious change faced.
In Silent Revenge, Lord Farrington, a returning officer for Lord Wellington is asked by the Home Office to gather intelligence on local insurgents, lest uprisings happen in England like they did in France.
Goods, legal and contraband were brought to market vis such ancient routes as The Quaker’s Causeway, an ancient trod dating back to monastic times when Gisborough Priory was connected to Commondale.
“Parthena looked at her and decided to tell the truth — almost. “I walked over the old trods from Gorebeck to Beckton. I was at the Abbey School as a child and crossed the moors when the supplies were taken to market. I’d remembered it from back then. The school does not exist now, but the trods have existed for centuries.”
I hope you have enjoyed the sunshine and warmth of June, when the UK sampled temperatures nearing those in the tropics! In North Yorkshire the heather is ready to bloom, bringing swathes of lush purple to the vast expanses of moorland. It is a truly beautiful and everchanging landscape.
Another beautiful county that I visited recently in the South West of England was Somerset. When I stopped at a garden centre I came across a working blacksmiths’ forge and felt as though I’d taken a step back in time. Instantly thoughts of Wilfred Underwood, Imogen’s father in Secrets, came to mind. Although we tend to think of smithing as a traditional craft of yesteryear, the charming owner soon corrected that impression.
There is still a demand for the old skills, used now for restoration work, preserving items from the past. This requires the mastery of the trade and knowledge of old methods, material, tools and skillset of the original worker to recreate or mend the item in question. Past imperfections are what makes an old item interesting today.
We live in a time where we have more technical accuracy and, perhaps as a consequence, less individuality. Science has moved on, providing precision tools and improved understanding of the process, yet a modern day blacksmith has to embrace and learn the old ways as well as the new.
Old skills are called upon to mend traditional machines and objects, some still used in other local trades like the local butcher’s grinder, along with reproducing such basic items as the imperfect nails made at a smithy’s before mass production. Each repair has to be done in the style and materials of that bygone age, but today’s Blacksmith also has to build on this historic knowledge by keeping up to date with modern, contemporary designs changes in style, tools, markets and techniques.
There is a long apprenticeship still required, for this labour of love, as science and art combine.
Historically, a chestnut tree was planted near the large forecourt providing shade and was symbolically associated with the trade. Yorkshire wrought iron was and is highly prized for its quality.
In Secrets Imogen’s father, Wilfred Underwood, is the blacksmith for my fictitious village of Dibbledale – a tranquil unspoilt place inspired by such villages as Hutton-le-Hole in the North Yorkshire Moors Park. His trade was central to the local community for the upkeep of agricultural equipment, as a farrier, and the many other jobs concerning the mending of household and trade goods. Wilfred, a gentle giant of a man, also encouraged Imogen’s creative nature providing her with fine tools and wire to make delicate jewellery, deepening the bond between father and daughter.
“Secrets and their consequences worm their way between Micah and Imogen.Will they be able to save Dibbledale’s peace and tranquillity?Only when secrets are revealed can devoted friends be distinguished from destructive foes and allow love to find its true home.“
From a writing perspective there is a fine balance between keeping historical fiction accurate to the period it is written about, and accessible to a modern reader, who may be unfamiliar with that period of history.
Trades, like everyday language, evolve and adapt through time. The visual importance and need of a central blacksmith may have changed, but in Regency they were essential and central to a thriving village community. They were also excellently placed to see and hear all the comings and goings of the villagers and pick up information from travellers who crossed their paths. Wilfred as a character is able to keep his finger on the pulse of local events.
I would like to greet and thank my new readers in the United States as well as the UK and Australia who have read and enjoyed Betrayal – Book 1 of Friends and Foes Regency romantic adventure series. The
I hope you go on to read the completed trilogy and discover what happens to Lord Farrington, an enigmatic character who features in Book 3 Silent Revenge , which will be published in paperback on 5th July. More about him next time!
July’s bargain book is The Baronet’s Prize, which is now 77p/$1, which also available on KindleUnlimited.
“A delicious Regency! Eleanor is horrified to be made homeless by her brother’s gambling debts and still more disturbed to find herself falling in love with the man who won the estate. Valerie Holmes resolves this dilemma in a spirited tale that keeps you turning the pages until the final “Ah!” of satisfaction.” GL Robinson, New York USA, Regency romance author.
Reviews left on Amazon (and sites such as Goodreads) are always welcomed and appreciated by authors, especially if the book has been read and enjoyed. They are what keeps the algorithms working in the competitive world of publishing.
I would love to hear from my readers, wherever in the world you are based, and also from visitors to the region.
May’s welcome sunshine seems to be reflected in the vibrant yellow gorse, brightening the moorland, whilst the aroma of the wild garlic’s delicate white flowers lightens shady woodland banks.
Whether walking through the ancient pathway of Saltburn Gill from the coast or strolling through the grandeur of the grounds of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Mother Nature certainly lifts the spirits and inspires, as it did in Secrets for Lord Farrington’s friend and life-saver Micah Arrow.
‘The trees were finally showing their new leaves as yellow broom made for a colourful bank in the lane’s hedgerow that dipped towards Dibbledale. Saint Cuthbert’s parish church and the vicarage were on a small hill just outside the village. Micah stopped to admire the newly bloomed clumps of primrose nestling amongst the grass. He breathed deeply – he was home and at peace.Picking his way through the grass, he admired the budding bluebells pushing their way upward. Spring was a time of revival and that is what he planned for Dibbledale.‘
Dibbledale is a fictitious village, which has elements of real locations, such as, tranquil Hutton-le-Hole and Great Ayton. The latter being where the explorer James Cook went to school. They are villages that have largely remained unspoilt by modernisation and industry, which is what returning soldier Micah Arrow wants to preserve for his family. After witnessing the horrors of war first-hand, peace is what he craves.
Appealing as any setting is, North Yorkshire has dramatic wild beauty throughout the seasons, it acts as a historic backdrop to the characters and their adventures. In writing as in life, you need moments of light and shade to give depth and pace. Here a moment of quiet reflection turns when Micah senses danger…
‘Micah swung a leg over a fallen tree trunk, but then, as the metal’s edge caught his eye, he mantraps, never had he seen such things around Dibbledale. The woodland had always been open to all. The food it provided was free, the fallen trees taken as needed by the villagers for repairs – so what had changed?…’
Secrets will be on a Kindle Countdown from the 15th to 22nd June on Amazon.co.uk and is freely available on KindleUnlimited now. Micah is an important character to Lord Farrington and reappears in Silent Revenge.
As a thank you to my readers the newly re-edited to extended version of Phoebe’s Challenge is available at 77p till the end of May.
England, North Yorkshire, 1813 Miss Phoebe Elgie and her younger brother, Thomas, flee when an accident results in them being labelled ‘machine breakers’ in the cotton mill where fate had them trapped. Hunted, with nowhere to run, they are aided by a mysterious stranger called Matthew. They soon discover that he is a man who appears to assume a variety of roles. Phoebe instinctively trusts Matthew, unlike Thomas who doubts. She is drawn to this stranger; lives and destiny intertwine as their journey crosses the path of smugglers and traitors. This hinders their quest to uncover the truth behind the demise of their family, which left them so vulnerable. Phoebe’s challenge is three-fold.She must secure their escape beyond the reach of the overseers of the mill and the crime they have been accused of...
Uncover what happened to their mother.
Cope with the confusion of her developing friendship with the mysterious, Matthew, and determine if there could be a future for them.
Swept along by the swiftness of the serious events that dog their progress to uncover the truth, Phoebe struggles to overcome and resolve these challenges. Determined, Phoebe has no time to doubt, but how will she succeed…?
If you enjoy any of my books, please leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads – they are much appreciated!
Welcome to my new monthly news update. I have had a lapse in posting, but not in writing, and am very excited to announce that Silent Revenge will soon be available for pre-order. This book is close to my heart as it is dedicated to a lifelong friend and supporter, Sue, who sadly died far too soon, and never managed to enjoy Lord Farrington’s last adventure.
Since 2003 I have enjoyed working as a Creative Writing Tutor allowing me to connect with many fellow writers, both published and unpublished, across the globe. Each student unique in their life experiences, yet all share that inner desire to create stories for others to enjoy. This I will continue to do independently, through this website.
After having written fifty short novels for the library large print market, I am delighted to announce that Discovering Ellie is now available directly from Amazon in traditional large print paperback format.
Large print is defined as 16-to-18-point font size, in a plain font style, which is even spaced, and is primarily targeted at the visually impaired or elderly. Although the font can be changed when reading an eBook, not everyone can manage, have access to or use this technology. Therefore, it is important that those who need or prefer a traditional large print book still have the option to buy one.
The process of turning physical pages is something that many, who have read physical books over many years, find their brains relate to and appreciate. Research is ongoing into this.
Screens emit blue light, this can affect the eyes, fatigue and may, in those who are sensitive to them, trigger headaches.
Other people who may also benefit from reading large print are those who are dyslexic or ADHD. So, from young to old the physical book with clearer larger print can aid more people to have an enjoyable read.
There is also the increased focus on the novel as there is no other distraction of social media, advertisements, or the temptation to check emails etc. also available on some devices. A physical book offers a focused and immersive experience, which for certain groups is beneficial.
After working on a computer or studying – or socialising on a device, tired eyes can also find the large print physical book a relaxing alternative. Reading large print when travelling can also be helpful, especially when being jostled around.
With the challenges facing libraries currently, not everyone can access the large print service where so many have enjoyed these valuable resources over many years. such as provided by F. A. Thorpe Publishing.
Whatever the reason for choosing or preferring a large print book, I hope you enjoy Discovering Ellie.
Choice is important, which is why Discovering Ellie will still be available in an eBook format on Kindle.
Fifty novellas ago, I began writing love stories each wrapped around an adventure, set against the rugged beauty of the North Riding of Yorkshire. These found their home in the Commonwealth library market and from this base a further six novels have evolved.
When To Love Honour and Obey published by Sapere Books, was reviewed by a fellow author, he described it as ‘Where Poldark meets Heathcliff’ – I was delighted.
I have always loved reading both fiction and non-fiction exploring the Regency period. I enjoy the romance whether written from the perspective of the rigid society of London’s ‘Ton’, so beautifully portrayed by Georgette Heyer and more recently Julia Quinn, or the melodrama of the darker more menacing shadows of Daphne du Maurier’s Jamaica Inn.
Basically, my tastes cross genres within the period, from Jane Austen’s and the Bronte’s classics to E.V. Thompson’s Cornish sagas, or Bernard Cornwell’s action and adventure series about the rifleman who rose from the ranks, Richard Sharpe.
I have worked as a creative writing tutor for years and one piece of advice commonly given to authors starting out, is to write about what you know. That does not mean that you must know everything first – no one can, especially where murder and mayhem is involved. Without a time-travel machine, a writer today cannot depict a bygone age with total accuracy capturing the language, attitude, beliefs, habits, understanding of people centuries ago when travel and knowledge were limited.
Research is the key! Whatever the genre; romance, crime, thriller, horror, fantasy or any other preferred, the author must accrue enough knowledge beforehand to write their story and make it credible and believable to today’s readership. Jane Austen was of course writing in her own time; about the world she knew.
Research can be all encompassing when it is focussed on a topic you are enthusiastic about. In first drafts ‘info-dumps’ can creep into a manuscript, slowing the pace of the story. Which is where an editor’s skills are needed to take out the non-essential information, as the author will always know more that the reader needs to about their created ‘world’.
When I began writing I thought about the ‘write about what you know’ advice and started exploring my home area. The North Yorkshire Moors and the bay towns from Whitby to Saltburn provided a dramatic backdrop for many of my stories.
Saltburn-by-the-Sea had its own infamous ‘King of Smugglers’ John Andrew, who in 1780 was landlord of the unique Ship Inn, which nestles to this day under the shadow of the 110m high Huntcliff. My fictitious Ebton is based on Saltburn, my Coble Inn nestles in the shadow of Stangcliffe, the headland based on Huntcliff.
“We’re on Stangcliffe, the headland!” Joshua exclaimed, as realisation hit him harder than the force of the wind. He was inches away from a sheer drop to the sea below where sharp-edged rocks hid under each of the crashing waves…
This Jurassic coastline encompasses rugged high cliffs and sweeping flat sandy bays. The wild moor inland would have been crossed by locals along small tracks for centuries by the Regency period. The dales, areas of fertile farmland and woodland, dropped down from the moors, with ancient abbeys and small villages of stone-built cottages nestled within – but cottage industries were being replaced as manufacturing developed in the growing towns causing population shifts, consequently impacting livelihoods, Secrets, due to the Industrial Revolution, a theme resonated in To Have and To Hold, Sapere Books.
Unrest was growing nationally, the Luddite movement triggered fear in Parliament that revolution would happen in England as it had in France. In Phoebe’s Challenge, brother and sister are hunted as machine-breakers – punishment was anything from a fine, to hanging or transportation to Australia.
Friends & Foes Book 2
My books are not dark, but touch on the darker side of human-nature and society, Betrayal, ultimately showing that love and justice will win the day. In real life things may not always work out that way, but in fiction – which is a form of escape from reality – in my stories at least, things do.
The world of Valerie Holmes has the tagline ‘Love the adventure’ – a sentiment that I hope my readers will share.
Beyond the book cover, plot and protagonist, which has a greater influence on your choice as a reader: the physical setting or the period in which it is set?
Please share your thoughts and preferences.
If you are interested in writing, and want to create your own fiction, but need some professional guidance or support, please contact me via my manuscript appraisal page.
I am delighted to announce that Discovering Ellie is now available in Large Print Paperback for those who cannot manage an eReader – just click here
“It is always incomprehensible to a man that a woman should ever refuse an offer of marriage.”
Jane Austen, Emma
When George III was declared unfit to function as monarch his son, the Prince of Wales, became the Prince Regent. George the younger had little interest in politics, leaving the wars with France to the politicians, whilst he indulged his friends and himself with a lavish lifestyle of elegance and fashion. The Ton – from the French phrase ‘le bon ton’ meaning ‘elegant style’ represent the fashionable society of London – an elite group. The divide between the extremes of the rich of Mayfair, London, and the poor of St Giles, living in the city slums, could not have been more dramatic.
In Parliament seats in the House of Lords were inherited and in the House of Commons could be corruptly bought, so the working and fighting man and the women who relied upon them, who made up most of the population, had little representation to improve their lot. My stories are set in the north of England away from the Ton and Parliament, but life was influenced by their wars, laws, and taxes.
In the above quote Jane Austen expressed a commonly held view, because women of the time had few legal rights as their lives were basically controlled by men.
Upper- and middle-class single females, under the age of twenty-one in England and Wales, were usually dependent upon their father or nearest male relative. If their male relatives were honest, caring, and loving family members then amicable matches secured the future of both parties, in hopefully wedded bliss, once the dowry, pin money, inheritance and jointure, in the event of death of the husband, had been legally agreed.
Book 2
However, fiction requires drama and conflict to spark a good plot, driven by engaging characters. It also reflects the unpalatable truth of the past.
If their male relative were greedy (For Richer, For Poorer), an irresponsible gambler (The Baronet’s Prize) or an overbearing parent (Hannah of Harpham Hall) then the young woman would have few options, left to her own devices unless they had the help of a hero, or a woman of independent means.
When Ellie (Discovering Ellie) is faced with a marriage match, she tries to diplomatically decline her aunt’s intentions without causing further conflict…
“I am not worldly, Aunt. I cannot think how I could make such a man happy…”
Mrs Hemming laughed. “Well, we agree on one point at least, you cannot think!”
Ellie ignored the insult and continued in her conciliatory tone. “I fear I would only annoy him. Therefore, I wish to politely decline this marriage proposal, discreetly of course, before it is made public. I do not want to cause further embarrassment to anyone. Then he would be able to find a more suitable companion, equal to the task.”
Ellie is completely dependent upon her aunt’s charity until she turns twenty-one. This dependency drives the plot, as Ellie must discover who she is, why she has a recurring nightmare, and how she can avoid a match that is being arranged ‘for her own good’ before it is publicly announced. This latter point is especially important because once it was made public, to break such a legal proclamation would be considered scandalous. Ellie is naïve and knows little of the law, or of the greater world, as many young women of the time.
Book 4
In a situation where an engagement is made between two people if broken, then it could result in a legal action of ‘breach of promise’. At the very least a reputation could be tarnished or destroyed as happened with Lucas Huntley – In Sickness and in Health.
In England, the Marriage Act of 1753 declared both parties had to have their parents’ consent if under 21. However, in Scotland this was not the case, hence the rush for elopements to the nearest place to wed north of the border, such as the famous, Gretna Green, which provided a reason for a mad dash in For Richer, For Poorer.
Friends & Foes Book 1
It is often claimed that fact is often stranger than fiction, but with historical facts the trigger for dramatic fiction is constantly there. Although women were ruled by the law, deemed unable to run their own lives, own their own wealth or children when married, deny their husband sex, or have rights to defend themselves when employed, there would have been plenty who questioned why this was so, such as:
“I do not wish them [women] to have power over men; but over themselves.” Mary Wollstonecraft, A Vindication of the Rights of Woman.
Lydia Fletcher in Betrayal was so influenced. Heroines need to have obstacles to overcome, situations that are a mystery, and the realisation that not all men look upon them in the same light.
Being single by choice was not really an option for a woman, no matter how much she desired to be the arbiter of her own fate. Unless her social status and personal income had been legally entailed and could support her, like the independent Miss Parkes of Penny Manor who befriends Ellie, she would be dependent upon others.
If young women were sufficiently educated, they could try to earn a living as a companion or a governess/teacher, but these were lonely situations with no long-term security. Uneducated or poorer women had less desirable options such as going into service, leaving the cottage to work within the factory or working the land to feed their families. In, To Love, Honour and Obey, Beth is an orphan who has no family or male relative to protect her from the system that was supposed to protect her.
Book 1
Prostitution was an option for the truly desperate. Few climbed the social ladder to a happy and long life even as a rich man’s mistress. Although some beauties and actresses managed to acquire rich patrons, such as the exceptional Harriett Mellon, born a pauper in Cork, Ireland but who ended up married to Thomas Coutts of the banking family, who successfully inherited and managed a fortune..
Servants were supposed to be chaste and could be dismissed without reference or notice if they fell pregnant. They were also open to abuse from their employers, as happens to the kindly Georgina in Betrayal. Again, as I write love stories that are aimed to provide adventure and uplift rather than depress, Georgina’s future is much brighter than many a maid who found themselves pregnant and thrown out on the streets without a reference, through no fault of their own.
Thank you for taking time out to read my blog and visit my website. Please like or leave any comments or questions below or contact me directly via the form on my Manuscript Appraisal page. If any of the above themes appeal just click the title or cover to be directed to the Amazon page.
Good news! I do like to share good news… In Sickness and In Health, published in eBook and print by SapereBooks is now available as a traditional large print paperback from @Ulvercroft. Copies can be ordered via Commonwealth libraries. Our libraries have had a hard few years, but there are people who find it difficult to manage an eReader so it is lovely to see this market niche is still catered for.
Smuggling in Regency times was rife in the rugged and isolated ‘bay towns’ of what was the North Riding of Yorkshire. Although the skill and daring of those involved in the trade can be admired, there was a dark and far-reaching side to their activities.
In my books there is a recurring element of smuggling showing how it could have affected the lives of those within the region and, inadvertently, helped Napoleon in his war against our own nation.
Being an island, smuggling had been prevalent for many years within the coastal communities nationwide. With a much smaller population than today, most of the inhabitants of these places would be either involved, or at least aware, of contraband being stored or moved through their communities.
This extract from Rudyard Kipling’s’ poem A Smuggler’s Song captured it beautifully:
If you wake at midnight, and hear a horse’s feet, Don’t go drawing back the blind, or looking in the street, Them that ask no questions isn’t told a lie. Watch the wall my darling while the Gentlemen go by.
The reasons the trade existed were complex but huge import taxes applied to certain consumables made brandy, tobacco, tea, silk and many other desired goods far too expensive for most people, instantly creating opportunity to fill a demand illegally.
Napoleon Bonaparte had no wish to lose the income France received from this illicit trade. So, he ordered the French Channel ports be kept open for business. This also created wealth for the organiser of the smuggling gangs’ pockets, some of which were part of the British landed gentry. Their subordinates lower down the chain of command were often unaware of the identity of the ‘top man’ who could only be known by a select few.
This trade was open to being used for further nefarious purposes, as free traders earned even more money by selling government secrets. This shared intelligence could cover troop deployments/movements/logistics, coastal patrols and the names and responsibilities of important people. This information had its value in coin, which Napoleon desperately needed to fuel his war effort. It was aiding treason.
Government agents tried to uncover such traitors. In Phoebe’s Challenge Rev. Matthew Fenton provides information to uncover the local gangs. In The Friends and Foes series, Lord Farrington is a semi-retired Intelligence Officer who has been given the task of unearthing a traitor in Betrayal, but his role is concerned with insurgence and threats to the government at home too. This is a time of hardship and much perceived threats, externally from France and her allies and internally from those deeply affected by the loss of livelihood and the industrialisation, which was bringing huge wealth to a new ‘middle-class’ and displaced communities from the countryside to town and mills.
Revolution on our shores was a fear.
Lord Farrington discusses the situation with Dr. Samuel Speers, in Betrayal…
“I already know they are involved in the business of financing the trade in contraband. But what else? Lord Bagby has influential friends who he meets in his clubs – does he pass on information to our enemies as well as coin? Is he a traitor through and through? These facts I must seek out.”
Samuel looked up, quite shocked. “You think they are traitors. Many people locally dabble in smuggling to eke out their meagre livings…”
Farrington leaned forward. “Stop my friend if you wish to remain so. Smugglers give coin to Napoleon’s war effort – they help our enemy and our men die. I do not debate the taxes set, but the way they fund our enemies for selfish gain. Do not be so naïve. I shall bring down the Bagby’s and this man Jed Webb who eludes our Riding Officers.”
Villagers could earn some coin to supplement their meagre incomes by hiding contraband in amazingly inventive places or help to convey goods on arrival from larger vessels at sea in their own fishing boats to hide them on land. Tubmen were men paid to convey the goods from delivery to their next destination. They needed to be strong, often landsmen, who knew the area and walked the trods and snickets that linked the bay towns and crossed the open moors.
The northeast coast leant itself perfectly to this. Many of these coastal villages have long, flat beaches of fine sand, where the local ‘cobles’, the shallow draught fishing boats could be easily drawn up and the villagers knew how to avoid the scars, the vicious fingers of rocks that extended from the shore. Fishing was the main source of employment on the coast. Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay are well known for their smuggling links but the coast between Saltburn and Redcar was almost as notorious towards the end of the eighteenth century. The bay towns in my books of Ebton and Allunby are fictitious villages based on the sweeping bay of Saltburn to Coatham, where I grew up and hold a strong affection for.
Three organisations were created to try and stop this trade. The Revenue Cruisers, the Riding Officers and the Preventive Water Guard.
Revenue Cruisers patrolled offshore in ships that with full sail could often overtake smaller vessels once located. The problem they faced was locating ships amongst the many who sailed along the German Ocean, and also the honesty of the crews who were on occasion known to work with some of the smugglers in exchange for a cut of the goods, made discerning their whereabouts even harder.
Riding Officers were based around the coast, living near the suspected communities and riding the coast to try and prevent the collusion between land and sea. A nearly impossible task.
The Preventive Waterguard was established in 1809. They had houses around the coast – Watch Houses, and smaller boat crews which would patrol their stretch of coastland.
Between all three branches the tide was slowly turning in the governments favour. In 1822 they were incorporated into one force, The Coast Guard, charged with stopping the import of these highly taxed goods. They employed ex sailors, strong, tough and knowledgeable who needed employment after the end of the Napoleonic Wars.
This led to a gradual decline of demand and consequently causing the amount of smuggling that was committed throughout the first half of the nineteenth century to dwindle.
Before this happened though the battles fought to catch the smugglers and traitors lay the seed of many a good tale, some yet to be told.
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Christmastide in Regency times was a prolonged period of celebration, compared to our modern holiday, for those who could enjoy it. Public holidays did not exist so for the working class it was not a given that the day would be given
It began on December 6th, Saint Nicholas’ Day. This was marked by exchanging small gifts.
Christmastide ended on January 6th, otherwise known as ‘Twelfth Night’, marking Epiphany.
For those who could celebrate Saint Nicholas’s Day, it was a period for parties, suppers, and balls to be held. But for all who had them it was a time for family and friends.
This period did carry the feeling of ‘goodwill’ so it was expected that charity would be given to the poor, particularly on December 21st, Saint Thomas’s Day when the widows of soldiers who had died in the Napoleonic wars would go ‘Thomasing’, calling at the kitchen doors seeking alms or food parcels.
On Christmas Eve holly and evergreens would be gathered and brought into the house to decorate and bring in the fresh small of nature. Garlands and wreaths would be woven with rosemary, bay, and laurel, and then embellished with apples, oranges, ribbons, and holly berries.
Mistletoe brought its own added spice to the festivities as kissing balls or boughs were made from it, a tradition that still lingers today. With each exchanged kiss a berry was plucked, once all the berries were gone then the kissing had to stop.
A candle was lit on Christmas Eve and the Yule log was brought in wrapped in hazel twigs and custom stated that it should be lit with a remnant of last year’s log. The fire would then be kept burning as long as possible and be at the heart of family gatherings; a small piece being saved for the next year.
On Christmas Day people attended church and then the gentry had a celebratory dinner of turkey, venison, or goose for the gentry, followed by plum pudding. Much of the seasonal food could be prepared ahead of time with a favourite being cold, brawn pies.
The next day, Saint Stephen’s Day, was a day for charity. Richer people gave servants and tenants their ‘Christmas boxes’, usually gifts of money, hence it becomes known as ‘Boxing Day’.
Finally, on the twelfth night there might be a party held with much dancing and singing. Hot spiced, mulled, wine was offered, and a special cake made to share amongst all the members of the household.
Games such as ‘bobbing for apples,’ and ‘snapdragon’ – a game where raisins were soaked in a brandy in a large shallow bowl, were enjoyed. A more challenging one involved candles being blown out and the brandy lit, people then had to try and grab a raisin and eat it without burning themselves – health and safety was yet to be implemented!
Men’s names were put into a hat so that ladies could then pick a name out to be her partner for the night.
A C17 yew wood wassail bowl.
A wassail bowl was often carried from house to house, filled with warmed ale, mulled wine, or punch, sometimes accompanied by the singing of carols.
The feeling of goodwill to all humankind was the message of the season. It depended on where you were on the social scale from impoverished to rich as to how much you could be a part of the tradition, but the feeling and love shared at this time was priceless then, just as it is today.
Merry Christmas and season’s greetings to all my readers!
Ellie encounters a handsome stranger, when escaping the claustrophobic presence of her widowed aunt, Mrs Hemming in The Old Hall. She is initially distressed and annoyed, until he introduces himself as Mr. Montgomery Cookson causing Ellie’s dark clouds to instantly lift, for she knows they will formally meet again. Mrs Hemming homed the deserted Ellie, whilst bringing up her two cousins, Dorcas and Sybil, despite the ruinous reputation of her mother for deserting her husband and child. Ellie had been shocked and scared, when infirmed she was expected to marry Mrs. Hemming’s own cousin, Mr. MONTGOMERY COOKSON. But has Ellie met her match in Mr. Cookson? Will her future be as grim as she envisaged? When Fate has cast a shadow over her life for so long, can destiny shine a light into Ellie’s world? Will Ellie finally discover who she really is?
Cornish sagas, or Bernard Cornwell’s action and adventure series about the rifleman who rose from the ranks, Richard Sharpe.
When I began writing I thought about the ‘write about what you know’ advice and started exploring my home area. The North Yorkshire Moors and the bay towns from Whitby to Saltburn provided a dramatic backdrop for many of my stories.
Lord Farrington discusses the situation with Dr. Samuel Speers, in 
valerie holmes, author 