Posted on Wednesday 4th September 2024
Author David Robbie with his book at Essex Bridge in Great Haywood
Great Haywood, ‘Past and Present, People and Places’ is a new book written by local historian and former teacher, David Robbie.
Video link: David Robbie talks about his new book and some of the famous characters from the village.
The book explores the village of Great Haywood in Staffordshire and includes chapters on J. R. R. Tolkien, who spent time in the village, William Palmer, the Rugeley Poisoner, and Shugborough’s jet-setting 5th Earl, photographer Patrick Lichfield.
David will be launching the book at a special event at Rugeley library on Monday 9 September at 2.30pm. He’ll be explaining what the book is about and his inspiration for the topics covered in it. David will also take questions from the audience and be signing copies of his book.
David said:
“I’m really excited about the launch event and can’t wait to give people a flavour of the stories.
“It has been a wonderful experience researching and writing a local history book over the past 30+ years.
“Great Haywood is a very old village, probably founded in the 6th century and is described in the Domesday Book of 1086. It has witnessed many important events. It was located on one of the most important roads in England, from London to Chester, so saw the passage of kings, statesmen and armies, as well as fast stage coaches, stage wagons, and mail coaches carrying the Royal Mail.
“It played a part in major events in English history – including the overthrow of Richard II, the Wars of the Roses, the English Civil War and the Jacobite Rebellion.”
Victoria Wilson, Libraries Chief at Staffordshire County Council said:
“Our libraries service is always happy to promote local authors and to promote our amazing culture and history.
“David’s book is fascinating and provides a real insight into the village of Great Haywood. His knowledge of the area is exceptional and his story telling is engaging. For such a small village , it has a lot of history and even more interesting characters.
“Libraries continue to be hubs and the beating hearts in local communities and we are always looking at putting on new activities such as book launches and reading groups. We are really pleased to be able to host David’s launch at the library and I would encourage anyone with an interest in local history stories to come along and meet David and pick up a copy of the book.”
David added:
“Some very prominent people have also lived in Great Haywood. Great literary figures such as Dr. Samuel Johnson and J.R.R. Tolkien. Fine artists Thomas Peploe Wood and his brother Samuel, the notorious serial killer William Palmer, the internationally renowned photographer Patrick Lichfield and even, at one time, a crocodile.
“The village has two rivers, two main roads, two canals, two railway lines and two churches. It also has two schools, two surgeries, two pubs, two plant nurseries, two holiday sites and two beautiful bridges that are listed as Ancient Monuments, as well as the magnificent Shugborough Estate.”
The event has been organised by Staffordshire County Council’s Libraries and Arts service and is part of the Staffordshire History Festival and Heritage Open Days.
To book a place at the book launch, contact Rugeley Library on 01889 869063 or e-mail rugeley.library@staffordshire.gov.uk.