New Books

A Journey to Medieval Canterbury - Andy Harmsworth and Canterbury Archaeological Trust

This latest publication from the Trust’s Archaeology in Education Service takes you on a journey back in time, telling a story created from a wealth of surviving buildings, artefacts and documentary sources. It begins with a taste of Anglo-Saxon life preceding the arrival of Duke William of Normandy in 1066. You then witness the impact on the city made by the Norman Conquest and how Canterbury was transformed into a thriving commercial centre during the Middle Ages or Medieval period. Exactly where your journey through Medieval Canterbury ends is not too certain as you will see...

The book has a clearly presented text and numerous quality illustrations and photographs which combine to make this a valuable resource and essential companion to Roman Canterbury, by the same authors.

Something for everyone!

At Vacant Hours - Poems by Thomas St Nicholas and his family, edited by H. Neville Davies

A compilation of work by a 17th century Kentish poet from Ashford, a well-educated puritan lawyer who lived from 1602-1668. Many of the poems are of special local interest. Contains the complete text of 70 poems all comprehensively annotated on content and context with a substantial historical and critical introduction.

This is a MS collection of enormous interest to all scholars of the early modern period, historians as well as literary specialists. The poems are of an intrinsic quality that justifies publication even if one disregards their political and social significance. It is the latter, however, that provides the most compelling reason for publication. St Nicholas's poems constitute a meditative journey covering one of the pivotal periods of English history, from Civil War to Restoration and beyond.

Prof. Tom Cain, University of Newcastle upon Tyne

COMPETITION

We have 4 copies of ‘Sheerness Naval Dockyard & Garrison’ by David T.Hughes (Tempus Publishing £11.99) to give away to members. The first 4 correct answers drawn after the closing date of Friday 30th May will each receive a copy of the book, an engaging recounting the history of the dockyard and garrison. Send your answer to the question (postcard please) to the Editor, at 55 Stone Street, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2QU.

Which ship, featured in the book, was a survivor from the time of the Napoleonic Wars? A clue – the book was featured on the New Books page of the last Newsletter!