Book and article reviews, Winter 2024
The Smith Family of Bromley House. 1752-1820. Author Ted White. Price £8
Ted White has written a fascinating history of the Smith Family explaining that the second Sir George Smith changed his name to Bromley in the hope of becoming the heir of his distant relative Robert Bromley though this plan was frustrated, and how in 1821 his home changed from a fashionable townhouse to become the newly formed Nottingham Subscription Library.
Nottinghamshire’s Literary History. ISBN 978-13981-1325. Author Dave Mooney. Price 15.99
This book explores the work of many recognised Nottinghamshire writers and other literary figures associated with Nottinghamshire. I found it is a fascinating history of a remarkable legacy. With 22 chapters and excellent photographs and images supporting the author’s work, it explores a fascinating history of the county. Authors include D.H. Lawrence, Lord Byron, J.M. Barrie, Alan Sillitoe, Stanley Middleton, and many others. It is a fascinating history of Nottinghamshire’s literary legacy.
Kirkby Castle: Kirkby-in-Ashfield’s mystery revealed. Researched and written by the members of the Kirkby and District Archaeological Group. Copyright Kirkby & District Archaeological Group 2024.
The three-page introduction to this booklet gives a full account of the work done to unearth the details of this historic castle. The first chapter gives a full description of the rediscovery of the castle in 2024, revealing that while the Castle might not have had a glorious history, the archaeological project solved the local mystery of its location on Castle Hill. Well-illustrated, the chapter gives a detailed account of the castle, its structure, and development. Chapter 2 develops the history of the castle from 1066 to 1500. Chapter 3 introduces Sir Charles Cavendish and the Manor of Kirkby in Ashfield from 1500 to the present Day. William Cavendish was a prominent but unsuccessful leader of Charles 1st royal forces at Marston Moor, who went into exile after the defeat. The development after the Restoration is also described. The final pages of the booklet give a history of the Industrial Revolution. Six Appendices are developing further historical information up to 1966. Information on two videos describing the lost manor of Kirkby Hardwick and a very interesting appendix on the old Spellings of Kirkby-in-Ashfield.