Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Geoff Brookes Author ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Contact page updated!](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/contact-page-updated/) - You can see in the contents above a new page, with contact details, should anyone need them. Plus photos. - [Christmas is Coming...](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/christmas-is-coming/) - I am sure you will find plenty of, I hope, interesting books on this website that would make unexpected and lasting gifts... Just find the How to Buy page in the menu at the top of the page - [Books Still Available!](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/books-still-available/) - There are still books available for sale on this website. Just go to How to Buy in the menu above and you can see current availability and prices. - [Blackpill Local History Society - 21 March 2023](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/blackpill-local-history-society-21-march-2023/) - I am looking forward to my return to the Blackpill Local History Society to talk about Some Swansea Graves! - [Swansea Murders - One Copy Only](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/swansea-murders-two-copies-only/) - We only have one copy of this title left. We won't be holding any more stock for sale on the website once the last copy has been sold. Find Swansea Murders in the menu to discover more, or go straight to the How To Buy page - [Pedestrians vs Cars - Motoring in Swansea in the 1950s](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/pedestrians-vs-cars-motoring-in-swansea-in-the-1950s/) - Here is a link to a new flipbook about driving in Swansea in the 1950s. It had been adapted from the section in Swansea in the 1950s, with additional illustrations. Click here to go straight to the Flip Book If you are interested in the book, you can of course find it in the menu. - [New Flipbook produced](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/new-flipbook-produced/) - Here is a link below that will take you to my new flipbook. It is a murder story from Efail Fach, which is near Neath, and happened in 1868. It is calledRobert Webster and the Death of Mary Morris https://heyzine.com/flip-book/c8b0109638.html - [Swansea in the 1950s - New Stock Received](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/swansea-in-the-1950s-new-stock-received/) - In response to a number of requests, I have received 15 new copies of Swansea in the 1950s, which has always been a popular title. It is available on this website for only £12.50 (rrp £14.99) which includes recycled packaging and delivery. To find out more about the book go to the menu or click - [Swansea Crime and Other Stories - a Collection](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/swansea-crime-and-other-stories-a-collection/) - A local primary school asked me to prepare some material for them for a project on crime. So I created a Flipbook of stories, drawn largely from my published books, which could be accessed on line.. I have now decided to make this more accessible by opening it up on my website – without the - [Bargain Book Offer - One Copy Only](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/bargain-book-offer-one-copy-only/) - I have a copy of Grave Tales From Wales Volume One available at a discount.A customer ordered a book as a gift which was dispatched with Evri. However it did not arrive and so I sent a replacement. Then the original book was delivered, four weeks late.So the book has been returned to me. It - [A Swansea Child - Reviewed](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/a-swansea-child-reviewed/) - My novel, A Swansea Child, has been reviewed on the Nation Cymru website and I am very pleased with it. There are, of course, some things which I don't agree with, but overall I think it is very fair. Here is a link Review: A Swansea Child by Geoff Brookes (nation.cymru) - [Violet Charlesworth](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/violet-charlesworth/) - A new Flipbook available now I have written about the fraudster Violet Charlesworth, who faked her own death in 1909 to escape her creditors. You can read all about her in a new post you can access on the Flip Book page on this website. Click on Flipbooks in the menu - or click here.Then - [Christmas Craft Fair - Llandarcy](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/christmas-craft-fair-llandarcy/) - On Sunday 4 December 2022, between 10.00 am and 2.00 pm, I have a stall at the Christmas Fair at the David Lloyd Gym in Llandarcy.Come and see me and get your Christmas presents sorted. Copies of all books - historical research and historical fiction - will be available. Pay with cash, card or Paypal - [Clifton Litfest 2022](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/clifton-litfest-2022/) - I am delighted to announce that I have been asked to speak at the 2022 Clifton Village Literary Festival in Bristol.I will be appearing on Sunday 13 November 2022 at 12.00pm in the Meeting Room of the historic Clifton Library on Princess Victoria Street (BS8 4BX) I have been invited to speak about the two - [Clifton Village LitFest PowerPoint Presentation](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/clifton-village-litfest-powerpoint-presentation/) - Here is a video of the Powerpoint slides from my presentation at the Literary Festival in Clifton Village on Sunday 13 November 2022. The link will take you through to my YouTube channel - [Blackpill Local History Society Discount Code](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/blackpill-local-history-society-discount-code/) - Use BLACKPILL when prompted in the Shopping Cart to receive a discount on any purchase, as many times as you like - [The Clifton Village LitFest and the Naming of America](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-clifton-village-litfest-and-the-naming-of-america/) - As I prepare for my appearance at the Clifton Village LitFest on 13 November 2022, I have started to look for links that connect Bristol and Wales, apart from the Severn Bridge, obviously. So let’s think briefly about America. Like me, you have always believed that the continent was named after a Florentine sailor called - [Clifton Village Litfest 2022 and The Great Zanetto](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/clifton-village-litfest-2022-and-the-great-zanetto/) - In anticipation of my presentation at Clifton Village Litfest in November 2022, I was driven to find connections between Swansea and Bristol. Something you have wondered about in those quiet hours just before dawn, I am sure. But then, of course, I remembered The Great Zanetto, the man who, with his remarkable vegetable powers, serves - [Patagonia Jacks - Advertisement](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/patagonia-jacks-advertisement/) - [Patagonia Jacks - Cover Art](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/patagonia-jacks-cover-art/) - Here is (another) fantastic piece of art work from Jason O'Brien. He designs the covers for my novels and he never lets me down. Jason always manages to capture the essence of the book.It will be published very soon - and then you can own a copy of this wonderful image. - [Patagonia Jacks - Coming soon](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/patagonia-jacks-coming-soon/) - [The Cadoxton Murder Stone, Neath](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-cadoxton-murder-stone-neath/) - The Murder Stone is a remarkable thing for a number of reasons. But for me, the most striking thing about it are the words - and the depth of the emotion they represent. It is the anger of it that grabs your attention. It speaks of “murder”, “violence”, “savage” “outcry”, “blood” and “judgement”. The words - [Patagonia Jacks, the new Rumsey Bucke novel](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/patagonia-jacks-the-new-rumsey-bucke-novel/) - New for Autumn 2022!The next novel in the Inspector Rumsey Bucke series from Cambria Books - Patagonia JacksAn early reviewer described it as'An epic story of love, loss and betrayal.'More information soon - [Grave Tales from Wales Vol 2 - Review](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/grave-tales-from-wales-vol-2-review/) - The book has received a very positive review on the nation.cymru website by Jon Gower Click on the link below if you would like to read it. Review: Grave Tales from Wales - Volume Two by Geoff Brookes (nation.cymru) - [Roy Noble Show - BBC Radio Wales Discount Code](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/roy-noble-show-bbc-radio-wales-discount-code/) - I was invited to appear on the Roy Noble Show on BBC Radio Wales at 6.00 pm on Sunday 4 September 2022 to speak about my books, Grave Tales from Wales, Volume One and Volume Two. It was an interesting experience. I offered a discount code to any visitor to the website and I would - [The Fforestfach Show of 1909](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-fforestfach-show-of-1909/) - Before we start out story, let’s remind ourselves that Fforestfach is a part of Swansea which should never be overlooked. It has a history which is hidden beneath the skin of our everyday world. There was a highly significant battle in Cadle in 970 AD between rival Welsh princes, the details of which have - [New Review - Grave Tales From Wales](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/new-review-grave-tales-from-wales/) - Don't forget. If you would like to buy a copy of either or both volumes, then use the discount code JULY22 in the Shopping Cart before 31 July 2022. You can use the menu to access the shopping cart, or you can click here - [New Flipbooks - available now](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/new-flipbooks-available-now/) - I have posted two new flip books today, 20 May 2022.One is a complete story - the killing of Charlotte Hopkins in West Cross in Swansea in1893. https://heyzine.com/flip-book/7702eae330.html The other is my Summer Catalogue for 2022. It lists the books we have for sale on the website and comes with music - (which you can - [The Killing of Charlotte Hopkins 1893](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-killing-of-charlotte-hopkins-1893/) - Casual, unplanned, actions can have awful consequences which can never be undone. Think for a moment about Edward Fitzgerald and only then tell me that I am wrong.... This story has now been moved to the Flip Book page. So if you want to read it, find the link in the menu and scroll through - [LLANDEILO LITFEST22 - POWERPOINT](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/llandeilo-litfest22-powerpoint/) - Here is a link to my YouTube channel where you can see my presentation at the Llandeilo Litfest in April 2022 - [The Dolgarrog Reservoir Disaster 1925](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-dolgarrog-reservoir-disaster-1925/) - For us, this story started with a gravestone in the cemetery of St Tudno’s Church on the Great Orme in Llandudno. It was a little faded in places but still bright in the sunshine, the details of a lost story set against a blue sky. Inevitably, for us it was a beginning of a search, - [Available Now - Grave Tales From Wales - Volume Two](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/available-now-grave-tales-from-wales-volume-two/) - Here is the cover of my new book - Available Now! 35 fascinating stories in 222 pages, including a bonus story - the famous Cadoxton Murder Stone £12.99 from April. Includes packing and delivery Take advantage of a 10% discount for advanced orders by using this code WEB22 Click on the button below to Buy - [The Cribyn Tragedy](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-cribyn-tragedy-2/) - You will find the Chapel opposite the old post office on the corner as you drive into the village of Cribyn from Lampeter. The compact graveyard at the rear is neat and well maintained. The gravestone you seek is still intact and easy to find and it will appear unexceptional to those who do not - [Albertina (Louisa Maud Evans) 1881- 1896](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/albertina-louisa-maud-evans-1881-1896/) - The girl on the flying trapeze Fire took her from earth to air to water and then finally back to earth once more. Now Louisa Maud Evans rests in Cathays cemetery in Cardiff, beneath a white marble headstone. Through these graves you can explore fascinating and sometimes unexpected stories from Welsh HistoryThe book is 190 - [The Garden Pit Disaster 1844](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-garden-pit-disaster/) - Landshipping is an unassuming little hamlet with an unusual name, between Haverfordwest and Tenby, where a quiet narrow road eventually decides to wander alongside the peaceful estuary. Here in a layby at the old quayside, with beautiful views across the water, you will find a modest but poignant memorial to forty dead miners. If mining - [Amelia Earhart Burry Port 1928](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/amelia-earhart/) - I can only show you some memorials – I can't afford to visit where she rests, even if we could be sure where it was. There isn’t a grave, but then, there isn’t a body, for it might have been eaten by coconut crabs. Let us hope fervently that she died before they got to - [Frederick Higginson OBE DFC DFM](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/frederick-higginson-obe-dfc-dfm-2/) - The Man Who Fell to Earth St Clears is a lovely place, certainly on a sunny day. So go there. Head towards Laugharne and on the left hand side you will find your destination, the Church of Mary Magdalene. It is opposite the historic Town Hall and you will pass through a beautiful lych gate - [Violet. Victor. Violence.](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/violet-victor-violence-2/) - Drive through Tintern and Llandogo, then just before the bridge which crosses the Wye into Gloucestershire, turn left into the maze of narrow country lanes that entwine the Welsh side of the river. In Whitebrook find a dilapidated grave in the precipitous cemetery below the Baptist Chapel, now a holiday rent. If it was not - [The Robber's Grave - Montgomery](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-robbers-grave-montgomery/) - We were in Montgomery to relax. The smallest county town in England or Wales. It is a beautiful market town with such a fine range of distinguished buildings. They were glowing in the warm sunshine. It is a peaceful place. There is a romantically ruined castle high above the town, the beautiful church of St - [The Linthwaite Murder 1891](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-linthwaite-murder-1891-2/) - HORRIBLE MURDER OF A FLINT GIRL. ATTEMPTED OUTRAGE. THE MURDERER AT LARGE. We parked the car, walked through the gate of Christ Church, looked to the left, found the grave and then departed. After all, this was Linthwaite, just outside Huddersfield and we had no cause to linger. The things we do for Welsh Country…but - [Jenny Jones](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/jenny-jones/) - I will never leave you nor forsake thee She is buried in the untidy cemetery at the end of the lake, where the water flows out into the Afon Dysynni. Drive along the B4405 and you will find it quite easily. A squat and ancient church, and there, immediately on the right hand side as - [Robert Recorde](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/robert-recorde-2/) - It All Adds Up Zenzizenzizenic You know about Robert Recorde’s invention. Of course you do. Everyone does. You have used it, perhaps even on a daily basis. It is just that no one has told you it was him. But it was. This story begins in St Mary’s Church in Tenby. It is a very - [Thomas Phaer and The Boke of Chyldren](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/thomas-phaer-and-the-boke-of-chyldren/) - There is a sense of ancient history about St. Llawddog’s church in Cilgerran. Of forgotten stories, of secrets. To find Cilgerran you should leave Cardigan on the A478 towards Narberth and turn left into the town. It is a pretty place, with a dominant and picturesque Norman castle standing above the Teifi. It - [Wallace Bridger 1908](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/wallace-bridger-1908/) - THE TEARS OF A CLOWN Walter Wallace had come to Swansea to murder his wife but these things never work out as you plan. He was driven slowly back upstairs by the police, who were understandably alarmed by the razor blade he held in one hand and the extremely unreliable revolver he had in the - [The Wizards of Cwrtycadno](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-wizards-of-cwrtycadno/) - This is a grave that either contains mysteries – or contains nothing at all. It is simple and unassuming, close to the wall of the parish church in Caio in Carmarthenshire. It is the grave of John Harries who, together with his son Henry, became known as the dyn hysbys (cunning men) of Cwrtycadno . - [Daniel James 1848 - 1920](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/daniel-james-1848-1920/) - Mynyddbach Chapel is lovely, a small comfortable place, an archetypal Welsh Chapel, the oldest Independent chapel in Swansea. and you can find it set back from Llangyfelach Road in Treboeth. It was built in 1867, renovated in the middle of the twentieth century and threatened with demolition in the twenty first. It was saved by - [The Women of Mumbles Head](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-women-of-mumbles-head/) - This story is now available to read as a flipbook which can also be downloaded to your own device for free - Follow the link below this box https://heyzine.com/flip-book/3be01849ed.html The Cambrian newspaper said ‘Living memory holds nothing to compare with it and local history offers no parallel.” It was a terrible day. A south westerly - [S S Polaria](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/s-s-polaria/) - It was July 1882 when The Polaria docked in Swansea. The ship had been launched on the Tyne by Mitchell and Co. in February that year for Carr Line of Hamburg. It had been specifically designed for the emigrant service operating between Hamburg and New York and could accommodate over 1000 passengers. Carr Line had - [The Death of Martha Nash](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-death-of-martha-nash/) - Martha Ann Nash was buried in December 1885, aged 6. You can search for as long as you like but you won’t find her grave. Today Llangyfelach cemetery is tangled and overgrown. It is does not readily reveal its secrets. No one seems to know where she is now. Poor Martha. Abandoned in death, just - [April Fool - The murder of Jane Padley](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/april-fool-the-murder-of-jane-padley/) - The house in High Street stank of fish. That is what the reporters first noticed –salt fish mingling in a sickly way with smells from the dwelling itself and with those from the backyard where the animals were kept. A fit place for an intensive investigation by the local board of health, is what they - [The Hecla and the death of William Thomas 1865](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-hecla-and-the-death-of-william-thomas-1865/) - Soothing wrinkles from the brow of agony The history of Wales has always been tied up with the sea. In the nineteenth century ships drifted in slowly from beyond the horizon bringing trade and ideas, changing lives. The sea was always the route to a new and exciting world, to places of unexpected adventure - [The Blackpill Sensation 1907](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-blackpill-sensation-1907/) - [The Sketty Lane Stabbing - 1909](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-sketty-lane-stabbing-1909/) - Today I think we should talk about Ben Evans. No, not that one ,not the department store, known as the Harrods of Wales. No, the other one. You know. The Burglar, the one who described himself as a milkman and lived on Scyborfach Street. That one. Which, of course, is the reason why this - [The Unsolved Murder of Ernest Melville](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-unsolved-murder-of-ernest-melville/) - MY HAPPINESS- 1949 Post war Swansea provided plenty of exciting opportunities for the children at play. There were ruins and bomb sites to explore. But on Saturday 22 January 1949 two girls playing hide and seek on Croft Street at the top of High Street made a gruesome discovery – the body of a man - [Managing Addiction in the Morriston Opium Fields](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/managing-addiction-in-the-morriston-opium-fields/) - ALARMING SCENES here in the Morriston Opium Fields, though to be honest, things have been a bit weird for a few days. It started with squirrels, but then it often does. They have been nibbling away at the poppy heads in the garden, and that never ends particularly well. I knew Monday was not going - [Ilston](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/ilston/) - [Cwm School Records Part One - The Two Marys](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/cwm-school-records-part-one-the-two-marys/) - A small local school closed. All that it represented was consigned to history. Cwm School, a warm and productive place, ceased to be after over 130 years. I was able to look at the School Log books, which acted as a record of the history of the school and they were so fascinating. They were - [Cwm School Records Part 2 - Into the Twentieth Century](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/cwm-school-records-part-2-into-the-twentieth-century/) - The closure of Cwm school in 2010 was the end of a little piece of history. A place which has been a focal point for a small community and holding so many important memories for so many people. I had the great privilege of examining the school log books and they are a fascinating insight, - [Cwm School Records Part Three - WW2](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/cwm-school-records-part-three-ww2/) - The closure of Cwm school in 2010 brought to an end a little piece of history, for it was a place which has been a focal point for a small community and holding so many important memories for so many people for such a long time. I had the great privilege of examining the school - [Swansea and the Lusitania](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/swansea-and-the-lusitania/) - This piece is taken from my book, A - Z of Swansea which was published in 2016 I found a quotation in an old newspaper which said that “Swansea men are sure to be in any event that causes a universal or general attention.” The quotation does seem to contain a grain of truth. Swansea - [The Uplands Cinema](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-uplands-cinema/) - The Uplands Cinema is a representative of those suburban cinemas which sprang up all over Swansea and then disappeared just as quickly. At one time almost every community had one, like the Manor Cinema which was in Manselton or the Maxine in Sketty. Morriston had the Gem and the Regal and in St Thomas you - [Grave Tales From Wales - Update 2022](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/grave-tales-from-wales-update-2022/) - [The Bassaleg Murders 1909](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-bassaleg-murders-1909/) - Tank Cottage in Bassaleg was a small property dominated by a large water tank in the front garden. It was the home of Charles and Mary Thomas. He was 82 and she was ten years younger. They had lived on the Tredegar Estate in Newport, where Charles had been a wood cutter but finally, just - [The Maid of Cefn Ydfa](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-maid-of-cefn-ydfa/) - The stories are about the surprising lives of the people who still lie beneath those stones, who still lie beneath your feet, and who still have something to say.There are stories of anguish and sorrow, stories of courage and achievement and these tales from the past that can still speak to us today. There are - [Flipbooks Now Available for Free](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/flipbooks-now-available/) - I have been turning some of my pieces into Flip books, and tere is now a list of those that are currently available on the Flip Book page in the menu.You can access these stories without charge and in some cases download them for free to your own device, though I think you lose the - [The Dunvant Explosion of 1902](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-dunvant-explosion-of-1902/) - I have made a slight change to this page. If you want to read about the unexpected Dunvant Explosion in 1902, then click on the link below. You can then read it as a flip book, and if you so wish, you can download the article, though you will lose the clever flip book effects. - [The Murder of Martha Nash](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-murder-of-martha-nash/) - Now available as a Flip Book Yes I have a new toy - a Flip Book programme If you would like to see how it works, then please click on the link below. This one is about Martha Nash, who was murdered in 1885 by her father. It is taken from my book, Swansea Murders, - [Black Bart - Flip Book now available!](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/black-bart-flip-book-now-available/) - I am exploring the magic of Flip Books! In preparation for the release of my next book, Grave Tales From Wales Volume 2, I am releasing some examples of my work in flip book form. This is a clever little e-reader that operates like a book and is especially good on smart phones but it - [February Sale](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/february-sale/) - I have plans to publish two new books this year. In the spring I intend to publish Volume Two of Grave Tales From Wales - 35 episodes from Welsh History, all inspired by a gravestone. The first volume has sold well, so why not? The next novel in the Rumsey Bucke series, Patagonia Jacks, should - [More information on Eleanor Williams](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/more-information-on-eleanor-williams/) - New information now included at the bottom of this post When I look at the stories I have written so far I am convinced that some of them will never be finished. There are always new and important details to be added. Time has frayed the details sometimes and it isn’t easy to restore them - [Bread of Heaven](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/bread-of-heaven/) - I found this story hidden away in The Cambrian newspaper of 6 January 1821. I love it – though it does have the air of an urban myth and, as you know, you can never be completely confident when a story begins in such an imprecise way. We are told that this happened in Reading - [How Things Do Prosper - 1850](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/how-things-do-prosper-1850/) - The stories about children are always the most moving; they are always the hardest to write about. This one is no exception. - [Ruth Webber - The Lady with the Lamp 1939](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/ruth-webber-slow-cooker-1939/) - The body was identified by William Richards. He confirmed that it was his mother in law, the wife of a labourer called William Webber. She might have been known to some as May Taylor but her name was Ruth Webber and she was 43 years old. She was living in a flat at 38 Trafalgar - [Rosser Mort A Swansea Export 1834](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/lockdown-literature-19-rosser-mort-1834/) - Rosser Mort was committed to gaol for trial on 8 February 1834. At this moment his life entered its final phase, though no one could have predicted where and how he would die, cold and frightened and a very long way from home. He had been arrested in Merthyr Tydfil on a charge of burglary - [Shot at Dawn](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/shot-at-dawn/) - We have our own familiar history of the First World War. Ypres, The Somme, trenches - and bewildered distressed young men with “shell shock” shot at dawn for desertion. Other countries have different stories from the war, their own horrors, their own shame. If you travel north east of Paris towards Soissons, you will find - [Swansea Soup Kitchens](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/swansea-soup-kitchens/) - There was a great need for such provision across Swansea at the end of the nineteenth century to try and alleviate serious poverty especially in winter. Places like St Marks and Trinity Church were always appealing for funds.W. Watkins Edwards of St Marks Vicarage established a soup kitchen in Waun Wen in 1894. ‘For some - [The Bagged Fox](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-bagged-fox/) - I offer you this story with no commentary. Theses are the words as they appeared in the Cambrian Newspaper published in Swansea on 28 January 1843. I have tidied up the paragraphing and the punctuation, that's all. No other comments are required. Three bag foxes were brought by the coach from London to this town - [A Swansea Child](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/a-swansea-child-2/) - I am now taking orders for A Swansea Child, the latest Rumsey Bucke. Head to the A Swansea Child page for more details - [New Discount Code](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/new-discount-code/) - Use code PREP before 31 October 2021 and get a discount on your total spend on the website. Combine it with one of my add-on deal to get even bigger savings - [The Execution of Thomas Allen - 1889](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/thomas-allen-looking-for-love-1889/) - Life can change in an instant. Things can happen suddenly, which can never be undone. And death can be ready to embrace you. Consider Frederick Kent. Consider Thomas Allen. Or rather, consider whoever Thomas Allen may have been. It was 10 February 1889 and in spite of all the difficulties that were gathering around Thomas - [Research in The Rhondda](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/research-in-the-rhondda/) - We had a very good research visit to the Rhondda collecting photos for articles to appear in Welsh Country Magazine. We went to Trealaw to find the memorial to the mine owner Daniel Thomas who was killed whilst involved in the rescue attempt following an explosion in the Naval Colliery in Penygraig in January 1884. - [A Swansea Child](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/a-swansea-child/) - I am pleased to say that my new novel, A Swansea Child, will be available in October. It is the third in the Rumsey Bucke series. The macabre murders of young boys brings a new terror to the town and in an atmosphere of fear and paranoia, when women are also attacked brutally at night, - [Mumbles Pier Public Conveniences](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/mumbles-pier-public-conveniences/) - When the sun shines we go out to take photographs for Swansea in Fifty Buildings, to be published by Amberley in October 2018. Amongst yesterday's joys, we visited the toilets at the end of Mumbles Pier, built in 1898 and a Grade 2 Listed Building. Something to be treasured - and such a well arranged - [The Punishment Book Cwm Junior School 1959](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-punishment-book-cwm-junior-school-1959/) - I am so glad we don’t have such a thing today, and so glad, too, that I never had to fill one in. The book speaks of a more brutal time – “A Record of Cases of Corporal Punishment” – as it tells us on the inside cover. The copy I found in Cwm School, - [Cwm School Records Part Four - The Seventies and the Eighties](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/cwm-school-records-part-four-the-seventies-and-the-eighties/) - In this final piece from the Cwm School Log Books, we look at the seventies and the eighties. So familiar perhaps, but the world has changed in so many ways Here is another video presentation - this time about Grave Tales From Wales - [Elihu Yale 1649 – 1721](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/elihu-yale-1649-1721/) - Welsh Country Magazine is not appearing in printed form this month but you can enjoy it for free online! There is a link at the bottom of this post which will take you there.My piece is about Elihu Yale (1649 – 1721) who is buried in the graveyard of the parish church of St Giles - [Rebecca Uphill - Laugharne 1850](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/rebecca-uphill-laugharne-1850/) - The Unquiet Graves of Laugharne. It all started when they decided to exhume the pig, but we shall come to that in a moment. This story time takes us back to Brixton Farm near Laugharne in Carmarthenshire in 1850. The farm is still there, a grade 2 listed building, and in 1850 the tenants were - [The Cowbridge Murder 1885](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-cowbridge-murder-1885/) - I had to move away the tired tentacle of a creeping bramble littering the tomb just to make sure. But there was no doubt. This was indeed the burial place of David Thomas and the grave in St. Tydfils Church, represents a terrible crime which reached a truly horrible conclusion, quite at odds with the - [Cranogwen - Navigator Lady](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/cranogwen-navigator-lady/) - The grave of Sarah Jane Rees stands in a prominent position at the very back of St. Cranog’s churchyard in Llangrannog, right in the centre of the village. Between Aberystwyth and Cardigan, down a steep hill from the busy A487 the village looks out at the sea. Hers is an imposing tomb topped by a - [Frances Power-Cobbe](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/frances-power-cobbe-2/) - Perhaps one of the most remarkable women of the nineteenth century was Francis Power Cobbe. When she died in April 1904, the terms of Frances Power Cobbe’s Will were very specific. She left instructions for a surgeon "to perform on my body the operation of completely and thoroughly severing the arteries of the neck and - [Professor Walter Beaumont](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/professor-walter-beaumont/) - Colwyn Bay Watch When we arrived in Llandudno we initially ignored the thrills of the excellent tramway; we did that in the afternoon. In the morning we went up the Great Orme by car because we were looking for a grave. It is what we do. We went to the graveyard of St Tudno’s Church - [Here lies John Renie](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/here-lies-john-renie/) - John Renie’s gravestone is odd. There is no other way to describe it. Unless you call it a “curiosity.” But I am sure you won’t have seen anything like it before. It is unique. A square of stone upon which a puzzle has been etched, as if it was a large piece of paper on - [Francis Kilvert 1840 - 1879](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/francis-kilvert-1840-1879/) - Clyro is such a peaceful place. The traffic rumbles along the A438 on the edge of the village but the untroubled churchyard is a tranquil haven and you can imagine Francis Kilvert sitting next to you on his favourite old tomb next to one of the splendid yew trees, and enjoying together the beauty - [The Death of Drummer Walters 1896](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-death-of-drummer-walters-1896/) - This is a particularly painful story -a forgotten one too - from our past. The death of Jack Walters was certainly unexpected and no one can know what really happened, but it was Saturday night on Wind Street and there was a fight. Oh yes, history does repeat itself. - [Grave Tales from Wales - New Title](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/grave-tales-from-wales-new-title/) - I am delighted to say that I have signed a contract with Cambria for my new book, called Grave Tales of Wales, which will be published in the summer of 2021. The book explores the stories represented by thirty gravestones from across the whole of Wales, from Anglesey to Cardiff, from Llangrannog to Newport. It - [The Bleeding Stone of Adulam, Bonymaen, Swansea](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-bleeding-stone-of-adulam-text/) - There has been a lot of interest recently in the tragic story of the Phillips sisters who drowned whilst collecting mussels. The piece was published in Welsh Country Magazine in January 2018 but has not appeared anywhere else. But it will feature in my next book, Grave Tales from Wales Adulam Baptist Chapel on Cefn - [Stories in Welsh Stone](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/stories-in-welsh-stone/) - We have sold out of copies of this popular title.However, we have a sequel available! Grave Tales From WalesSee below for more details or find the title in the website menu. - [The Cabbage Patch Murder 1896](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-cabbage-patch-murder-1896/) - It takes a lot of understanding, this story, although I particularly like the bit about the mice…Notwithstanding unexpected rodent interest, there are three main characters in this peculiar tale. Jessie Hill – the victim – a market gardener who lived on Carmarthen Road in Swansea Rhys Davies – the accused. A haulier from Penfilia Street. - [Improved website](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/improved-website/) - We have made some alterations to the website in order to make the shopping experience clearer and more straightforward. Movement between pages has been simplified too, by the removal of a number of pop-ups. The hope is that the website will be easier to use especially for those visitors who use a phone rather than - [Audio Extract from Our Lady of Mumbles](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/audio-extract-from-our-lady-of-mumbles/) - Here is the second extract from Our Lady of Mumbles that I recorded at the Rhondda Street Studios. Click on it to listen on YouTube.Here, Elsie Smith from Mumbles has been taken to the police station following the death of William Bartlett at Langland - [Our Lady of Mumbles. Now available](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/our-lady-of-mumbles-now-available-2/) - I am delighted to announce that Our Lady of Mumbles is now available to pre-order from this website. The publication date is in mid November but I am accepting pre-publication orders at a reduced rate. The recommended retail price is £14.99 but if you order before Friday 20 November 2020 you will pay only £10 - [Our Lady of Mumbles - an extract](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/our-lady-of-mumbles-an-extract/) - If you would like to read an extract from the novel, then click on this link here - [Our Lady of Mumbles - Kindle Download](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/our-lady-of-mumbles-kindle-download/) - If you would like to buy a copy of the novel as a Kindle download from Amazon, here is a link. They are selling it for £2.99 - [In Knives We Trust - Kindle Version](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/in-knives-we-trust-kindle-version/) - If you would like to buy a copy of the novel as a Kindle Download then here is a link for you. It is currently available for £1.99 - [Arthur Linton - World Cycling Champion](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/arthur-linton-world-cycling-champion/) - It is extraordinary to think that a small place like the mining village of Aberaman, between Aberdare and Mountain Ash, should produce four world class cyclists at the end of the nineteenth century. There were the three Linton brothers - Arthur, Tom and Samuel – and their great rival Jimmy Michael. For a short time - [The Pontardawe Ripper](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-pontardawe-ripper/) - The Pontardawe Tragedy of October 1888 became inevitable once Thomas Lott had been employed cutting chaff. With a sharp knife. He also worked occasionally as a butcher. With a sharp knife. And most significantly of all, he worked in the abattoir. With a sharp knife. This story is a terrible thing. Elemental. Terrifying. Your dead - [Guistina Macari 1938 -1941](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/guistina-macari-1938-1941/) - It is every parent’s nightmare. Your child taken from you in the middle of the day in broad daylight. The next time you see them they are dead. This was the horror faced by the Macari family in the summer of 1941. To make matters worse, they knew who had done it. But they just - [Swansea Murders - New Stock](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/swansea-murders-new-stock/) - I am pleased to report that I have received new stock of this title direct from the printers..It is a paperback book and is 126 pages long. There are black and white photographs and illustrations that accompany the 25 stories, which date from 1730 to 1946. There are some familiar stories but also many that - [The Rodney Street Wellness Centre - 1877](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-rodney-street-wellness-centre-1877/) - Oh yes, and if you are interested, here is a link where you can listen to me reading an extract from my novel Our Lady of Mumbles - [E. T. Willows](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/e-t-willows/) - Cathays Cemetery - Cardiff 1886 - 1926 He is remembered in the name of a street a pub and a school in Cardiff. His achievements are recorded on a clock face in Cardiff Bay but his grave lies forgotten and neglected in Cardiff’s Cathays Cemetery. His gravestone tells us Captain E. T. Willows Only beloved - [Allen Raine - Novelist](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/allen-raine-novelist/) - She is a sadly neglected figure today and yet towards the end of her life she was one of the best-selling authors in the world, selling over two million copies of her novels, all of which are set in Cardiganshire. And that is where Allen Raine is buried, in one of the most beautiful places - [William James. Dying with Custer 1876](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/william-james-dying-with-custer-1876/) - The graves are immediately inside the gate across the road from the old Ramah Chapel in Bryn Henllan at Dinas Cross in Pembrokeshire. The graveyard is unkempt and overgrown, but you will find the three graves of the James family in a neat row right in front of you. They are fading and weathered - [Laurel and Hardy](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/laurel-and-hardy/) - 22 September 1952 Laurel and Hardy appeared at the Empire Theatre on Oxford Street in Swansea. They stayed in the Mackworth Hotel on High Street and often sat on their balcony waving at their fans. They should have played Swansea again in May 1954 but the booking was cancelled due to Oliver Hardy’s illness. - [Madame de Winton’s Turkish Bloom of Health](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/madame-de-wintons-turkish-bloom-of-health/) - I love Victorian advertisements. They are so different from what we read today. They have more words, more elegance, and more style. They are less strident than our own – and more entertaining as a result. Here are two fantastic examples from The Cambrian newspaper from 1865. When I read that Madame de Winton’s Turkish - [Contact concerning Sarah Jacob](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/contact/) - I have had another one of those occasions when additional information about one of the stories I have covered appears suddenly, as if from nowhere. This time it is additional background information about Sarah Jacob, the tragic story which features in Volume One about the little girl who starved to death surrounded by nurses who - [The Coachman's Cautionary](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-coachmans-cautionary/) - On the A40 at halfway between Llandovery and Brecon there is a memorial to a stage coach disaster. If your speed is as unrestrained as that of the coach driver you could miss it. There is an obelisk enclosed by iron railings, next to a busy road. At the bottom of a steep slope on - [Why you should never kick a horse](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/why-you-should-never-kick-a-horse/) - Once again I was searching about in Robert Chamber's Book of the Days from 1869 when I came across this story. It has nothing to do with Wales at all but I liked the story and felt I wanted to bring it to wider attention. Perhaps it is a well-known story, but I have never - [Returning from the Aghan Wars](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/returning-from-the-aghan-wars/) - Strata Florida is such a lovely name and I was always keen to go there. It is 14 miles from Aberystwyth and has a beautiful position just outside the village of Pontrhydfendigaid near Tregaron. In Welsh it is Ystrad Fflur, which means the Vale of Flowers. It is neat, well -tended and atmospheric. The arch - [Go Home. You know you want to.](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/go-home-you-know-you-want-to/) - This is a story from September 1866 and it concerns an incident on Wind Street. Nothing unusual there you might think. But wait. Catherine Williams, the wife of Lewis Williams, was standing at the bottom of Wind Street minding her own business entirely. She was with a pal of hers and it was ten minutes to midnight. Time - [Bloody Welsh History - Swansea](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/bloody-welsh-history-swansea/) - I am reliably informed that my next book, Bloody Welsh History - Swansea will hit the shops on 15 July 2012. In fact you can even pre order it from Amazon and from the publishers The History Press now. Apparently you can even order it as a Kindle download. How exciting. I need to get - [Bloody Welsh History - Swansea now available!](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/bloody-welsh-history-swansea-now-available/) - I am pleased to be able to announce that my latest volume, Bloody Welsh History - Swansea is now available. It is a fine looking book - for which I take no responsibility whatsoever. It is available in bookshops and of course from Amazon where you can get a Kindle version too. Or you can - [Rotten Rabbit](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/rotten-rabbit/) - Here is another small item from the pages of the Cambrian newspaper published in Swansea throughout most of the nineteenth century July 1875 You will be pleased to learn that the Inspectors of Nuisances for the Swansea urban Sanitary Authority buried the creature in the rubbish heaps near the Old Infirmary. It was a rabbit - [Tenuta Contessa Chiara](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tenuta-contessa-chiara/) - We have returned from a magical holiday in Piemonte in northern Italy. I promised the owners Alessandro and Andrea that I would put a link here on my website in case anyone is interested in a perfect Italian villa holiday. Alessandro is in the process of changing his web hosting service so once that has been done - [Harper Twelvetrees Bug Destroyer](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/harper-twelvetrees-bug-destroyer/) - Been down in the library today and found this advertisement in the Cambrian newspaper for January 1861. A most delicious dainty for vermin! Seems a bargain and to me - and it eliminates Bedroom Pests as well. Exterminates these tormenting pests by millions. Sounds essential to me. - [A Bit of Needle](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/a-bit-of-needle/) - This is taken from the Cambrian Newspaper in 1856. It deals with an extraordinary operation necessitated by a most singular accident. It involved a young Irishman who was, as they say, larking about with some young country women. He grabbed a buxom girl who was engaged in seamstress work and hugged her.But as he pressed - [Wales is Weird](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/wales-is-weird/) - It won’t come as a surprise to you to learn that Wales is one of the strangest countries in the world. And it is official – paranormal investigators say so. We are surrounded by the unexplained. The message is clear. If you want to be puzzled and bewildered then come to Wales. The place is - [The Extraordinary Child](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-extraordinary-child/) - Let us consider the great Monsieur Chouville. A showman without a doubt, determined to bring thrills to the eager public of Swansea, starved as they had been of top-quality and spectacular entertainment. This was June 1858. There was no need for a large and grainy TV screen displaying inaccurate weather forecasts to the discerning crowds in Castle - [Thank you](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/thank-you/) - I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have bought books from this website over the past year. We have sold quite a few and they have all been safely received, in different parts of Wales, the UK and overseas. I hope the books are being enjoyed! We still have - [The Snow Train - My New Christmas Advertisement](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-snow-train-my-new-christmas-advertisement/) - Here was are - my new advert. I enjoyed doing this one. It uses two beautiful images I have taken from Jason O'Brien's Christmas cardsDon't worry, it is quite short - [Ready for delivery](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/ready-for-delivery/) - I have received copies of my new novel Our Lady of Mumbles and they are now available for purchase here on the website for immediate dispatch.The price is now £11, which includes packing and delivery You can find out more about the book if you click here or find the Our Lady of Mumbles page - [Bookmarks!](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/bookmarks/) - Here are my new bookmarks, created for me by Craig Warren at Smooth Doodle in Morriston, using the excellent cover illustration created by Carolyn Michel at Design Elements in Rhydlewis. Free with every purchase! - [My Christmas Ad!](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/my-christmas-ad/) - What better way is there of spending a wet Swansea Saturday than making your own Christmas advertisement? Move over John Lewis... Click on this link here and you should be taken to my YouTube channel in a new window - [Relax with an ebook!](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/relax-with-an-ebook/) - [Our Lady of Mumbles Postcard Advertisement](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/our-lady-of-mumbles-postcard-advertisement/) - I have been playing with Publisher on the computer. It isn't easy... - [Our Lady of Mumbles - A new image](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/our-lady-of-mumbles-a-new-image/) - A small collage for you - [youtube Channel](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/youtube-channel/) - So I have finally established a youtube channel. Search using my name Geoff Brookes and you should be able to find it. I am starting to collect together the different phot slide shows I have created to illustrate my books. I hope you enjoy them! Some have been remade recently too, like the new one - [Our Lady of Mumbles - Out soon!](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/our-lady-of-mumbles-out-soon/) - The sequel to In Knives We Trust - available soon I am delighted to announce that the second book in my series of novels about Inspector Rumsey Bucke will be published shortly. I will post more details once I have a clear publication date from Cambria Publishing who have agreed to take it on. Should - [Lake Vyrnwy](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/lake-vyrnwy/) - This month Welsh Country Magazine has returned in printed form and you can buy it in supermarkets and newsagents across Wales, as well as on-line for just £2.95!My piece in the September edition examines the memorial at Lake Vrynwy in Powys which remembers the 44 men who died during the construction of this beautiful reservoir - [Welsh Country Magazine - May 2020 edition](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/welsh-country-magazine-may-2020-edition/) - Due to the Covid-19 drama, the magazine has been unable to produce a printed version of the magazine this month.However, the whole edition is now available on-line - for free!Click on this link here and you will be taken straight to the page featuring my own piece. In this edition as you can see, I - [Lockdown Literature](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/lockdown-literature/) - A pretentious title I know, but I do like a bit of alliteration. As a contribution to these strange times through which we are living I have been putting on my page on Facebook a story a day from my collection of the many oddities I have found from Swansea's history. Many of them, like - [Swansea in the 1950s - additional stock received](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/swansea-in-the-1950s-additional-stock-received/) - I have received new stock! Swansea in the 1950s is available once again and there are more copies of Swansea in 50 Buildings availableSelect the How to Buy page in the menu at the top of the screen. Post and Packing are free on all titles - [Swansea and District Writers Circle](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/swansea-and-district-writers-circle/) - I have been invited to attend the Swansea and District Writers Circle on 4 March 2020. I have been asked to speak about the relationship between the research I do for my local history writing and my fiction. 7.15pm in the Civic Centre on Oystermouth Road.Could be a few gravestones involved then... I am looking - [Stock Levels December 2019](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/stock-levels-december-2019/) - Post updated 08 DECEMBER 2019 I thought I better put up details of the number of books I have in stock ready for sale. These figures were accurate at 5.00 pm on Wednesday 11 December 2019. I will not be able to replenish my stock before Christmas. I have sufficient copies of these three titles:In - [Christmas Sales](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/christmas-sales/) - There are plenty of opportunities on the website to solve your Christmas present needs! There are a number of books available, all at bargain prices. Black Friday? Cyber Monday? We are always here and my books are regarded as original interesting and lasting gifts.All our prices include free delivery and recycled packaging. If you live - [Dolgarrog Disaster 1925](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/dolgarrog-disaster-1925/) - The terrible Dolgarrog Reservoir disaster of November 1925 in the Conwy Valley is the subject of my latest article in Welsh Country Magazine ( November 2019).Two dams, built to provide hydro-electric power for industrial purposes failed due to inadequate construction techniques. On a cold November evening 70 billion gallons of water poured down the hillside, - [St Julitta's Church, Capel Curig](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/st-julittas-church-capel-curig/) - We had a very good visit to Capel Curig in Snowdonia. We managed to avoid the worst of the showers at St Julitta's Church as we researched a future article about Alice Douglas Pennant who is buried in the beautiful graveyard. We can certainly recommend a visit to this grade 2 listed building on the - [The Story of Daniel James](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-story-of-daniel-james/) - My piece on page 7 of the September edition of Welsh Country Magazine is about the life of Daniel James, the man who wrote the words to the song Calon Lan, regarded by many as the alternative Welsh National Anthem. He was born in Treboeth in Swansea and had a tough life labouring in the - [Times change. Issues don't.](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/times-change-issues-dont/) - Times change. Issues don't One of the great fascinations of reading the log books is the way that you can suddenly be surprised at how contemporary some of the issues appear to be. The same issues appear to have been facing schools for over a century. Look at some of the examples I have unearthed - [An introduction](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/an-introduction/) - Cwm School Records - an Introduction The closure of Cwm schoo lwas the end of a little piece of history. A place which had been a focal point for a small community and holding so many important memories for so many people. My wife’s family all went there and so did my own children for - [Llywelyn Fawr](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/llywelyn-fawr/) - My piece in the July 2019 edition of Welsh Country Magazine is about one of the great treasures of Wales, the sarcophagus of Llywelyn Fawr , who for a short time in the twelfth century was the ruler of most of Wales.You can find it in the Gwydir Chapel of St Grwst's Church in Llanrwst in - [Arise Evans (1607 - 1660)](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/arise-evans-1607-1660/) - I have been busy recently writing some articles for Welsh Country Magazine. I have enjoyed researching the lives of three interesting women and clarifying the locations of their graves. Amelia Earhart is remembered in Pwll and in Burry Port, the late Victorian novelist Allen Raine ( her real name was Ada Puddicombe) from Tresaith is buried - [Charlie Chaplin in Swansea](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/charlie-chaplin-in-swansea/) - Appearing at the Swansea Empire during the first week of June in 1899 were “The Eight Lancashire Lads”, described as “Part Singers and Champion Clog Dancers.” They were in third place on the bill after the “charming light-comedy singer and specialist dancer” Miss Nellie Randall and what were described as “animated photographs” of the Epsom Derby. - [Radio Interview](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/radio-interview/) - The big news is that I am to be a guest on the Wyn Thomas show on Radio Tircoed on Friday 17 May 2019 at 5.00 pm to talk about my novel In Knives We Trust. So everything you need to know, you’ll hear it on your radio. And let’s be honest here. Radio might - [Gwenllian - the Warrior Princess](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/gwenllian-the-warrior-princess/) - My piece in the May edition 2019 of Welsh Country Magazine is about Gwenllian the Welsh Warrior princess - a beautiful wife and mother, defending her people in the great revolt of 1136 and the only known example of a medieval woman leading an army of Welshmen into battle. She has no grave. Her two - [50 Gems Price Reduction](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/50-gems-price-reduction/) - In anticipation of the holiday season that is almost upon us, I have reduced the price of both 50 Gems of Mid Wales and 50 Gems of South West Wales. The cover price is £14.99 but they are now available on this website for £10.50 each or £20 for both, prices which include postage and - [Presentation in Swansea Library - Saturday 13 April 2019](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/presentation-in-swansea-library-saturday-13-april-2019/) - [The most controversial book in Swansea?](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-most-controversial-book-in-swansea/) - Well, it could be. My novel In Knives we Trust is not displayed on the open shelves in W H Smith's- if you want to buy one you have to ask because they are kept behind the counter. This is because two people have complained about the title on the grounds that it glorifies knife - [New Review of In Knives We Trust](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/new-review-of-in-knives-we-trust/) - There has been another positive review of In Knives We Trust. It appeared in Swansea's What's On magazine and was written by Delyth Williams of the Cover to Cover bookshop in Mumbles. - [Book Launch](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/book-launch/) - The official launch of my novel, In Knives We Trust, will take place in Cover to Cover in Mumbles on Saturday 2 March 2019. I will be signing copies between 2.00 pm - 3.00 pm - [New Review and Launch](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/new-review-and-launch/) - A new five star review of the novel has been posted on Amazon! The title of the review is 'A gritty who-dunnit' and it goes on to say - Great story, really gave you a feel of what it was like to live in that part of Wales at that time. Really hope there is a - [Welsh Country Magazine Link](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/welsh-country-magazine-link/) - I am pleased to see that there is now a feature about my novel, In Knives We Trust, in the Welsh Country Magazine website Here is a link that will take you there - [New Review - In Knives We Trust](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/new-review-in-knives-we-trust/) - I The publishers have received a new review of my novel In Knives We Trust - and I can confirm that it has not been written by anyone I know! The story is set in Swansea during the late nineteenth century and follows Rumsey Burke, a police inspector and all round good man who tries - [Official Launch - In Knives We Trust](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/official-launch-in-knives-we-trust/) - The official launch of the paperback version of my novel In Knives We Trust will take place on Saturday 2 March 2019 in the independent bookshop Cover to Cover in Mumbles in Swansea. I will be there from 2.00 pm to sign copies and to answer any questions about the book and the true stories - [Amazon Sales](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/amazon-sales/) - My novel In Knives We Trust is now available on Amazon. I don't know how well it is doing, though I understand that the kindle version is selling quite well. But I have a request to make. If you are thinking of buying a copy could I ask you to consider buying directly from this website, - [Amazon Release](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/amazon-release/) - This is a busy week. First of all on 16 January 2019 my novel In Knives We Trust goes on sale on Amazon in its print version. The official publication date is 29 January 2019 but Amazon are keen to beat that and so they are releasing early. I would rather sell here, naturally, given - [In Knives We Trust Advertisement](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/in-knives-we-trust-advertisement/) - The January edition of Welsh Country Magazine contains not only a review of the novel but also an advertisement which I think is rather stylish. Please note - although official publication is not until late January 2019, you can buy advance copies now from this website. Click on the link above to go to the - [Bishop Morgan - Welsh Country Magazine January 2019](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/bishop-morgan-welsh-country-magazine-january-2019/) - My article in the January 2019 is about Bishop Morgan - the man who translated the Bible into Welsh in the late sixteenth century. His work is credited with saving and then preserving the Welsh Language. He was buried in St Asaph and although his grave has been lost there is a fine memorial to - [Editor's Choice January 2019](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/editors-choice-january-2019/) - Welsh Country Magazine have chosen In Knives We Trust as their Book of the Month for January 2019 - [Getting Ready for Christmas 2018](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/getting-ready-for-christmas-2018/) - Welcome to December. It is time to get your gifts sorted - and there is no better gift than a book. Click here to go to the How To Buy Page where you can buy copies of all my books. I have had two new books published in October of this year. One is Swansea in 50 Buildings (click here to - [Video - In Knives We Trust](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/video-in-knives-we-trust/) - I have created a video as an introduction to my novel. It introduces some of the major characters and is intended to give an impression of Swansea as it was in 1880, when the novel is set. You will also see some images which should help to create a picture of the poverty found in - [The Arandora Star](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-arandora-star/) - We have had such a busy summer that I failed to post this! I wrote it and then never managed to put it on the website. I had to do it though, because it is such an important story and one that we shouldn't forget. My article in the July edition of Welsh Country Magazine examines - [More information on the Arandora Star](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/more-information-of-the-arandora-star/) - I have unexpectedly found a new piece of information to add to my earlier posting (10 September 2018) about the Arandora Star, sunk in July 194o with the loss of 800 men, a loss of life which had such a profound effect on the Italian community in South Wales. At half term, we made a successful - [NetGalley](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/netgalley/) - This here is a NetGalley widget. If you click on the link below you can sign up to NetGalley and then download a free review copy of my novel, In Knives We Trust. It is available until 15 November 2018. The only thing you have to do is to agree to write a review of - [New Books Now Available!](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/new-books-now-available/) - We have copies of my two new books now available to buy on this website! We are taking orders now and we will be dispatching all orders from Friday 26 October 2018 If you click on the image of the cover below you will be taken to the page which introduces the book. This will open - [Smooth Doodle](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/smooth-doodle/) - I have had some excellent promotional materials prepared for my novel, In Knives We Trust. They were created by the very talented Craig Warren, using the brilliant cover illustration by Jason O’Brien. He has prepared a poster for me and created some excellent bookmarks which I shall be distributing once the marketing begins properly. These - [Kindle Release - In Knives We Trust](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/kindle-release-in-knives-we-trust/) - I am pleased to announce that the Kindle version of my novel, In Knives We Trust, has been released today as a download from Amazon. It will appear on other formats over the next few days. On Amazon you can also read the first couple of chapters on the Look Inside facility. You can also - [In Knives We Trust](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/in-knives-we-trust/) - I am pleased to announce that my first novel - In Knives We Trust - will be published by Matador in January 2019 - price £8.99. It will also be available in all e-book formats. I will also have advance copies available here on the website in December, in time for Christmas. As you can - [Robert Recorde](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/robert-recorde/) - The September edition of Welsh Country Magazine is now available in newsagents and supermarkets for £2.95. My feature in it concerns one of the most influential Welshmen of all time, Robert Recorde (1510 – 1558) from Tenby. You might never have heard of him but you have certainly used his work, for he invented the - [Swansea in 50 Buildings - Cover image](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/swansea-in-50-buildings-cover-image/) - I have received a draft image of the cover for my new book, Swansea in 50 Buildings, which will be published by Amberley in October. There is a standard format for all the other books in the 50 Buildings series and this cover fits in with them. It uses a photograph of Oystermouth Castle taken by my - [The Amberley Blog](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-amberley-blog/) - Amberley Publishing have put one of my pieces on their blog, which you can read if you click on this link below The Murder of John Price 1826 - Llanafan Fawr, Powys The story is referred to briefly in 50 Gems of Mid-Wales but here you can read the story in detail. Learn about the - [The Grape Press](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-grape-press/) - Our Paypal account now has a name - The Grape Press. Chosen solely, and quite obviously, to remind us of our summer holidays in France. So if you buy a book that is the account name which will be displayed - so don't be concerned. Here are some grapes to make sure we know what - [Credit and debit cards now accepted](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/credit-and-debit-cards-now-accepted/) - We have amended our details on Paypal so that now you can pay not only with Paypal transfers but also with credit or debit card payments. Once you have selected your books just click on the icon and follow the instructions. It should be easy! If it isn't then let me know. This is especially - [From Dinas Cross to Little Bighorn](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/from-dinas-cross-to-little-bighorn/) - My article in the May edition of Welsh Country Magazine is the unexpected story of William James who, as far as we know, was the only Welshman to have died at the battle of Little Bighorn in Montana in 1876. William began his working life as a commercial traveller in Llanelli but emigrated, initially to Canada - [A visit to Down to Earth](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/a-visit-to-down-to-earth/) - I had a very good visit to the Down to Earth Project in Murton this morning. It is an excellent place. I used to go there when I was working but I haven't been back since I retired properly. It has always been a fantastic provision and helps so many groups and individuals. It operates - [Walter Beaumont - Man Fish](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/walter-beaumont-man-fish/) - My article in the March editio of Welsh Country Magazine is about 'Professor' Walter Beaumont the Man Fish, Llandudno's finest. He was a professional swimmer, lifeguard and showman, touring the world doing tricks on stage in a crystal glass tank. He would stay underwater for over three minutes, playing cards, drinking a bottle of milk or - [50 Gems Books - YouTube links](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/50-gems-books-youtube-links/) - Here are two links to videos I have made which introduce the two 50 Gems Books. In both cases I am grateful to Purple Planet Music for permission to use two fine examples of their work This is the link to presentation for 50 Gems of Mid-Wales https://youtu.be/Bd8qTIh0nZQ This is the link to the presentation for 50 - [New Website design](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/new-website-design/) - As some of you may notice I have chosen a new website design and I am pleased with the way it works. It is called 'Popper' and seems a little easier to read and appears less cramped than the other one which I have used for a number of years. It is certainly easier on Popper for - [Now accepting Pre-Orders for 50 Gems of Mid Wales and 50 Gems of SW Wales](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/now-accepting-pre-orders-for-50-gems-of-mid-wales-and-50-gems-of-sw-wales/) - We are now accepting pre-orders of copies of 50 Gems of Mid Wales and 50 Gems of South-West Wales. Both books are published by Amberley on 15 April 2018 and if you order one I will dispatch one as soon as they are received. The cover price is £14.99 but I will sell a signed copy for - [More news about Robert Everett (1901 - 1942)](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/more-news-about-robert-everett-1901-1942/) - One of the popular pages on the website concerns Robert Everett which you can find in the Shorter Tales section on the menu. Alternatively you can click on this link and the page will open in a new window. Robert Everett DSO (1901 - 1942) is buried in Llanddona in Anglesey and he had a - [50 Gems of South West Wales](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/50-gems-of-south-west-wales/) - Here we are. This is the draft cover for the second of my guide books which will be published in April 2018. The back cover is likely to change since this current version has Pembroke Castle on the front and Pentre Ifan on the rear which is also Pembrokeshire. So it will probably feature Cenarth - [50 Gems of Mid Wales](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/50-gems-of-mid-wales/) - I have received the proofs of one of my next two books. 50 Gems of Mid Wales will be published in April by Amberley Publications and they have sent me what is likely to be the cover. Looks quite good I think - [The Bleeding Stone of Adulam](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-bleeding-stone-of-adulam/) - This time my piece in the January Edition of Welsh Country Magazine didn't require me to travel very far. It is a story from the east side of Swansea, from Adulam Chapel on Cefn Road in Bonymaen. It tells the story of the Phillips sisters - Phoebe 14, Emma 12 and Amelia 7 who went down - [New Title - Swansea in 50 Buildings](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/new-title-swansea-in-50-buildings/) - I have signed a contract with my publishers, Amberley Publishing, to deliver to them a new title by the summer of 2018. Swansea in 50 Buildings - 18,000 words and 100 photographs - will be in the shops by October. At least it will keep me occupied through the winter Here is a link to - [Publishing Date for 50 Gems books](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/publishing-date/) - I discovered today whilst making a random search that Amazon are taking pre-orders of my next two books - 50 Gems of South West Wales and 50 Gems of Mid Wales. A pleasant surprise of course even if the two files are still sitting here on my computer whilst I apply the finishing touches. They will - [50 Gems Files Submitted](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/50-gems-files-submitted/) - The files for both 50 Gems of South West Wales and 50 Gems of Mid Wales have now been submitted to Amberley Publishing with an anticipated publication date in April 2018 Here is a link to the page on the Amberley Publications website about the whole of the 50 Gems Series https://www.amberley-books.com/discover-books/local-history/50-gems-series.html - [The Maja - 1945](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/1715/) - My piece in Welsh Country Magazine for November 2017 looks at two graves side by side in Holyhead, Anglesey. In the spirit of Remembrance and to reflect that World War Two was indeed a global conflict, I have written about two Chinese sailors who died whilst serving in our Merchant Navy. Ah Teng Lie was - [The Physicians of Myddfai - Welsh Country Magazine Sept 2017](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-physicians-of-myddfai-welsh-country-magazine-sept-2017/) - The September edition of Welsh Country Magazine is now available in newsagents and supermarkets in Wales (price £2.95). In this edition my article is about the Physicians of Myddfai. This beautiful village is three miles south of Llandovery on the edge of the Brecon Beacons . It has a long tradition of healing and therapeutic remedies and - [A visit to Ceredigion](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/a-visit-to-ceredigion/) - There was a brief respite in the gloom of the summer yesterday. The sun shone and so we took advantage and fled to the west. This time it was photographs for the volume 50 Gems of Mid Wales which will be published in 2018. We had a good day, beginning in the wild hills above - [Bethsaida in St Dogmaels](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/bethsaida-in-st-dogmaels/) - We had a good trip away this week - despite the weather - researching for my next book 50 Gems of South West Wales. Took plenty of photos and also stayed at this excellent bed and breakfast accommodation in St Dogmaels - a converted chapel called Bethsaida. Very stylish indeed - and such a brilliant piece - [The Linthwaite Murder 1891](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-linthwaite-murder-1891/) - My piece in the May edition of Welsh Country Magazine examines the terrible story of Catherine Dennis, a sixteen year old girl from Flint who was in service at the Ivy Hotel in Linthwaite, just outside Huddersfield. In August 1891 Catherine was murdered by James Stockwell. It is a tragic story, of two families torn - [Taphophiles](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/taphophiles/) - There was an interesting article on the BBC website about cemetery tourism and the growing interest in historical graves. And in it I learnt a new word - the name for people who scramble around cemeteries looking at gravestones. It is 'taphophile.' I never realised that my affliction had a proper name Here is a link - [50 Gems Books - Progress Report](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/50-gems-books-progress-report/) - My next volumes will be released by Amberley Publications in early 2018. They are 50 Gems of South West Wales and 50 Gems of Mid Wales. The text for both of them is completed in first draft form and we are now going round taking all the photographs we need to illustrate them. In the past - [Welsh Country Magazine March 2017 Edition](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/welsh-country-magazine-march-2017-edition/) - My story in the March edition of Welsh Country Magazine is about the brutal murder of an elderly couple in Bassaleg Newport in 1909. Charles Thomas was 82 and his wife Mary was 72 and they were beaten to death by William Butler with a hammer. Even though, as the headline tells us, he told - [Larceny at the Rose and Crown - 1906](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/larceny-at-the-rose-and-crown/) - Here is some news from The Cambrian Newspaper of 2 February 1906, 111 years ago today. At Swansea on Wednesday Catherine Williams, a charwoman and widow of Wychtree Street, Morriston was charged with stealing a large quantity of wearing apparel, value £3 15s. 6d, property of Ruby Fetters, the Rose and Crown Inn, Morriston. A remand - [Retired Blokes](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/retired-blokes/) - I was interviewed this week by Spencer Feeney who used to be the editor of the South Wales Evening Post. He wanted to know what I thought about retirement, how I prepared for it, how I spend my days, how I feel about it now. So we talked for a while about my writing and - [Dic Aberdaron](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/dic-aberdaron/) - The January 2017 edition of Welsh Country Magazine is now available in newsagents, supermarkets (and Marks and Spencer) across Wales, price £2.95. I write this time about the strange eccentric Richard Jones from the Llyn Peninsular who was born in 1780. He became better known as Dic Aberdaron, an itinerant with a peculiar gift for - [Stock Levels](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/stock-levels/) - We have sold a few books in the last couple of weeks and I have now indicated on the front page of the website the number of copies we have in stock. I will be unable to re-stock any of the titles before Christmas, since the distributers don't have the titles I need. Swansea Murders - [Christmas Cards by Jason O'Brien - 2016 Offer](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/christmas-cards-by-jason-obrien-2016-offer/) - As you can see, I have some beautiful Christmas cards by the artist Jason O'Brien and you can buy them on this website on the How to Buy Page. Just click here and the page will open in a new window. You need to scroll to the bottom - [Frederick Higginson OBE DFC DFM](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/frederick-higginson-obe-dfc-dfm/) - A bit delayed I know but these are busy days… My article about Welsh gravestones in the latest edition of Welsh Country Magazine (November 2016) is a strangely-overlooked story from Gorseinon, Swansea. It is about Frederick Higginson a WW2 fighter pilot.. He fought in the Battle of Britain and was awarded the DFM but was - [Half Term October 2016 News from Bethan](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/half-term-october-2016-news-from-bethan/) - I am on holiday with two of our grandchildren Bethan and Sam who live in Sutton in London. Today we went to Beckenham where we had a very good walk in Kelsey Park. Here is what Bethan has to say. In the park , we saw a Heron and after a few moments it flew - [The Pontardawe Ripper Update](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-pontardawe-ripper-update/) - Some clarification is needed I think following the publication of my article in The South Wales Evening Post about The Pontardawe Ripper earlier this week. The newspaper suggested that the story was taken from a new publication and in so doing created some confusion. I can confirm that there is no book about the Pontardawe Ripper - [Fifty Gems](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/fifty-gems/) - I have signed contracts with Amberley Publishing to deliver two titles by the end of 2017. These are - 50 Gems of South West Wales (Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Gower) 50 Gems of Mid Wales (Ceredigion and Powys) The books will be an attractive mixture ( I hope) of words and pictures. We are looking forward - [Swansea Library 17 September 2016](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/swansea-library-17-september-2016/) - My next talk is approaching fast! In the Discovery Room of the Central Library at 2.00 pm on Saturday 17 September 2016. Swansea in the 1950sOf course, there will be copies of all my books on sale! - [How others see us](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/how-others-see-us/) - I came across an interesting piece in The Cambrian published on 17 August 1894. It is called How Others See Us and reports the impressions formed by a visitor to Swansea. Here is an extract from it. In Swansea you are mixed up with a none-too cleanly lot. Of course now I refer to the - [New Blog Posted](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/new-blog-posted/) - I have posted a new blog today, called La Supreme Sagesse and the Brotherhood of Strangers. It is a story we found whilst we were on holiday in Gruissan in the south of France, on the Mediterranean near Narbonne. We visited The Allée des Naufragés – the Path of the Shipwrecked - which winds up - [La Supreme Sagesse and the Brotherhood of Strangers](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/la-supreme-sagesse-and-the-brotherhood-of-strangers/) - The Massif de la Clape rises above the Mediterranean outside Narbonne in the south of France. It is a beautiful wilderness, 17 km long and 8 km wide, perfect for rugged walking and cycling. The name comes from the local Occitan word Clapas – meaning a pile of stone. Rather unkind if you ask me - [A-Z of Swansea - Places People History](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/a-z-of-swansea-places-people-history/) - My latest book - A-Z of Swansea, Places, People, History - has been published by Amberley Press and you can buy a signed copy from the How to Buy Page by clicking here. The link should open in a new page and you will find A-Z of Swansea towards the bottom of the list. The book - [Violet, Victor, Violence](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/violet-victor-violence/) - My latest article in Welsh Country Magazine (July 2016) explores the story behind the murder of Violet Pick, strangled on the Vauxhall Bridge over the river Monnow in Monmouth by her boyfriend in 1910. When Victor was sentenced to death at the assizes a couple of months later, he waved to the public gallery shouting "Ta - [Frances Power Cobbe](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/frances-power-cobbe/) - My article in the May edition of Welsh Country Magazine is about Frances Power Cobbe (1822 - 1904). She was a fascinating nineteenth century personality- a journalist, a campaigner for women's rights and a leading anti-vivisectionist. She is a buried in a quiet grave in the cemetery of St Illtyd's church in Llanelltyd near Dollgellau, - [A-Z of Swansea now available for pre-order](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/a-z-of-swansea-now-available-for-pre-order/) - My new book A-Z of Swansea Places People History now in production and is due to be published by Amberley Publications on 15 July 2016. If you would like to pre-order a copy then go to the How to Buy page where you can reserve one for £10.50, which includes postage and packing to all - [Gwent Family History Society](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/gwent-family-history-society/) - My next speaking event is for the Gwent Family History Society on Wednesday 25 May 2016 at 7.00 pm in the Civic Centre Newport. The title of the talk is 'The Stories in the Stones' and I shall be examining four local graves - one in Monmouth, one in Whitebrook and two in Newport. The - [Blackpill Local History Society 17 May 2016](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/blackpill-local-history-society-17-may-2016/) - My next talk is scheduled for Tuesday 17 May in the Vivian Hall at Blackpill. The title is 'Swansea in the 1950s' and I will be looking in detail at two issues taken from my book of the same name. The first will be the reconstruction of Swansea Town Centre after the extensive damage in - [Website issues resolved](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/website-issues-resolved/) - I believe there have been some issues with the website but I now think they have been sorted. I apologise if anyone has been inconvenienced! - [General Custer - Shenandoah 1864](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/general-custer-shenandoah-1864/) - Whilst researching some American issues as they appear in nineteenth century Welsh newspapers I came across this unexpected detail. It is from the Cardiff Times on 18 November 1864 which picks up and repeats a report about an incident during the American Civil War. To General Cluster, in the Shenandoah Valley, belongs the proud pre-eminence of having been the first to - [Size Zero?](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/size-zero/) - An interesting story from 1929 - Revue Girls preparing themselves for the stage by regaining "curved beauty.". - [West Glamorgan Family History Society](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/west-glamorgan-family-history-society/) - I will be speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the West Glamorgan Family History Society on Saturday 27 February 2016. I have been asked to speak about my work on gravestones. The title of my talk is The Secret of the Stones and during the presentation we will be visiting Cadoxton, Felindre, Pant Teg, Tonyrefail, Trealaw, Barry - [Bananas](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/bananas/) - I came across this news item in the Cambrian Daily Leader for 18 February 1914. It comes from a completely different world. Dr. George Arbour Stephens, a Swansea physician and social worker, carried out researches in connection “with that disease which has become almost fashionable nowadays, appendicitis.” He believed that it was due to the increased consumption - [The Brown Dog Riots](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-brown-dog-riots/) - I have been researching the life of Frances Power Cobbe for an article for Welsh Country Magazine and I came across this unusual and forgotten story from the early twentieth century. Here is just a brief introduction to the Brown Dog Riots. It all began with a vivisection which was performed on a brown dog - [Rhys ap Thomas](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/rhys-ap-thomas/) - My article in the January edition of Welsh Country Magazine is about the most important tomb in Wales - that of Rhys ap Thomas in St Peter's Church in Carmarthen. For a time he was the most powerful man in Wales, because this is the man who killed a king, the man who struck the - [Special Offer The Complete Set](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/special-offer-the-complete-set/) - I now have available a new offer. You can now buy a complete set of my local history publications on the website. For £60 you can have one copy of each book (plus of course the Buy One Get One Free offer on Stories in Welsh Stone.) The price includes all postage and packing and you can - [Guaranteed Christmas Delivery](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/guaranteed-christmas-delivery/) - First of all I would like to thank everyone who came down to Swansea Market to see me on Saturday in spite of the vile weather. It was good to see you all. I am very grateful indeed. Today I have reduced the price of Stories in Welsh Stone to £12 (which includes P&P.) The - [Christmas Cards by Jason O'Brien](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/christmas-cards-by-jason-obrien/) - I am very pleased to say that when I have my stall in Swansea Market (see previous post) I will also have for sale some wonderful Christmas Cards by the Swansea artist Jason O'Brien. They are so beautiful you will probably want to frame them, not give them away! You can add your own message to the - [Book Signing](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/book-signing-8/) - I had a good book signing in Waterstones in Swansea yesterday. If you missed it don't worry. You can buy any of my titles here on this website. Just go to the How To Buy page by clicking on the link here. Don't forget, all my books are cheaper here than they are anywhere else - the - [Special Offer Still Available](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/special-offer-still-available/) - I still have some copies of my book Stories in Welsh Stone available as part of my special Christmas Offer. Click here to go to the How to Buy page, buy one for £13, which includes postage and packing, and receive another copy absolutely free! So you can keep one and give one away as - [Special Christmas Offer! Buy one get one free!](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/special-christmas-offer-buy-one-get-one-free/) - If you buy one copy of my book Stories in Welsh Stone I will give you another absolutely free! The book originally retailed at £18 but here I am selling them for £13 to include postage and packing. But if you order one I will send you two. Ideal Christmas presents obviously. Or keep one - [Free Swansea Plants - October 1904](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/free-swansea-plants-october-1904/) - I have a great affection for this story. It appeared in the Cambrian newspaper on 21 October 1902 - [Swansea in the 1950s. Now Available](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/swansea-in-the-1950s-now-available/) - I now have books ready for dispatch. The cover price is £14.99 but I am selling copies for £10.50 which includes postage and packing (cheaper than Amazon) and of course mine will be signed and dedicated if required. It is a full colour book - 96 pages, with 76 pictures including original art work by - [Swansea in the 1950s - Out Now!](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/swansea-in-the-1950s-out-now/) - I am pleased to report that my latest book Swansea in the 1950s is now available! You can buy them from me here on the website - just go to the How To Buy page by clicking on this link. They are available at the discounted price of £10.50 to include postage and packing. - [Jason O'Brien - Artist and Illustrator](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/jason-obrien-artist-and-illustrator/) - Jason is an artist and illustrator based in Swansea and I am very pleased to say that he provided three fantastic illustrations which appear in my new book Swansea in the 1950s which will be published at the end of September 2015. Jason has done portraits of three notable figures from Swansea's artistic heritage who - [Friends of Cathays Cemetery Update September 2015 - Update](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/friends-of-cathays-cemetery-update-september-2015/) - I had a very enjoyable visit to Cardiff University to speak to the Friends of Cathays Cemetery. They are a nice bunch of people, dedicated to preserving (and promoting) the important and very interesting Cathays Cemetery to the north of the city centre. Here is a link to their own very website full of fascinating - [Robert Owen - Welsh Country Magazine](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/robert-owen-welsh-country-magazine/) - My piece in the latest edition of Welsh Country Magazine (September 2015) examines the life of Robert Owen, for many the greatest Welshman of them all. Socialist, philanthropist, inspiration of the Co-operative movement - he is buried in St Mary's in the middle of Newtown. "A grave is too cold and damp for a soul - [Swansea Then and Now - in Paperback](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/swansea-then-and-now-in-paperback/) - I have received today copies of my book Swansea Then and Now which has been re-printed in paperback by History Press. The original hardback edition was published in 2012. There are no major changes to the text - other than the addition of Matilda to the list of our grandchildren to whom the book has - [Friends of Cathays Cemetery 08 Sept 2015](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/friends-of-cathays-cemetery-08-sept-2015/) - I shall be speaking at a meeting of a group called "Friends of Cathays Cemetery" at 7.00 pm in Room 0.31 in the John Percival Building (Humanities) at Cardiff University on Tuesday 08 September 2015. The talk is called Stories in Stone - Tales from Welsh Tombstones. Admission is free - [Swansea in the 1950s](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/swansea-in-the-1950s-2/) - I have finally received the proofs for my next book, Swansea in the 1950s, to be released by Amberley Publishing in September. Everything has been checked and returned for printing and it looks very good. Here is what the cover looks like. It is an image of the Mayflower Restaurant, built by the Rabiaotti family to - [The Last of the Teddy Girls](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-last-of-the-teddy-girls/) - When I was researching for my next book - Swansea in the Fifties - I came across some fantastic photographs which I was unable to use. In 1955 the film director Ken Russell took a series of photographs of a group of Teddy Girls. They were published at the time but were subsequently lost, considered - [Daniel Thomas](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/daniel-thomas/) - My piece in the July Edition of Welsh Country Magazine is about Daniel Thomas a mine owner from Porth. He was renowned for his bravery as a rescue worker in colliery accidents - of which of course there were many. He died in 1880 in a rescue attempt following an explosion at the Naval Steam Coal Colliery - [The Blob](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-blob/) - In Swansea cinemas in May 1959. Some tough choices then... - [Advertisements, Fifties Style](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/advertisements-fifties-style/) - I often post advertisements from the Fifties on my Facebook Page and they always get such a positive reaction. I think for many they are a window on an innocent uncomplicated time. A world where things so much more certain than they are today. Nostalgia always makes the best seem better - but I would - [Swansea in the Fifties](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/swansea-in-the-fifties/) - I have submitted the text of my next book to Amberley Publishing. A week early too. Astonishing. The book is called Swansea in the Fifties and I anticipate that it will be available in time for Christmas. Twelve chapters fully illustrated using contemporary photographs and news items. It deals with life in Swansea during - [Website Changes](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/website-changes/) - I have spent a couple of days updating the website. You might not notice the changes but I have combined all the websites I had into one to make managing the content easier. It is less cumbersome and some of the material isn't quite as buried away as it used to be. Buried is an - [Latest piece in Welsh Country Magazine - Portmeirion](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/latest-piece-in-welsh-country-magazine-portmeirion/) - I am delighted to report that the new edition of Welsh Country Magazine (May 2015) contains a piece I wrote about one of my favourite places - Portmeirion, a place of dreams and relaxation - and of course of The Prisoner! I really enjoyed the research - including the obligatory visit. It is a magical - [Waterstones - Thank you](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/waterstones-thank-you/) - Did my book signing today In Waterstones in Swansea and I should like to thank the staff there - Katarina and her colleagues - for looking after me. It was cold and damp outside but there were plenty of people about and it was good to have the chance to talk about my book - - [Book Signing](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/book-signing-7/) - I am signing copies of my latest book, The Swansea Book of Dates, on Saturday 27 March 2015 at 1.00pm in Waterstones on Oxford Street in Swansea. - [Marks and Spencer - Thank you](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/marks-and-spencer-thank-you/) - The work on my next book - Swansea in the Fifties - continues. I have spent some time trying to find good illustrations and I am delighted to report that I have had excellent support from Marks and Spencer. I contacted their Company Archive which is based at The University of Leeds and they have - [The Museum of Welsh Cricket](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-museum-of-welsh-cricket/) - I had an excellent visit today to Sophia Gardens in Cardiff where I met Dr Andrew Hignell. He is the scorer and archivist of Glamorgan County Cricket Club and he is based in the excellent CC4 Museum of Welsh Cricket at the Swalec Stadium. He very kindly offered me some resouces to illustrate my next book - [Welsh Country Magazine - March 2015](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/welsh-country-magazine-march-2015/) - My article in this month's edition is about the strange man Dr William Price from Llantrisant. He was wilfully unconventional and had a mania about druidism. He invented an alternative history in which Greek history was an invention of Welsh bards - in fact Homer he said was a Welshman. But it was his personal - [So you won't talk?](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/so-you-wont-talk/) - I was researching in the Library yesterday and found an envelope in West Glamorgan Archives which contained Public Information leaflets. It contained a wonderful document called "So you won't Talk" from the beginning of the Second World War. It contains useful advice on how to resist interrogation at the hands of the Germans and outlines - [Hampton Court](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/hampton-court/) - Had an excellent visit to Hampton Court Palace last week despite the bitter wind. There is so much to see and to enjoy - and the winter is an ideal time since there are fewer visitors around. Much to recommend it. - [January 2015 - The Rebecca Riots](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/january-2015-the-rebecca-riots/) - My piece in the new edition of Welsh Country Magazine - available in all newsagents and supermarkets - is about the Rebecca Riots which swept across South Wales in the 1840s. The riots reached a bloody climax in Pontarddulais in 1843 when the gatekeeper Sarah Williams was killed. Find out more in the magazine for just - [Proofs approved](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/proofs-approved/) - The work on The Swansea Book of Dates has been completed. Text checked, illustrations agreed, cover approved. I think the cover is quite smart. There is a sixties feel to it. I am told to expect publication in March 2015. It will retail at £7.99, though of course I will be much cheaper than that. - [Swansea in 100 Dates](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/swansea-in-100-dates/) - I have received today the proofs of my next book - Swansea in 100 Dates. I have to check it for errors and then return it. It should be published in March 2015. The book has 3 news items from across the centuries connected to 100 days in the year. And today's news? Well, in - [Blackpill Local History Society](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/blackpill-local-history-society/) - I am speaking to the good people of the Blackpill Local History Society in the Vivian Hall at 10.30 am on Tuesday 18 November 2014. They want me to speak about local murders and the great and the good of the posh side of town have given me plenty of material. Naturally I will have - [Laura Ashley](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/laura-ashley/) - My latest piece in November edition of Welsh Country Magazine is about Laura Ashley who developed a global fashion brand in an empty railway station in Carno and for a while transformed the economy of mid-Wales. She died when she fell downstairs in her daughters home in 1985. The magazine is available in newsagents and - [Swansea Library - and a Serious Charge against a Brother-in-Law.](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/swansea-library-and-a-serious-charge-against-a-brother-in-law/) - I would just like to thank everyone who turned up to my talk in Swansea library on Saturday 1 November 2014. There was a good audience and everyone was very friendly and apparently interested in what I had to say. The talk was called "10 Things about Swansea that you didn't know yesterday." Here below - [Swansea Library - 1 November 2014](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/swansea-library-1-november-2014/) - On Saturday 1 November I am giving a talk in the Library in the Civic Centre at 2.00 pm called “Ten things from Swansea's history that you really should know.” It will feature ten unusual stories recovered from deep within Swansea’s hidden past – the story of Admiral Nelson’s trousers, the death of Dick Burke, why married - [William Williams VC](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/william-williams-vc/) - My new piece in the September edition of Welsh Country Magazine is the remarkable story of William Williams, awarded the Victoria Cross during World War One for his bravery whilst serving on a Q ship. These were decoy vessels designed to tempt German U boats to attack them. Indeed the ships would often slow down - [University of the Third Age](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/university-of-the-third-age/) - Had an excellent visit to speak to the University of the Third Age in Mold earlier this week. Had a good audience of very nice people who listened politely to my stories. Thank you all very much! - [Welsh Country Magazine for May](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/welsh-country-magazine-for-may/) - Out now - £2.95 from newsagents and other outlets like Waitrose, Marks and Spencer's and Sainsbury's. This edition contains my story about a grave at Pant Teg in Ystalyfera. It is truly a hidden treasure of Wales. It is the grave of Morgan Lewis, gamekeeper and local thug who was killed by David Davies who hit him - [Cardiff Signing](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/cardiff-signing/) - I shall be in the Cardiff branch of Waterstones on Saturday 3 May 2014 at 11.00 am signing copies of Welsh History Strange but True I have already sold copies from the How to Buy Page on this website if you want an advance copy. Yes it does work! - [Book Signing](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/book-signing-6/) - My first book signing for the new title has been arranged. I shall be in The Uplands Bookshop on Saturday 26 April 2014 at 11.30 am signing copies of Welsh History Strange but True. There are others to come apparently... - [Books Now Available!](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/books-now-available/) - I have received copies of Welsh History Strange but True today and so they are available for purchase. Go to the How to Buy page and you can pay via Paypal. Alternatively you can contact me and we can discuss options. I am also booked for another book signing. This time in Waterstones Cardiff at - [Anglesey](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/anglesey/) - Had an excellent visit to Anglesey this week to do some research into graves for my work with Welsh Country Magazine. Good weather, lovely scenery - and all that history too! This is the Bodowyr Burial Chamber - a Neolithic burial chamber in the middle of a farmer's field. - [Advance Copy](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/advance-copy/) - I have received an advanced copy of my next book, Welsh History, Strange but True. The designers at History Press have done an excellent job. It looks very good indeed. 190 pages of idiocy and mayhem, Hard back too. Cover price is £9.99. I believe that it will be published in April . - [The Robber's Grave](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-robbers-grave/) - My piece in the latest edition of Welsh Country Magazine is about The Robber's Grave in Montgomery. A man condemned to death for a crime he hadn't done prayed to God not to allow grass to grow on his grave for a generation as an indication of his innocence. Read the full story in the - [Swansea in the 1950s](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/swansea-in-the-1950s/) - I have reached an agreement for a new book with Amberley Publishing - Swansea in the 1950s. I have to complete it by April 2015 and it will be published a couple of months later. I still have to complete The Swansea Book of Days - but it is good to have something to move on - [Looks like April](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/looks-like-april/) - I have checked the proofs of Welsh History Strange but True and sent them back. I am very pleased with how it has turned out. Having checked it all I am pleased to report that I have been rude to quite a few places in Wales. It is good to be even-handed. And it is a - [Welsh History Strange but True](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/welsh-history-strange-but-true-2/) - Here is the cover of my next book. Welsh History Strange but True. I have the proofs to check next week and then publication is set for March 2014. I think it looks quite good to be honest. - [Facebook](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/facebook/) - Yes I am now on Facebook. About time some might say - [Carrot Pudding 23 December 1898](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/carrot-pudding-23-december-1898/) - This is a recipe from the Cambrian Newspaper for 23 December 1898 “Two cups of grated carrots, half a cup of fine suet, four tablespoonfuls of brown sugar, eight tablespoonfuls of flour, half a pound of raisins, half a pound of currants, one saltspoonful of salt, one teaspoonful of mace. Boil for four hours, then - [Chicago News 1907 - Little Swansea Child's Fate](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/chicago-news-1907-little-swansea-childs-fate/) - Under the headline "Little Swansea Child's Fate" the Cambrian carried the story of Elsie Lang who was 19 months old. The family had left Swansea for Chicago where her father Claude was hoping to find work as a joiner. She was playing outside the front door of her house on 26 June 1907 when she was knocked over - [Independent Publishers Group](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/independent-publishers-group/) - I have heard today that my next book "Welsh History, Strange but True" will be marketed in America. Quite a surprise I have to say. The publicity and the promotion will be in the extremely capable hands of Trafalgar Square Publishing, who seem to be based in Chicago. How exciting! I am looking forward to - [Alan Furst](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/alan-furst/) - I am enjoying the novels of Alan Furst very much at the moment - a wonderful evocation of Europe in the 1930s as it slides inevitably into war. There is a fantastic series of novels which are tenuously linked with the same characters cropping up occasionally. Just finished Night Soldiers and now moving on to - [Writing update](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/writing-update/) - The new edition of Welsh Country Magazine (May 2013) contains my latest piece of work for them - the story of the submarine Thetis, wrecked off Anglesey in 1939 with huge loss of life on sea trials. It was recovered, refitted and renamed. As The Thundbolt it was on duty in the Mediterranean when it - [Publication Update](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/publication-update/) - I have been told by History Press that Swansea Murders will be published on 25 June 2013. I shall keep you updated, but the publicity machine is starting to spring into action. Very soon it will be interviews and book signings.... - [Murder and Mayhem in Swansea](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/murder-and-mayhem-in-swansea/) - On Saturday 12 October 2013 I am speaking in Swansea Central library at 2.00 pm. I have called the talk "How things do Prosper" and I will be talking about 6 murders. One is quite well documented - but I have uncovered some new and fascinating information about Thomas Allen who murdered the owner of the - [Welsh History - Strange but True](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/welsh-history-strange-but-true/) - I have finally submitted by first draft of my next book - Welsh History - Strange but True. It is a stroll through the neglected undergrowth of Welsh History from the Neanderthals right up to the Second World War. It is full of odd stories and useless information. You can find out about WW1 "Q" ships, - [The Swansea Book of Days](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-swansea-book-of-days/) - It is now time to start my next book - especially since this one to can be pre-ordered on Amazon already. It is called The Swansea Book of Days and it is a really simple concept. Three incidents from the history of Swansea for each day of the year. There is plenty of research to - [Christmas sorted](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/christmas-sorted/) - Of course this is the home of the finest Swansea - related Christmas presents anywhere - my books. Buy here - I am soooo cheap... Just go to How to Buy. Happy December everyone - [Book Signing](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/book-signing-5/) - I will be signing books in Waterstone's in Swansea tomorrow, 27 July 2013 between 12.00pm and 2.00pm - Swansea Murders. It features 25 of Swansea's most notorious crimes.... - [Website issues](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/website-issues/) - I have had a few issues recently with my websites. This explains the departure of my Twitter feeds. But thanks to the efforts of my son-in-law Dan the problems appear to be resolved now. Sorry if I have missed any messages or anything but everything seems to working properly once more. - [Swansea Library Friday 1 March 2013](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/swansea-library-friday-1-march-2013/) - I am speaking in the Discovery Room at Swansea Library at 3.30 pm on Friday 1 March 2013. The title of my talk? The Swansea Society for the Acquisition of Useful Knowledge - Relaunched! Come and find out about Valentine Rimell and so much more.... - [Glamorgan Family History Society](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/glamorgan-family-history-society/) - I had a very pleasant evening last Monday when I was invited to speak at a meeting of the Glamorgan Family History Society. There was a good audience (including my very own family history, my mother and mother in law) and I spoke for a little over an hour. I looked at Valentine's Day and - [Swansea Book of Days](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/swansea-book-of-days/) - Pleased to report that I have received and returned my contract from History Press for a new book - The Swansea Book of Days. I am to deliver the text in June 2014 and it will be released in 2015. Before then I have to complete and submit Welsh History. Strange but True, probably for the - [New Blog - Bedside Manners](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/new-blog-bedside-manners/) - Just posted a new blog called Bedside Manners. It is a story from North Wales in the seventeenth century. An altogether different approach to medical practice.... - [Bedside Manners](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/bedside-manners-2/) - The story comes from Hanmer in Flintshire in the seventeenth century and concerns Elinor Evans who was a maidservant. She had injured her ankle and a surgeon named William Jones was called. She had financial assistance from her friends and neighbours to pay for treatment. It cost 30 shillings. You can judge for yourself whether she got - [Bedside Manners](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/bedside-manners/) - I spend a lot of my time snuffling around the damp undergrowth of the internet, like a pig looking for truffles. Sometimes you find them and sometimes you don’t. And sometimes you can pick up a faint scent. Often it is fascinating stuff but it doesn’t lead anywhere. You know there is a story there, - [The Holy Grail](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-holy-grail/) - Did you know that the Holy Grail, used by Christ at the Last Supper and then later to gather His blood from the Cross, is in a secret bank vault in Wales? Trust me, Indiana Jones got it spectacularly wrong. The story is quite straightforward.The Grail was brought to Glastonbury by Joseph of Arimathea and closely - [Cover to Cover](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/cover-to-cover/) - I went to Mumbles today to the lovely bookshop, Cover to Cover on Newton Road (just up the hill from Oystermouth Castle) to sign some books for the owner, Sarah Rees. It is an excellent place, a proper old fashioned bookshop where the books are loved and the customers respected. As featured in The Independent's list of 2010 - [Swansea Then and Now](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/swansea-then-and-now-2/) - I was pleased to see that the book reached number 4 in the Waterstone's Top Ten Best Sellers just before Christmas! Clearly this year's must-have present. The comments I have received about the book have a common theme - that the archive pictures I have used show a much more interesting and attractive Swansea. The - [Charlotte Wood](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/charlotte-wood/) - Those of you who have seen my pieces in Welsh Country Magazine will know that the artwork for them is provided by Charlotte Wood. She is an extremely talented artist and the illustrations that she provides add a huge amount to the overall effect of my stories. In fact often the pictures are better than - [Ancestors in the Attic](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/ancestors-in-the-attic/) - Fellow- contributor to Welsh Country Magazine, Karen Foy, has a new book. It is called Ancestors in the Attic and shows how you can use those unconsidered trifles and random memorabilia in your attic to help your research into your family history. It is full of handy hints about what to do do with old legal documents - [Sweaty Feet](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/sweaty-feet/) - I have found this helpful hint in the notebooks of a policeman from 1859 - PC 207 Lewis Jones from Gorseinon. Perhaps it works, perhaps it doesn't, though probably if you use enough of it you will stop worry about whether they are sweaty or not. One ounce of salts desolved in a pint of boyling - [Welsh Country Magazine - January](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/welsh-country-magazine-january/) - I received my copy of the January 2013 edition of Welsh Country Magazine. It is edition 50 and another impressive publication. It contains some excellent art work from Charlotte Wood and Ditta Szalkai who have both supplied illustrations for my next book, Swansea Murders. My piece is about Ernest Willows from Cardiff, aviation pioneer and celebrity, 1886 - [How to Buy](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/how-to-buy/) - I have now installed a simple How to Buy page on the website where you can order any of my local history books and pay for them via a link to Paypal. Let's hope that it works! You will find the page at the top of the menu - [Twitter Link](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/twitter-link/) - I have been doing some work on the website over the past few days and I have tried to install a link to my Twitter Page. Here it is. I hope that it works! Let me know if there is a problem - [Twitter](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/twitter/) - I now have a twitter account where I will post news from Swansea's past. Did you know that in 1863 Sarah Young was imprisoned for a month following her 18th offence that August for drunkenness? No, I didn't know that either. Look for GeoffBrookes@HistorySwansea Let me know what you think. - [New Book Cover](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/new-book-cover/) - Here is the suggested cover for my next book, which will be in the shops in the spring of 2013. Swansea Murder. The book will contain the details of 28 murders in Swansea, from 1730 until 1949, some of which remain unsolved today. - [Book Signing](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/book-signing-4/) - Off to Waterstones in Swansea tomorrow (Saturday 1 December 2012) to sign copies of my books. Three will be available - Swansea Then and Now, Bloody Welsh History - Swansea, and Stories in Welsh Stone and of course they are ideal Christmas presents! I am there between 11.00 am and 2.00 pm. Had a good - [On the Radio](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/on-the-radio/) - My books and I have had a good couple of days. I had a fine turn out for my latest talk in Swansea Civic Centre on Saturday afternoon. A good and appreciative audience and I managed to sell a few books. They were especially interested in the mug shots of nineteenth century petty criminals Swansea Then - [Swansea Life](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/swansea-life/) - There is a feature about my book Bloody Welsh History - Swansea in the October edition of Swansea Life magazine. Look around page 20. Avoid the photograph if at all possible. There was also a feature in the South Wales Evening Post on Monday 15 October 2012. It is why dartboards were developed. - [Talk](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/talk/) - I shall be speaking at the Gower Young Farmers Dinner on Monday 15 October 2012 in the Gower Golf Club in Three Crosses - [Swansea Then and Now](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/swansea-then-and-now/) - I now have advance copies of the book for sale. Already sold 8 copies! - [Welsh Country Magazine](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/welsh-country-magazine/) - My latest article in Welsh Country Magazine (September 2012 edition) is about the Battle of Pilleth which took place in 1402 near Knighton. It was Owain Glyndwr's most famous victory over the English forces. - [Book Signing](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/book-signing-3/) - Thanks to everyone at W H Smiths for their help at my book signing today - and a particular thank you to all of you who bought a copy of my book, Bloody Welsh History - Swansea. I hope you all enjoy it! - [New Websites](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/new-websites/) - With the help and direction of Dan Gladwin, my son in law, two new websites are being developed for my local history books. One is Bloody Welsh History - Swansea and the other is called Swansea Then and Now. The sites now exist. Over the next few weeks I shall have to add the content. - [Signing - 8 September 2012 - W H Smiths](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/signing-8-september-2012-w-h-smiths/) - I shall be signing copies of both Stories in Welsh Stone and Bloody Welsh History - Swansea in W H Smiths in the Quadrant on Saturday 8 September 2012 between 11.00am and 2.00 pm. - [Book Signing](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/book-signing-2/) - I was in Waterstone's on Swansea signing copies of Bloody Welsh History - Swansea, the first signing for this title. I sold a few books and talked to some really interesting people. The staff in the bookshop were jolly and helpful in spite of the over-amplified street "entertainer" outside who assaults their eardrums most weekends! - [Book signing](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/book-signing/) - I am in Waterstone's Bookshop in the old Carlton Cinema on Oxford Street on Saturday 18 August 2012. I shall be signing copies of my book Bloody Welsh History - Swansea between 11.00 am and 1.00 pm. - [A new blog has been added!](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/a-new-blog-has-been-added/) - I thought it was about time. I have added a new piece to the Blog. I have been busy researching for my next book - Murder and Crime in Swansea - and I keep coming across interesting and unusual stories so I thought that it was abou ttime that I started to collect them together. Eventually - [April 2012](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/april-2012/) - It looks as if the websites are finally taking shape. The Stories in Welsh Stone website has now been re presented as a Word Press site and the new sites to promote the two new books will soon be ready to be published. Both books - Bloody Welsh History - Swansea, and Swansea Then and Now - [February 2012](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/316/) - We have had a very pleasant morning. I was invited to speak to the University of the Third Age in Brecon. It was a lovely bright morning and the views in the snow covered hills were beautiful. We had a very warm welcome from our hosts in the Theatre who were concerned to ensure our - [Cwm at War](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/cwm-at-war/) - Cwm at War The First World War did not impact much on Cwm School. They delayed playtime in 1914 so the children could watch soldiers go past on the train. At Christmas 1915 they held a concert and a collection in aid of wounded soldiers and on 17 July 1919 the school was closed for - [December 2011](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/december-2011/) - I am still coming to terms with the new website and its special tricks. That is why I am so far behind! Of course work on the Bloody Welsh History volume took some time too but it is time that I gave the websites more attention. Anyway, visitors are still pleasing with double figures every - [January 2012](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/january-2012/) - It has been a busy and in some ways an unexpected start to the New Year. Visitor totals have remained at a high level, with particular interest being shown in Robert Everett and Hedd Wyn, as always. The piece in the Welsh Country Magazine this month was about Charles Rolls, of Rolls Royce fame, who - [The Punishment Book](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-punishment-book/) - The Punishment Book I am so glad we don’t have such a thing today. The book speaks of a more brutal time – “A Record of Cases of Corporal Punishment” – as it tells us on the inside cover. The one I have found in Cwm School dates from 1959 and what strikes you first - [Into the Seventies and Eighties](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/into-the-seventies-and-eighties/) - Into the Seventies and Eighties In the final surviving log book from Cwm School we arrive at the Seventies and we can continue to examine issues big and small. In 1974 the school moved into refurbished buildings, but with a sense of disappointment, especially with the standard of the work. The toilets didn’t flush properly - [Two Marys](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/two-marys/) - Two Marys (as originally published in the Times Education Supplement April 2010) A local school is closing. All that it represents will be consigned to history. Cwm School, a warm and productive place, will cease to be in September after over 130 years. I have been able to look at the School Log books which - [Perillos](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/perillos/) - In Search of the Big One To be honest if you are a grave hunter they don’t come much bigger than this. We were in the Corbieres and we had driven beyond the spectacular hilltop castle of Salvaterre, deep into the abandoned garrigue. The castle lies above the quiet and prosperous village of Opoul-Perillos and - [Serrabona](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/serrabona/) - It was as remote as you can imagine. We were in the foothills of the Canigou, the most important mountain in the Pyrenees if you are a Catalan. We were there for the Romanesque architecture. Well ,it is the sort of thing you do on a Sunday when you are on holiday. We had left - [Channel Tunnel](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/channel-tunnel/) - Finally our summer holidays have arrived and we are off to France on Sunday (26 July 2009). We are looking forward to it immensely, for all the usual reasons. The beautiful peaceful countryside, the dramatic scenery, the fantastic food and the lovely wine. We are particularly looking forward to some sunshine! We had a good - [Wedding Gifts](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/wedding-gifts/) - Weddings are full of difficulties. I should know I have been the father of the bride twice. It is a minefield for everyone. Take the issue of presents for example. Today the wedding list might seem mercenary but it takes away some of the nightmares associated with the unwanted duplication of presents – or should - [All Souls Langham Place London](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/all-souls-langham-place-london/) - Why does it take such a long time to get out of Wales on a train? It seems to take forever. There are frequent stops as the train ambles across South Wales and the M4, when it is on its best behaviour, can be just as quick. It makes you realise how impenetrable Wales must - [Mr. Melville and the Actress](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/mr-melville-and-the-actress/) - Actresses had a bit of a reputation in Victorian times. I can’t imagine that it was entirely fair. There must have been some very serious and talented women on the stage. But the rest were not always taken seriously and seemed to provide professional males with hours of endless amusement and innuendo. I found an - [Cnapan](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/cnapan/) - I was booked to do a book signing in Aberystwyth and we didn’t fancy going up there and then back again in one day. So we looked for somewhere to stay. The first couple of places we tried were full and so we ended up in a lovely place we haven’t visited for a - [How to deal with Magistrates](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/how-to-deal-with-magistrates/) - One of the great things about the writing that I do is that I am free to follow leads as they turn up. Earlier this week my work was all planned out. I knew what I was going to do. I fought off the attractions of a lost village in Carmarthen Bay and turned to - [From May 2009](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/from-may-2009/) - On Saturday I was out once again, meeting my public. This time it was Border’s in Cardiff, a shop in the old David Morgan building on The Hayes. It is a nice shop, large and busy and I was certainly very well looked after by the staff, especially Vicki. However, promotion remains hard work. - [Additional information on Henry Tremble](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/additional-information-on-henry-tremble/) - Henry Tremble - 20 April 2009 I was always concerned that when the book finally went on to the shelves I would find out that I had written something wildly inaccurate, That I was guilty of perpetrating a significant inaccuracy. I have constructed all the stories carefully to maintain interest and extract the drama. But - [Blogs from March 2009](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/blogs-from-march-2009/) - Being Gobby - 31 March 2009 What’s wrong with people? Don’t they understand the idea of shopping early for Christmas? What about phrases like “avoid disappointment” or “whilst stocks last”? Have they no meaning anymore? There was hail beating its way down Oxford Street. There were Incas playing pan pipes. But people wouldn’t - [Visiting Anglesey](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/visiting-anglesey/) - We arrived at the church, small and neat as country churches often are, and there was a church warden standing just outside the door watching us. We were in the churchyard of St. Gallgo’s in Llanallgo on Anglesey. We had done our research thoroughly before we left home, so we knew our targets and could - [How to Write for Newspapers](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/how-to-write-for-newspapers/) - Some of the writing I come across in my researches is quite outstanding. It is so different from the sort of writing you see today in newspapers. In the 19th century there was more a sense of narrative and this lay at the very heart of what they wrote. When you read something like this - [Hanging a picture?](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/hanging-a-picture/) - We went up to Chester to stay with our daughter Laura and her family last weekend. It was lovely to see them all and of course to be looked after so well. It was time to re-acquaint myself with our two grandsons. Mr Will is 3 and has a long-standing obsession with Disney’s Cars. Lightning - [A Visit to Cathays Cemetery](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/a-visit-to-cathays-cemetery/) - A large Victorian Cemetery can be so daunting when you are looking for a specific headstone and the cemetery stretches out before you. It can be difficult enough in an overgrown country churchyard where the words upon the stones have melted in the rain. In a municipal cemetery it can appear to be an impossible - [Disgraceful scene at Swansea](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/disgraceful-scene-at-swansea/) - I went to the new Reference Library in Swansea to do a bit of research. It is situated in the Civic Centre and it is very smart indeed. Comfortable and bright. But it wasn’t the modern developments that drew me there, smart as they are. Rather it was the past, as always. The contemporary newspapers - [The Earliest Entries](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-earliest-entries/) - A morbid interest? 08 January 2009 So here we are back in school. The cold icy weather still doesn’t stop some kids turning up in school without a coat and they huddle together for warmth like penguins. They are of course pleased to be back in school. Like most of the teachers they are - [The Resurrectionists](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-resurrectionists/) - I found a very interesting piece by Robert Chambers from 1869 about body snatching. When I find a grave I just try to take away the story. But in the past there was a much more sinister trade – the work of the body snatchers, or as they were sometimes known, The Resurrectionists. And yet - [Sin Eaters](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/sin-eaters/) - The term “Sin Eater” does sound like the title of a dodgy horror film. In fact perhaps it is. I wouldn’t know. But I came across it in a news item on the BBC last month (September 2010) It is a fascinating idea and perhaps you will not be surprised to learn that this ancient - [Ann of Bridgewater](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/ann-of-bridgewater/) - Did you ever hear the story of the Ann of Bridgwater? No I hadn’t heard of it either but if you go looking you can find the oddest things. As I did, rather like the Rhosili rocket crew... Ann of Bridgwater was a ship that was found drifting off Rhosili at the very end of - [Victorian Cemeteries](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/victorian-cemeteries/) - The word cemetery comes from Greek, meaning "sleeping place." But the history they contain should not be allowed to rest. It should be repected and restored, just like the cemeteries themselves. The public cemetery was a Victorian invention. Previously under common law, every parishioner and inhabitant of a parish had a right to be buried - [Hywel Sele and the Demon Oak](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/hywel-sele-and-the-demon-oak/) - My grave this time is, oddly enough, a wooden drinking vessel which you can find in the National Museum in Cardiff, one of many such objects apparently, made from a great oak tree which blew down in a storm in 1813. The tree was called Derwen Ceubren yr Ellyll – the Hollow Tree of the - [The Story of Gelert](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-story-of-gelert/) - Gelert is the name of a legendary dog which has become entwined with the village of Beddgelert in Gwynedd. And if you don’t already know it, the knowledge that the name of the village has been translated as “Gelert’s Grave” might give you some clue where this story is going. The inscription on the tomb - [Halloween in Wales](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/halloween-in-wales/) - Halloween. It is one of the oldest festivals of all, and represents a curious mixture of many different traditions. The Celts called it Samhain, a festival that provided a boost for people as they entered the long dark winter months when the countryside seemed dead and the days seemed so short. Over time it became ## Pages - [Welcome to my website](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/) - Welcome to my website where you will find details of all my work. There are links to pages about each of the books that we have for sale on the website. The menu will allow you to navigate through the website to all the different elements. My other publications are still available elsewhere. I have - [Contact Details](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/contact-details/) - Use this email here and I will respond as soon as I can. Always happy to hear from you! If you have come here from another website then I hope you find something of interest here. Let's hope it is worth the effort. gravetalesfromwales@yahoo.com - [How to Buy](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/how-to-buy/) - Please Note. The name of my account is now The Grape Press.************************************************************************ You can buy any of my books directly from me, using Paypal or debit and credit cards. All prices include postage and packing to any UK address. Naturally I will sign all books and dedicate them if you so wish. Let me know - [About Me](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/about-me/) - I spent my childhood in Sheffield and graduated from Leicester University with a degree in English and History. I became a teacher after training for a year in Birmingham. I started my career in Gateway Sixth Form College in Leicester and then moved to my wife's home town of Swansea in 1981. We moved to - [Illustrated Talks](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/illustrated-talks/) - Sadly, I am no longer offering this service - [Swansea Murders](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/swansea-murders/) - Available to Buy on Amazon Swansea Murders was published in 2013 by the History Press and has been an extremely popular title. The book examines 25 different murders or manslaughters within Swansea, the earliest described happened in 1730 and you may not be surprised to learn that it involved an argument between men - [Shopping Cart](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/shopping-cart/) - Please Note. The name of my account is now The Grape Press.******************************** Buying is straightforward.1. Increase the number of copies if required in the number box. Continue shopping or check out2. When you are ready to checkout, enter a coupon code if you have one. Then Apply. The reduction will be made automatically on this - [Flip Books](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/flip-books/) - I am turning a number of my pieces into Flip Books, where you can turn the page of an article by clicking in the corners of the image or by using other navigation tools. I have embedded images and videos too in these pieces. Some are new, others have been published before in one of - [Swansea in the 1950s](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/swansea-in-the-fifties/) - Swansea in the Fifties - was published in September 2015 by Amberley Publishing and it has been a popular title ever since. Please note: New stock has been received. I have 15 newly printed copies available. £12.50 which includes (recycled) packaging and delivery. Find either the How to Buy page OR the Shopping Cart in - [50 Gems of Mid Wales](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/50-gems-of-mid-wales/) - 50 Gems of Mid-Wales has been a pleasure to write. I was asked to select 50 Places in Ceredigion and Powys which are interesting and attractive places to visit. There was, naturally, plenty of choice, here in Paradwys Cymru, the paradise of Wales. However it is a surprisingly neglected region, stretching across Wales from Cardigan Bay to - [My Books](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/my-books/) - If a title is underlined then that indicates that I have copies for sale on the How to Buy page. You can get there by using the link in the menu above or by clicking on the title underlined in this list. You can also view my on-line catalogue in Flipbook form by clicking on - [Patagonia Jacks](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/patagonia-jacks/) - The fourth novel in the Rumsey Bucke series, new for October 2022 Patagonia Jacks is the new Rumsey Bucke novel, the fourth in the series. Published October 2022 It is available on this website for £13.50This price includes signing, a dedication if requested, free bookmark and free delivery and packing. [wp_cart:Patagonia Jacks:price:£13.50:end] It is October 1882, - [Chapter Three - Patagonia Jacks](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/chapter-three-patagonia-jacks/) - Three Constable Turner had been entertained for a number of weeks now. It was, he recognised, his great good fortune that his daily beat took him down the steep incline of Powell Street for, half way along, he would always be intercepted by Mrs Lambrick, leaning against the door frame of her ramshackle house, waiting - [A Swansea Child](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/a-swansea-child/) - A Swansea Child is the new Rumsey Bucke novel, the third in the series. Published October 2021 It is available on this website for £12.99This price includes signing, a dedication if required and free delivery. It is February 1881, just a few short months since the collapsing mine brought an end to the horror of - [Grave Tales From Wales - Volume Two](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/grave-tales-from-wales-volume-two/) - Volume Two of Grave Tales From Wales will continue to open unexpected windows into our past in the same way as Volume One. This time, there are thirty-five graves and memorials, each with their own unique story to tell. You will meet heroes and poets, you will confront tragedies and murders, injustice and sadness. But - [Grave Tales from Wales - Volume One](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/grave-tales-from-wales/) - My latest book, Grave Tales from Wales, is a sequel to the popular title Stories in Welsh Stone and follows a similar pattern. It was published by Cambria Books in June 2021.Inside you will find thirty stories, originally published in my column in Welsh Country Magazine over a number of years. Each section tells the - [Grave Tales From Wales - Contents](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/grave-tales-from-wales-contents/) - These are the graves that feature in the books. As you can see, there are 30 in Volume One and 36 in Volume Two Grave Tales from Wales Volume One Contents 1. Bassaleg Gwent 1909 The murder of Charles and Mary Thomas 2. Brithdir Gwynedd 1877 The murder of Sara Hughes - [Badfinger](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/badfinger/) - There is a memorial to Peter Ham. There were some concerns about errors by the stonemason on the memorial, sadly carelessly prepared, and the headstone was consequently removed. It is so important that it is correct and is a fitting tribute to a lost talent, for his loss has always been so keenly felt. - [James Williams - Aberystwyth](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/james-williams-aberystwyth-2/) - James Williams Aberystwyth 1859 Here, just behind the bumper of the car you can find the gravestone that I went to Aberystwyth to find. The grave of John Williams. He died in 1957, aged 21. The grave seems overlooked now, an event once important enough to be mentioned in Parliament, but now long forgotten. - [Our Lady of Mumbles](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/our-lady-of-mumbles/) - Our Lady of Mumbles is a new Rumsey Bucke novel, the second in the series. It is available on this website for £11.50This price includes signing, a dedication if required and free delivery,Go to the How to Buy page by using this link or by using the menu Alternatively, click on the Add to Cart - [In Knives We Trust](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/in-knives-we-trust/) - My first novel, In Knives We Trust, is set in Swansea in 1880, the first in a series of novels about Police Inspector Rumsey Bucke. If you would like to read a sample from the novel then please click here and a new window will open, with an extract from Chapter 4 Inspector Rumsey Bucke, who - [The Christmas Shop](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-christmas-shop/) - New publications for 2021! Find out more by watching my Christmas Advertisement for 2021. Click below to watch it on YouTube I hope you find something of interest - [A Swansea Child - from Chapter 8](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/a-swansea-child-from-chapter-8/) - Bucke leaned against a pillar at the rear of the small, cramped Star Theatre, watching what he could only consider to be an act of desperation on the small stage in front of him. No one in the audience had yet thrown anything at the plate-spinner, but it could only be a matter of time. - [The Swansea Camel](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-swansea-camel/) - A Rumsey Bucke Novella - [Stories in Welsh Stone](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/stories-in-welsh-stone/) - “Stories in Welsh Stone – The Secrets within 15 Welsh Graves” was first published in December 2008 and has been a very popular book ever since. It examines the stories behind fifteen 19th century graves in Wales. You can find out about the deaths – and lives – of people like Margaret Williams, Mary Morgan, - [Welsh History Strange but True](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/welsh-history-strange-but-true/) - Welsh History, Strange but True was published by History Press in 2014. It is a 188 page volume of oddities and peculiarities collected from across the strange tapestry of Welsh History. It begins somewhere around 230,ooo BC with the story of Neanderthal teeth discovered in Pontnewydd Cave in Denbighshire and ends in 1949 with the exciting - [Swansea in 50 Buildings](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/swansea-in-50-buildings/) - We have now sold out of copies on this website. However, it is still available on Amazon - see below for a link. When Dylan Thomas said that Swansea ‘has more layers than an onion and every one can reduce you to tears’ he was not referring to its history, but rather to his emotional - [Swansea in 100 Dates](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/swansea-in-100-dates/) - It is a simple concept, just as the title suggests. I have selected 100 dates from the year and researched three different news events from across the centuries for each one. As a result, a wide range of material is included, ranging from the important to the downright peculiar. You will come across murder, industrial accidents, the - [Stories in Welsh Stone - Images](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/stories-in-welsh-stone-images/) - .You can find a link to a video about the book at the bottom of this page Here is a link to a presentation about the book that I have put on my Youtube Channel. Click on the link belowhttps://youtu.be/8rMicVDyjvk - [From Our Lady of Mumbles](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/our-lady-of-mumbles/from-our-lady-of-mumbles/) - Here is a short extract from the novel Susannah did not know how far she had run or where she was. But then why should she? She had never been to Swansea before. Everything was strange, disorientating. She should have stopped when she crossed the railway line but she had wanted to get away and - [Dyspraxia](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/dyspraxia/) - Dyspraxia refers to the way in which the brain works in a different and less precise way for some people than it does for others. Fair enough, you might say. But it could seem odd at first glance that there is a page here on this website about dyspraxia. How can it possibly connect with - [Bloody Welsh History - Swansea](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/bloody-welsh-history-swansea/) - Bloody Welsh History – Swansea was published by the History Press in August 2012. It is a one- volume history of Swansea, presenting interesting scenes and equally odd characters from our past. Many of the stories have been previously unpublished. Of course it is impossible to explore all aspects of Swansea’s distinguished history in one - [A-Z of Swansea - Places People History](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/a-z-of-swansea-places-people-history/) - The book has a very simple concept. It has a story from Swansea's rich history for each letter of the alphabet. It has been a book I have really enjoyed writing and it has given me the chance to explore some unexpected details as well as an opportunity to look at more familiar stories in - [50 Gems of South West Wales](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/50-gems-of-south-west-wales/) - Click here if you would like to go to the How To Buy page to look at the titles we currently have for sale on this website The writing of 50 Gems of South-West Wales was a great indulgence and a huge pleasure. I was asked to write about fifty Special Places in Carmarthenshire and - [Swansea Then and Now](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/swansea-then-and-now/) - Swansea Then and Now was published by History Press in October 2012 and has a very simple concept. Pictures of Swansea in the past are compared with the same place today. That was the idea anyway, and in doing this I was very fortunate indeed in the pictures that I was able to use. They - [The search for Daniel Guy ...](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-search-for-daniel-guy/) - Daniel Guy shot his wife Mary three times with a revolver but failed to kill her. He is still in Swansea but no one knows where. Inspector Bucke and his constables have to find him... The search for Daniel Guy continued throughout the Easter weekend but with no success. A man arrested for throwing stones - [Robert Everett DSO](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/robert-everett-dso/) - Robert Everett DSO 1901 - 1942 Grand National Winner and WW2 Fighter Pilot Llanddona on the north of Anglesey might be a remote place but we had no trouble finding the village. After all, it is marked on all the maps. And we didn’t have a problem finding the grave. It stands - [Planets in Space by Bethan](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/planets-in-space-by-bethan/) - Here is a easy way to remember the planets: Mercury = My Venus = Very Earth = Easy Mars = Method Jupiter = Just Saturn = Speeds Uranus = Up Neptune = Naming Pluto = Planets Mercury : Is the smallest planet in our solar system Venus : Is known as Earth's sister Earth : - [William Daniels - May 1950](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/william-daniels-may-1950/) - This unusual and moving story appeared in the Evening Post in May 1950. It concerned William Daniels who was 19 and a builder’s labourer from Mansel Street. When he appeared in court the newspaper revealed that William kept a “little black notebook” in which he wrote down his thoughts. They presented one entry. “I have been - [Scenes from Swansea's History](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/scenes-from-swanseas-history/) - Welcome to Swansea..... At the Theatre 1806 Generally Swansea audiences in the nineteenth century were more interested in special effects rather than the drama itself. The standard of the performers was not always impressive. Nor can we omit to remind Miss Morse, that when she is advertised for a part, the audience expect her to - [The Resurrectionists - and Ambrose Bierce](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/the-resurrectionists-and-ambrose-bierce/) - The Resurrectionists I found a very interesting piece by Robert Chambers from 1869 about body snatching. When I find a grave I just try to take away the story. But in the past there was a much more sinister trade – the work of the body snatchers, or as they were sometimes known, The Resurrectionists. - [Shorter tales](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/shorter-tales/) - In this section you will find examples of my work which have not been published, usually because they are too short. It doesn't, I hope, make them any less interesting. Quite naturally some of the leads and ideas I follow don't really lead very far but I do not want to discard the work since - [Muhammad Sakhi](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/muhammad-sakhi/) - Muhammad Sakhi Crickhowell 1943 It is hard to reconcile the beautiful Welsh Hills which enclose Crickhowell in a gentle embrace, with the destructive horror of war. The Usk valley is a peaceful place and thoughts of violence and death seem so inappropriate, so intrusive. But they are there, if you look - [Lie Ah Teng and The MV Maja](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/lie-ah-teng-and-the-mv-maja/) - Lie Ah Teng and The MV Maja Holyhead. Anglesey 1945 We braved the tight and labyrinthine streets of Holyhead in search of the Maeshyfryd Burial Board Cemetery and although we were betrayed by the complex one-way system, we found it eventually. We were there to take pictures of the memorial to The Thetis - [Hedd Wyn - The Black Bard](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/hedd-wyn-the-black-bard/) - Hedd Wyn – The Black Bard This is a journey that begins on the hills of North Wales above Trawsfynydd. For this is the story of the Black Bard. We visited his grave on a cold February afternoon. Artillery Wood cemetery, at Boesinge just outside Ypres. A mass of white headstones, each an individual life snuffed ## Categories - [Uncategorized](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/category/uncategorized/) - [Blog](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/category/geoff_brookes_blog/) - [News](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/category/geoff_brookes_news/) - [Cwm School Records](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/category/cwm_school_swansea_records/) - [Blog - Archive](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/category/geoff_brookes_blog_archive/) ## Tags - [mary ann evans](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/mary-ann-evans/) - [parachutist](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/parachutist/) - [royal charter](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/royal-charter/) - [felindre](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/felindre/) - [Policeman](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/policeman/) - [Wind Street](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/wind-street/) - [House of Correction](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/house-of-correction/) - [Victorian Showman](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/victorian-showman/) - [Swansea Entertainment](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/swansea-entertainment/) - [Castle Gardens](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/castle-gardens/) - [Waterstone's](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/waterstones/) - [Oxford Street Swansea](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/oxford-street-swansea/) - [Bloody Welsh History - Swansea](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/bloody-welsh-history-swansea/) - [Kindle](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/kindle/) - [Police Station](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/police-station/) - [Rabbit](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/rabbit/) - [market](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/market/) - [Stories in Welsh Stone](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/stories-in-welsh-stone/) - [Swansea Then and Now](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/swansea-then-and-now/) - [Gower](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/gower/) - [Swansea](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/swansea/) - [Charlotte Wood](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/charlotte-wood/) - [criminals](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/criminals/) - [Swansea Murder!](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/swansea-murder/) - [The History Press](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/the-history-press/) - [Ditta Szalkai](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/ditta-szalkai/) - [Swansea Murders](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/swansea-murders/) - [Karen Foy](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/karen-foy/) - [Holy Grail](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/holy-grail/) - [ghost](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/ghost/) - [monster](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/monster/) - [Needle](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/needle/) - [Breast](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/breast/) - [Fatal embrace](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/fatal-embrace/) - [Welsh History. Strange but True](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/welsh-history-strange-but-true/) - [Swansea Book of Days](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/swansea-book-of-days/) - [Welsh Country Magazine](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/welsh-country-magazine/) - [Swansea Library](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/swansea-library/) - [Neanderthals](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/neanderthals/) - [Picasso](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/picasso/) - [The Swansea Book of Days](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/the-swansea-book-of-days/) - [Guernica](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/guernica/) - [Chicago](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/chicago/) - [Amberley Publishing](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/amberley-publishing/) - [Amlwch](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/amlwch/) - [Victoria Cross](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/victoria-cross/) - [Rhondda](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/rhondda/) - [Cambrian](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/cambrian/) - [Swansea in 100 Dates](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/swansea-in-100-dates/) - [Swansea in the Fifties](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/swansea-in-the-fifties/) - [Teddy Girls](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/teddy-girls/) - [Jason O'Brien](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/jason-obrien/) - [Bananas](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/bananas/) - [Blackpill](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/blackpill/) - [A-Z of Swansea](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/a-z-of-swansea/) - [50 Gems of Mid Wales](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/50-gems-of-mid-wales/) - [50 Gems of South West Wales](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/50-gems-of-south-west-wales/) - [Grape Press](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/grape-press/) - [In Knives We Trust](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/in-knives-we-trust/) - [Matador](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/matador/) - [Swansea in 50 Buildings](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/swansea-in-50-buildings/) - [Arandora Star](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/arandora-star/) - [Cover to Cover](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/cover-to-cover/) - [Christmas Sales](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/christmas-sales/) - [Stock Levels](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/stock-levels/) - [Writers Circle](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/writers-circle/) - [Adulam](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/adulam/) - [Lockdown Literature](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/lockdown-literature/) - [Transportation](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/transportation/) - [Vyrnwy](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/vyrnwy/) - [Our Lady of Mumbles](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/our-lady-of-mumbles/) - [Cambria Publishing](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/cambria-publishing/) - [Grave Tales from Wales](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/grave-tales-from-wales/) - [A Swansea Child](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/a-swansea-child/) - [Discount code](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/discount-code/) - [Llandeilo Litfest22](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/llandeilo-litfest22/) - [Flipbooks](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/flipbooks/) - [Catalogue](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/catalogue/) - [Clifton Litfest](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/clifton-litfest/) - [Patagonia Jacks](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/patagonia-jacks/) - [Rumsey Bucke](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/rumsey-bucke/) - [Swansea Crime](https://geoffbrookes.co.uk/tag/swansea-crime/)