Two new books that take inspiration from the unique memorial tiles at Brightlingsea’s All Saints’ Church have been launched by a local publisher.
R.E Loten’s Silver Darling is the third novel in a trilogy set in the town of Avonstow, a fictional version of Brightlingsea. The trilogy intertwines real events from Brightlingsea’s past with fictional narratives, and the latest book stems from a real-life tragedy – the loss of Brightlingsea boys William Dent and Joseph French, who sailed together and gave their lives to save their ship. Their names are just two of the many on the tiles of All Saints Church, ensuring their legacy lives on.
More Than A Name is a charity collection bringing together contributions from local authors and artists. Created through writing and art workshops led by Ruth Loten, Becky Jackson, Elelia Ferro, and Emma Kittle-Pey, the book gives voice to the men remembered on the tiles and the families they left behind.
These workshops were funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and were attended by a wide range of local adults and children and have helped to ensure that the next generation of Brightlingsea residents are aware of the legacy of the tiles. The book aims to raise funds for future creative and commemorative activities at All Saints’ Church.
Both books were published by Castle Priory Press, a local publishing house co-run by Ruth Loten and Jane Langan. While Ruth is based in Brightlingsea, Jane’s connection to the town is through serving as Head Judge for the Literary Festival’s short story competition.
“I visited Brightlingsea for the final of the competition,” Jane says, “and I was moved by the stories of the men on the tiles and how the town had elected to preserve their names.”
Ruth adds: “I was researching the tiles for a Literary Festival workshop and had the idea for both my book and the church’s book when we were discussing the impact the loss of those men would have had on such a tight-knit community. Straight away, I knew I wanted to be involved in this project and continue Canon Arthur Pertwee’s work in remembering these men, but at the same time, I recognised how important it was to also include the voices of those left behind.”
The books are available from The Dragon’s Nest in Marshes Yard, off Victoria Place in Brightlingsea and through Amazon.
