A-Z of Frome: Places-People-History [9781398103467]

People have lived in the Frome area since prehistoric times and the present town dates back as far as the Saxon era. In the early days it was famous for the quality of its cloth, but the industry and trade declined in the eighteenth century. Over the centuries it has had its fair share of rioting and crime, as well as some notable personalities and eccentrics such as Thomas Bunn, an eighteenth-century philanthropist. It was also the birthplace of Benjamin Baker, builder of the Forth Bridge, and, more recently, Jenson Button, the racing driver. Today it has over 370 listed buildings - more than any other Somerset town - fourteen pubs and two thriving bookshops, as well as an increasing creative and artistic community. In this book, local authors Mick Davis and David Lassman take a journey through Frome to discover some significant and little-known aspects of its rich and varied past. From buildings and streets to people and events, A-Z of Frome highlights fascinating aspects of the town's history. Here are stories of UFO sightings, a world-famous Roman coin hoard, local inns, the search for underground tunnels and much more. Illustrated throughout, this book will appeal to local residents, visitors and anyone interested in the town's fascinating and illustrious history.
AUTHOR: Mick Davis worked for one of London's top criminal defence lawyers covering everything from shoplifting to serial killers. He moved to the Somerset town of Frome permanently in 2006 and now spends his time researching and writing full time. His interests include prehistory, archaeology and criminology. David Lassman began his writing career freelancing for newspapers and magazines before studying screenwriting at Bournemouth University. He spent 3 1/2 years on the Greek islands writing his first novel, is author of 'Frome in the Great War' and co-created 'The Regency Detective' series with Terence James. His collaborations with Mick Davis include 'The Awful Killing of Sarah Watts', one of the most infamous crimes of the Victorian period, and 'Visitors' Historic Britain - Somerset'.

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