‘FACTS AND FICTION - Love and Conflict in the Napoleonic Era’
A talk and Q&A with Alison Huntingford: author of 'Dance a Fearful Jig'
Presented by: Bude Literary Festival (Patron: Raynor Winn: 'The Salt Path')| 0 | BUDE: Castle (The Willoughby Gallery) (info) |
|---|---|
| P | Friday 16th May, 2025 |
| N | Door time: 11:30am Start time: 12:00pm |
| . | All ages |
| C | Literature |
Event information
Alison Huntingford’s third novel, ‘Dance A Fearful Jig,’ is set around Norman Cross – a POW camp for the Napoleonic wars in the 1800s. Discover the reality behind this unusual tale of friendship and romance.
This was the first ever prisoner of war camp in Britain and yet its history has been forgotten in the mists of time. It was unusual in that it allowed officers from the camp inmates to go out on parole and mix with the local population, thus leading to many a romantic liaison.
The talk will cover: the activities and conditions at the prison camp, parole, punishments, escape attempts and infamous characters!
All Alison’s novels are based on her family history, and she is meticulous in her historical research. This particular book led her to rediscover the long-forgotten prisoner of war camp, Norman Cross, and its population of 5000 Napoleonic soldiers. It is a compelling and unusual story of friendship and love which knows no borders. The talk promises to be a fascinating insight into the period.
Unreserved seating.
Delicious snacks and drinks available from Cafe Limelight.
