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Remembering
Gordon Vowles ~ a Look at his Life ~ Click Here
Below you will find details of our books about
the history of Willington written by our members.
You can purchase copies
of these books directly from WLHG by emailing
us
Henry Clutton:
Victorian Architect of Gothic Revival Churches and Country Houses by Gordon Vowles:
A book about
Clutton’s life and work in Bedfordshire and elsewhere.
Proceeds after costs go to the Friends of St Lawrence
for the preservation of the fabric of the church.
The Parish of Willington in Bedfordshire
Gordon Vowles’ last book is dedicated to the residents of the Village
of Willington, where he lived for over sixty years. At the time of
writing, he was the oldest inhabitant and as such claimed the right to attempt
to lay down its story.
The book is therefore a history of the parish from its early beginnings
to the present day. It covers the landscape, the buildings, the industry
and those called by Gordon the ‘Willington Worthies’.
It is the final publication he produced about Willington and summarises
what he knew and the ideas and theories he developed.
Willington in the First World War
by Robert Bollington:
This book sets out to paint a
picture of what the war meant for local people, both those in the forces and
those supporting the war effort at home. Proceeds after costs will be
split between WLHG and the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
The Life and Times of Sir John Gostwick : Tudor Entrepreneur and
Bureaucrat by Gordon Vowles:
This book is about the life and times of Willington’s most famous son, a
man who served Wolsey, Cromwell and Henry VIII. Proceeds after costs go to the Friends
of St Lawrence for the preservation of the fabric of the church.
The Parish of St Lawrence, Willington, its Church and Vicars
by Gordon
Vowles:
The author traces the history of the church and parish, setting this in the context of wider social and ecclesiastical developments. Proceeds after costs go to the Friends of St Lawrence for the preservation of the fabric of
the church.
Willington and the Russells by Robert Bollington:
This book covers the period from 1774 to
1902, when Willington formed part of the estates of the Duke of
Bedford. Proceeds after costs go to WLHG.
The Reverend Augustus Orlebar by Gordon Vowles:
This book covers the life of the long
serving vicar, Augustus Orlebar, who served as vicar in Willington
for 54 years. Proceeds after costs go to the Friends of St Lawrence
for the preservation of the fabric of the church.
Willington in the Eighteenth Century by Robert Bollington:
This book covers the period, when Willington formed part of
the estates of the Duke of Marlborough. The book provides an insight into village life at the time, when the village was a small
farming community. Proceeds after costs go to WLHG.
Willington and the Danes by Gordon Vowles:
This book explores the period when
Willington and Bedford stood on the borders between Saxon and
Viking territories. The author explores what has been said
and written about the physical traces of the Danish presence
in the area. Proceeds after costs go to WLHG.
You can purchase copies
of these books directly from WLHG by emailing
us
Beginnings, Endings & What Went Between Gordon Vowles:
Gordon wrote his autobiography towards the end of
his long life, not to be sold but intended for “good friends who may like to
see it”.
If you are among
that group and have not yet had the chance to obtain a copy, please
contact us.
Many years ago we also produced:
A timeline of the history of Willington from 1300 to 2006
A heritage trail of the village as a circular walk
These are not available for sale, but you can print them FREE here