Upper Basildon author publishes book on historic Berkshire family

A new book about the historic Berkshire Craven family has been published this month.

Author Clive Williams, from Upper Basildon, will discuss and sign copies of his new book chronicling the history of the Craven family at Donnington Grove on Sunday, November 6 from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.

Mr Williams previously wrote The Nabobs of Berkshire, about the 18th and 19th century employees of the East India Company who amassed fortunes in India and returned to England as wealthy men.

Limited physical evidence of this influential aristocratic Berkshire family survives today. The Craven Arms pub in Enborne is one example.

The pub dates back to the early 18th century and was acquired by the Craven estate in the mid-19th century, which renamed it from the Three Horseshoes to The Craven Arms.

The former Hamstead Marshall Park was inhabited by the Marshal family during the early 13th century. It became the seat of the Craven family when it was purchased in 1620 by Elizabeth Craven, the widow of William Craven, lord mayor of London.

Books cost £38 for one and £50 for two copies.

Payment by cash or cheque to be payable to Hill-Williams Consultancy, or via bank transfer: account no 20731051 and sorting code 54-21-28.

UK postage will cost an extra £3.50 per book. email: paulmwilt@icloud.com for tickets or enquiries.