Updated 2nd edition in full colour and smaller format.

“Warrington’s Lost Village: A Personal and Social History of Lower Walton” is a compelling ex-ploration of one of Warrington’s most ancient and, until now, lesser-known villages. Authored by Mr. John Williams, the book delves into the rich tapestry of Lower Walton’s history, tracing its origins from Celtic and Roman times through to the transformative period of the Industrial Revolution and beyond.
Williams’ meticulous research shines through in the detailed accounts of the village’s development, particularly the profound impact of the Manchester Ship Canal’s construction, which quite literally cut through the heart of the community. The narrative is enriched with chapters dedicated to the village’s medieval roots, the tumultuous English Civil Wars, and the sweeping changes brought about by industrialization.
What sets this book apart is its commitment to telling the stories of the villagers themselves. Through biographies of those commemorated on the village’s memorial and accounts of per-sonal sacrifice and loss, Williams ensures that the social fabric of Lower Walton is given its due reverence. The book also offers a unique feature for local readers: a history of every road and street within the village, allowing residents to uncover the history right beneath their feet.
Illustrated with thirty maps and numerous original photographs, the book invites readers to embark on a walking history tour, discovering the remnants and clues of the village’s storied past. It’s a journey that not only situates Lower Walton within the broader context of regional and national history but also celebrates its distinct identity separate from its northern neighbour, Warrington.
In conclusion, “Warrington’s Lost Village” is not just a history book; it’s a heartfelt homage to a community that has endured through centuries of change.

Two young friends are drawn together when their mothers die, embark on a personal journey of discovery about the nature of their friendship.
One the son of an earl, the other of a German prince.
They reunite in the early summer of 1914 in London, but are soon sent to the family's country estate in Norfolk where they enjoy an idyllic summer together - largely oblivious to the gathering storm clouds of war in Europe.
With the imminent declaration of war they are summoned back to London by their fathers - and one has to return home to Germany.
Now on opposite sides each serves their country with distinction.
Will fate allow them to be reunited in peace?

In the shadow of Langley Hall, young Thomas Cooper navigates the
complexities of friendship, duty and love in Edwardian England. As the
son of a tenant farmer, Thomas forms an unlikely bond with Lord John
Langley and Prince Christian, two boys from vastly different worlds.

Their shared adventures and deepening connections are tested by the rigid
boundaries of class and the looming threat of war in the summer of 1914.
When tragedy strikes, Thomas is thrust into a role that demands
unwavering loyalty and discretion. As he rises through the ranks of
service, he must confront his own desires and the painful secrets that
haunt him.

“Thomas' Tale", the second book in the “A Forbidden Love"
series, is a poignant exploration of love, loss and the enduring power of
friendship in the face of society's constraints.
Spanning seven decades of British history, Thomas' story chronicles his
life from the fields of Norfolk, the trenches of northern France in 1917,
the times of change and decline at Langley Hall, service again in WW2, and
a post-war life that includes a liberating road trip across the United States,
and also reflects the many changes in social attitudes towards the LBGTQ+
communities.

Book Three intricately explores the life of John Williams, focusing on his journey through trauma, identity struggles, and the pursuit of belonging and reconciliation. Set against varied and evocative settings, from the historic Langley Hall estate and its surrounding village to the urban landscapes of Manchester and London, and the vibrant Greek islands. The narrative weaves themes of personal growth, love, and acceptance into a deeply reflective and emotional story in the context of society's changing attitudes towards the LQBTQ+ community.

Liam Parry has spent his life hiding—at home, at school, and from himself. Growing up gay in 1980s Rochdale, he learns to keep his head down, but university in Manchester brings both new freedoms and new risks. As he navigates family expectations, class divides, and the shadow of AIDS, Liam’s greatest struggle is finding the courage to be seen. His journey—shaped by love, loss, and the friends and family who challenge him—reveals that to be truly known is both the hardest and most rewarding choice of all.

Lost in the ‘80s is a powerful, intimate coming-of-age novel about shame, resilience, and the quiet revolution of learning to live—and love—out loud. Through Liam’s journey, it shines a light on the struggles faced by the LGBT community in the past and the hard-won lessons that still resonate today: the importance of visibility, the cost of silence, and the enduring need for acceptance, pride, and solidarity.