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The Case for the Branscombe Bayonet
Glancing up at the wall above the Inglenook and I see again the old sword that I have been looking at for fifty-eight years. It’s “special”, so I was always told and that’s all I knew. It was by pure accident that the hidden secrets of the blade’s past were discovered. The history of where it has seen action certainly warrants a special label worthy of note. But strangely, its story became a mystery that was not handed down. There must have been a reason why... Was a murder and a suicide in late 19th century Branscombe the key to unlock a story that was forgotten or even purposefully hidden? That’s for you to decide!
357 pages, Paperback
Published November 27, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review
August 24, 2026
The case for the Branscombe bayonet is an intriguing book that should be much more widely read. My own connection with Branscombe via my family tree is a connection with agricultural labourers and lace makers, so the book's connection with 'higher status' church people than this means that our families are not connected.
That being said, I was fascinated to learn of those in Branscombe who had connections with The Battle Of Trafalgar and with Nelson himself and the Branscombe cliff-plats was something I'd previously known nothing about.
The author, Gregory N Parrett, is the owner of a sword/bayonet that is said in his family to be 'special' and the book takes us on a genealogical trip through Branscombe and elsewhere looking for possible connections between the bayonet and Branscombe. Stories also branch off from this and one highlighted is the murder of 1883, sadly after my last family member had left to seek their fortune in London.
My feeling is that this book would be enjoyed by those interested in history, those interested in Horatio Nelson, those that enjoy genealogical journeys of the "Who Do You Think You Are" type, and anyone living in or having an association with Branscombe.
I fit into a couple of the above categories and thoroughly enjoyed this captivating read.
That being said, I was fascinated to learn of those in Branscombe who had connections with The Battle Of Trafalgar and with Nelson himself and the Branscombe cliff-plats was something I'd previously known nothing about.
The author, Gregory N Parrett, is the owner of a sword/bayonet that is said in his family to be 'special' and the book takes us on a genealogical trip through Branscombe and elsewhere looking for possible connections between the bayonet and Branscombe. Stories also branch off from this and one highlighted is the murder of 1883, sadly after my last family member had left to seek their fortune in London.
My feeling is that this book would be enjoyed by those interested in history, those interested in Horatio Nelson, those that enjoy genealogical journeys of the "Who Do You Think You Are" type, and anyone living in or having an association with Branscombe.
I fit into a couple of the above categories and thoroughly enjoyed this captivating read.
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review