Leamington Spa surveyor’s book on historic town builder
Added: (Wed Mar 03 2021)
Pressbox (Press Release) -
Moving home forty years ago was the catalyst for a Leamington Spa surveyor to become a master’s graduate in history.
And Kevin Hunt’s continued research into the town where he lived – and the man who had helped build it - has also led to him becoming a published novelist.
The 72-year-old’s gripping historical novel, The Ambitious Stonemason, has already been greeted with a string of five-star reviews.
Kevin hopes his fictional story, which is based on facts, will preserve the legacy of Victorian stonemason, architect and politician William Gascoyne.
The grandfather, who began his research after moving into the former Gascoyne family home, explained: “My research on the Victorian house that I had moved into with my young family led me to study History as a mature student gaining an MA.
“I have continued to research and gather information about the life and times of William Gascoyne; and wrote my book in the last two years using extensive research of many historical documents.
“It is common practice to learn about prominent national figures from our past, but all too often we allow people who had an important role in creating the town where we live, to fall into historical obscurity.
“I want people to know who had a major part to play in the development of Leamington Spa.”
The Ambitious Stonemason follows the fascinating rise of William Gascoyne from humble stonemason to in-demand architect and influential local politician.
After moving to Leamington Spa he worked his way up to running a successful building company employing more than 100 workers.
His legacy can still be seen all over the picturesque town, which grew rapidly during the 19th century.
But The Ambitious Stonemason doesn’t shy away from financial problems which plagued Gascoyne’s later life.
Kevin added: “The novel traces William Gascoyne’s life, from his early days in Stony Stratford, his apprenticeship as a stonemason and his adult life in the building trade.
“I also explain how financial difficulties during his later life, led William to move to Beckenham in Kent.
“William was only a child when he was sent away from home to serve an apprenticeship with a stonemason in 19th century London.
“There, he develops a reputation as a capable craftsman and establishes important connections with renowned architects before joining family who had settled in Royal Leamington Spa.
“The Ambitious Stonemason shows how developers influenced the growth of this town and how William became a significant figure in its business, political and social life.”
Reviewers have described The Ambitious Architect as being ‘thoroughly enjoyable’, ‘an excellent period drama’, and ‘a captivating read’.
Kevin worked as a surveyor in Leamington Spa before retraining to become a special needs teacher before his retirement.
The father of four still lives in the house designed and built by William Gascoyne.
For more details, visit Amazon and search for Kevin Hunt, where the paperback and Kindle formats of The Ambitious Stonemason are both available.
Notes to the Editor
PublishNation was formed in London in 2011 to provide high quality services to writers at affordable prices.
Since its launch, the company has assisted in the publication of around 2,500 books in a variety of genres for clients throughout the world.
For more details on PublishNation, visit their website at www.publishnation.co.uk