Published by the Banstead History Research Group in 2005, 55 pages. Softback (N4328)
Brand New Book
The town of Banstead lies in Surrey on the border with Greater London, just east of Epsom, and although strictly a town it is often referred to by locals as 'Banstead Village'.
Throughout most of the nineteenth century Nork House in Banstead was the country seat of the Perceval family. In 1805, the eleven-year old George Perceval joined the Navy, and within 3 months he saw service at the Battle of Trafalgar.
Letters that he wrote home to his parents over the first ten years of his naval service have been preserved and provide an intimate account of his experience. It is this unique collection of letters which form the body of this book. They vividly portray the highs and lows he experienced at sea, as well as the affection he felt for his family and his nostalgia for the fireside at Nork House.
From the rear side cover: At the age of eleven George Perceal went to sea. Little did he know that within the short space of three months he would be taking part in one of the most historic naval battles during the Napoleonic Wars, involving the British, French and Spanish fleets.
His letters to his parents describe his day to day experiences over a decade as he progressed to Midshipman whilst maturing as a young man. They include an account of the death of Admiral Nelson.
| Condition | New |