Welsh History: Strange but True

by Geoff Brookes

Sir John Pryce of Newtown Hall died in 1761. He kept the embalmed bodies of his first two wives on either side of his bed – until his third wife insisted that they were removed.

In 1856 Ronald Rhys from the Vale of Neath disappeared for a week after seeing a strange light in a field and hearing a loud noise. He remembered being examined by small creatures who took a sample of his blood.

Oh yes, and America is named after a Welshman and the Holy Grail is kept in a bank vault in West Wales...

This book contains hundreds of 'strange but true' facts and anecdotes about Welsh history. Arranged into a miniature history of Wales, and with bizarre and hilarious true tales for every era, it will interest and delight readers everywhere.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

194 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 15, 2014

About the author

Geoff Brookes spent his professional life as a teacher in Leicester and in two Swansea Comprehensive schools. His writing career began with pieces in The Independent newspaper and he was soon writing regularly for The Times Education Supplement. In 2011 he was nominated as Columnist of the Year (Business Media Category) in the PPA Awards for his work with the TES. He has written a number of books about secondary education including English Literature study guides, additional learning needs and school management.
He was a featured writer for Welsh Country Magazine where he explored the stories beneath interesting gravestones. He is also the author of a number of books about Swansea and Welsh history. His first novel, In Knives We Trust, was published by Matador in 2018, the first of his books about Inspector Rumsey Bucke. The second novel in the series, Our Lady of Mumbles, was published by Cambria Books in November 2020. The third novel, A Swansea Child. will be published by Cambria Books in autumn 2021.

Reviews

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although it was not a page turner, it was a book that you could read in tiny intervals as it is packed with many short items of interest. I learned that my Welsh heritage is not made up of angelic hymn-singing teetotalers like my father had suggested, but it can be quite interesting. Covering a time period from 230,000 years BC to post WWII, this told many fun stories. Mr. Brookes shows his sense of humor throughout the narrative. It is one that I am glad that I have read.

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though this is not a book one could sit down and read all at once due to the very factual and historical nature, it is formatted in a way that makes it easy to sit and read several of the different entries at once, though one would need the brain power to absorb the facts. Its astonishingly well written, and goes into detail without being longwinded about the historical events and history of Wales.

[Melisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of interesting facts. An interesting read.

[G. Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, very dry and amusing. Good writing and stories well told. Highly recommended

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great collection of tidbits, tales and trivia from throughout Welsh history from our early days to more modern times ranging from our tribals ways and battles with the Romans, through our discovery and subsequent naming of America and migrations across the globe to putting our stamp on things closer to home. Brookes has pulled together the best, worst and most intriging aspects of Welsh history, adding his own humourous perspective and commentary throughout, giving the book the fell of a friendly chat rather than an education, although an education it is, in the best way possible.

[Jbondandrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read

[Charlotte Bosler Writes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lighthearted and whimsful, "Welsh History: Strange but True" delivers a smorgasbord of facts about a truly fascinating country.