A bundle of 17th Century letters found in a rubbish skip has revealed an intriguing post-English Civil War family love story. A number of the letters, mainly written by Edward Abney to his father at Willesley Hall near Ashby-de-la-Zouch, have been published by Simon Randall to coincide with the 2005 Fine Press Book Fair with an introduction by Edward Randall.
Simon Randall said "The letters are well written and shed light on Restoration attitudes to family life, marriage and death, and on the postal service, etiquette and influence at a time of such tension and uncertainty in English history".
"The research which Edward and I have undertaken has, in particular, shown how young men in the 17th Century, such as Edward Abney, gained influence both to became a High Court Judge and subsequently a Member of Parliament at the age of 59".
This website provides more historical background and information about this fascinating publication.
