‘It had infinite variety. It was splendid and it was sordid; but it certainly wasn’t dull.’ John Moore’s Tewkesbury, Portrait of Elmbury
As part of a series of summer events to mark 50 years since John Moore’s death, as well as 110 years since his birth in Tewkesbury, we visited the John Moore Museum and set up shop in the Old Baptist Chapel on a sunny Saturday afternoon in August.
We travelled from Slightly Foxed HQ to Tewkesbury, bringing with us our special editions of John Moore’s memoirs, Portrait of Elmbury and Brensham Village. After exploring the picturesque town that inspired Moore’s rural trilogy, paying a visit to the local independent bookshop, Alison’s of Tewkesbury, and enjoying lunch in the beautiful grounds of the Abbey, we displayed our wares in the Old Baptist Chapel. This well-loved local landmark has been restored to how it would have looked in 1720, and the cool, light building provided an historic and handsome setting for our stall. It was a great pleasure to meet and talk with subscribers, museum staff and visitors, and those simply passing by the medieval alleyway on a summer’s day.
Admission to the Old Baptist Chapel and the John Moore Museum is free to Slightly Foxed subscribers until the end of August on presenting their membership card at the ticket desk. Subscribers receive 2-for-1 adult entry throughout the rest of the year.