Torrington 19th century ‘scandal’ inspires author’s latest novel

A remarkable and unsettling true story of public shaming is the inspiration for a North Devon author’s latest historic novel – The Ordeal of Lucy Jones.

Well-known author Liz Shakespeare was fascinated to read of an 1879 incident that saw the effigies of two local people tarred, feathered and burned on Torrington Common by a mob of 3,000 people – this episode of public shaming was a huge event in the town and featured in newspapers across Britain.

Liz, who lives near Bideford, said: “I was fascinated by a report of the event in a 19th century newspaper, so I decided to find out more.”

She explained how incidents of ‘rough music’ were not uncommon at the time, when a crowd would gather outside the houses of those they believed had committed an offence against society.

Often it would be an illicit affair and the mob would set about making ab huge racket with pots, pans and horns, as well as burn effigies of the couple, but the event in Torrington was huge – what could have prompted such a gathering?

Liz learned one of the effigies was Miss Lucy Jones, the daughter of a Torrington doctor who lived in Castle House. As a church visitor to the poor, she had to meet regularly with the curate, Reverend Francis.

The curate was very unpopular, so when someone claimed to have seen him and Lucy ‘acting improperly’ together on the Common, the people of Torrington seized an opportunity to be rid of him and at Lucy’s expense too.

The ensuing enquiry, culminating in the burning of the effigies, was reported in no less than 52 newspapers throughout Britain and all included the name of Lucy Jones.

“It would have been a terrible time for her,” said Liz.

“The investigation into Reverend Francis’ behaviour was reported in great detail in the local newspaper. I studied this carefully, and although there were plentiful reasons for his unpopularity, I am convinced that Lucy was innocent of any wrongdoing.”

Liz’s novel draws on extensive historical research to tell the story from Lucy’s point of view. Lucy Jones liked to walk on the Common and to take excursions by train to Bideford and Instow and the novel describes Torrington and the surrounding area as it was in the 1870s.

Reverend Francis had to leave the town as a result of the scandal.

Liz added: “But after the burning of the effigies, Lucy was afraid to leave the house. Knowing that her name would be forever associated with the scandal, she despaired of ever being able to marry her childhood sweetheart.”

Torrington is famous for its hugely successful bonfires organised by the Torrington Cavaliers, which raise many thousands for local charities - and take place on the same spot as the burning of the effigies in 1879.

Liz Shakespeare has been writing for more than 30 years and this is her seventh book. All her books are set in North Devon and are based on true stories.

Liz will be speaking about the background and writing of the novel at Torrington Library on Thursday, June 13. She will also be book signing at Walter Henry’s Bookshop in Bideford on Friday, May 24 from 11.30am to 1pm, as well as signing books at Clovelly Seaweed Festival on Sunday, May 26.

The Ordeal of Miss Lucy Jones, priced at £10.99, is available from local outlets or ordered free-post from www.lizshakespeare.co.uk. Cheques for £10.99 made payable to Letterbox Books can also be sent to The Old Post Office, Littleham, Bideford EX39 5HW.