Patronage, Power and Politics in Appleby by Michael A Mullett, £15
THE rather long title of this thoroughly-researched an eminently readable historical account doesn't actually fit in the available space above, so the remainder has to be revealed here - 'in the era of Lady Anne Clifford, 1649-1689'.
During that 40 year period, Lady Anne was embroiled in the tensions and political machinations between the staunch royalists in Appleby and those outside who were of an equally fervid protestant/puritan persuasion.
Despite the tensions, Appleby managed to retain its strong Royalist leanings, with Lady Anne and the townsfolk joyfully celebrating the restoration Charles II in 1660 - much to the annoyance of those with Cromwellian leanings.
This led to what became known as the Kaber Rigg Plot - a failed attempt by puritan radicals to seize control of Appleby in 1663.
Based on intensive research in the Carlisle and Kendal archives and bolstered by primary sources, the book reveals the details of this plot and treats us to some vivid insights into the political, social, economic and religious life of Appleby.
Michael Mullett is Emeritus Professor of Cultural and Religious History at Lancaster University, where he taught early modern British and European history for four decades until his retirement in 2008.
He chairs the Penrith regional group of the Cumberland and Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeological Society.
ALLAN TUNNINGLEY
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here