Where fact and fiction meet - in conversation with A J Proudfoot

Drawing on his own fascinating family history, Musselburgh author A J Proudfoot has published his debut historical fiction novel, Rise of the First Wessex King. After retiring in 2018, Alex (A J) Proudfoot spent his free time studying his Proudfoot family history. He traced his ancestors through Annandale in Dumfriesshire and Co. Meath in Ireland, back to the first man to bear the Proudfoot surname, an early 12th century sheriff of London, called Gilbert Prúdfot, the son of a Norman merchant who brought his family to England after the Conquest. Further research through Gilbert’s Anglo-Saxon wife’s family led back to fifth century Britannia, after the Roman withdrawal, and a mysterious chieftain called ‘Cerdic’, who founded the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Wessex.

Alex explains: 'I was intrigued why this important figure in English history has been largely ignored by historians, so I set out to find out more about the life of Cerdic, or Ceredig to give him his likely Brythonic name. I felt compelled to use what I have learned to tell the story about my earliest known ancestor and his crucial role in Anglo-Saxon history, based on actual events in 'Dark Age' Britain.'

Come along to Musselburgh Library to hear about Alex's amazing story. Copies of his book will also be available to buy on the night.

Please contact the event organiser for booking information.

This event is supported by Book Week Scotland 2024 event funding.