Mothballs with a Whiff of Whisky: The story of William Gordon Stables

Nigel Gossop


Regions:
Hampshire, West Sussex, Dorset
Notice Period:
Short (maybe less than one month's notice)
Type:
Retired
Fee:
Paid: £60.00 plus travel at 45p per mile
Category:
History
Updated:
31st May 2025
Tagged:

This is the story of the eccentric novelist Dr William Gordon-Stables (1840 – 1910). Stables was a prolific writer of adventure stories which were read by both children and adults. He trained as a medical doctor in Scotland, and joined the navy in Portsmouth as a Naval Surgeon. On retiring ashore in 1871 he wrote more than 130 novels and became a specialist in the care of cats and dogs. After commissioning the building of a gypsy caravan to his own design, he travelled around the country with his Newfoundland dog, Hurricane Bob, his pet parrot and his own valet, in the caravan named The Wanderer. He is celebrated today as the founder of the UK institution, The Caravan Club. Duration: 50 minutes Illustrated: PowerPoint

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About Nigel Gossop

I have been a book collector, researcher and keen writer for more than forty years. In 2009 I founded 'The Westerman Yarns', a collective of like minded people who research, promote and encourage interest in the lives and works of children’s adventure writers. I have worked in music, the arts and event management; a specialist topic that I taught at a further education college for ten years until I embarked on my misspent retirement when I threw myself into researching more about many of the topics that I never found the time to explore, whilst holding down a ‘proper job’. During my time as a local authority arts officer I worked on several literature festivals that developed and expanded my interest in literary research, and fired my enthusiasm for learning about the lives and works of ‘forgotten’ and lesser known authors. More recently I have conducted research into the history of the area where I live, in particular, the diverse history of the north of Portsmouth and Portsdown Hill. I hope that you find something to interest your audience in my diverse list of talks. If you want to know more or have any questions, please email me.


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