Rude Forefathers: Upton-by-Southwell 1600-1666 has recently been re-published by Upton local history enthusiast John Gillespie after many years out of print. It was first published in 1949 by Frank West, then Archdeacon of Newark, who used parish records found at Upton – the Churchwarden’s book and the Constable’s book – to show what life was like in a small rural village during the Civil War. The result has been described as “a model interpretation of parish records, written in a clear and readable style.”

Available from The Bookcase, Lowdham or www.nottinghambooks.co.uk Price £7.50.