AUTHOR and historian Rosemary Griggs will be signing copies of her new book in Newton Abbot.

She will be in W H Smith’s Newton Abbot store on Saturday October 16 from 10.30am to 1.30pm with copies of her book Women Of Noble Wit about Katherine, the mother of Sir Walter Raleigh.

Rosemary said: ‘Amongst the well known Devon locations featured in my book are some in Newton Abbot itself.

‘Readers will find a mention of Bradley Manor, the Gilbert Almshouses, both St Mary’s Church, Wolborough, and All Saints Church, Highweek, as well as Compton Castle woven into my story of Katherine Champernowne, the mother of both Humphrey Gilbert and Walter Raleigh.

‘Her stepson, John Raleigh, lived in our town and his private door into St Leonard’s Chapel remains in the Clock Tower.

‘I live in Newton Abbot and have been researching Katherine’s life for more than six years.’

Rosemary is well known locally and all over Devon for her appearances in 16th century clothing at Compton Castle and as a speaker on Devon’s history and on costume for local history groups, WIs and other community groups.

She added: ‘I also help our wonderful museum, Newton Abbot Town and GWR Museum, bringing history to life.

‘Sir Walter Raleigh is a towering historical figure. His mother’s story has never been told before.’

Rosemary is a retired Whitehall senior civil servant with a lifelong passion for history.

She leads heritage tours at Dartington Hall, has made regular costumed appearances at National Trust houses and helps local museums bring history to life.