David H Ross

Off the Straight and Narrow David H Ross

Having reached retirement the author tried to fill his time chilling with family, working out in the gym and walking with the local Ramblers group. None of these could be accused of pushing him out of his comfort zone so he set himself a challenge: follow in the footsteps of the Ninth Legion during the Roman invasion of Britannia in the 1st century AD. The journey of 300 miles involved walking from Richborough on the Kent coast, via London and Colchester, to York. This book is a step by step description of that journey. It describes Roman, national and local history and personal memories that the walk invoked. David's ramble brought him many surprises along the way, including where the last person in England caught malaria (in 1953), the village that hosts the annual world sausage tossing championships and the place where Britain's tallest man lived (with a suitably tall statue in his honour). The book goes into detail regarding the Roman invasion and subsequent occupation that lasted 400 years. Reading this book will make you feel that you were actually with the Ninth Legion. Also included are major events in the nation's past associated with places that David wandered through. In addition, he describes long forgotten local historical events, including the village that witnessed the last armed uprising in the country and another one that produced some rather dodgy vicars (who earned the wrath of Elizabeth I) as well as a Protestant martyr. David also recalls amusing personal anecdotes involving him and his family that he was reminded of during his journey. Whether you are interested in history, travel or simply having a laugh, then this book ticks the box. As one of his sister's commented, "I laughed until I stopped," and another said, "Print that and I will sue you."In recognition of the essential work that Cancer Research UK undertakes to help find cures and ease suffering, 50% of the royalties from the sale of the book will go to this charity.