The Mariners’ Union was a Friendly Society, formed in Clovelly on 19 November 1792. Initially, they met once a month in the New Inn but later their club room was at the Red Lion, on the quay. A copy of the original articles of the society, together with the names of the first members, are held at the North Devon Record Office and have been transcribed here. Many of the surnames on the list are also found in Barefoot on the Cobbles. Whereas many members of the Rechabites were Methodists, the Mariners’ Union tended to attract the Anglicans, as they were not adverse to alcohol.

‘At that point, The Mariners’ Union parade, coming up from the quay, reached the New Inn. Billy hoisted the flag aloft and the Rechabites fell in behind, swelling the procession to nearly one hundred men.’

Barefoot on the Cobbles will be published on 17 November 2018. More information about the novel can be found here. Copies will be available at various events in the weeks following the launch or can be pre-ordered from Blue Poppy Publishing or the author.