INQUESTS, murders and misdemeanours are the basis of a book written by a Coleford teaching assistant.

Tanya Pritchard has spent the last three years delving into criminal incidents – both serious and petty – that happened around the east of the Forest of Dean during the 19th century.

Entitled Inquests, Murders and Misdemeanours East Dean 19th Century gives an insight into the criminal stories that was making the newspapers and court reports at the time.

Tanya said: “It has taken me three years to research and write the book. It really has been a labour of love. I have been writing in between working as a teaching assistant at Lakers School. The book covers a range of criminal incidents from a murder on Ruardean Hill in 1842 to kissing the landlady in 1889. There are lots of examples that go from one extreme to the other.

“It has been fascinating to research and compile in a book.

“My interest in genealogy and research which spans over 30 years and completing my own family history, which included convicts, family feuds and murders, and finding my own roots lay in Somerset and the Welsh Valleys, gave me an insight on how hard life was in times gone by, and inspired me to start writing.

“I am now working on a second book which covers West Dean.”

Tanya is hosting a book launch at Drybrook Rugby Club on Friday, September 23 from 7pm.

Copies of the book (£7.99) are available from Drybrook Post Office and Lydbrook Stores.