I have been intrigued by the notion of this money reappearing during another terrible conflict. Not a civil war but a world war: 1942. Of course it has to vanish again.
The Bitterley Hoard is now in the protection of the Ludlow Museum, but in 2015 I was privileged to actually hold the treasure. Even though the coins are wafer-thin, they were heavy in my hand.
From all of this, I created Dead Ground in Between.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
As always I am grateful to my good friends: to Enid (Molly) Harley, who made the first introduction; to Pam Rowan and Jessie Bailey, who are always so willing to find material for me. To Howard Murphy, for showing me where he made his discovery. And especially I must thank Peter Reavill, archaeologist and Finds Liaison officer for Shropshire and Herefordshire, who was happy to allow me to touch the coins, and discussed with me some possible reasons why they had been buried.
Derek Beattie kindly shared his extensive knowledge of Ludlow history.
Dennis Hunt gave me valuable information about his childhood on a farm during World War II.
Stanton Stephens at Castle Bookshop in Ludlow has been a wonderful supporter.
Special thanks to Jon Saxon of the Ludlow Ledger. Long may it thrive!
My friend, Peter Benne, himself a child of war, was most helpful with getting the Dutch children right.
My gratitude continues to my publisher, McClelland & Stewart, and my wonderful editor, Lara Hinchberger.
Dead Ground in Between Page 26
