Castle chronicle's landmark launch (From Dudley News)

Castle chronicle's landmark launch

A NEW book chronicling the history of Dudley Castle will be hitting the shelves later this month.

Dudley Council's archaeological officer John Hemmingway has had his book, An Illustrated Chronicle of the Castle and Barony of Dudley, published by the Friends of Dudley Castle.

It will have its prestigious launch at the landmark on August 16 at 7.30pm.

The 176-page book, which has a foreword by the Earl of Dudley, will provide the first significant history of the castle for 50 years and follows the success of John's book on Dudley Priory, published in February.

The event will include speeches from Patrick McGraghan, chairman of the Friends of Dudley Castle, Dudley Zoo chief executive Peter Suddock and Dudley Council's new cabinet member for economic regeneration, Councillor Malcolm Knowles.

The author said: "I'm looking forward to the launch and hope people will come along to find out more about the history of the castle.

"I'm sure this book will not be the end and I hope people will follow in my footsteps and continue to research the castle's history."

Doug Davies, secretary of the Friends of Dudley Castle, who have overseen the 1,000 print run, said: "We raised the publishing money through a series of Friends' Weeks at Dudley Castle and are delighted that we have been able to fund such an important piece of work.

"The Friends have been together for 17 years and this is a great moment for us to be associated with such a landmark in the history of Dudley Castle."

Peter Suddock added: "We are delighted John's written this book.

"He's done a super job compiling this book because it has been much-needed for a long while."