James and Emma Lawes’ cottage at Soke

Date
20th century
Source
Daphne Lawes
Place
Soke near Silchester
Comment
This is where W.H.Hudson visited James Lawes and heard the old shepherd's tales about life in his native village, Martin. These recollections grew into Hudson's most famous book, 'A Shepherd's Life', in which Lawes is given the name Caleb Bawcombe and Martin is disguised as Winterbourne Bishop.
Additional information
This photo was given by the archaeologist W. J. Hemp to Dr James Fairweather Milne, who was researching the Lawes family. Hemp met Lawes when he was excavating at Silchester. The photo was later given to Daphne Lawes who made an album of Hudson related material for the village of Martin.