W.H.Hudson

Date: 20th century
Comment: W.H.Hudson was a highly regarded naturalist and writer. Born in Argentina, he came to England inspired by a copy of Gilbert White's 'Natural History of Selborne'. He wrote many popular novels, some of which were made into films. His most famous book 'A Shepherd's Life' was inspired by his friendship with a shepherd from Martin called James Lawes and contains a portrayal of the village, which he disguised with the name 'Winterborne Bishop'. Hudson visited the village regularly for several years, lodging at Harris Farm. He was a founder of the R.S.P.B. and is commemorated with a statue in Hyde Park which was unveiled in 1925 by the Prime Minister, Stanley Baldwin. In Argentina there is a town named after him and several species of bird have been named in his honour.