The Story of the Tor Bryan Petres and Pioneers in Flight

1914 was a key year for the Tor Bryan Petres. Seven offspring. Four sons fighting - three sons flying and the fourth, an aviation pioneer, already dead. Tragedy and sacrifice, fortitude and hopefulness in the face of loss are vividly portrayed here through photographs, letters and memories. The story begins in the Victorian era with the family influenced by the deep spirituality of Ann's grandmother, Elise Sibeth. it portrays the excitement of aviation in the Edwardian years and something of the sadness and horrors of WWI.

The seven siblings, Ann's aunts and uncles, mirror their times. The eldest, Mary, the family 'carer', was imprisoned by Edwardian mores. They all shared a passion for flight that led to the untimely deaths of Edward and jack. henry went on to found the Royal Australian Air Force. Sybil, the youngest, enjoyed more freedom as an ambulance driver and considerable artist.

This is also the story of Tor Bryan, Ingatestone, a unique Arts & Crafts House, built in 1850 by my grandfather and destroyed by developers a hundred years later. The demise of the house mirrors the lives, and deaths, of its occupants.

Paperback 264 pages

ISBN: 978-1-911526-04-9

Fully illustrated with black & white photographs

RRP: £10

To order a copy, please email us at Chris@miltoncontact.com and we will forward your request to the author.

Other books by Ann:

Journey into Solitude

The Lost Priory