Murder of Papplewick girl recalled in new book

THE tragic fate of a Papplewick girl who was murdered nearly two centuries ago is recalled by Hucknall-born writer Martin Weiss in this fascinating new book.

Those days were far from good for Elizabeth Shepherd, known as Bessie, who met her sad end while returning home after walking to Mansfield to look for work.

The girl’s body was found by her mother in bushes at Harlow Wood and Charles Rotherham was later executed for killing her. A roadside stone still marks the spot where Bessie died.

Four of the book’s 100 pages are also devoted to cricketing legend Harold Larwood, who once worked at Annesley Colliery.

He recalled bowling imaginary balls in the darkness of the mine, sending stumps spinning and hearing them rattling in the tunnels.

There is also a special section about Hucknall’s Long Hill Rise, where semi-detached homes cost just 445 each when they were built in the 1930s.

Martin, who now lives in Annesley Woodhouse, visited Hucknall Library for a signing session of the fully-illustrated book, which costs 10.99.

n OUR PHOTO shows him signing a copy of the book for Hucknall woman Margaret Cooper – DISPIC 09-3272-1.