Local Frome historian who has been honoured thanks other historians
The man known as the father of history in Frome, has been talking of his honour in being awarded the British Empire Medal, but also insists with modest humility, that other Frome historians are equally deserving.
Michael McGarvie, who is now 81 has been charting local history since the 1960s, and is now so established as an expert that he has his own office in one of the famous homes he has documented, Marston House.
"Not a bad perk," said Michael, who has written over 30 books, and pamphlets and whose definitive book about Frome history is now in a fifth edition.
" I have been very lucky, my aunt introduced me to history and I have loved it ever since. I have been able to do what I love, and be a freelance, so even when the cheques have been slow to come, there has been a steady income and I have been happy."
Michael is currently working on a book about Lullington, but his writing has been delayed by a nasty case of sepsis in the spring. Frome, according to Michael is a remarkable place, with a connection to national history with its part in the Monmouth Rebellion in 1685. It is a town founded on the wool industry, which was a huge part of the town from the 14 century. Michael said: " You know what they say, a man who is not interested in the past will not have an interest in the future. Well I am very interested and remain so."The local history society has welcomed his award for conferring respect on a profession that many had told him, was a waste of time. Michael, who has three daughters said: " I was told when I started out, that's all very nice you being interested in history, but what are you going to really do for work.Local history is so important, it is so interesting to know about where you live, the people and the places. I am a lucky man to be able to do what I love."
His original writings were about the Austro Hungarian empire, but Michael soon found his calling, documenting Frome, the town, its families and its nearby villages.
But he is clear that he shares the honour with three other prominent, now sadly deceased Frome historians. Rodney Goodall, Peter Balham and Derek Gill.
" It was an honour to be nominated and I am delighted, but they deserve it too, They were such wonderful historians."
Michael's best selling book:
The Book of Frome: A Detailed History of the Development of Frome from its Foundation in 685AD by St Aldhelm to the Millennium can be bought from Waterstones on the red button below.
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