The Crabchurch Conspiracy 1645: The True Story of Dorset's Bloodiest Secret

By: Mark Vine

Narrated by: Jon C Dixon

The Crabchurch Conspiracy, 1645, was one of the bloodiest battles in Weymouth's history. Pivotal to the future of the kingdom the Parliamentarians and Royalists battled to and fro to determine the destiny of the two towns of Melcombe and Weymouth. This is the stroy of those events.

©2016 Mark Vine (P)2021 Mark Vine

Enthralling Historical Non-Fiction Storytelling

Mark Vine’s retelling of the events surrounding The Crabchurch Conspiracy brings this fascinating piece of English Civil War history to life. Especially notable is that although the book often reads more like a novel than a historical account, it does not lack carefully researched details and facts. The documentation that forms the book’s foundation leaves no stone unturned, providing an in-depth and very personal look at life during this challenging time in the history of Weymouth and Melcombe, two seaside towns situated on the Dorset coast. Adding to the experience is Jon C. Dixon’s engaging narration, bringing the varied cast of characters to life. The Crabchurch Conspiracy is enthralling historical non-fiction storytelling.

Truly Exceptional!

In 1645, the small twin seaside towns of Weymouth and Melcombe, along the Dorset coast, became the stage for one of the bloodiest battles between the Royalists and the Parliamentarians of the time. Conspirators supporting Charles the First were eager to deliver the ports back into his hands, and history whispers that perhaps the King plotted to use the ports to flood a huge French army into England, and thus deliver a decisive blow to the resistant Parliamentarians who fought him for three years hence.


The Royalists’ plans almost succeeded, until their intended victim, Colonel William Sydenham, commander of the Parliamentary garrison and MP for Melcombe, managed to saturate the town with his soldiers. Even as he suffered a tragic blow of losing his brother, Francis, in the initial assault, the battle continued for two solid weeks.


When the third week of fighting arrived, Lord Goring, General of a 6,500 strong army came against Sydenham’s stubborn force of just 1,300 men. They were outnumbered six to one. No doubt, Melcombe’s days were numbered.


Yet, the General underestimated Sydenham, for the Colonel succeeded in retaking Weymouth, but he managed to withstand the full might of Goring’s military response, delivering a victory which could be deemed as nothing short of miraculous, and ending King Charles’ hopes of success in Dorset.


This historical non-fiction rendition of the events of the era is first-class account with exceptional writing and vivid verbiage that sometimes reads like a novel. Mr Vine is to be commended for not only his style of writing, but for the passion he feels for the area where he lives flowing through the words and allowing the reader to truly feel the heartbeat of his prose – which is a rare feat for a non-fiction book. This book is worthy of being included among history classes around the World to give a glimpse into the small battles which raged around England during the crisis which still resonates to our modern day. The events which took place surrounding Charles the First, his later execution, and the ascension of Oliver Cromwell as Lord Protector, shaded future events in the United Kingdom’s history. Mark Vine relays this in exceptional detail. Also, the addition translations of Preacher Ince’s diary of the event, the biography of some of the key players, and the eyewitness accounts added concrete evidence behind the story told, and I enjoyed this very much.


Along with Mr Vine’s words, we are gifted with the incredible voice of narrator, Jonathan Dixon, whose reading allows us to live the words in every sense of the word. This audiobook adds sensational music and special effects, transporting the reader back in time, hearing the battles, as well as listening to what is happening. The fluid way this is done comes together in a most pleasing way – Mr Vine’s words, Mr Dixon’s reading, the carefully chosen music by The Dolmens, and the perfect sound effects styled by the producer, boosts this non-fiction book and audiobook onto a gold-star level. You are not just simply reading or listening to a history book, you are living the moment, and for that, I give the book five-stars and will highly recommend this book to anyone interested in English history.


*****


D K Marley

The Hist Fic Chickie

A Totally Captivating Listen!

Firstly I have to say that this was a very enjoyable experience all round. I'm English, but my knowledge of the Civil War is a bit sketchy. This wonderfully researched and written account of one of the pivotal episodes in the conflict has rekindled my interested in this devastating and bloody 17th conflict that dramatically divided my homeland. The author has done a thorough job in researching the materials for the project and spinning a wonderful narrative around the events on Britain's south coast. Being a researcher and writer on the subject of terrorism and conflict resolution, I can relate to the very exacting level of detail that has gone into this significant historical work.

Which brings me to the Audible version of this book. I will say that the narration by Jon C. Dixon was absolutely first rate. His tone, inflection, and pacing was just spot on and pulled me into the story. Dixon's rich dulcet tones run the spectrum from calming and measured to edgy and tense, picking up witty and humorous along the way as the action, and intrigue, ebb and flow with a delivery that is both masterful and highly entertaining. The experience is made all the more immersive and vivid by the very tasteful use of sound effects and incidental music, all of which mingle and merge with the author's words and Dixon's delivery in what has to be one of the best Audible experiences I have enjoyed to date.

This is a work of historical significance in the field of the English Civil War, but it is also a highly entertaining and immersive listen that should not be missed. All involved - author, narrator, and producer, should be congratulated on what is a remarkable achievement. Final word on this book - to any fellow author looking to have their works brought to life in an immersive and totally enjoyable experience - you would do well to check out the work of Jon Dixon and his producer. Josh Total and consummate professionals.

Dr. Steve Moysey
Boston, MA
USA