Please allow a little self indulgence as it sinks in that not only was Miss Willmott’s Ghosts published in the first place – and to all intents and purposes has sold out (there are a few copies of the hardback left on Amazon, but apart from that they’re gone…) – but it’s made it to paperback too, thanks to a fabulous team of people from literally all over the world.

When I first started this journey – back in September 2017 – I had a completely different book in my head. It was going to be a ‘then and now’ picture book of Warley – which I still think is a good idea and one day I shall make it.

I had no idea the journey Ellen would take me – and is still taking me – through her life into a strange Victorian world that often does not match the history books.

She is not done with me, by any means. I have been allowed to write an extra chapter for the new edition, talking about finds I’ve made since I delivered the first manuscript but the discoveries keep on coming.

I shall keep going as long as she keeps giving. In the meanwhile I was delighted to spend Paperback Publication Day with three people without whom the job would have been a lot harder: Ailsa Wildig, Paula Sewell and the marvellous John Cannell.

My sincerest thanks to everyone who has made Miss Willmott’s Ghosts possible, perhaps most of all, Ellen herself.

Cheers!