Keith Wood
Headshot by Ethan Rastall
Keith was born in Halifax, Yorkshire in 1947, his family moved to North Yorkshire in 1952 where he spent his early life. Leaving secondary school at 15 with no qualifications, he got a job as a garden lad at a large country house in the Hambleton Hills.
He eventually pursued a career in local government working up to a head of department after gaining a master’s degree in environmental management. He can therefore call upon his wide experiences working across many departments.
He admits he does very little planning and sees himself as a seat of the pants type of writer. He says his plots develop organically as he goes along. Much like the story of his life.
Although having a successful career he feels that at 78, he can't yet put his feet up, he has ambitions of writing many more works before curling his toes up.
Robert didn’t stand much chance after a difficult birth, being illegitimate and with an affliction which we know today as cerebral palsy. In the 18th century, sufferers would be known as the village idiots.
We now know that some sufferers, whilst they have limitations also can have areas in which they excel. Roberts seems to have had a remarkable talent at playing a musical instrument. He was also resourceful enough to survive, and for a poor person in those times, thrive.
Life expectancy was about 40 years in the 18th Century and Rob had lived to 52 and was still fit. But he lost his temper after being constantly mocked. This landed him in deep trouble and branded him a murderer, for which he had to pay the ultimate price.
In his 52 years he saw a lot and did a lot. He met many interesting characters in the Northern Borderlands.
You too can meet his acquaintances and experience the life of a travelling minstrel in the 18th century.
A sequel will be out later in 2025.
