John Clarke, a descendant of Nathaniel Ellis who developed and worked on the farm around Ellis Cottage with his
uncle William launched his book, Top House Blackawton Ashby Park, about the Ellis and Watts families in our
barn on September 22. We had a cosy audience of Ellis family descendants and society members which made for
some lively discussions and exchanges of family stories followed by afternoon tea. John generously donated a
hardcover copy of his book and we bought two copies – one for research and the second for public display.