The Rev John Mastin, a 'farmer turned parson', was the vicar of Naseby from 1783 until his death in 1829. The author of the first parish history in Northamptonshire, his History and Antiquities of Naseby, in the county of Northampton first appeared in 1792.
Little was known about Mastin's life until his manuscript Memoirs were deposited at Northamptonshire Archives. They are so engaging and informative that it was decided to publish them, together with a reprint of the first edition of his parish History and an appraisal by Glenn Foard of Mastin's account of the great battle. A detailed introduction sets the scene.
Mastin's accounts include many references to individuals who were then living in the parish and provides information about the people commemorated by tombstones that stood in the churchyard more than 200 years ago.
As well as the book's appeal to local residents and their descendants, it is a valuable resource for students of rural life generally and for those who want to discover more about the Church of England in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
The index of people and places helps readers to home in on those of particular interest.