Remembering Arniston is my first book. It is a story inspired by the immensely moving experience of the 2015 bicentenary remembrance of the wreck of His Majesty's Ship the Arniston Transport on the 30th May 1815 in the storm near Cape Town, South Africa.
It is based on the actual people who sadly perished in the wreck - William John Molesworth and Frances Barwell, the 6th Viscount and Viscountess Molesworth of Swords. They were married in Saint George's Church, Hanover Square, London, England and, together with 378 other souls, they lost their lives in the wreck of the Arniston Transport which was a maritime tragedy and loss of life only to be surpassed later by the RMS Titanic disaster in 1912.
The inspiration for this story comes as well from my love of the incredible natural beauty of South Africa. The tiny, secluded seaside town of Arniston takes its name from the famous wreck of 1815. It is a hidden gem, a treasure trove of natural beauty in itself, which can be found a few hours' drive along the Southern African coastline outside of Cape Town.
Gary Oliver
