Fowles in Dorset

Chris Ledgard explores a series of previously unheard recordings of the novelist John Fowles at work during his time as the curator of Lyme Regis Museum. The recordings, made in 1978 with some of the oldest residents of Lyme Regis, provide a fascinating record of Dorset life in the early 20th century, including fishermen recalling the sinking of HMS Formidable off Lyme in 1915. Former colleagues talk about working with Folwes and give an insight into how his reputation amongst those who knew him well in Lyme compared to his public persona.