Digging through my Jesson paperwork I came across a letter from Buckingham Palace. It relates to a book sent to Her Majesty by Walter Jesson. Walter Jesson wrote two books:
1. Betwixt Ribbel and Moerse: The Chronicle of "Christes Croft": A Story of Legend and Fact (1982)
2. Megasaga (1991)
Based on the date of the letter it would have been the first publication that he sent to the Queen. The book has an unusual name but was very popular according to an accompanying newspaper article which stated- “The 250 exclusive and numbered first editions sold out at Southport Booksellers in a day and a half.” An additional 500 copies were promptly printed.
The book came about from a 50 year pastime Walter had of observations and the collection of facts and legends about a famous historic region in Northwest England that eventually became South Lancashire. His book includes his own photographs and sketches as well as accounts of historical events such as Viking invasions and the Norman conquest. He also tells of old customs, superstitions and buried treasure. Riveting right! I found one of these books for sale on Amazon UK for a mere $525.30. It must have been good.
I am pleased to say that I am related to Walter Jesson, although somewhat distantly. Walter connects to my family tree through my Great Great Grandfather. Walter is another of my second cousins twice removed.