The English Civil War was the bloodiest conflict in the nation's history. 1 in 28 people perished and countless more were badly maimed. What was it like to live through such troubled times?

A Much-threatened Village explores what the war meant for the people of Northchurch, a small Hertfordshire village perilously close to the front line. The period is skilfully brought to life through numerous vivid anecdotes. Meet Roger Wilford whose church was ransacked by 'friendly' soldiers. Discover why the mob took Daniel Axtell to heart as he was being executed at Tyburn as a regicide. This excellent book is much more than a military history. It lucidly depicts the struggles and eccentricities of ordinary life whilst showing the true costs of the war, both for those going away to fight and for those left behind. In A Much-threatened village, Tim Prouse combines meticulous research with an easily readable style. He has lived in the Northchurch area all his life and is a regular contributor to Berkhamsted's local history journal, The Chronicle. This fascinating book will both inform and delight. You do not need to know Northchurch to thoroughly enjoy it.