S A L I S B U RY L I V E S
Q&A
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Tell us a little about yourself and your life here in Salisbury I am passionate about local Salisbury history and in particular about Fisherton, the area I live in with my partner Ruby. I’ve played in local rock bands for years and am very involved with The Fisherton History Society for whom I book the speakers. Ruby and I, along our friend Matt Pike, also run dark history walking tours called Sordid Salisbury that explore the murky past of our fair city, stories of murder, the plague, ghosts and legends. The Sordid Salisbury walking tours were launched in June this year and will run into the autumn. We are working to upgrade our Famous Haunted Salisbury walks this winter so ‘Sordid’ will finish when ‘Haunted’ starts. Are you a local lad? Yes, I was born and bred in Salisbury and brought up in Guilder Lane. I especially love the Fisherton and Winchester Street areas. Have you always had an interest in the ghosts and murders of Salisbury? Yes, the dark side has always interested me probably because I watched all the Hammer films as a child! I remember my father telling me about the murder of Teddy Haskell in the Meadow Road area of Salisbury when I was in my teens and that really fascinated me – so much that I co-wrote a book on it in 2006, which was the centenary. And what’s the best story you tell people on the tour about? Constance Kent, 16, who murdered her four-yearold half brother in 1860 in vengeance against her stepmother – the trial was held in Salisbury Guildhall Court. Have you ever had a paranormal experience yourself? Yes, in the Haunch of Venison pub. My pint glass, which was full of cider, was witnessed gliding across the table and it eventually fell onto the floor – quite remarkable!
PHOTO BY SPENCER MULHOLLAND PHOTOGRAPHY
e just loves a gory murder and is drinking buddies with the town ghosts – one of them even pinched his cider – so local author and historian Frogg Moody is your man when you want to explore the dark history of fair Salisbury city.
FROGG MOODY Local author and historian Frogg Moody is an expert on Salisbury’s sordid, dark and murky past. How many books have you written on Salisbury and surrounds? I’ve co-written five books on Salisbury including Haunted Salisbury and one on Jack the Ripper. Tell us about one of your most prized possessions? I have an old clock that was given to my grandparents as a wedding present. Do you have any hidden interests or passions? I have a passion for West Ham United FC. What’s your favourite place to eat in Salisbury? I like the Rai d’Or in Brown Street. And what about a drinking hole? I have two – The Duke of York and the Haunch of Venison. I have always liked a pint of cider or two. What are you usually doing at about 11am on a Sunday? Writing/researching on my computer whilst deciding where to go for Sunday lunch.
At any time between the ages of five and 13, what did you plan to be when you grew up? I really wanted to be a stunt man in feature films! What always makes you laugh? Laurel and Hardy. The last time you cried? When West Ham lost to Liverpool on penalties in the 2006 FA Cup Final. And the last time you felt your heart lift? Proposing to my sweetheart! Your indulgence of choice? Eating out at every opportunity. What issue gets you on your soapbox? Building on the green belt. What’s your most regrettable habit? Too many to list here! Surprise us… I once climbed to the top of a flag pole in Salisbury Guildhall Square for a bet and was promptly arrested by the local police.
Proudest moment? Winning the British Association for Local History Personal Achievement Award. Earliest childhood memory? Falling into a goldfish pond at a garden party whilst trying to stand on a lily pad 90 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
Sordid Salisbury Walking Tours take place Thursday evenings at 7.30pm from outside Salisbury Library. For details go to www.timezonepublishing.com