The Tale of the Merdogs

The first in a series of novels set on the Norfolk coast and spanning from before the Second World War up until the 1950s. Inspired by real events, people and experience stemming from half a century of policing, rural activity and battlefield guiding.

The Spelthorpe Trilogy.

A delightful tale of history, romance and mystery set on the stunning Norfolk Coast in three books spanning two decades between 1932 and 1953 in a rural community called Spelthorpe. The community fiercely protects its own.

In the first book we learn of a close-knit rural community with its leadership (The Spelthorpe Company) forged in the aftermath of the First World War. Local history and the lead characters'' past lives are exposed by the estate''s working dogs who are able to travel to other times and places. The characters work hard and play hard defending and enhancing their community, falling in love and developing a close private bond with the King and his family on the neighbouring Sandringham Estate in the build-up to the Second World War. Spelthorpe becomes a place where you will feel you should belong. You will want to go there and never leave.

• | Author: Ashley Clark
• | Publisher: Troubador Publishing
• | Publication Date: Sep 28, 2025
• | Number of Pages:
• | Language:
• | Binding: Paperback / softback
• | ISBN-13: 9781836284062
• | ISBN-10: 1836284063