Watch more of our videos on Shots!
and live on Freeview channel 276

Retired maths lecturer David Horncastle from Bessecar has become one of the country’s leading Western novelists after retiring from academia.

The 82-year-old has also written two World War II novels during his productive retirement.

And now he has just published an adventure story set during the colonialisation of South Africa.

Doncaster Author David Horncastle, pictured with his book. Pictured: Marie Caley NDFP-22-09-20-Horncastle 1-NMSY

David, says his new novel named ‘Whither Thou Goest’ remained in the pipeline for a few decades before eventually reaching the page.

He explained: “'Whither Thou Goest is the product of some 30 years of research and consideration.

“I discovered a book on the subject of what are known as the 1820 Settlers whilst browsing in a second-hand bookshop.

“Over the years I read as much as I could find about the British colonisation of South Africa and became convinced that a compelling story could be made of it.

Doncaster Author David Horncastle, pictured with some old press cuttings from when he featured in print before. Pictured: Marie Caley NDFP-22-09-20-Horncastle 4-NMSY

“After several attempts, I hit on the idea of having a female heroine instead of the inevitable man.

“Hence, after several rewrites, the story emerged as it is now.”

David’s novel has flown up the charts with ‘Whither Thou Goest’ reaching number three in Amazon’s Historical Fiction lists.

The adventure tells the story of grieving Jessica as, having lost her fiancée at Waterloo, she accompanies her clergyman father on an expedition to South Africa.

Doncaster Author David Horncastle, pictured with his book. Pictured: Marie Caley NDFP-22-09-20-Horncastle 6-NMSY

Her plans to continue teaching among the settlers are disrupted as she falls for the ship’s surgeon and encounters unscrupulous siblings aboard the passage ship.

Rivalries are formed and passions run high both at sea and when the settlers attempt to make the hostile environment of South Africa their home.

David, who recently celebrated his 60th wedding anniversary, admits he has harboured dreams of becoming a writer from an early age.

He added: “When I was 16, I initially had ambitions to become a journalist or a librarian but the opportunity wasn't there, so I obtained work in a drawing office.

“I eventually qualified for university entrance and obtained a good degree in mechanical engineering.“Throughout all this time I still cherished the idea of becoming a writer."

Thank you to all who support local journalism with a print subscription. The events of 2020 mean trusted, local journalism is more reliant than ever on your support. We couldn't do it without you. Please subscribe here https://www.localsubsplus.co.uk/ so we can keep campaigning on your behalf. Stay safe.

Doncaster lecturer pens historical fiction novel based on colonisation