THE masterminds behind Winchester Tourist Guides have said they are “thrilled” with sales of their first book.

More than 500 copies of Bloody British History: Winchester have been sold since its release last Christmas, with the project supported by local bookshops, including independent store P.G. Wells.

Four authors clubbed together to tell the disturbing journey of the city’s past, from hangings, burnings, kings and tyrants, to wars and disease.

They are Don Bryan, Geraldine Buchanan, Clare Dixon and James King, all of Winchester Tourist Guides, which has been welcoming and guiding visitors around the city whilst giving talks and running history courses for over 35 years.

Chairman of Winchester Tourist Guides, and one of the authors, Clare Dixon, said they are hoping to raise as much money for charity as possible.

“All the royalties from the book go to charities, including the Mayor of Winchester’s. The more we sell the more money we can raise for charity.

“We also feel our book helps to fill a gap as it has been some time since any general history of Winchester has been published, especially one with an emphasis on the people rather than the city’s buildings. It has been written by a group of people who have been studying and absorbing the history of Winchester for decades, and it contains fresh material that has not appeared in previous accounts of the city for centuries.”

The book was launched by Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Ernie Jeffs, and he said: “I have read the book and found it fascinating. The incidents were quite pertinent and colourful, and makes one want to delve deeper into Winchester’s history.”