Jan Toms
Jan Toms is addicted to research. Writing as Janet Mary Tomson she wrote ten novels ranging in period and subject from Elizabethan witchcraft to 18th century horse racing. Realising that it was the research that inspired her she then turned her hand to writing non fiction and produced Animal Graves and Memorials for Shire Books and Pushing up the Daisies- the famous and forgotten on the Isle of Wight - for Coach House Publications. Recently she returned to fiction and her 11th novel - a contemporary story The Cruellest Month, published by Robert Hale will appear in February.
Apart from history, Jan is passionate about animals of every variety and has an embarrassing weakness for quiz programmes. She has appeared on Fifteen to One and Eggheads.
Although she lived and worked in Geneva and Brussels, Jan's roots are still firmly embedded in the Isle of Wight where her ancestors lived in the 16th century. Her family is very important to her and two elderly horses left over from riding days still keep her working.
Latest Articles
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Garlic, Cow Parsley, Hawthorne, Hogweed, Hemlock - A White April
For a few weeks each spring, meadows and hedgerows are streaked with translucent white flowers. Perfumed, prolific, they mark the changing seasons.
May 18, 2012
- Jan Toms
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Olympic Ladies - the 1896, 1900, 1904 and London's1908 Olympiad
In the first modern, 1896 Olympics something was missing - women. Women gymnasts and even boxers entertained the crowds but did not count. as competitors.
May 11, 2012
- Jan Toms
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Nero and Wallace, Fighting Lions visited by Queen Victoria
Managerie owner George Wombwell made a fortune exhibiting wild animals. His lion v dog fights attracted hoards. Prince Albert consulted hiim over his dogs.
May 9, 2012
- Jan Toms
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Marathon Men - Hayes, Pietri, Hefferon, Longboat - 1908 Olympics
The 1908 Marathon celebrated an event 2,400 years old. As Pheidippides collapsed and died following his heroic race, so the 1908 Olympics ended dramatically
May 2, 2012
- Jan Toms
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How Wroxall Village Celebrated Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee
On Tuesday June 20 1897 a grand jubilee party enveloped the village. A year later a permanent memorial was unveiled but sadly it soon gave way to progress.
Apr 28, 2012
- Jan Toms
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The 1908 Olympics, London, tug of war , tandem race, bicycle polo
The 4th modern Olympics were held in London instead of Rome. There were squabbles, sulks, triumphs and disasters - but a good time was had by nearly all.
Apr 24, 2012
- Jan Toms
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East Cowes Classic Boat Museum - yachts speed boats and much more
From Francis Chichester to Ellen MacArthur, Uffa Fox to the Thorneycrofts, hovercrafts, flying boats - a treat for both sea dogs and landlubbers.
Apr 10, 2012
- Jan Toms
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Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee on the Isle of Wight
Bonfires, fireworks, bands, parades, souvenir mugs, jubilee florins, meat teas - the Islanders pulled out all the stops to celebrate with "their" queen.
Apr 8, 2012
- Jan Toms
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Bath and Wells, a Cathedral, an Abbey, a Bishop and lots of water
The two Somerset cities share a long history: Religious rivalry, Roman and Saxon occupation, magnificent buildings - and they are both a magnet for tourists
Apr 7, 2012
- Jan Toms
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Carisbrooke Castle - St Nicholas in Castro - the Queen's Peculiar
William Fitz Osbern, Isabella de Fortibus, King Charles I all played a part in the history of St Nicholas,, now the Island's war memorial
Dec 6, 2011
- Jan Toms
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