“An Unbelievable Inheritance” is a new addition to local history literature, detailing the journey of The Quinta estate from around 1800 to the present day.
The book is now available online via Amazon, and from August 1, it will be available at Oswestry Christian Bookshop and Weston Rhyn Stores.
For the first time, this book traces the history of The Quinta, providing insights into its transformation over more than two centuries.
Beginning with the origins of the name “The Quinta,” the book delves into the activities and connections of the De La Warr family, the Wests, who owned the estate until 1852.
The estate’s story continues with the Barnes family, who held the property until it was sold off around 1930.
Thomas Barnes, a notable figure of his time, was a leader in the fight against racial discrimination.
His daughter-in-law, Ellen, translated his ambitions into legacies, still benefiting Weston Rhyn and the surrounding areas.
The book further explores how the residual Quinta Estate turned into a charitable trust, detailing the 40 years when Barnardo’s operated The Quinta School.
It includes first-hand accounts from former pupils and staff, adding a personal touch to the estate’s history.
The Quinta Christian Centre, now celebrating its 40th anniversary, also features prominently in the book’s narrative.
The concluding chapters reveal the centre’s current operations, with stories from numerous individuals.
The transformation of The Quinta is remarkable, evolving from a relatively small Victorian country house to a place that hosts over 12,000 resident visitors a year.
It now serves as the UK headquarters of a world mission, training, and relief organisation operating in over 145 nations, with staff and volunteers from 125 countries.
The penultimate chapter, “A Cast of Thousands,” acknowledges the involvement of many ordinary people in the estate’s story.
There will be two public launch events in Weston Rhyn.
The first one will take place after the morning service at St John’s Parish Church on Sunday, August 3, at 12.30pm.
The second event will be at St John’s: SJCoffee on Thursday, August 7, from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
During the six-week launch period, the author is offering a full refund to anyone who buys and reads the book and does not discover anything new or surprising, subject to conditions.
Author Peter Bevington worked at The Quinta for Barnardo’s from 1971 to 1980, and for the new trustees from 1985 to 2011.
He is now retired and living in Weston Rhyn.