North Pennines National Landscape

Come along to The Hive in Nenthead on Wednesday 24 June, 6pm to 8pm, to learn about Nenthead’s most eccentric Edwardian, Caldwell Harpur, who left behind 20 volumes of personal diaries all encrypted in his self-invented alphabet he called “Lenish”.

Caldwell was a dabbler in mysticism, a lifelong vegetarian, a science fiction author, and an avid book collector. He also wrote compulsively, corresponding with everyone from close family to Russian radicals, spiritualist mediums, and science fiction author H.G. Wells.

This event launches an exciting new volunteer project to decode the diaries that Caldwell kept every day during his 20 years in Nenthead. There will be an illustrated talk exploring his stranger-than-fiction life, followed by an optional activity where participants can try their hand at deciphering his code.

Complimentary refreshments will be provided. Suitable for ages 14+. All children must be accompanied by an adult.