HISTORIAN and author Nicola Cornick will be visiting the Central Library to talk about Swindon’s connections to a stately home in Lambourn.

Ashdown Park: Swindon’s Second Stately Home, will focus on the history of Ashdown House, described as an extraordinary building with the appearance of a dolls’ house.

It was built in about 1662 by William, the first Earl of Craven, for Elizabeth the Winter Queen, sister of King Charles I.

It also has connections to Jane Austen and her books. As well as being an author Nicola has worked as a historical adviser for radio and TV programmes, including Landlines and the Restoration Man.

She will be at the Regent Circus library from 7.15pm on Wednesday in the second floor reading room.

Tickets are available from all Swindon Libraries priced at £2.50, or £1.50 for library members. Call 01793 463782.