A talk exploring the life of a man described by an author as the secret first-born son of King George III is set to take place in Shepton Mallet next month. Historian and novelist Rosalind Freeborn will speak at St Peter & St Paul's Church at 7.30pm on Thursday, 19 March, organisers have confirmed.

The event centres on Freeborn's historical novel Prince George & Master Frederick, published in January 2025. The book follows the story of an orphan boy summoned to Richmond Palace in 1765 to be a companion to Prince George, eldest son of King George III and Queen Charlotte. Raised alongside the royal household, the boy — named Frederick Blomberg in the novel — later becomes a clergyman.

Freeborn says her research suggests that Frederick went on to serve as vicar of St Peter & St Paul's in Shepton Mallet, as well as holding parishes in Bradford-on-Avon and Banwell. She said she is "delighted" to be speaking at the very church where, according to historical accounts she has studied, he gained local fame by playing his fiddle in place of delivering sermons.

The talk is being organised by the Shepton Mallet History Society, working with the team at St Peter & St Paul's Church. Freeborn will present a "show and tell" using images of people, places and events linked to the story, and copies of the book will be available to buy on the night.

More local stories:

• Shepton Mallet firm lands double finalist spot in Somerset awards
• Shepton Mallet skies to light up with 600-drone space show

Newsletter call-out:

Sign up to our free local newsletter — Our top stories in your inbox every Friday.