Christopher Somerville (b. 1921)

Track 1: Christopher Somerville is better known as ‘Dan’ and at his home in Somerset he explains the background to the Somerville family. Track 2: The Somerville family and their arrival at Drishane is discussed. The ‘The Merchant’ Somerville is also recalled. Track 3: The building of Drishane House is discussed. Track 4: Dan Somerville describes the rooms in the house. Track 5: Memories of the character and personality of Edith Somerville and their many enjoyable games of backgammon are recalled. Track 6: Dan Somerville recalls his father, Desmond, and his service in World War I. Track 7: The journey from London to Istanbul undertaken by car with his father is recalled by Dan Somerville. Track 8: His mother’s introduction to Castletownshend and her marriage is discussed. Track 9: Dan Somerville’s father Desmond’s return to farm the land at Castletownshend following his military career. Track 10: His upbringing and education in England is recalled by Dan Somerville. Track 11: His short military career during World War II and his 32 years in the British Foreign Service is discussed. Track 12: The challenges faced by his parents in Castletownshend in the 1950s and 1960s are recalled by Dan Somerville. Track 13: The shooting of his uncle Boyle Somerville by the IRA in 1936 is recalled, as are its effects on the family.