THE exile of controversial author DH Lawrence and his German wife during World War I is the subject of a Bewdley writer’s latest book.

Nigel Knowles, who is also a councillor in the town, has released his play The Zennor Lantern which is his 30th published book.

The story focuses on how Lawrence, a vociferous opponent to the war, and his wife Frieda were forced to live in exile in a cottage in the remote Cornish village Zennor.

Lawrence’s anti-war stance and his wife’s German nationality saw them branded as enemies of the state, resulting in them having their passports seized and being forced to struggle with no money or support.

The couple were accused of being spies with the British authorities suspecting lanterns in the cottage, that could be seen from afar, were being used to send coded messages to the Germans.

Councillor Knowles’ play looks closely at their battle for survival while holed up in the cottage during 1916 and 1917.

He said: “Both Lawrence and Frieda were under close scrutiny due to his opposition to the war and her nationality. They wanted to leave the country but having their passports seized meant they couldn’t and had to stay in a cottage in Zennor.

“It was a real struggle for them. They had no money and had to live on crops they were able to grow. The authorities constantly monitored them – even the fact Frieda regularly had newspapers aroused suspicion.

“They finally got drummed out of Cornwall and had to move back to London.

“My play is based on these real life events with a bit of my own narrative added to it. I have visited the cottage in Zennor and seen the area where they were exiled.”

The Zennor Lantern is available from Star and Garter Publishers, 18 Welch Gate, Bewdley or by calling 01299 402343.