Richard Jones doesn’t just write books, he rescues stories. Living in Lee‑on‑the‑Solent and part of the wider Gosport community for more than two decades, Richard has quietly become one of Britain’s most prolific chroniclers of forgotten tragedies, shipwrecks, disasters and remarkable historical events. His latest achievement, A–Z of Gosport, marks his 31st published book, and it’s already becoming a favourite among local readers.

What makes Richard stand out is not just the sheer volume of his work, but the heart behind it. He researches with care, writes with empathy, and treats every story – especially those involving loss, with dignity.

A life built on curiosity

Richard’s fascination began young. “I was a big fan of researching shipwrecks as a kid,” he says. “I used to gather all the info on shipwrecks and disasters and create my own archive.”

By his twenties, that archive had grown so large he decided to turn it into a book. His first title, The Great Gale of 1871, took six years to research.

That book opened the door to everything that followed, including radio shows, TV appearances, articles, and dozens more books. And all of it done on top of a full‑time job. “As soon as I get home of an evening, I work on it,” he says. “Weekends, leave dates when I’m not working, I write.”

Why? His answer is simple: “A passion. I love history and highlighting things 90 per cent of people don’t know about.”

The A–Z of Gosport

Richard’s newest release is already making waves locally.

How long did the book take to write? I ask. “It only took me a few months to write it, but 90% of any book publishing is it going back and forth with corrections, checking facts, layout etc, so it was probably 18 months in total from beginning to end.”

I ask what his favourite story is within the book. “I think the one thing I found fascinating more than anything was the history of the Thornton Theatre on High Street. In the late 1700s the theatre was limited to only 60 days per year of performance, so the owners simply put shows on two months here, two months elsewhere until a year had passed. Thornton’s was one of those theatres.”

Why should the people of Gosport read it?  I ask. “Because this book highlights things that we walk past every day and never realise the importance. Major things happened right here on our doorstep. This also provides a handy guide to sightsee if you want to explore something local you’ve never been to before.”

Richard says the book costs just £15.99 and you can purchase it from most book shops including The Book Shop in Lee‑on‑the‑Solent High Street, where he launched the book with a talk a few weeks ago. “These are signed copies available too,” he says. “The owner is more than happy to call me if a customer wants a copy signed to them as well.”

I ask Richard what is next on the horizon, and he laughs and says he is far from finished.

“I am wrapping up my research for A–Z of Fareham, which is my next book that will hopefully be released next year,” he says.

Richard explains that he’s also recently completed books on Wartime Bridlington, the sinking of the cargo ship Lulworth Hill, British Air Disasters (which is out in November), and Shipwrecks off the Yorkshire Coast. “I am also currently working on Shipwrecks off the Cornish Coast and the hospital ship Asturias,” he concludes.

From talking to Richard it is clear that his work continues to bring closure to families affected by tragedies long forgotten by the press. “Next month is the 40th anniversary of a rail crash in Yorkshire,” Richard explains. “Nine people were killed. I got funding for a memorial to go up. I interviewed 51 people, which includes relatives, survivors and rescuers, essentially pulling all the stories together so people can read what happened.”

Life in Gosport

Richard’s writing life is very much a family affair. “My wife Juliette has helped me with both my research, proof‑reading and in the smaller books publishing too. We often run events together. My wife and children are there by my side and not once do they complain.”

Outside of writing? “My hobbies are pretty much all of this – reading, visiting museums, and researching, but I do enjoy exploring new places, playing board games with my wife and watching Christmas films in June,” he laughs,

And Gosport itself? “Gosport is really nice. I love knowing my way around a town with a military background from hundreds of years ago. I like the fact that I’m always finding something new out about it. The people are great, and a fair few now know me by name which is always nice.”

Richard says his book launch reflected that community spirit: “As I’ve written 31 books, I always give people opportunities to get signed copies of my other works, and if they’re local I will simply drop it round to them.”

Richard is quick to credit the people who help make his work possible. “The community is always great and I would love to thank Sarah and Jazz at The Book Shop who have supported me ever since I first met them. Also, a huge thanks to local artist Colin Baxter who has let me use a number of his images in my books.”

And he’s always open to hearing from residents: “I am always up for highlighting new bits of history, writing about forgotten stories and remembering the victims of forgotten tragic events. If anybody out there wants to get in touch or if I can help in any way in their research please do contact me or follow my Facebook page @shipwreck.data.”

If one thing is clear it’s that Richard is one of those rare people, whose passion becomes a gift to the community. His books preserve stories, honour families, and shine a light on the extraordinary history woven through Gosport’s streets, shorelines and people.

He reminds us that history isn’t just something that happened, it’s something we can still save.

You can follow Richard on Facebook by searching: @shipwreck.data.