Author’s Note

 

The winter of 1813-1814 was actually one of the coldest on record in the United Kingdom. The harshest frost of the nineteenth century began on December 27, 1813. It was also one of the snowiest winters in over three hundred years and the last time a Frost Fair was held on the Thames, taking place in early February, 1814. Great disturbance was caused by heavy snowfall in mid-January. It was reported that the snowfall was so severe people were trapped in their homes and the city of Canterbury was cut off for at least six days. Of course, my story takes place a few weeks earlier than the time of the huge storm. The city of Rochester is located on the road to Canterbury but much closer to London.