A shoemaker who spent 40 years as a missionary among New Zealand warriors will be commemorated with an open gardens event.
In the late 18th century, John King, left behind leafy Swerford, near Banbury, and his job as a shoemaker at Nether Worton, to set sail for New Zealand to work as a missionary with the Maori people.
On one occasion the, mainly friendly, Maori people apparently threatened to kill and eat his wife.
The gardens of Swerford will be open on Sunday, September 9 to mark the publication of Soles and Souls; a biographyof John King of Swerford, 1787-1854.
Admission is £2.50 and there will be at least five gardens open with a range of attractions for all.
The official launch will be held in Swerford village hall at 7.30pm on Friday, September 7. The cost is £3, with a free glass of wine.
John King's great-great-grand daughter and family historian Pamela Berry will be travelling from New Zealand for the launch.
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